Please help!

[CheshireKate]

Anyone out there -
What do you do when you go to collect the horse you're riding that lesson and find him with a crowd outside his stall and he's ready to (and trying to) bite anything that moves?

(Apart from ask for another horse that is - is there some way to calm them down so you don't start off on the wrong footing?)
Thanks,
Kate

PS Sorry, that's not very clear - they'd been teasing him by blowing down his nose, so when I came along he was really worked up. Once someone helped me get him out the lesson went downhill from there on in.

What do you do when a horse is behaving like that? I don't know and that makes me even more nervous, which the horse knows, and just makes the whole thing worse!

[Edited by CheshireKate on 18th Feb 2001 at 10:13 PM]

[Kerry's Partner!!]

Looked at this yesterday and didn't know what to say really. Having thought about what I would have done if that had happened to me at the last two riding schools I attended, here goes: I would have been totally perplexed and very unsure what to do. It sounds like this is what happened to you too. If it ever happened again I would not hesitate to get the instructor there to see and sort it out. You are paying them to teach you to ride. There could be endless reasons why the poor horse was in such a state. He may have been in need of care and attention to an injury, or he may need a "break" (and kindness) and/or care and attention to his emotional or psychological wellbeing. What actually happened in the end? I hope you are OK.

[CheshireKate]

Oh god - one of those lessons it's best to forget, except it's so upsetting that you can't!

I went in, and as I was wondering how to avoid being bitten or kicked (the entrance was at the back of the stall) one of the crowd who was half my size offered to help. She plunged straight in, freed the reins, brought him out and handed them to me. I'd been told by another novice that he 'tries it on' with you at first and knew for sure this wasn't a match made in heaven. Still we got to the school ok, and then as I was trying to sort the girth and stirrups he tried to bite me a few times for good measure. (What's the horse equivalent of smacking a dog on the nose?)

I didn't know what to do and gave up so the instructress came over. She didn't seem to think he'd be the kind to bite, and gave me rather short shrift - and of course he gave her no trouble. So up we went and started to warm up. Then he began to object to the school door as we approached every time, and then he started to pull the other way when we were changing the rein. So much for 'left rein, right leg' - you can't win a battle of strength with a horse - on to a no-hoper there, 'specially when he knows you're scared.

In the end the instructress had to come over and lead me at the trot(!!) and then she told me I was pulling on the reins at each step and was being cruel. That was horrible, and I'm sure I don't usually do it. I gave up with the reins really and loosened them right off (washing lines). I suppose that was quite good as it made me use my legs more. He was free to cut across as much of the school as he chose, and much happier, though I did manage to do the 'slalom' with him, and he'd cross the school when everyone did it in formation together. But overall pretty soul-destroying.

Anyway, the instructress came and spoke to me for quite a while afterwards, and said she'd sort me out a nice docile horse for a few lessons while I got my confidence back (I told her I'm scared of horses on the ground and went and christened my hard hat a few weeks ago).

After thinking about it all afternoon and evening and dreaming about riding at night (!) I called her today and we've arranged that I'm going to go an hour early next weekend and be shown how to groom a (nice, quiet) horse before my lesson. She said "Don't worry, we won't abandon you!" Basically I've faced the fact that getting over this fear is the reason I took up riding in November. It's something I have to sort out, or I'll never be able to ride well.

I still don't know what to do with a horse that's behaving like that though. Perplexed is right! He was a real old Dobbin by the time I dismounted - a complete change. I think he's just a horse that doesn't take any c**p - well I'd probably retaliate to plaguing like that (ok, human equivalent) too.
Oh dear, that's rather long! Sorry,
Kate

[Mossy]

Poor you and poor horse. I am not suprised you were nervous.
However one question sprang to my mind. What level of supervision was there that a crowd could gather around his box and get him in that state? There should be yard staff around at all times. The prescence may be discreet but it should be there precisely to avoid that sort of situation.
If the teasers were yard staff words fail me!

[Showjumper]

I’ve been in your situation before and it’s absolutely AWFUL!!! :-( There’s nothing worse than anticipating a good ride, only to find your horse has been hyped up, and then to be shown up by a kid half your size…just doesn’t bear thinking about! In this situation, calming the horse should be your first priority. Do ear work on him, gently running your hands from the base of his ears, closing the sides together, then squeezing the tips gently with your thumb and forefinger, before returning to the bottom again. IF he dislikes having his ears touched, use the Clouded Leopard Ttouch. This involves cupping your hand into a claw shape, and resting it on the horse. You firmly move your fingers in small circles, making sure to move the skin round and not just to tickle the horse! This is relaxing and pleasant for the horse and you should see a change in attitude – this has never failed for me! I also think you should report these people to the yard manager as they were obviously not doing their job, and winding up the horses for te paying customers!

[CheshireKate]

Mossy:
I'm not sure as I've not been there much, but I think the main culprit was one of the yard staff. It surprised me too. You just don't tease animals then punish them for reacting. Well, you shouldn't in my book.

Showjumper:
I'll remember that - think I've read an article somewhere, so will go and dig it out - and try it out next weekend (I'm trying not to build up my hopes too much, because you're dead right about looking forward to something and being disappointed when it's completely different, but it's hard not to!). There was no way I could even get my hand to his neck - I tried - without him trying to twitch round to it on Sunday. One day though...
Kate

[claireh]

Hi Kate,

Sorry to hear you have had such a c**p time!

It really insences me when I hear stories like yours- you are honest and brave enough to admit your fears and try to do something about them and for your trouble you are expected to ride a horse that is not only wound up but probably not the most suitable horse for you to be learning on anyway!

It sounds like your instuctress has realised that you are in need of a confidence boost, and I hope you get just that-on a nice, quiet, good natured horse!
If they make ammends and help you with your fears and teach you to ride at a pace you feel comfortable with then stick with it, and them, however, if they dont- If I was you I'd vote with my feet- take your hard earned cash elsewhere to learn to ride- there must be another school in the area- and tell the original place exactly why you are leaving!

Sorry to get in my soapbox, and the best of luck!

Whatever you do- dont give up! It will all be worth it in the end!

All the best,

Claire

[liz--y]

my horse bites quite alot so im used to handling him now but I was really nervous of him at frist, thats really horrible that it was someone who runs the yard that was winding him up, I dont see how people can do that, I would have got help to handle the horse. Is there any other yards in your area, because the staff shouldnt be doing this to the horses its not fair on the horses and its not fair on you, your there for fun not to be given a horse they have wond up and made you nervous of, whatever you do dont give up riding, anyway could you live without it ;)

[Old Grey Mare]

My Dear Miss Cheshire:

Congrats to you for forging ahead and facing your fears head on. Sounds like your instructor is sympathetic to you, and I hope that's the case. Keep doing what you are doing: making clear what your needs are, and what you hope to accomplish.

I too was very skittish around the horses on the ground, and I still have my guard up around an unfamiliar horse, which when you think about it, is just sensible. However, like dogs and children, they pick up on our insecurities, and if mischevieous, will have fun with us at our expense, and if rotten, will make us feel two inches tall.

You are on the right track (and so is your instructor) by putting in some time handling a horse on the ground. Grooming, handling, tacking up, cleaning the hooves, all of that experience, will help you tremendously.

But don't be intimidated by the barn brats. I have learned to ask 10 year olds for their expertise, and they think nothing of it. I have yet to be laughed at or detect any eye-rolling when I am about to make a fool of myself. I usually get sound advice and lots of encouragement from 12 year olds who think it's great that an antique like me is taking up a sport they dearly love.

I've gone on and on here, but to tell you how "brave" I've gotten, just this week, I got my regular school horse into the arena for a late afternoon practice session all by myself. It went great, and I feel like a real grown up now. Our instructors had us combing out and tacking up our school horses from the start, which also helped me gain confidence. My best to you..keep us updated on your progress!

[CheshireKate]

But you're all LOVELY!
I can't tell you how much better I'm feeling, just by having heard from you all. This site is excellent - I came straight in after the lesson and logged on, knowing that you'd help me. I'll let you know how it goes on Sunday.
Many thanks, yet again
Kate (Mrs)

PS
I said your barn sounded wonderful Old Grey Mare, so that's why I asked them for help, trying to find something similar.

Claireh - this is my third stables since I started in November (fussy or what??? but this site teaches you to follow your instincts), and it's the one where I've had the best teaching, in spite of last week. I'm going to stick around for a while and see how it goes. Thanks.

[Old Grey Mare]

Cheshire Kate:

Glad to hear you've found a barn that feels like home. It's really important to be comfy and secure in a sport where you can really get hammered if you're not properly prepared: mentally and physically.

Despite my feeling of accomplishment during a recent practice ride: (tacked, rode and practiced all on my own) I have to say my form was way off, I felt like I was bouncing at the trot far too much, and caught myself being tipped forward in my seat. Just shows me how much I have to work on. I guess we need these days to remind us that this is a life-long thing: developing skills is part of the fun and the challenge.

Most of all, I hope you are having fun and getting that wonderful surge that comes from clicking with another creature.

[Showjumper]

I wouldn’t worry about bouncing at trot!! I’ve been riding 7 years and when Jake gets it into his head that I’m not worth listening to, I find it easier to just stay in jumping position while he’s trotting! ;) Being an ex-racer, his trot does tend to get a bit on the speedy side and is impossible to post to!! He’s brilliant though – he doesn’t bolt – only threatens to – and comes back to hand if you ask politely enough! :cool:

[Emarmite]

Hi,

Saw your posting about the horse being wound up, and just wondered where you ride, I live in the Manchester area and have tried a few schools. I have only been riding for two years, and was 39 when I started.

If you do not want to mention the school on the site, I understand, feel free to E mail me if you want.

Beverley

[CheshireKate]

Hi Old Grey Mare
Isn't it weird the way sometimes everything's fine, and others you can't do a single thing right? My first lesson I was floating on air and I've been trying to get that feeling back ever since. (Sometimes it works, but usually not - too much to remember, and I'm probably trying too hard.) That time I didn't feel any pressure, and it was great. You just always want it to be fab when you've only got one hour every week. Oh well, practice makes perfect as Mum always says (still annoying when they're right!).

Emarmite - don't want to be taken to court for some of the things I've said on here, so I'll e-mail you! (Where does your name come from?)

Kate

[Miriam]

For one of my lessons I was to ride a beautiful red and white. She would not let me in the stable with her so I refused to ride her. She was also rather a mean beast to ride. One of the girls who was riding out with us swapped horses and rode her instead as she liked her.


Miriam

[CheshireKate]

So does it just come down to personalities then, like people? I thought a good rider should be able to ride any horse, and get on well with it. Maybe there's more to it than that?
Kate

[CheshireKate]

What a great feeling it is to groom a horse that's dozing off under your touch! (Not too keen on picking out hooves, but I'll get there.) It made a great difference when I rode Dolly in the lesson afterwards - you can't possibly be scared of something you've just seen looking so daft!:) :)
Kate

PS
Three cheers for the Clouded Leopard ttouch - if you haven't tried it, then do. I went to say hello to three different horses and you get that lovely dreamy look within seconds.

[Showjumper]

I’m glad you found the TTouches worked – I swear by them! I’ve studied with Sarah Fisher and it’s amazing what you can accomplish using the TTouches! :) One Thoroughbred was really tense until we started using the TTouches on him (Clouded Leopard, Python Lifts and Belly Lifts) and he really relaxed and started working a lot nicer – he went a lot rounder and didn’t “eat” people and other horses as much. Did you notice the chewing and licking while you were doing the TTouches? This indicates trust and submission – what Monty Roberts talks about! :cool: I hope your lessons and horse management continue to improve!!! :D Good Luck!