Am I being a cop-out

[Waikato Valuta]

I got my horse 9months ago and he recently bucked me off twice. I think part of the reson he bucked me off was because i have been very sick latly and have hot realy had the strength to ride but i did anyway (stupid me). he also had a sore back and crowds and lots of open space to contend to and i had no hope of controling him.

I feel like i should be able to handle him because i have haddled worse horses before but my mum said I should send him to a trainer for a few weeks. As i am not ment to ride for a few months untill I am better (I'd like to see her try to keep me out of the saddle that long :p ).

I want to train horses when i am older break them in and train them for dressage. The highest i have competed so far is elementry so I have a hell of a long way to go yet but I feel like a total copout for sending my horse to a trainer.

Have any of you sent horses to trainers and what kind of horse can i expect when he comes back. I had wanted to do all the training myself and now feel very disapointed. I know i would not have to send him if he haddent buck.

[KarinUS]

I don't think you are a cop-out. Matter of fact since you are not feeling well, sending your horse for training seems rather smart, so that you can live long enough to become a trainer yourself. ;)

The results probably depend largely on whom yuo are sending him to, so I would do extensive research adn references before I would sent him anywhere.

[julietcw]

No, I wouldn't say you're being a cop out at all. I sent my old TB off to be reschooled because of major bucking issues after having him for only a short period of time. He was an ex-racer, just out of training and turns out had a bad back etc etc.

If you feel it will give you more confidence and will do the horse good, then do what you feel is right.

The reschooling for my Paddy did work but there was a caveat to that. He behaved impeccably after training with the experienced trainers and even though I had lessons on him at the school, when I got him home, he quickly realised I still didn't quite have the skills to deal with him still when we were on our own and carried on trying it on with me and unfortunately shattered my confidence. So what I am saying is, training can be a brilliant idea but do make sure that you're confidence levels are also at full level when you get him back so that you can continue with the training and encouragement he will continue to need after he comes home.

Hope I haven't put you off or sounded harsh, just wanted to give you my experience (which of course may never have happened to anyone else!)

[nakedescapee]

You are definetly not copping out. Sometimes "ya gotta do what ya gotta do." :)

I agree with julietcw about your horse knowing what he can and can't get away with at the trainers vs at home. Is there a trainer you can send him to where you can go too?

Best of luck!

[Waikato Valuta]

I just got back from the trainers and it sound good. I got several referals to this place so it must be good.

I can go out any time i want just to jisit or to watch his training. and i will also get half lessons on him when the trainer feels he is ready. so hopefuly i will get a few. He will only be there for 2weeks as i dont have enough money for any more but i hope that will be long enough for him to get over it.

I am very confident on him at home even when i feel he is about to buck i usually try to slow him and sit back deeper but i dont know how to train a horse out of bucks and there is no way i'm staying on when he dose it so i figered it would be best to let the profesioals do it.

and like julietcw I have only had him a short period of time he was an ex-racer, just out of training and turns out had a bad back but that was hopefully fixed.

[julietcw]

I hope all goes well for you and your boy WV, keep us updated.

[Waikato Valuta]

I just got back from the trainer and every thing seems to be good. He was a bit fidgity but i think that was because he is is a new environment. The trainer did a fair bit with him on the ground first he would not stand still and the trainer was draged around a bit but after 2min he was standing quietly.

He was just getting him doing the go forward stop and back then he worked on the turn and leg yeild. He sadi something interesting about turning though. He said that a turn should be like a half halt with ony one side of your body to you still your leg and hand on the side you want to turn towards.

He was doind a very nice leg yeild but would not stant still so more work and a small mini rear and head shak as a reistance then calm. he was starting to work in an outline.

The trainer rode him in the round yard yesterday (i was not there) and got him going through puddles at a walk and a trot. This is a huge thig for plod as he normally tottal refuses to go near water or jumps right over it.

I will get a few lessons next week and they are going to start him jumping soon just little cross contry jumps

They also run holiday camps so i will take him up there next holidays and i will get 2 lesson a day on him for a week. This should be good as they will be familiar with him.

[$@R@H]

Sounds good!:D