Is it just plain stupid?

[gone24now]

I'm a new mature rider, had ridden years ago just a bit and have had a horse of my own for 5 months, 2 horses in that time, one was horrible and given back, and I've just received a new older gelding last weekend. He is absolutely adorable was owned by one family his whole life, and used to teach all of their kids from age 5 to ride. He loves children and is so gentle. He is calm, doesn't spook at anything even a dog hanging from his tail the other day :eek: , he is so sensitive and responsive and forgiving. Just great for my family with 3 young children. My autistic son loves horses, but only at a distance. Yesterday he came directly into the round ring where I was with Luke and my son wanted up to ride him! Holy cow!!! This was amazing!! Luke is such a babysitter with me and my kids. Sooooo..... I feel so comfortable, confident and safe with Luke and I know we will love him in our family for probably the rest of his life. I took him for a ride for about 30 minutes up our rural road. No problems at all, I talked to him, and we plodded along both enjoying the walk. Now I only did this as I felt very comfortable with him and I feel that we have already established a bond which will now strengthen over time. Do you all think it was a bad decision on my part to take him for a ride up the road a bit?? My barn owner was uncomfortable that I had gone out with him, yet my horsey friends who have been around me and Luke riding say it isn't a problem and that he is a fantastic horse. On one hand I really do feel confident and comfortable and trusting in Luke and want to enjoy a ride with him here and there, and the other I think maybe I should wait for awhile before I go again and maybe I'm putting to much trust in my abilities and him. It just feels like Luke and I click. What do you all think.

[KateWooten]

My barn owner was uncomfortable that I had gone out with him

well.... maybe your BO doesn't know him like you do ! Personally, I go by the feel. If it feels right I do it. If you got a good feeling off the horse, if you were quiet with him, if you felt like you knew him, I think that's a good thing. It's when people are all surrounded by other riders, friends BOs etc telling them what thye think, watching, egging on .... they never get the chance to just listen to the horse and figure out how he is and what he knows. Sounds to me like you took the time to understand the horse and you're fine with that. Good for you.

Question in return : One day 2 summers ago I got on my 3 yr old, out on the front lawn by the road and he took me for a little ride. There was nobody else home, nobody around just me. The little horse had never had a rider before. Was I stupid ?

[Hallmarked]

Forgive me if I am wrong but you come across as a little nervous in your post. If you are then I suspect your BO comments stem from concerns about you overfacing yourself with a horse you don't know very well and damaging your confidence still further.

Although her intentions are good, are you allowing another person's opinion to undermine your confidence in your own judgement.

It is your horse and your life. You are a responsible adult well used to making decisions and assessing risks (with 3 young children). If you avoided risk altogether you would still be in your crib sucking a Rusk.

In summary I fully agree with what KateWooten says, listen to the horse and your own intuition. Decide if these doubts are from yourself (perhaps you are not ready for long rides while Luke gets his bearings in new surroundings, and half an hour was perfect for you at that time) or from an outside influence.

[NoviceNic]

Agree with what others have written. But I must also make you aware that "What If's" are a pain in the rear end when they raise there ugly heads. So enjoy your rides out without the WHAT IF'S while they last....:D

Protect yourself with a hat, body protector and flourescent vests. When leading your son. Make sure you have gloves on and a lead rein at all times just for added security.:)

[colettybetty]

I think many people would envy you for having found such a diamond, you've obviously clicked with him, so continue enjoying him. I'm sure you're not feckless as you feel comfortable and therefore, you being chilled will give him confidence. I'd agree with the others, carry on and have fun together. I always carry a phone when out alone and let someone know when I expect to be back, but I do that with any horse.

[HorseyMum#1]

hi Gone24now,

I know where you are coming from saying that you feel comfortable on him and understand him. Have to say that I dont think I could be that brave just yet but that is me. I'm just learning to ride, did a few trail rides when I was younger and thought I knew how to ride. I have now learnt (riding my daughters horse Kenny) that I didnt know anything except how to sit in the saddle - the horses did it all for me back then. Anyway my daughter wanted a horse and I thought OH GREAT I can ride too - have to admit now that I am still learning to trot:o I could actually post trot on the trail rides but now that I have to learn to steer as well it's not so easy!!;) I'll get there though.

It sounds to me like you and Luke make a great team and I envy your enthusiasm.:) :)

[Trewsers]

Echo Novie nic - I used to enjoy odd rides out on Storm - then the little devil WHAT IF crept into my head!!! Its taken me a long while to get with hacking out - plus wearing a bp gives me a bit more confidence. I think you need to be reasonably confident in walk trot and canter too - just in case they do decide to have a hop, skip and a jump whilst out and about!!!! Tho I agree that if you feel confident then stick with it - he sounds like a lovelyhorse - glad that you feel you can take him out. I think your yard owner was just being cautious for you.

[horseygirl123]

I have to agree with the others too, if you felt confident going for a little ride with Luke then I dont see that as a problem.

The one thing I would be concerned about tho, is that Luke is still in the 'settling in' period and may act a little out of 'character' for a while, so things that would not normally worry or spook him he might react to for a while.

Are you confident with dealing with any 'problems' that may arise while you are out alone with him?
ie: napping, spooking, excited bucks etc?

Until I got tara I was a very over confident rider and thought nothing of getting on a friends horse I didnt know too well and taking it up the road on my own, but since owning tara I've realised that that alot can happen when we least expect it and if you show any signs of nerves or are unsure what to do in a 'scary' situation it can all escalate very quickly to being totally out of control.

Just be careful, but at the same time enjoy your new horse and have fun :D

Definately make sure you let someone know where you are going and take a mobile ;)

[Trewsers]

The one thing I would be concerned about tho, is that Luke is still in the 'settling in' period and may act a little out of 'character' for a while, so things that would not normally worry or spook him he might react to for a while.

)

Good point, I often used to point this out to folk on our old yard when they bought new horses - but they often poo-pooed it! They do act differently when settling, even mine have been on their best behaviour when moved yards. Once they settle in tho.......can be a different story!:p

[NoviceNic]

Not necessarily though. When I first owned Captain he was a real gem and 100%. It is know that I am asking more of him that he is becoming more of a handful. I have a friend that has only ever had a couple of lessons. Bought a 5yr green and only walked out on hacks when she felt like it. That horse is a real gent. 100% percent with such a nervous novice on his back.

[notpoodle]

maybe she was worried because you haven't had luke for long? but, i suppose there is a first time for everything, althought i personally would've gone out with another (calm!) horse and rider when taking a new horse on the roads for the first time :)

JUlia
x

[NoviceNic]

What about people who dont have the option of company hacks though??? How do they manage to hack for the first time solo? I say you go with your heart. Dont push yourself or your horse out their comfort zones and keep things simple till you learn how to become and better rider.:) Grow together.:D

[gone24now]

I agree with all that y'all have said. You have all pretty much summed up everything that I felt and have been thinking. My BO was just being cautious and until yesterday had never seen much of Luke. She happened to be sitting out on her desk yesterday, so I made a point to work on his ground manners just for a bit of a "show" for her to see what he does. I called him in the pasture and he comes trotting over on the first call. He is just so willing and wants to please you. We did manners and lunged for a bit, and then I took him for a ride up and down the poop trail. I hope that she was watching how good he was. My riding instructor came on Tuesday, and was amazed as well. As for going out with someone, it is a bit hard. The BO and her daughter have a mare that they never ride at their barn. Her daughter goes for lessons once a week, and isn't allowed to ride at home. Another horse who is full board, owners haven't been there for 2 years, no one is allowed to groom, lunge or anything with her :eek: (I sneak a groom often), and another horse is very crazy and her owner says she can't ride with other people because her horse is even worse when with others. I have a friend with a horse, but he is a show horse and is worth big $, and she doesn't take him out for "pleasure rides". Anyway, I will keep watching him and go with my gut. We will continue to get to know each other, take lessons and we'll see if his settling in is a honeymoon period. I just love spending time with him as he is so sensitive and friendly.

Have a great day!
LL