Looking for a RA - Macclesfield

[meandgeorge]

Hello,

I am looking for a session/s with an IH Recommended Associate in the area or who would travel (economically) to Macclesfield?
There seems to be little support in the Cheshire area

I have a 15.1 Cob gelding who is 15 years old, he is an ex-riding school horse and is very strong.
He has been in the riding school for 8 years, has schooled every day, flat work and jumping and every manner of rider has been on his back at some point. He has not been hacked out whilst at the school but before I bought him, I hacked him on and off road along with another horse and he was fine, even in trot.

The first day I got him, I turned him out and he set off in trot and dragged me behind him! He is still aware of his strength but seems to be a fast learner with the halter. I have now owned him for three weeks and have been able to train him over this time (with a rope halter) to walk calmly to and from the field and I have embarked on some Kelly Marks style ground work with him (walk forward, back up, halts) which I do with him every mornng and night when leading him to and from the field.

Now riding has been a slightly different scenario and when I hacked him out for the first time he was ok for ½ of the hack but then got excited and bolted with me and it took me all my strength to stop him. When I gained control, I then took him in the field trotted and cantered him and still I found it very hard to stop him, at one point he trotted me out of the field.
The second time I hacked, I did with another horse and he was calm and confident and listened to me...although it took several half halts to bring him to a standstill.

He is in a Jointed Dutch Gag, inherited from the riding school...they did recommend that I put him in a Jointed Kimblewick, but I felt this may cause more issues.
I obviously want him to be more responsive and listen to me, but his head goes up and off he goes.
I can’t ride him in trot or canter until I feel confident I can stop him.

Can anyone help?
Thanks
Lisa

[Catrin]

Sylvia Arnold will be your nearest, in Marple, I expect. It is certainly worth having a word with her, even though she doesn't handle the horse herself, her expertise is very helpful.

[cassiejane]

There is a lovely EE instructor in Macclesfield area - anna viberg, she is very good and teaches clicker training. She would be worth trying a few lessons with I would have thought. Look on the enlightened equitation website for her details.

[Deleted]

Try Sue Brown. I'm fairly sure she'd come out to you.

[rh]

Hi Lisa , Have you found someone ?

Let us know how you get on :-)