I have an older english trained hunter/jumper dressage horse. He is the “second” horse and does not get ridden regularly. His prior owner used to trail ride him western. I have the chance to have an older teenaged girl ride him who is a gymkhana rider- I work with her father. She will probably just go out on trail rides. She has her own horse and competes successfully in barrel racing and other gymkhana events. Just wondering what skills gymkhana riders have and how things might go. I have not seen her ride and will closely supervise first rides which will likely take place in arena. And will trail ride with her several times and make sure I feel comfortable before I allow her to ride him solo. I think overall it will just be good for this horse to get some regular riding and I assume she has decent skills. Horse goes in a snaffle. I would be tickled if she were interested in taking some dressage lessons with him as he has lovely gaits but not sure if she would have any interest in that. Greatly appreciate any input that you folks would have.
As long as she understands riding your horse does not mean everything is done fast or running or galloping. No fast turns, spins etc. Gymkhanas are usually fun but many of the classes are fast and crazy, as long as you set boundaries as to what you want done with your horse I see no reason she won’t be a good rider. Has she ridden western and now you are asking her to ride English or will she ride him western? She might be used to neck reining, I would be sure she has a soft hand and can understand and use direct reins.
I think that would be an impossible question to answer without knowing any other information.
What skills does a reining rider have?
What skills does a dressage rider have?
What skills does an eventer rider have?
Etc.
Without knowing what LEVEL that person has successfully competed at and without seeing them ride, I don’t think any of us can answer that question.
I compete in gymkaha – actually just had a show yesterday.
But I also compete in rodeos, horse shows, reining, trail rides, working cattle, local hunter classes, etc etc etc.
You could say I’m a well-rounded rider.
I would say not to assume anything going into it. See how she rides, and go from there to determine if she will be a fit to ride your horse.
Most gaming riders primarily direct rein during a speed event … not neck rein.
Note I said “might”, no real need to quote
I assume she will want to ride in a western saddle which is fine with me so long as it fits the horse. I think we will mostly go out on trail rides. This young lady has her own horse for gymkhana.
Also this horse is a TB so he does enjoy a canter or gallop. But he has only ever done this in a straight line so far as I know. This horse works well off seat and legs so it might all just work out fine. He is very smart.
