feel useless

[eve]

Hi guys,
I got a 15.3 welsh cob x thouroughbred a couple of months ago from a rescue center,
he was lovely 16 years old.and jet black,
but he is soooooo bolshy, im 4ft 11" and he pulls me everywhere!!!
i managed to find out by his previous owners that when your out on a hack, he hates tractors and also DO NOT attempt to canter him as he takes off!
i only found this out after he came home,,
I dont want to give him back as my other horse adores him, and he doesnt need to be pushed everywhere,bless him,
I just dont know how to deal with him,
and its starting to make me nervous around him,which he knows,
I cant afford anyone to come and give me lessons,which would proberbly be beneficial,
oh i just feel so stuck,
Eve

[julz]

Yes, an instructor would be beneficial to you both, even if it's a once a month thing... could you not even afford that??

I'd say (and probably get backed up) that they thing you need to do here, is go back to the beginining with him, and do lots of ground work.. beg, borrow or get off ebay a Dually halter, and train him in that, it should sort the bolshy "walking-over-the-top-of-you" issues. (over time)

When riding, keep to what he (and you) feel what is your comfort zone.. if cantering isnt in it, then for the moment, dont do it..

Age old.. End on a good note.. so your confidence can return.. If things dont work out, you may have to give him back, no point in making all of you nervous..

[eve]

Thanks for your reply,I was actually thinking of a dually halter,
ebay here i come,,
he is such a sweet guy really,and i dont want to give him back, he has had to much of that.
i`ll just persevere with him for the time being
thanks again
Eve

[gingerloon]

hiya from a fellow welsh d owner (well at least I dont' have the TB part to deal with as well ...)

echo the ground work, loads and loads and loads of bond building and trust/respect work etc on the ground

and definitely staying within comfort zone when riding, it's early days yet for a rescue horsey

good luck

[Zoe RA]

Where abouts are you Eve? For the cost of a set of shoes or a visit from a bare foot trimmer you could have one of the Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associates out for an hour to help you get on the right track with your lovely new boy. They have all been trained by Kelly Marks, and are the only people endorsed by Kelly Marks to help people work with their horses in the IH way

A list can be found under "Horse Help" on the main menu on this site

Modified to add: Please don't feel useless hun - we were non of us born knowing everything, and for all open minded people, our walk with horses provides a constant opportunity to learn

[gingerloon]

Yep, what Zoe said.. I was incredibly lucky to have an offer from a trainee RA (who is now fully fledged woohoo) to come and help with Seren to gain experieince with difference horses. I can honestly say it was the best thing I ever did, and I would happily pay for that kind of help again

I am biased, but I really love the welshies, but they really do have to know you are in charge and can be trusted.