Sticking it out?

Hi you all, I wasn't quite sure whether to post this here or under Horse Training. Anyway. I am a beginner- intermediate rider, so my trainer says. I have owned Yapa, my 9 yr old mare for a year and I had been riding her for another year when I bought her. In all, I have been riding consistently for two years. Yapa has never been easy, she used to work with cattle, is quite hot, energetic and strong willed. However, although she often gets angry, it never goes further than swishing her tail, shaking her head and sometimes kicking out while cantering, althought I think that has more to do with the cold weather.
I am told I have made a lot of progress, and I realize I have. I know Yapa is difficult, but she has taught me a lot (she gave me courage I had no idea I possessed) and we have come a long way together. Last week I attended a clinic with a very reputable trainer here, who agreed I rode very well for my level, but, she said Yapa is limiting my progress, because I have to spend so much time training her, so to speak. I love Yapa, I admit I sometimes get frutrated. But I also love challenges, but I am a beginner, so I really don't know if I should keep on working so much with her. I want to learn and improve. My trainer agrees she is difficult, but says we should stick with it because Yapa can still give uas a lot more. She suggested riding another horse from time to time, so that I can improve some areas with him.
What do you guys think? Would you stick it out with the big challenge, or would you give up? Or would you switch horses from time to time?
Sorry for the rant. Thank you for your time. Any comments will be appreciated!

I'd stick with him. It's amazing how much you improve riding a more difficult horse - although I agree with your trainer's idea of riding a well-trained horses intermittently to retain the 'feel' of correct movements etc and to help your own riding. But when you hop on the other horse, you'll probably be surprised by how far your riding has come through riding Yapa. I remember hopping on a school horse after riding my big nutcase Brock and my friend's little greenie TB, and everything seemed so easy!

So I'd persevere with Yapa and jump on another horse every once in a while for a lesson. Perhaps also get someone else (maybe your instructor) to ride Yapa if you can, so she can get experience with other riders?

I always find with a difficult project of any kind it's a good idea to write down all the things you want to fix, work out the logical order of fixing them and tick them off one by one. It really helps prevent that frustrating feeling that you're not getting anywhere.

Thank you EHD! Yes, I think I am going to start riding other horses, I am sure I'll profit from that. My trainer started riding her once a week. Hope it helps! I reLly want us to improve together! Thanks again!

No worries, good luck and have fun! Keep us updated on progress
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Do both, if you can. Take lessons on horses that are better trained than you so you can learn, and then bring that back to improve both your riding and your horse.
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Stick it out and yes take advantage of those times to ride other horses!

That is a true thing. Riding one horse limits you but that's ONLY because they all work differently, have different strides in their gaits, are wider or narrower, taller or shorter, have different energies.

But.. that doesn't mean they aren't good for you :)

My trainer also says I am a beginner rider, and I have a green mare. She is young so she doesn't know a lot yet, and she hasn't had a lot of formal training... most of it is what I have taught her in about the past year. I would definitely stick it out. I know sometimes it can be frustrating. My trainer has taught me that frustration gets you nowhere. It is patience, hard work, and a whole lot of sweat that will get you there. It is so worth it to train your horse and put your heart and soul into it than to disregard a challenge. I mean, that's how I feel... everyone feels differently and some people really aren't up for a more difficult situation. I understand that training a green horse isn't easy. But I have gotten into the routine of it, I am best friends with my horse, I have developed a bond, and I am laying the foundation for her future work while certainly working on my own foundation as a rider as well. You should take into account the feelings in your heart, but I wouldn't give up. And you can't listen to what other people are telling you. They can say that your horse is a bad horse, but you shouldn't listen to them. You should stick by your personal opinion. There are a lot of differing opinions and various disagreements in the horse world and it is difficult sometimes, but you have to remain steadfast in your plan and desires. I hope this works out for you. Stay strong!

COuple things to think of, buying a new horse is always a crapshoot. That new horse can have issues too. SOmetimes it is better to deal with a known evil

Logically though I think you would be better off with a new horse. Youve given her two years. SOmetimes it is time to cut your losses.

Of course I say that with a TWH looking in my window, that is spooky too small for me, can't handle the heat not in the least bit friendly, doenst want to be touched and can only be causght at dinner time. Even though I have about 800 miles on him he still can't consistently finnish an endurance race. BUTTTTTTTT I don't have the heart to sell him.

As long as you are still enjoying riding, keep your mare. Some people like riding horses that require a lot of direction. If you get to the point that you are dreading "one more day of fighting with her," then sell.

If your mare truly worked on cattle and put in the miles and still didn't settle down, that is probably why she was sold. Some just don't and we don't like hot horses on cows. It's hard on cattle and help.

Since you are going to start riding other horses, you may find it's a whole new world and want a horse more like one of them. If so, I encourage you to go for it.

Thank you all for your comments. Joe4d, I can relate to you in that my mare is also very unfriendly... She doesn't like to be touched, she doesn't like anybody too close, period. I am also working with her on ground manners, she doesn't kick or bite, but she gives you the evil look that even the devil would dread. I have just started Parelli's game with her, let's see if it helps. I still enjoy riding her, a lot. First, because I love challenges, and also because she is great on trails. Nothing spooks her or worries her. BUT, she goes really fast at the canter and she is really hard to slow down. In spite of her being unfriendly amd difficult, I love her and I want to keep on trying. My trainer will be riding her and I will keep it up with her and also start riding other horses. Maybe you are right boots, and I decide I have had enough when I see the difference with other rides. I'll keep you posted! Thanks!!!