I won't go into a lot of detail right now, but a series of events involving my B.O. basically ambushing me and telling me that she thinks Limerick is too much for me to handle, combined with a shitty ride yesterday, led to me not really feeling my lesson this morning. I think she's crazy and I wholeheartedly disagree, so I'm really pissed at myself for letting it bother me so much, but it did. Luckily, an older woman who I'm going to start taking extra lessons with was available to ride Limerick for me, and I'm so glad she did because he was a total ass. He swished his tail, did his little hop and toss his head routine, and jigged and pranced. He also has for some reason decided that midair over jumps, that he needs to rip the reins out of the rider's hands and looks somewhat like a deer... it's very unattractive and weird. I'll update more tomorrow with details and pictures/videos from the dressage clinic, but here's stuff from today:
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| Collyn and Frankie |
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| looking like he's landing from a three foot fence... |
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| Somewhat normal |
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| Collyn and the Frankfurter being B.A. |
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| rooting the reins |
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| looking fancy schmancy |
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| DEER!! |
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| EVEN WORSE DEER!! I actually have no idea where this attitude towards the contact came from, but I'm alternating between being pissed and feeling hopeless |
Is your B.O. your trainer? If not, don't listen to your B.O. Its not her place to say whether or not your horse is a good fit for you. Being around the horse world you always learn to grow a hard shell, because believe me, this won't be the first time someone will say something like this to you, and more often then not, its behind your back. Just keep your head up, and do what you feel is right, along with your trainers guidance.
ReplyDeleteWe used to have a horse in that did the same rooting thing. What bit is Lim in? And do you sometimes catch him in the mouth mistakenly? We all do sometimes, but for some horses, it causes this rooting behavior. Hope you feel better, just remember nothing is hopeless!!
No, my B.O. isn't my trainer, but I do respect her opinion (to a certain extent) because she has 50+ years of experience with horses and her daughter was a successful upper level eventer. She definitely knows her stuff, but she also often insinuates that she knows better/is always right, which I don't think is fair because I definitely know Limerick better than she does. Developing a thicker skin is definitely something I need to work on!
DeleteHe's in a KK loose ring snaffle. I'm thinking he needs something fixed though, so I'm looking at full cheeks right now... I'm not going to say that I don't catch him in the mouth because I have, but this behavior developed so suddenly and he doesn't always do it, so I'm thinking it's a reaction to pain somewhere in his body. He still throws his head up midair even when I'm holding on to a neck strap and very deliberately don't mess with his mouth.
Sorry to jump in on this :)
DeleteMaybe talk to your vet or a Chiropractor?
My barn owner said the same thing to me about my horse when Igot him and I was also really upset. The way I see it is that if you have a talented horse (like you do), and you think you can control him then don't listen to her. I like to think that horses with attitude have a lot to teach us, and when you finally conquer him you'll be an amazing team. Sometimes the most difficult horse has the most to give!
ReplyDeletethank you so much! I totally agree, and I really don't think she meant for her words to be as hurtful to me as they were. He's certainly taught me a lot already :)
DeleteWe just talked but it will get better :) S and G will help you get him sorted out. I don't understand why he is being like this but like S said I bet you guys can fix it in no time- when E sees him this coming weekend she might be able to give some insight too?
ReplyDeleteExcited to hear how the dressage clinic goes! Keep your chin up.
:)
DeleteSorry you are dealing with it and growing a thicker skin is always easier said then done. Head up and heels down and you'll be fine ;)
ReplyDeletethank you!! You're right, it is easier said than done, but I think dealing with this situation will definitely help me in the long run!
DeleteSometimes horses just have their bad days like people do (even weeks) and you just show your horse that you are there for him and hopefully he will still see you as the leader. There is no such thing as a perfect horse and if everyone gave up their horse after a bad ride, I'm sure 99% of people still wouldn't have their horse! You also don't live to please any body, as long as you remain safe, who cares what others say!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I completely agree! I don't expect him to be perfect all the time, but he's definitely changed his attitude in the past couple of weeks, which is all my B.O. has seen of him, so I understand where she was coming from (sort of..). I just need to remember your last piece of advice and I'll be fine :)
DeleteI can't help with the jumping - dressage only for me - but I was told my mare was dangerous and too much for me when I moved to our current barn 3 years ago. Now, the BO thinks she is a dream...Just keep at it!
ReplyDeletethat makes me feel better! I do also have to remember that my B.O. hasn't even known us for a month, so she really doesn't have much to go off of... and she doesn't typically watch me ride, she just happened to witness a few of his less than stellar moments (such as when he freaked out about some cows, which she can hardly blame him for, I don't!)
Deleteoh man, so sorry that she said that. If you are working with a trainer and doing everything your trainer says then don't even worry about it! When times get tough, we can lean on our trainers to guide us :) Thats why we pay them the big bucks! lol :)
ReplyDeleteKeep your head up girl! This will pass and you will gain lots of great tools to add to your riding tool box through it all :)
I am working with a trainer and I'm asking for other professionals' opinions as well, which is helpful but also rather confusing/frustrating... I think I'm doing mostly everything right, or at least doing my best :)
DeleteThank you, I think this will help both of us a lot in the long run. I just have to remember that I can do it and everything will be ok!
Yeah different opinions can be hard.. you are mom so go with your gut :) If you find a trainer/professional that you really like and trust then that can be a great support. Some days I don't like it when my trainer pushes me but know that in the long run she has my best interest (and Henrys trainings best interest lol)... You can do this and it WILL be ok :)
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