Stuck
Jigs has forgotten everything. Or maybe it’s me. Not that it matters.
Sunday was frustrating-
- Too hot/muddy/hungry to jog
- Sticky Spurs
- Leg yield = go back to the gate
- Which right?
- Side-pass? Don’t even ask
There is no way to ride at night. It’s dark. The ring at the barn is somewhat muddy, enough so that I fear going faster than a trot.
Lessons have morphed into trotting in circles for 20 minutes and then loping in smaller circles for 15. He’s not getting rounder or slower.
The instructor just watches and says nothing. She’s given up too. Not that she ever had expectations once she saw me ride – except, of course, that I pay…
Not sure it’s worth another round of lessons.
I try to get out of work in time to get to the barn before he’s wandered off to the back field, but it just hasn’t been possible in the past few weeks.
Did I mention it is dark now? There are coyotes and other creatures out there. A bear, maybe. They don’t bother the herd but I fear I would be another story.
Tonight I couldn’t see the horses. Nor hear them.
I’m sure Jigs was there, in the shadows. Hiding.
I just wanted to groom him. Talk to him. It was a LONG day.
I know he’s frustrated too.
He deserves a better rider. One who can teach him to dance.
That will never be me
Tags: horse, horse crazy, horse ownership, horse training, horseback riding, jigs, responsible horse ownership
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Heccateisis's Blog 
November 14, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Not everyone dances to the same rhythm … you and Jigs are unique in your own way and it is p.e.r.f.e.c.t each day! *grin*
November 16, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Thanks Gwen 🙂
December 13, 2011 at 8:43 am
I’ve been having some rides like this lately and getting discouraged. I take lessons too, but not (usually) on my own horse because I don’t have a trailer. A few times I had my instructor come to my house and work with me and my horse in our ring, but she teaches English and I’ve been riding Dharla western because that’s all I know. (I’m taking English lessons with this instructor at her barn. Yes, I know it’s confusing!)
A couple of thoughts. One, I was told by the trainer who was training my horse when I bought her that the way she’s built is going to have a significant impact on what she does and doesn’t do well or easily. Now he’s someone who trains horses for a living and specializes in Arabs and half-Arabians so I think he probably has a pretty good understanding of conformation and movement. Certainly much better than my own. Note that he didn’t say my horse couldn’t do this or that, but that certain things will be more challenging for her to learn. I totally get that now because I’m seeing it in our progress … or lack thereof. Some things she just takes to with ease, others … not so much! And of course, it doesn’t help that I’m not overly experienced at schooling. I have tons of experience as a rider on a finished product, but training a new, green horse is a rather new challenge for me.
Two, horses have their own preferences. I think by nature most horses are lazy and if given a choice between schooling or trail riding, most would pick hitting the trails. Granted, there are some horses who thrive on going round and round in circles for hours, but I haven’t met many. It takes a lot of work and concentration for a horse to be schooled so if a horse gets to experience the mental freedom of the trail it’s hard for some of them to go back to schooling all the time. And I can’t say I blame them … it bores me to tears too!
Try not to get discouraged. Horses can get moody and have their “off” days too! Don’t let that make you doubt yourself!
December 14, 2011 at 6:33 am
I agree with you that horses have their talents and preferences. When I got Jigs, the manager of the barn I bought him from warned me he disliked doing ring work. I discovered later he was down right nasty with them. I’m flattered that he tries with me and while I know he’s not thrilled, he’s never nasty with me.
It’s funny, we go to local game and versatility shows and I’ve met some folks who avoid trails because their horses are too spooky. They fear going on them.
My favorite trainer/writer, Mark Rashid, wrote that you have to find what your horse likes. I think they all have their preferences and talents. I’ve certainly discovered what mine doesn’t like (LOL), but learning to collect and side passing are important foundational things he needs to know…. We are going back to basics to work on collection and I’ve stopped the lessons for now. (Last lesson the instructor put draw reins on him and he was really depressed afterwards.)