Steering help?

Question

well a new horse just came in, dolly, ive been the only one to ride her, she used to be a show horse but now she was sold to us and now she is my show horse. shes afraid of almost EVERYTHING, but she is only 3, just a baby, so its expected i guess...

but thats not the problem

i have to use quiet leg. i only ridden her in private lessons, but this week my instructor let me use her for camp (2 hours a day) & shes okay with it. but shes been wanting to go in the center if she sees somebody or some horse in there and i cant use leg at all ): so i squeeze my fingers mostly but instead of turning into the rail, she brings her head back and i get yelled at. im in camp for another 4 weeks and i dont want to make anymore of an idiot out of myself with my own show horse then i already have. in shows shes amazing, but her steering in camp i terrible! and if my instructor sees that she wont let me show her help!?

Answer 1

Your horse is green and untrained.  She is young and fearful of things that should not offend a horse that is better broke.  You should be concerned about your horse and her development, not camp and your moron instructor.  "Steering" your horse should be accomplished using your entire body, not your hands.  Your hands and reins are a last communication tool, not the first.  Your current riding will only lead to  more problems and confusion for your horse and she is just a baby.  Do what you have to do to help your horse.  Everything else is petty and superficial and unimportant.  Helping your horse is all that truly matters.

Answer 2

Your new horsie may just need time to settle into her new home! Three years old is still very young for a horse, and although she may have done some showing, she likely lacks the confidence and consistency of an older, more experienced horse. Get her used to being in the arena by leading her around on foot first. Then if she still needs encouragement, have a friend ride with you on a more experienced horse, and let your mare follow behind, while getting her used to the steering aids. Remember that when you pull on one rein to steer, you have to back it up using your opposite leg to push her over.

Best of luck to you and your new mare, and dont be afraid to ask your instructor for help. A good instructor knows what you and your horse are capable of, so it might be a good idea to hold off the showing until you and your horse are more comfortable with each other.

Answer 3

I suggest talking to your instructor about your horse. If you explain it to her (like you did here), she will probably understand your problem. She may even be willing to take time and help you.

Answer 4

I'd do what YOU think feels right. She's young! Take it slowly! If you need, take a break from the instructor!

And actually, young-uns are the least scared, as they go through life they find MORE things to get scared of.

Answer 5

Talk to your instructor about the problem. It's their job to help you learn how to work with horses both on the ground and under saddle, and they should be more than happy to help you out. I doubt she'd want to stop you from showing your horse just because you've hit this small glitch. She'll work you through it and help you either correct your horse or correct something you're doing with your aids that may be confusing your horse. She's young, so it's very likely that she's simply getting confused with your aids, especially since you're a new rider to her, and you two are still getting used to each other.

My tip right now would be to press your leg as you squeeze lightly with the reins. Even if your horse responds very easily to your leg, she should learn to move forward through the motion and collect herself. Raising her head may be her way of avoiding the bit, so put your leg on to accompany the aids given through your reins and push her forward. Just sit back and deep in the saddle, and be prepared for her to move forward more quickly than you'd have liked. As long as you bring her back to a walk or the pace you were going before, she should learn fairly quickly that you don't want her to take off, just move forward with impulsion.

Good luck with the new horse, and in the show season!

Answer 6

You could try to neck rein her. Or just keep her nose slightly pointed toward the rail, and if she ever tries to go in, just give her a bump with you leg.

Or you could try using bumper spurs, which make the cues you are giving with your legs sharper, and she might listen better.

Also, you could carry a crop and see how she responds to that. Tap her should if she tries to turn in.

You could always ask your instructor for help, that's what she's there for. But I understand that you don't want to. =P