So, about two months ago my mare had a brain malfunction and threw me. I still have no clue why she did that. Zero signs before and after. No scary stuff happening - and she isn’t a spooky horse in any case. I am guessing she just forgot for a millisecond it was me up there and was mightily confused when she saw me on the ground. Or she collected and stepped on her tail which was too long at the time (as you can see, I am clutching at straws for an explanation). I am not worried about that incident as she’s never shown any inclination before or since. Anyhow, I hurt my ribs quite badly, nothing was broken but I was in a lot of pain for a long time. Being middle aged sucks. So I had a two month break from riding.
In the meantime, a young riding school instructor was riding her and keeping her fit. This girl is a great natural talent for riding and much, much better at it than me. She knows not to let a horse get away with stuff but isn’t majorly creative with her rides.
My mare used to be gate sour but I fixed that with a lot of different activities and games. I rode again last week and my mare reverted to being gate sour. I am fixing it quickly with lots of transitions and other tasks and she’s coming around fast.
My question is - as I have to travel for work soon, and I will be away for a month - do I let the young instructor ride her while I’m away? My mare puts weight on easily and needs the excersise.
Would it be rude to leave a lesson plan? This girl is a semi-pro, and I am a rank amateur. It just feels overbearing and silly to be a helicopter owner. I also feel a little bad for the girl as she works a lot and I don’t want to trouble her more than necessary even though I am paying for the rides.
Or do I just let the mare have a break? That could potentially introduce more difficult issues and I have no idea how she reacts to breaks in riding. I’ve had her for four years and the longest she’s gone without riding is a week.
I could just let her get gate sour and fix it again when I come back?
I can’t bring anyone who doesn’t work at the yard to ride her due to yard policies. I could send her away to a trainer but to be honest, I am not too impressed with what’s on offer.
Thanks!
In the meantime, a young riding school instructor was riding her and keeping her fit. This girl is a great natural talent for riding and much, much better at it than me. She knows not to let a horse get away with stuff but isn’t majorly creative with her rides.
My mare used to be gate sour but I fixed that with a lot of different activities and games. I rode again last week and my mare reverted to being gate sour. I am fixing it quickly with lots of transitions and other tasks and she’s coming around fast.
My question is - as I have to travel for work soon, and I will be away for a month - do I let the young instructor ride her while I’m away? My mare puts weight on easily and needs the excersise.
Would it be rude to leave a lesson plan? This girl is a semi-pro, and I am a rank amateur. It just feels overbearing and silly to be a helicopter owner. I also feel a little bad for the girl as she works a lot and I don’t want to trouble her more than necessary even though I am paying for the rides.
Or do I just let the mare have a break? That could potentially introduce more difficult issues and I have no idea how she reacts to breaks in riding. I’ve had her for four years and the longest she’s gone without riding is a week.
I could just let her get gate sour and fix it again when I come back?
I can’t bring anyone who doesn’t work at the yard to ride her due to yard policies. I could send her away to a trainer but to be honest, I am not too impressed with what’s on offer.
Thanks!