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Dizzy
13th Jan 2002, 02:51 AM
Just word of thanks for your good advise. If you can remember I posted a thread about QH's being abit awkward to train. I followed your advise, got her obedient on the lunge (as I don't have a round pen). And the end result is Breeze and I are happily tootling about.

One other thing is we're dong it in a western saddle, which she really likes, I'm getting used to it, not the most comfortable saddle I've ridden in - I find the stirrups quite restricting, but over all because she's happy, I'm more than happy.

I am getting used to it, and am teetering on the brink of learning to ride the western way, at the moment I'm riding UK but in a western saddle. Its abit of an inner battle for me - I WANT TO DO DRESSAGE but at the end of the day will stick with what makes my little horse happy. I've decided to carry on as we are until she's completely tuned and at ease with her riding career, she can still be a little sticky at times but her attitude is good now - instead of 'I will not' its 'I'm not quite sure' and after abit of firm reassurance we get there.

We had a great test yesterday, I asked her down a very steep, muddy bank, to go down she really had to sit on her bum, her first reaction was 'no way' and she backed off, I was thinking to myself 'be positive' I wrapped my legs round her, gave her the riens and off she went. Must admit half way down I was thinking 'bad idea' I felt as if I was sitting on a cliff edge, as she went down with her head down and bum trailing, then something clicked, her back legs went under us and her head (to my relief) came up - at the bottom was one very proud young horse and one very proud and relieved rider:D I could feel the confidence she felt within herself, and it reassured me that she can work things out for herself.

Our area is either fast roads with long blind corners, or off road rides with up and down terrain - the roads are our next obstacle, she is good with traffic but there are alot of horses in fields next to the roads who like nothing better than a good Yee Hay when a horse passes by - Breeze isn't adverse to a good Yee Hay herself - fingers crossed she choses to listen to me!!!

Lesley

Tammy
13th Jan 2002, 03:13 PM
A "dressage person" in my area always trains her horses basic dressage in a western saddle and a bosal. She even competed her young warmblood (huge guy) in the first year using this tack. A lot of raised eyebrows and much sniffing of upturned noses but apparently there are no rules concerning tack..... She is a very good rider, her previous horse went Grand Prix level. Last summer she introduce the dressage saddle and snaffle bit and he is doing very well. A good western saddle ( not one that slopes too much to the cantle) and a dressage saddle are actually very much alike in their position.

You can still do dressage!!!!

Outrider
13th Jan 2002, 07:42 PM
Hi Lesley, I'm glad I was able to help you and Breeze in some small way, but remember, the most thanks goes to yourself. One, for asking for advice and taking it and two, setting up an environment of success and positive situations for your horse to work in. You first found a niche that she enjoyed, despite what you wanted to do, and you let her go for it and excel. Tammy is right. You can still do dressage. Just take one thing at a time, get her well used to it and then move on. In time, I'm sure you and Breeze can accomplish dressage too! Best of luck and keep me updated! Happy Trails!