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T O P I C R E V I E W
Meggie-Lu
Posted - 16 Jul 2009 : 8:21:54 PM Hey guys, partly an update, went to see the mare iv'e got on loan 2day. The vet is coming to see her at the end of this week, he's realy coming to check on one of the other mares that has had a foal at the same time as my mare. If the vet is happy with her genral health and her back. Then i can start to ride. I have to admit iv'e only ridden my friends Irish Draught cross, and even then we din't do any thing much. I have to admit im a bit nervous about getting on her for the first time. Iv'e got an idea about how arab's can be, and im a strong girl, so i know i can hold her, but im just worry as to what to do with her. Im not planning on going straight onto the road as soon as i jump on.
Any advice or idea's would be most helpfull!
7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Meggie-Lu
Posted - 17 Jul 2009 : 7:50:48 PM Hey guys, thanks for the advice. Iv'e got some letter markers to oput in the school, im also riding this weekend. Im trying to find a good teacher, but i think i might just have a few private lessons, get me used to it again. I did ask Sam about her before hand, she said if you know how 2 ride she's a donkey but if you don't she will mess about. Sam said u have to at least show her your not bothered even if you are!
I also asked about riding out with one of the other horses, but one cnt b ridden and the other is still with her foal, but Sam did say when the foal is weaned off the we can ride out together, i think i might ride in the back feild aswell, it's big and will b a change of scene for Babe's.
My friend has an Arab and an Irish Draught cross, who is a angel! So might b able to grab him for a few rides too. Am going to see her again 2moz so i will let you know how it goes, and try and get some pictures.
Thanks again everyone!
Meggie x
Nichole Waller
Posted - 17 Jul 2009 : 7:12:02 PM Hi Meg,
Can you ask Sam what she was like to ride before she was put into foal?
As others have said, Arabs are quick to react but that isn't always a bad thing.
I'd just ride her in the school to start with in walk and get her used to you and you used to her. Probably half an hour each time for the first few rides is best as she's not worked for a long time and her back muscles won't be used to carrying a rider.
Try and remember what you were taught at the riding school about figures of eight, changing the rein, stopping at certain letters and then asking for walk again. Try and make her stand square when you stand. Just do some really slow and simple exercises in walk to get her listening to you.
You can also do some work in the school with her without riding her. Lead her over poles, in and out of cones. Get her to back up and then when you get really good you can get her to back up through an L shape of poles on the ground.
I try to ride Ozzy one day and then do 15 min of ground work (without me on him) the next day. This way he hasn't got to carry me every day and he doesn't get bored because he is always doing something different.
When you feel relaxed with her in the school and you want to try a hack out, get someone to go with out the first few times. Also, ask Sam if she is OK out on her own. Some horse love it and others (like Africa) hate it. I never take Africa out on her own, even though she is 16 now, she is still too naughty...
Give me a call any time if you want to chat about it.
Love Auntie Nick. xxx
precious
Posted - 17 Jul 2009 : 08:20:33 AM Have you got another calm horse that can go out with you the first time to give you and maybe your horse some confidence. Lessons are great for everyone to help form that bond and again confidence. Have fun!
Kharidian
Posted - 16 Jul 2009 : 10:29:41 PM Meggie-Lu, You certainly don't need to be "strong". Quite the opposite in fact - sensitive and tactful is the way to get the best out of most horses - especially an Arab so please don't start with the mindset that you'll need help - just ride quietly and take it from there! I also think you'd both benefit from a few lessons.
Caryn
nikki83
Posted - 16 Jul 2009 : 9:44:24 PM I think lessons would be a good idea, for both you and your mare to get used to each other and work together. The use of the school would be good. Just do a little at a time. keep us posted with what the vet says. Nikki x
Meggie-Lu
Posted - 16 Jul 2009 : 9:04:11 PM Hey Bex - Well the yard where Babes is has an unfinished sand school, the yard owner said im free to ride in teh school which will be good. Iv'e found some riding trails around where i live. Though i think i might wait before i go on the road. Do you think it's worth getting a few lessons?
Meggie
bexr
Posted - 16 Jul 2009 : 8:54:59 PM You will find most Arabs are sensetive to the aids, and tend to react quickly. Even though most are forward going, most don't tend to pull. Are you going to be riding in a school? I would just keep it simple, and take it at a pace you are comfortable with. Good luck
and he doesn't get bored because he is always doing something different.