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Post by marjorie56 on Jun 3, 2014 13:38:13 GMT 1
Hi all I have written on this occasionally and read loads but have recently hit a wall and all time low! Since my op to remove a brain tumour nearly two years ago and my big horse going down badly with laminitis then diagnosed with cushings I was looking forward to things getting better! Hospital and vets said it was ok to start riding again great! well we took things slow and seemed to be doing well he's a dependable boy even though he is 17hh I had the saddle checked and reflocked and off we go! We do alright at walk trotting is an issue as my balance is poor now and if I use the strap on the saddle to balance he thinks I want to stop then at the weekend when I thought things were going well I put him into trot and he snatched at the bridle and started to cat leap I know he's agitated and a bit confused but after that i couldnt stop shaking and walked back to the stable! My other half was alarmed to see him leap in air and would rather I was content just to have him and groom him etc but he's only 20 and he's so loyal - sorry for rambling but any suggestions would be appreciated I have thought of taking him for walks up to the farm etc though I have another problem there as I have very poor hearing too!! Help  |
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Post by Mal on Jun 4, 2014 12:15:29 GMT 1
Hi Marjorie
Let's see if we can break this down into smaller pieces and repair as we go.
Your horse remembers, and responds to, the 'old' you. After brain surgery, in essence, you have been reborn. He must become familiarised with the 'new' you.
Your posture and balance in the saddle needs to be rebuilt, so be sure to wear your protective clothing, hat etc, as you ride the walk, and only the walk and halt for the time being.
In a safe, enclosed area - menage or sand school - stop the horse and do some arm exercises. Retain your stirrups, then arms straight out to both sides in airplane fashion; rotate your torso left/right with arms out. Drop arms, then rotate one then the other backwards with loose muscles. I'm sure you remember doing all this as a young, beginning rider. Retake your soft rein contact, sit up straight and quietly aid him back to the walk. Finish the exercises ride early, and on a soft positive note.
If walking is the safe extent of your partnership, then so be it. Look forward to some lovely, walking rambles, and be grateful to him for bearing with you as muscle and balance memory returns.
With much respect to you both
== Mal
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Post by marjorie56 on Jun 4, 2014 13:34:36 GMT 1
Thank you Mal I think you hit the nail on the head when i first tried riding some months back and he kept trying to canter I assumed it was the saddle and as I said had it checked and reflocked but you saying about re adjusting I never thought of it like that I appreciated that he must feel my balance issues and now when you think it through of course it must be sending different signals to him so I will start again thank you you've made me feel more positive he's such a gentle giant most of the time and we do have a good relationship and if we have to walk then so be it!
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Post by Mal on Jun 4, 2014 18:04:08 GMT 1
Sensing a renewed purpose and direction in your reply.
Essential is to keep your goals small, celebrating each new break-through, tiny though it may seem to other people's eyes, and thanking the horse for helping you to achieve it. He has his own issues - laminitis and Cushings - so you are both working your way through testing times.
Don't be hard on yourself for missing things. There's not a rider born who hasn't slapped their forehead when something is pointed out, and I totally include myself in this!
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Post by portiabuzz on Jun 4, 2014 19:05:07 GMT 1
Great posts from mal  sending hugs xx Sent from my GT-I8160 |
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Post by ruthp on Jun 18, 2014 21:47:11 GMT 1
Huge respect to you, Marjorie for getting on with your life after such a traumatic couple of years. And utterly brilliant advice from Mal. Don't expect too much of yourself. Both you and your horse need to learn how to accommodate the new you.
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Post by Hannah on Jun 19, 2014 8:45:29 GMT 1
Marjorie you have some good advice above from Mal. I would add that when you can do the arm exercises in halt, do then in walk with a leader or on the lunge. There is plenty you can do in walk, including lateral work. You could also work through the exercises on the ground in Kelly's Perfect Manners book. When you feel ready to trot, have a couple of lessons at a good riding school, the horses will be used to riders who bump around a bit in trot and will be less confused than your boy. Alternatively, finding a good teacher who has a horse simulator would be a good way of getting starting without upsetting your boy.
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Post by portiabuzz on Jun 19, 2014 10:11:49 GMT 1
how are you doing |
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Post by crazycolt on Jul 4, 2014 10:12:11 GMT 1
Have you someone (calm) who will walk out with you on a lead rope to start with, just to give you extra confidence? I did this, and it worked wonders, and allowed me to concentrate on being calm, breathing, and getting my balance. Good luck. x
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Post by portiabuzz on Jul 4, 2014 21:41:43 GMT 1
Hope your ok x x
Sent from my GT-I8160
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Post by marjorie56 on Oct 15, 2014 19:17:56 GMT 1
Sorry not to have replied sooner our household been hit by more trauma (my better half has been diagnosed with Cancer) but we will get through this too! I have taken on board all comments and have a copy of Kelly's book a friend to help when she has a minute and my boy looks fantastic he is keeping it all together for me at the moment! Watch this space!
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Post by portiabuzz on Oct 18, 2014 13:51:52 GMT 1
What awful horrible news am so sorry to hear that... sending big big hugs xxxxx
Sent from my SM-G800F using proboards
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Post by crazycolt on Oct 19, 2014 20:57:51 GMT 1
Oh goodness, bless you both. Sending healing thoughts and prayers. x
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sending hugs xx 
