Great Ride

[ezduzit]

I have spent the last 4 years trying to learn how to ride. My boy was trained by an equitation rider so he only knows the ‘proper’ way to be ridden. Well I started far from THAT and with some bad habits and physical limitations re: strenghth and flexibility.

In the time I spent on me there were many details for him that just got let go. One of them was a pure walk after the reverse (after the first lope). It turned into a jig that would turn into a lope if I touched him. Then he started turning into the center of the ring…anticipating the line up. If I tried to fudge that in the ring (sneaking a finger up to direct rein) we ended up prancing sideways when we were supposed to be walking.

So…today I decided that enough is enough. I wasn’t sure how to go about letting him know it wasn’t acceptable so I started with legs, seat and hands. He was a putz at first but then responded well to the aids. Some were a little exaggerated but only for effect. I did lots of ‘second way’ lopes followed by walks. After a bit of ‘business as usual’ he calmed right down and walked. At first it was like being on a camel but he responded to my suggestions that he collect the walk a bit.

After the first 10 minutes, I threw the bat down. He didn’t need to be hit…just RIDDEN. I’m am so pleased with him. I’ve worked really hard to get over my nerves. Now we’ll work to let him know the he must listen to me. I’ve started RIDING!

I’m thrilled with how it went! Lots of treats for my boy!

[JumpQH]

Congrats! I love a light-bulb moment!

[ezduzit]

It was a huge light bulb moment. I’ve been having this ‘problem’ with him for a long time. As I rode around asking for his ‘best’ I thought “I should have been working on this all along. Insisting on a walk. Doesn’t take a lot of riding skill for that”. Better late than never! I’m glad I don’t get mad or impatient.

[Foxtrot_s]

…No longer will they say “horse and passenger coming…” Just kidding.

[ezduzit]

This made me smile out loud! :yes: Reminds of the first time I was in the arena at a show, practicing. Several trainers who’ve known me for a long time were also in the ring. My daughter called out: watch out for Mom, she’s a beginner! I was grateful, not offended.

I found I had to stop benig a passenger to realize how much I HAD BEEN a passenger! Another great ride today. He was less forthcoming with a soft, calm walk but he stayed on the rail better. A few more rides and I think he’ll be ‘back’. Beautiful weather…t-shirt!

[QUOTE=Foxtrot’s;6620656]
…No longer will they say “horse and passenger coming…” Just kidding.[/QUOTE]

[Foxtrot_s]

…and you will find that after each breakthrough, the next one comes quicker, and the next one … confidence begets confidence and as you get to know each other the communication comes faster. I had one recently myself with my nine year old mare - we should have got this sorted out long ago, but then I decided to not worry about quieter and quieter aids, I gave a really loud aid, and this got her attention and good. I’m just as thrilled as you.