Terrible Ride Last Night.

[ImaLittleBoston]

I think I finally understand why N is so upset with sassy at the end of rides.
ask her towalk forward- she backed
say whoa - she bucked
ask her to collect - she threw her head in the air and just missed my face
turn her in a circle - she made it wayyy smaller that I asked
get her going and ask for a jog - she bucked minorly and acted like she was gonna go up
ask her for the right lead you got the wrong lead in either direction
collect her, put her head towards the inside, move outside leg back and kiss, she STILL found away to take up the wrong lead. !!! I was so frustrated with her last night, I swore I would never ride her again, then I took off the saddle (and helmet by accdent) and rode bareback, walk jog canter, collect circle, no problem! whats with that?:confused: :confused: :mad:
I feel so bad for N, I knew she go upset with sass, but, If she was anyweres near I was, I think she needs a break from sassy, or riding is going to leave a sour taste if her first year of riding goes on like this. but I guess you never know, she could think this is the norm, with sassy being a 'trained' horse, and if everyone else enjoys it maybe she needs more time :rolleyes:

[Nazdaq]

Saddle is ill fitting perhaps?? I am no expert (a beginner actually!) but thats what I would say. :D

[nutkin]

definitely sounds like the saddle doesn't fit properly.All the responses she is giving when being asked under saddle sound like a reaction to discomfort.I would bet that the saddle is pinching somewhere.

[Denbenj]

I woulld agree, the horse definatley is showing serious resistance to what ever asked, Try changing the saddle perhaps someone elses on the yard is a better fit, and see if that makes any change? however if she has been ridden in slightly uncomfortable tack for a while, it may take time to change her habits and recognition related to riding and discomfort.

The best answer would be to check her tack my a qualified/experienced person in that field. At least it would cancel out that if her tack was fine.

I guess then the other roads are back/teeth/diet etc etc!

oh the joys !! but remember horses are not born naughty are are very forgiving animals..I would say this horse is certainly trying to tell us something

ETA: after reading your post through again, maybe the horse is just to much for the rider at present if all other areas have been cancelled out?
I hope all works out for horse and rider

Lenny x

[Bertie]

Can only echo whta the others have said, it definitley sounds like a tack or back problem - I would get your tack checked and if that doesn't work your horses back checked.

Have you tried lubging the horse with tack on as that woudl give you an indication of where the problem lies - if she's upset with just tack on it's definitely an ill fitting or pinching saddle, if she seems ok the tack maybe uncomfortable when somenes mounted or it maybe it's back.

Good luck anyway in finding out what it is :)

[Nimbus65]

I'm no expert but I'd say that if she resisted under saddle and went well for you bareback then her saddle/tack is a problem.

N

[Lucy J]

yep, sounds like a saddle problem for sure.

[ImaLittleBoston]

Well, there was a bit of pinching in N's western, so I lent her mine, which we didnt find any pinch area's . But I rode her english, and the saddle didnt look to fit her poorly, mind you, moms the one to tell me if it fits or not, That to is a topic I plan on learning more on.

[mayoguinness]

I'd recomend a treeless saddle or to start with a bareback pad! Cant really go wrong with them! I always tell people with problem horses that they need to gain a better relationship on the ground. Natural Horsemanship and that sort off stuff to gain better trust and a better freindship! When you ride again I'd very much doubt that thier will be any problem! Then when you ride again go bitless and once you've got that you can go back to a bit if you want but I never understand why people do! That would be my advice and obviously make sure her back and feet are sound. GOOD LUCK!!

[ImaLittleBoston]

Yes.. but shes not my horse :S shes just kept here. But I imagine if mom recommeded a saddle fitter she would, I dont think she would be pleased in a treeless or bareback pad.

As for me, I may just ask to borrow my aunts and use it on all three :D

[mayoguinness]

Well if its your freinds horse you need to try and help her! Maybe do a bit of training with the horse yourself! Why wouldn't she be pleased in a treeless saddle? Much easier for the horse and rider and better for the horses back! They are very comfortable and give as much support as a treed saddle!

[ImaLittleBoston]

I have been working with her, special request by the owner, collection, leads, trot/jog.. things shes not the greatest with. but I feel like If I leave sassy 1 day she goes back the way she was, which gets frustrating.

I dont think N (who is probably around 40) would take advice from a 14 year old girl, also just getting into riding (well, 5 years, 2 years of continueos).. I was just trying to convince my mom about a saddle fitter
"she just needs time, it isnt the saddle":rolleyes: I dont really back up what she says this time.

[mayoguinness]

Shame....oh well! Keep goin........need any help any time though dont hesitate to pm me!! GOOD LUCK!!

[ImaLittleBoston]

I've been persistantly bugging her, I just asked for a bareback pad for xmas now :D The thought never even crossed my mind to ask until it came up in this thread , but because I love bareback riding ;)

[mayoguinness]

Yay......