Should I use my own horse or one of their's in a riding clinic?

Question

I'm taking the clinic mainly to gain confidence because I've had a few scares on my mare and hardly ride at all anymore. The instructor says if I bring my horse she can tell in 5 seconds if I am the problem or if it's the horse. I'm thinking if I do well on a horse who doesn't know me I will become more confident. Any opinions?

Answer 1

I would attend the clinic intending to ride my own horse. If this instructor can tell you that it is not a problem with your horse then you still get to ride the clinic horse to try and straighten out your fears. If it is with your horse then perhaps you are in the right place to get the help you need to get your mare on the right track.  win win either way.. Good luck

Also riding someone Else's horse doesn't always calm the fears you may have developed on your own horse, you need to do that from your own horses back.  Most horses don't have a hurt the human agenda, it is subtle clues you give her that she doesn't understand and you don't know you are giving. Take small steps, get on and off, ride at a walk for 15 minutes, work in circles at a walk, when you feel the slightest bit of anxiety get off, brush your mare, feed her a carrot and walk away.  Do this as often as it takes to build up your confidence...You didn't develope this problem overnight and with horses there is no quick fix. It is doing the same things the same way every time you work her. She will build confidence in you. EM

Answer 2

yours because its the one your having trouble with and they can help you be feel more safe

Answer 3

I'd take my own, especially since the instructor recommends it and you've talked about the problem with her.  

You may be able to use the clinic to correct what is specifically wrong.  No amount of sitting on a school horse is going to do that.

On the other hand, if you're really, truly, scared but want to get started again, perhaps getting on your horse again is too much?  If it is, ride theirs.  Then when you've gotten some confidence back, maybe you can take your own horse to one.