Morale boosting thread for those with new or tricky horses

[bandito]

I thought it would be nice (for me certainly ) to share some of the ups and downs of life with a new or tricky horse. I've had DHorse for 2 weeks - he's our first after years and years of riding school riding and I've managed to fall off twice in that fortnight. He's just jumped sideways at a scary hedge on his brand new hacking route and off I fall. I failed both times to hold on the reins and the darling stood still and waited for me to come and get him. He's a sweetheart but I am realising very quickly that moving a horse across the country and handing him over to a novice rider is going to have a few issues in the first year! On the bright side, he comes to call and stops when you say whoa. We're going to have fun together - but in all honesty, we aren't yet. Is anyone else in the same boat?

Sounds promising mummyof2munchkins We are doing OK, slowly slowly. We are really lucky in that both DH and I have 8 weeks in the summer that we don't work, so I've been riding first thing in the mornings which means I don't spend all day at work fretting about it. Still haven't cantered on purpose yet, but DHorse is so lovely on the ground, has started cantering up to us when he sees us coming to see him. I've been riding with a schooling whip which does make a difference to the jumping sideways too. So we are getting there. My aim for the end of the summer is to get to the point where I want to ride, rather than having to make myself do it because I am scared. I am hoping that riding as much as possible will help.

Sounds like you're making progress Bandito. I'm just about starting to look forward to riding in the indoor. Hacking is still not much fun, my ex hunt horse thinks grass means gallop, thankfully she's good on the roads so we're sticking to a few walk only routes. I've finally moved to a new livery yard. I had some issues with bitchy comments in my last yard, particularly when my last boy had to be pts. I know all yards have their issues but I'm hoping I can make a fresh start here without people knowing my history. I'm trying my hardest to appear confident and knowledgable, sort of fake it till you make it approach. Xxxx

Sounds like things are getting there! I am still on box rest here but with in hand exercise twice a day. It is fascinating watching the relationship evolve and see how he would have overcome me previously but now does as he's told with a big blowy sigh of resignation! I just hope same translates to riding if/when I'm allowed back on.....

Hi, I was just wondering how all of the new, confidence needing owners are doing. My girl is fab, I luffs her. She is a rat bag at times and is very definitely a mare but i get her more now. Riding is very much a work in progress but we're improving. I'm moving outside my comfort zone slightly without scaring myself silly. How are you doing.

We had our mate for just over a year now. During the first few months DD managed to fall of 9 times in just under 3 weeks!!! Been a steep learning curve but glad we persevered. Could not have wished for a more honest and fun albeit very mare-ish horse. Loving her to bits.