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Post by Cetan + Molly on Jan 3, 2007 19:09:55 GMT 1
I feel for you Chatterbox and you really shouldn't beat yourself up over this. I think it's important that you stay within your comfort zone or take several steps backwards if you have to. If you want to ride in circles close to the barn then do it. You managed to ride out of the school today - even if it was only for a short time. It's still a step forward, however small. It takes time to build a strong relationship with a new horse. I would say it took me the best part of a year to bond with mine and you are bound to encounter problems along the way. It's all part of the learning process. I believe that we are now at the worst time of the year for horses 'being on their toes' and 'playing up' a bit. I'm sure a lot of riders on here are finding their horses are more full of it over the winter then in the summer. I know I am.
Most importantly you need to stop being so hard on yourself. Make a note of all the positive steps you are taking and try not to compare yourself to other people and what they are doing with their horses or your relationship with your previous horse.
You will get there in the end I'm sure.
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Post by sulasmum on Jan 3, 2007 20:15:58 GMT 1
Has he got it into his head that everytime you go through the stubble field you want him to go into canter. Sula got that idea into her head when I first got her, so I just varied my hacking route, and would not go into that particular field, but just rode straight passed it, she soon got the message and is a nice sensible girl now, well most of the time anyway.
Good luck and I hope it all works for you and please dont beat yourself up about it
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Post by mags on Jan 3, 2007 20:27:08 GMT 1
Dont worry about hwta other people say..easy for them when there not the one riding. People are terrible for any oppertunity to put someone done. Its your horse and your hobbie. and that the thing its a hobbie you do what you want.
If was me id get him on magnesium and get some help from someone recommended and I wouldnt hack out till had some help. Kepping work varied would stop him been bored in school. Heck even have a gallop around in it ...charge up long side and shorten on short...get him used to charging off and them coming back to you. But again your the only one who knows your riding and your horse. Do what feels right and make school work fun till youve got on top of everything. Most importantly, whatever anyone says dont put your self in the situation where you may lose control...while still keeping it fun
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Post by stybba on Jan 3, 2007 20:37:33 GMT 1
I think sulasmum has an excellent point there. I make a point of never cantering in the same place two rides running. If i canter up a grassy track one day, I will walk or trot up it the next.
And I NEVER, EVER canter on the way home, or at least when we are on the way back and close to home.
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Post by stybba on Jan 3, 2007 20:41:13 GMT 1
Oooh yes, and another thing you seem to have completely forgotten.......
YOU HAVE ACTUALLY COPED WITH THE SITUATION SO FAR!
OK it hasn't been comfortable for you, and it has left you not feeling great, but you haven't fallen off him, neither of you is injured, nobody else got hurt, and you managed to pull him up every time so far!
I think you are doing pretty damn well actually!
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Post by chatterbox on Jan 3, 2007 21:28:34 GMT 1
Thanks so much to you all what great comments and advice. Il be honest when i first got Jack i didnt like him i thought he was an ugly cob(sounds harsh i know) but he is odd looking has a very big head full white face and one wall eye, but as the times gone on hes really grown on me he is a lovley chap to be around. I dont want to sell him i really dont we have done alot in the last 6 months he has gone past everything ive asked him sheep donkeys big traffic water irrigators swans scarecrows the lot he has never bitten or kicked me never barged or pulled when in the stable or lead in hand. But i am too scared to hack him since this last episode. I wish i could just laugh when he does it and carry on but everytime i ride out its like im waiting for him to be off. Im not the bravest rider but would like to conquer this.
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Post by chatterbox on Jan 3, 2007 21:35:01 GMT 1
sulasmum- i dont hink he has got it into his head that i always want to canter in the same place as the day before we trotted nicely down that same field with no problem. I dont canter in the same place all the time and if it was up to me i would never canter on the way home but do sometimes. I keep thinking that the grass he is on has something to do with it. The previous owner said not to feed him she had had him on Alpha A and he was a bit silly spooky and bucked. So only ever gave him a little molichop speedibeet and handful of pony nuts. Jack has an acre paddock to himself it has alot of grass on it he is obviously full as isnt eating all his hay overnight. The grass is newpasture never been grazed before, he was pretty ok until he went on that. Could i have blood tests done do you think to see what hes taking in, sounds daft i know but its an idea
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Post by sarak on Jan 3, 2007 22:52:19 GMT 1
Sorry to hear you are still having problems with Jack. Is there any way you can swop with a friend for a while and continue riding their horse, and they ride Jack? Just might help to see things from a different perspective. Have you tried a calming supplement? When Jo used to be at his scattiest, I put him on SteadyUp. It did seem to work - although that was perhaps psychological from my point of view! I tried other calmers, but none had as good an effect on him. Or you could try a magnesium supplement.
Apart from the grazing and feeling sharper at this time of year, could he be fitter now than previously?
I do hope you get to the bottom of this behaviour. Good luck!
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