At 05:59:06 on 05.09.10, Fritzalot wrote:
Going back to school last August I got really busy and wasn't able to ride. And then I got sick for six months. I haven't ridden my horse in a year and I am nervous about getting back in the saddle. I have never been a super confident rider. Also, my horse, Savannah, is very energetic. She is not a bad horse, but sometimes she has a hard time focusing her energy, i guess you could say. She is also buddy/barn sour. I would love to start riding her again, but I don't know what steps to take. I would love any and all advice. Thanks. :)

At 08:56:12 on 05.09.10, Flicka wrote:
I've got a mare like yours so I know what it's like!! I would start building up your relationship with some groundwork-look for some ideas in horse training and training the natural way groups. As you've said yourself you need to keep her focused to gain her confidence. When you get back on I'd spend lots of time at walk, keeping everything slow, lots of turns, legs yields, shoulder in, to keep her interested and getting her to listen to you all the time. And work on breathing slowly and deeply. Well it worked with my mare anyway. Good Luck:)

At 20:04:45 on 05.09.10, Fritzalot wrote:
Thanks! I'll definately try it. :)

At 00:53:44 on 06.09.10, bazz94 wrote:
I like what Flicka has suggested, I'd like to add on maybe to get rid of some energy and get her to concentrate on listening to you before you're up there I'd tried lunging her.. preferably double long lines or side reins...I prefer double long lines as this gives you almost full control. At first just walk and trot and one canter on each side... we don't want lots of canter as this brings their energy up and excited but it's good to see a canter. Make sure you make both sides work. So start off clockwise and then go anti-clockwise OR if you want just keep switching as this will get her listening and start her to bend in a smallish circle. Depending on how good she is on the first go maybe just leave on a good note without any riding, just so she gets the message that when she works she will get a rest if she works nicely. Then gradually build up to getting on her, maybe if you want get someone to leg you up at first as this is something quick and if the person lifts you then you have to get up sorta thing. The long lining also helps her build up some fitness as well =) oh and make sure you get yourself in a good mode whilst working with her, smile even when you don't feel like it and well HAVE FUN!! =D

At 00:54:06 on 06.09.10, bazz94 wrote:
wow sorry, that was quite long ahaha... I tend to write essays... sorry.

At 02:00:53 on 06.09.10, Fritzalot wrote:
Hahaha! Thats totally okay. I tend to do the same thing. I really appreciate all the advice. I am planning on going out and doing some work tomorrow. I let you know how it goes. :)

At 21:53:36 on 06.09.10, Biche wrote:
I have a friend who cound,nt ride like you she lost all confidence, She took up Parelli to build on her bond with her horse and do lots of walking out in hand , and played games. Its now amazing how her and her horse are. Idid a course at Ashen Equestrian center in Suffolk, and from this my riding has come on in leaps and bounds. It consisded of Hypnothearpy,and learning to have positive thoughts. The tutors were brilliant. Anything is worth a try to enjoy you riding . But just enjoy being with your horse, its surprising what you learn.