i’ve ridden 2 haflingers, one as a school horse for about 1.5 years. he was crazy when i first started riding him. as i progressed, he got much better (but still had his moments). for some reason near the end of my time with him, i was almost putting him to sleep (only one that rides him that could do that lol, he is usually quick). he did like to not keep his head up and was quite strong. i recently almost purchased a haflinger (didn’t pass ppe), he was very quiet and calm in the few times i rode him. didn’t notice any of the craziness with him.
Just want to note that whenever someone is having difficulty controlling a horse, it’s not always (or usually) the horse’s fault … especially someone who describes themselves as a beginner. Accordingly, I would NOT recommend more spur, bit and/or whip. I WOULD recommend more lessons, technique, and understanding the basics of horse-rider communication.
Just hate it when people’s first reaction is to get more, harsher equipment when simply better riding will solve the problem to everyone’s advantage.
My pony is half Haflinger, and for what that’s worth, he is the sweetest most willing guy on the planet.
I also have a Thoroughbred, and when he is in regular work he is a dreamboat. You only have to think about what you want, and he will do it … unless he decides that some shiny thing off in the distance is much more interesting, whereupon he is headed for it at warp speed.
Bottom line: you gotta ride 'em all. And by that, I mean, you have to develop riding skills. Not just passenger, I-can-hang-on-to-almost-anything skills (which is what I got when I was learning to ride at a h-j barn); but real, I-can-communicate-with-my-horse-and-use-proper-aids-to-which-he-responds skills.
[QUOTE=wrybosome;7740754]
Really stupid question…is a TB a ‘light horse’? They seem to respond to just suggestions and the direction I look. At least in a ring.[/QUOTE]
Yes, TBs are considered a ‘light’ horse, sort of grouped with Arabians and halfbreed crosses.
WB are somewhat in the middle (using the term broadly, for the mutts they are) with the drafts rounding out the spectrum.
Of course, there are variations within the broad spectrum.
Back in the day, WB were also work horses, and a good deal heavier, while also being cavalry remounts.
In some areas, rather light drafts developed, like the Hafflinger, perfect for the mountain region of Tirol where it originates.
To me, he sounds like a tyical school horse, quiet enough to give you confidence but bratty enough to make you work to get to where you want. This horse is going to teach you lots, and I mean LOTS. He is going to test yoyr strength, your wills, and patience and you will become a better rider because of his bratty ponyhaffietude.
With that said, I would take some lessons with his owner so she can teach you about his quirks. Then when you are more confident, ride with a buddy either mounted or on the ground. You’re still a beginner and you need to be safe. If you are primarily WT abd just learnin% to jump/canter, there is still a lot for you to learn so it is safer to have someone with you just in case.
Good luck. Haffies are awesome horses err…ponies…whatever. much much different than TBs lol
[QUOTE=King’s Ransom;7740842]
J Accordingly, I would NOT recommend more spur, bit and/or whip. I WOULD recommend more lessons, technique, and understanding the basics of horse-rider communication…[/QUOTE]
That’s the idea, thus my questions.
[QUOTE=King’s Ransom;7740842]
Bottom line: you gotta ride 'em all. And by that, I mean, you have to develop riding skills. Not just passenger, I-can-hang-on-to-almost-anything skills (which is what I got when I was learning to ride at a h-j barn); but real, I-can-communicate-with-my-horse-and-use-proper-aids-to-which-he-responds skills.[/QUOTE]
I’m curious, when did you move on from the HJ lessons, and what did you move on to? My reasoning has been that I’m so raw anyone I take lessons with will improve my seat and basic skills. But I’m starting to wish there was more instruction regarding my legs and less with my hands.
Ask to do your lessons on the lunge line without reins or stirrups. That is the very best way to learn how to ride from your legs and seat.
Stick with riding this horse! He will teach you TONS! In order to learn you have to ride the horses that challenge you abilities because that is how you learn.
OP I have trained my 15h Haflinger mare from age 3 (she is now 9) and I want to tell you not to give up! In my lifetime I have had TBs, Welshx, Appys, Cleveland Bayx, Polish Arab, and 2 Haffies. Haflingers are extremely intelligent and extremely stubborn! You have to establish yourself as the BOSS, but with finesse - they don’t like a heavy hand. They tend to get bored easily so keep his feet moving with LOTS of drills: serpentines, different size circles, LOTS of gait transitions and backing. You must have control of his feet at all times, but I think this will make you a better rider! Good luck:)
OP – I moved on from the H-J barn to a dressage trainer who took me back to the fundamentals. More recently, I’ve found another non-denominational (ha ha) trainer who teaches foundation horsemanship.
IMHO, I did it completely backwards, but understand that is not uncommon. Should have started with basic foundation horsemanship. If you have a good foundation and understand how to use the reins, how to use your leg, your body energy, your head, hands, eyes and seat … THEN you could progress to finesse in dressage or take up H-J. Too many people start just grabbing mane and rushing over fences – that is how I started, and it was NOT my choice. That’s just how they taught. I believe I walked one lesson, trotted a couple more, figured out how to go around in a courtesy circle, picked up a canter and then started flying over fences.
Just because you can hang on to a really good horse who knows how to jump and is kind-hearted enough to try to get over with you still aboard … this does not mean you know squat about riding!
No criticism to the OP – this is how I learned and how I see soooo many others learning. They get a death grip on the reins, hold the horse’s head in the air, spur him in the flank and over they go. If they get a clean round at 18 inches, they get a blue ribbon and run off thinking they can ride.
No.
It’s not too far off from what I’ve gotten.
