Tips for riding the very narrow horse? Also issues dismounting.

[CHT]

@Gloria

Anyway, how does she do if you are hopping up and down on the ground by her side? If she is bothered by that sudden movement, that is where I would desensitize her on. On a side note, I think you get a sensitive mare. She is going to be a lot of fun for you (in a very good way)

Hopping up and down just got a sideways look (“what the heck is with this new person?!?” kind of look). She also didn’t really worry when my cat hopped on with me to ride double, and when I later dropped him off on a jump standard. (she has every reason to question her new person…), so it seems unlikely to be sudden movement.

I wonder if she has just missassociated the pain of being dismounted (when her back was sore: it isn’t now) with the rider dropping rather that with the other steps of dismounting?

On another note, she has put on some weight which I think is helping me feel more balanced…either that or I am just getting used to her. I have only been riding her and another somewhat narrow horse lately which I think is helping. I wonder how it will feel to ride a “normal” horse again!

[WildLittleWren]

@CHT

Hopping up and down just got a sideways look (“what the heck is with this new person?!?” kind of look). She also didn’t really worry when my cat hopped on with me to ride double, and when I later dropped him off on a jump standard. (she has every reason to question her new person…), so it seems unlikely to be sudden movement.

I wonder if she has just missassociated the pain of being dismounted (when her back was sore: it isn’t now) with the rider dropping rather that with the other steps of dismounting?

On another note, she has put on some weight which I think is helping me feel more balanced…either that or I am just getting used to her. I have only been riding her and another somewhat narrow horse lately which I think is helping. I wonder how it will feel to ride a “normal” horse again!

I totally believe horses associate past pain with certain situations. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a behavioral response that has been conditioned from past pain. In time, when they realize there is no pain associated with that particular situation, as long as you are kind, consistent, and persistent, it will fade with time.