Galloping off in the school

[gillybou]

Hello Everyone
I wonder if anyone can give me any advice. I've a newish horse - I've had him 6 1/2 months but I was out of action for months 4-6 so only been riding him again about for 2/3 weeks. He was fine when he arrived with me and we hacked alone and in company. However, a few scary experiences (I fell off and he bolted on another 2 occasions) in the first 3 months meant that I have stuck to the school every since. However, he's now very tense every time I ride and about every other lesson scoots off round the school in gallop which is really knocking my confidence. I haven't come off but ... He then settles down but throws his head a lot of the time, particularly in walk. I realise that the problem is mine as he was fine ridden by a better rider when I couldn't ride - sadly I didn't often get to see him ridden. My instructor is helping and has told me I need to 'ride him more' and give him more confidence but I'm now not sure what to do at all. He's a lovely little 10 year old ISH and probably needs a more experienced rider than me. I'd hate to give up on him so any suggestions would be welcomed. He's in a temporary saddle but it has been checked and was ok plus the vet saw his teeth a couple of months ago as he had wolf teeth removed and the equine dentist is due next month. Luckily, I have a gorgeous MSC cob to hack out on too so it's not all bad!!

[liz]

I'd say there could be a physical problem, possibly in his back or a hind limb, so I'd be getting that checked out. Another thing would be to get someone else to check you out when riding him. Are you sitting correctly, is your rein contact consistent and light? All that sort of thing. I once was told to ride a little horse I had by sitting deeper and using my back a lot more - the horse made his feelings about that VERY clear so I reverted to my usual relaxed ( not sack of potatoes type of relaxed!!) sort of style and he reverted to the usual kind chap that he was.

[gillybou]

Thanks Liz. I've actually come to the conclusion, sadly, that he's not the horse for me. I've ridden again with my instructor and I've just lost all confidence in him and he in me. He needs a more confident and bold rider than I'll ever be - and is just becoming more anxious every time I ride him. So he's now for sale and fortunately I can ride him in the little indoor school until he goes - not big enough to run off in! Luckily, as we have Coco too, I know what it's like to enjoy a safe ride and, if and when I get horse number two, I would like him to have a similar temperament to her. Holy grail stuff!
Gilly

[liz]

I wish you the best of luck, gillybou. It can be so hard to find the right horse sometimes.

I used to ride a chestnut TB type mare called Bella many moons ago and most people couldn't get her to go forward but when I rode her she was totally different to the point of being just a bit dangerous. My instructor told me I must have an electric seat!! She was just like you describe above. Personally I think it was because she frequently had beginners on her back and she responded (too much!) to actually being ridden. I was never technically a brilliant rider but used to have a lot of confidence - those were the days!

[angelac]

Well done for your tough decision .
I definitely wouldn't see it as a failure. Just a mismatch that you have been brave enough to recognise
I seem to recall that Co Co is a fabulous mover and hopefully you will be able to find a second horse that is just as lovely and safe.
Also best wishes for finding a new home that you are happy with .
Please do let us know how you get on .
Best wishes
Angela

[picasso]

Confidence as a partnership is so important. Well done for recognising the mis-match. Don't beat yourself up, he is just not the horse for you.

Jane

[gillybou]

HI everyone and thanks for all your advice and good wishes. Bart went off to his new life on Monday and I'm pretty sure he'll be a lot happier. The worst thing is that he was lying down in the field when I went out to fetch him! Coco, however, was very much awake and came bounding over for a bit of fuss (or it might just have been the possibility of breakfast!). I feel a mixture of relief and sadness plus a feeling that I still want a second horse - but if I'm honest not sure I really have the time or finances to support one. If I do, I won't get one with the word 'sport' in the title!!

Hope to see some of you at the party.

Gilly

[angelac]

I'm glad that is behind you now. It sounds as though it turned out well.
Wishing you lots of fun with your other lovely horse
Angela