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Bad Lesson! No fun!

1K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  dreamrideredc 
#1 ·
Well today I had a lesson, and lets just say it wasn't too fun...

It started out wonderful, we were doing all sorts of dressage work, and were doing it beautifully. As soon as we started jumping, things went bad. The first few jumps were lovely, and then things got ugly. My horse not only began our usual routine of kicking out, but also decided we would take off and ignore me. Joy.

I sat deep, said whoa, and when I got no response I had no choice but to pull until he slowed down. (and I don't mean yanking, just a firm constant pull that was slackened until he stopped) This happened EVERY time a lead change was asked, and almost every time we jumped.

It got so bad, that at one point, he WOULD NOT STOP and we had to jump a jump not part of our course. We were not thrilled. Oh, and lets not forget the diving to the right after every jump.

At the end of our ride, my trainer called me over, and for the first time in my six years of riding, I broke out crying and sobbing right in front of her. I couldn't help it.

What I don't understand is that he just started the diving to the right and running thing last month. We changed his bit to a slow twist for our next ride, but this will only be temporary (we usually ride in a d-ring snaffle).

Tomorrow he will be lunged in our pessoa lunging system for 30 min, and he will be ridden for a LONG time with a ton of canter halt transitions, very collected.

The thing that bothers me the most of this, is that I don't like pulling on his face, but he leaves me no choice, this is what my trainer instructs. He is naturally built down hill, so in his defense lead changes are a little harder, but he is very well capable, he has done them soundly and beautifully before...just depends on his mood.

I will state that I will NEVER get a new horse, no matter what anyone says. I'm a one horse girl, and I have a great bond with my horse, we're just going through some rough times. Also though I'd ask, I'm 5'7, 115 pounds, and he is about 15'3. I am not too heavy for him, but my legs are a little long. As long as he can carry me around (my legs are not past his tummy either, just thought I would throw that in there, and I don't feel awkward on him) my size should be alright, correct?

On a lighter note, my horse gained my forgivness, he knew he screwed up. He kept on nuzzling me and staring at me with his big blue eyes, apologizing. So cute, I love him so much! Oh, random here, but just found out his two wittle rub marks on his sides are from my calf...that's how hard I'm squeezing! LOL!

I'm not looking for advice, but if you have some you can throw it out there. Mainly just looking for encouragment! I will NEVER give up until we get this, I know it is only a matter of time.

Thanks, congrats if you got through this! =]

Will keep you updated!

Oh, almost forgot, read a quote by George Morris that me feel better. We're not the only ones apparently..."That is garbage what those horses do in the show ring - bucking and kicking when asked for the change" Something along those lines. At least I know my disciplining him we're doing the right thing, I take it good 'ol George agrees! Those $40,000 warmbloods have the same problem as my adorable $4000 paint...=]
 
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#3 ·
Yeah, little does he knoe that today he's getting his butt worked until he has no energy to run off...ever since he back from the chiro he has a ton of energy. I guess that's a good thing considering he is tracking up more and everything, at least we know he's feeling good.

Forgot to mention, none of this can be medical, if it is, I have no idea how. His feet are done. Last month went to the chiro. Last week got teeth, sheath, coggins, and a little physical done. At the chiro he adjusted his back and neck, and said his stifles and hocks were in perfect condition. =] So...not that I know of...

Maybe since he is feeling good with a to of energy I'll just have to wear him down some before we ride until he gets the idea.

One more thing - since he is down hill, by strengthening his haunches, well actually his whole body, this should help him, correct?

Thanks!
 
#5 ·
Yeah, but the funny thing is he only does this with the two outside lines going left. Any other time he's fine. Heres the thing, he is more comfy on the right lead, and after the jump if he takes the right lead, it's easier for him to go deep in the corner then canter uncomfortably straight. He is more balanced to the right. This is why dressage work is going to make up the majority of our rides for a while, as it should. Oh and the lunging system.
 
#6 ·
Could it be a rider issue? We humans are typically no more symmetrically correct than anything alse that moves. If it is not the horse.... the only one left is the rider. Most people have one side stronger and more coordinated than the other and this fact clearly influences just about all that we do as humans.
 
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