nic1
Grand Prix Poster
Tawny
Posts: 1,599
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Post by nic1 on Apr 18, 2007 9:00:39 GMT 1
Have been riding most days even if only for 20 mins or so, but last week things got a bit mixed up and Tawny ended up having a few days off, then i rode on Sunday and then again last night. You know when you convince yourself that something is not right.?? I couldn't make up my mind if he was stiff, lame, or lazy. So i got my Oh to watch and he wasn't really much help, so i carried on for a bit, but by then i was sure he was going to do something. Bucking is the current fashion !! He does this thing with his legs where he sort of does little steps and then boom a buck. He kept stumbling, not like him at all, then doing the little step thing. So in the end i got off. My Oh said he would lunge him just to see if he was a bit fizzy or so i could see if there was a problem. On one rein he looked a bit stiff an unwilling to do more that trot slowly. Then on the left rein he just exploded. Bucking and cantering round, but getting himself in a right pickle. We got him to stand and he was snorting and jogging. Now i hate lungeing, i think it is almost verging on a phobia, and then the broncing i just turn to jelly, thank god for Oh. So now i am not sure what was going on, he certainly got one on him being lunged. When i go over tonight i will have to go on my own, and just lately i have been loads better and go round the field, school for a while. But it only takes one little incident and i start to stress again. I sometimes chicken out of riding if i can and then go home and get upset, stress, miserable and dwell on it all.. And what makes it worse is that the lady i got him from comes on here and says that doesn't sound like Tawn. And i know it doesn't, and most of the time it isn't. But it just makes me feel such a failure. Especially when we were doing so well. Sorry for the long whinge, but feel very deflated this morning. Nic xx
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Post by kya on Apr 18, 2007 9:21:42 GMT 1
Sounds like you need some help, an RA or a riding instructor you trust. Don't flounder around (yes we all do it!!) find someone who knows more than you do, that you like and simply say 'heeeeeeeeeeelp!' Bucking and stumbling? Don't go on without some wise intervention. Cheer up, this time will pass.... read over the threads here and you'll find just the same sort of issues and stories. It can and will work out girlie.
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nic1
Grand Prix Poster
Tawny
Posts: 1,599
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Post by nic1 on Apr 18, 2007 9:31:25 GMT 1
Oh no i think i have made him sound like a monster now, and he really isn't. Most of the time he is as good as gold with just a little added attitude. We have had back done, saddle checked, food changed. When i ride regularly and i am more focused he is really good. He is on the button, very obedient a really good boy. I think the reason why i am so frustrated is because it seems it only takes one little thing to set me back. Now because i convinced myself he was going to buck , i think he is going to buck, so i almost set him up to buck. Do you see what i mean. I find if i can keep it together enough to say we Will have a nice canter generally we do. I do not however canter anywhere other than the arena at the moment. I think possibly he is trying it on so he doesn't have to do anything, he just wants to eat what grass there is, and there isn't much!! It has been really warm and he could have been having an off day, he really does have very obvious mood swings. He is not a problem horse in any way, i don't want anyone to think that, it is me. My nerves and just not being sure of myself that i can handle it. As far as lungeing is concerned i don't do it. I hate doing it, it scares me so totally. I have had some bad experiences, most of it with Jim my t/b and i really would rather do anything than lunge, but sometimes handy for getting rid of that extra fizz.
Nic x
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dawnb
Olympic Poster
What a handsome boy I am, pity bout the scarecrow on top!!
Posts: 735
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Post by dawnb on Apr 18, 2007 9:39:52 GMT 1
Long rein instead of lungeing maybe? If I feel Roche is a little to exciteable I LR for a few mins before I get on, just to give him time to settle down into work mode. LR also gives you a better eye for your horse to see if there are any problems on the ground and is a great way for you to practise your ridden aids as well from a safe place dont be so hard on yourself, we ALL need help from time to time - the daft ones are those who are too proud to ask! Good luck chick, dont give up you will get there in the end x
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Post by amarche on Apr 18, 2007 9:55:39 GMT 1
hey nic1, I don't think you're rubbish at all - does he do this when being ridden? stumbling isnt a normal trait for a horse perhaps there is something wrong - trust your gut instinct on it and maybe call your farrier/EP and perhaps your vet? especially as he looked stiff too so perhaps done himself a mischief in the field - I would really eliminate a pain response first nic1 and not downplay yourself and your abilities. let us know how you get on
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Post by kya on Apr 18, 2007 10:12:55 GMT 1
Right Amarche... stumbling could be something the farrier or vet could source.
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nic1
Grand Prix Poster
Tawny
Posts: 1,599
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Post by nic1 on Apr 18, 2007 11:04:50 GMT 1
We have a sand school, which is very dry at the moment so it is deeper than normal, but it is just like a trip he does when ridden. Nothing big. He doesn't normally trip, only every now and then when not going forward enough and not picking feet up. Can't see anything with his feet, we were just saying how good they were. He is barefoot. Will see how he is later, quite often he will be totally different. Maybe he had a bad day in the paddock.!!
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Post by kya on Apr 18, 2007 12:12:36 GMT 1
You know Nic, you sound like me... over-involved with horses. I'm going to find something to take my mind off the little sods! Lay down in the field today in the middle of dung-picking and fell asleep. Horses roused me... typical!
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Post by angblue on Apr 18, 2007 12:28:22 GMT 1
I know how you feel so trust me you are not alone! I used to pick up on every little thing like "ooh he doesn't look happy today", if he moved whilst picking feet out even to the extent of "he looked at me funny.....I'm gonna get bucked off!" He never did btw it was just me being over sensitive after a fall, it's good to be in tune to your horse but I took it too far I agree with kanga, I spend 90% of my waking day thinking about blue & the fact I'm too nervous to hack him alone.....not good! I try not to focus on the things that go wrong because like you I dwell on it for ages & instead concentrate on what I can do which is alot when I really think about it. Perhaps make 2 lists one things you can do with Tawny & the other things you are working towards(not can't do) it might give you a surprise & a confidence boost ;D
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nic1
Grand Prix Poster
Tawny
Posts: 1,599
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Post by nic1 on Apr 18, 2007 12:36:06 GMT 1
Not sure that i would dare lay down in the field with Tawny, he would probably stand on me!! I would lay down in the field Jim, because on the ground and around me he is very gentle and careful, it is the ridden work where we fall apart. As i said most of my bad experiences stem from Jim, lungeing, cantering B**ggering off etc. Anyway i think you are right Kanga, i possibly look to much into it. The horses are such a huge part of my life any little set back feels like a failure. Then i will have a few good days and i will be back on a high!! I always wanted horses and now i have 2, maybe subconsciously i feel i have to cope all the time, and then when i don't i get down about it. Who knows, stupid confidence, just want to be brave.
Cheers everyone it helps to know that i am not the only one out there.
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js
Grand Prix Poster
'Tilly' - 1981 - 2010. Always In My Heart
Posts: 1,116
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Post by js on Apr 18, 2007 16:30:39 GMT 1
Oh goodness I so pick up on certain things too. Check this out for paranoia: I have a fleece that I used to wear whilst riding during the winter and on a couple of occassions I had an 'incident' when I was wearing it so I refuse to put it on to ride anymore. Now that's ridiculous. But still.... I won't wear it.
Chin up nic1, and do consider getting someone to help you, even if it serves to alleviate the stress you're feeling, it could help.
Good luck !
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Post by wozzer on Apr 18, 2007 22:13:34 GMT 1
I've got unlucky pants (and socks!) LOL! (Not just me then.......) xx
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Post by Booze Fish on Apr 19, 2007 13:11:56 GMT 1
I am definatley the dame as you hun - if Oscar so much as twitches when im grooming him I think'Oh god he doesnt like me' or if we're going past the grit box that hes taken a dislike to im like 'hes gonna spook, and Im gonna come off, and he'll run away etc etc' - I think about things WAY TOO MUCH!!! Ive started singing when I feel myself getting unessicarilly(sp?) nervy or doubtful and it makes me forget what I was getting all unesseccary(sp?) about!!!
xXx
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nic1
Grand Prix Poster
Tawny
Posts: 1,599
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Post by nic1 on Apr 19, 2007 14:53:13 GMT 1
Well he was pretty good last night we just went for a wander around the field. It would be really good now if i could go on a short hack but have no one to go with. The hacking has a lot of road work so not really keen on going alone. Will try to pop some poles at the weekend to alter the routine and see if we can use some of the surplass energy. The best thing would be to go for a blast at the beach but have no transport and not sure that i am brave enough just yet, but that is my goal. Cheers all for your replies i do appreciate it.
Nic x
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Post by smudge on Apr 20, 2007 14:23:57 GMT 1
Hiya Nic.
Sorry to hear you are still having problems. I have to say it sounds like a pain issue to me (knowing Tawny) and I'd go back to the drawing board. I'd go Chiro (not Mctimoney), another saddle fitter and teeth, and probably vet and definitely farrier and see whats going on.
The explosiveness on one side and stiffness on the other says back pain to me - he's either put something out or his saddle is pinching. He's trying to tell you something.
Good luck and keep us posted.
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