Where and how to start.......Heather?

[Gwenllian]

After a great deal of advice and encouragement, I have decided I am selling Rosie on and getting myself a dressage horse.She has been unrideable since January.I have lost some movement in my hips in the stretch department.I have lost two stones in weight, and my riding has improved beyond all recognition.The opinion of my RDA instructress and my dressage trainer is that I have overtaken Rosie's capbilities.Rosie is a 5 yr old heavyweight cob, and my legs are simply not strong enough to teach her lateral movements, and she was very resistant to going on the bit.She leans.My riding years are limited, I intend to enjoy them to the full, and I desperately want to compete at dressage,even if only at Unaffiliated Prelim level.
I'm 5ft 1ins, and 101/2 stone.I'm quite supple through the back and waist, but my lower legs, and knees are weak.I've no idea about what to look for, how big, how old , weight carrying capability or anything like that.What I DO know is that I want to relieve my joints with less cobby movement now.It's not as easy as it used to be, and I don't think I've always helped myself by riding cobs.I still want to be able to hack out, and to teach my horse to stand for ever at the mounting block!! I want Jam on it,
don't I?? Any suggestions Heather ??

[fjp]

Good for you, Gwenllian! I've only just realised that rather than taking every horse as it comes, I ought to decide what I want too. I'm so sorry Rosie didn't work out, but thank goodness she had you through her foaling.

Although I can't advise you regarding future buys, I think keeping an open mind for each horse matters. Again, i've only just learnt this thanks to Miriam who kindly let me ride Rhi. She's put so much work into her, and although she reckons Rhi acted up for me (see North East visit threads!), she really taught me a lesson as the most reponsive horses I've ridden. Miriam isn't sure of her breeding (?connemara cross as 2 of us have commented), but was very green when bought. She responded to the tiniest aid (so I half wonder if it was me she was acting up to...guilt trip), but now I would seriously consider buying a horse like her...despite riding a 17.2 ex eventer who I had thought was sensitive to leg aids...he is, but nothing compared to her!)

Guess what I'm trying to say is

'Jam is great, but be prepared to try ALL the flavours...'

Good luck Gwenllian, and have fun tasting!

Fiona

[pentroon]

Hi

I thought I would just drop you a line. I am only 5'0 tall and I am a stone heavier than you. I was lucky enough to find a part bred welsh D last year. She looks almost Welsh D, Molly is the most wonderful horse I have ever rode, I knew that from the moment I first tried her on a hack. She is only 14.2hh and is now in her late teens. She has been so well schooled in the past, she performs lateral movements with no effort. My best friend who is an instructor in the USA rode her a couple of weeks ago whilst he was over on holiday, he had her doing amazing things. She is a cob but she is so light to ride. Any type of horse would be suitable if it is well schooled enough and you are only going to compete at lower levels.

It is a shame that you live in Wales. I live in Cornwall otherwise you would be welcome to come and have a ride on Molly. She is a good hack very good with all traffic.

Good luck and I hope you find a suitable horse in the near future.

[Wally]

Ooh you lucky thing! time for a spot of shopping!:D

[Heather]

HI Gwenllian,

This is actually good news, because it shows how much you have improved! Try to find a narrower horse than Rosie next time- an Iberian cross woudl probably suit you very well. My two Iberians are narrower than the rest of my lot and I do find them so much easier to ride. My mare Luchia that i bought a few weeks ago totally unschooled, is also coming on quicker I think than any horse I have ever owned in my life.

I coudl not recommend the Iberian breeds enough, if you want a comfortable but bright and companionable horse- also pure bred Arabians who get such bad press, but mainly because so many of them are brighter than the riders who buy them!


Heather

[belle]

I agree about getting an Arab, or perhaps a Luso as Heather says. I am Arab mad, and they are capable of so much, and dont deserve the bad reputation that they have. There are also lloads of different types and strains, so you should be able to find one to suit you!

[belle]

Arabs would carry heavy men in the desert. Not all Arabs are really fine, I have quite a chunky Arab. An Arab that bonds with its owner is so special, and really look after their riders.

[Heather]

Good to hear from a fellow Arab lover, Belle- you are so right- they get such bad press and yet are the most delightful, intelligent, affectionate breed, with powerful paces but comfortable, that you will come across, and are not generally that expensive these days except for high priced breeding stock.

Heather