At 22:13:57 on 23.02.11, ShadowsGirl33 wrote:
Okay so my first horse is young and has very little training. My trainer says that I am capable of taking care of him, but he has almost seriously hurt me both on the ground and in the saddle. I love him and am sure that I can work with him, but I just don't have the confidence it seems like I am always afraid and that makes me hesitant to show him who is boss. We were making progress and I even took him a show last summer and won some ribbons, but then we started losing ground. I really need some advice to get my confidence up.

At 06:23:34 on 24.02.11, leeshagrl13 wrote:
I totally understand what you're going through. I got my first horse when she was 2 and completely green. I was so unconfident that she walked all over me. She would buck the first times I tried to ride her and I just got so frustrated. We had good times and bad times, but I just felt like I couldn't handle working with her because I felt like I wasn't good enough. Well she's 5 now, and I absolutely love her. I've bonded with her through all the trials and tribulations and we actually make quite a pair. All I can tell you is to stay strong and never doubt yourself. I've had points where I wanted to give up riding because my horse was being so horrible, but you have to stick with it. It will be worth it in the end, I promise. I don't regret keeping her, and I don't regret anything that's happened between us. I went from having a barn sour bucking little brat to an amazing horse who i'd do anything for. I included a video of her, so you can hopefully see that you can accomplish anything, just like I have.. Hopefully that helps..

At 01:14:18 on 25.02.11, ShadowsGirl33 wrote:
Thank you so much for that advice it good to know that someone else has had good results. P.S you two look great in that video.

At 01:15:50 on 25.02.11, ShadowsGirl33 wrote:
Thank you so much for that advice it good to know that someone else has had good results. P.S you two look great in that video.

At 03:36:53 on 07.03.11, yogirl10198 wrote:
As a general tip, buying a young, green, not-very-well-trained horse as your first horse is not the smartest move. BUT since you seem to really love him and have control over him some of the time, I say keep working with him. Your horse IS you. Well, kind of. His attitude is your attitude. If your are energetic, he will be energetic. If you are scared, he will be scared, and so on. Try to think happy, relaxed thoughts when you are around him and he will be happy and relaxed. If you feel that he is overpowering you, show him that you are boss. Don't be afraid to hit him with a crop or anything when he gets out of line, or make a loud noise to distract him and make him stop whatever he is doing. It is ok, you are not doing anything wrong.

At 19:41:36 on 07.03.11, Angelalain wrote:
I think you need to seriously think about your options here. If you honestly feel that your horse has 'almost' hurt you are you really confident enough with him to make any progress? Do you have anyone to help you? I don't just mean occasionally, I mean on a regular basis. Once he's got the better of you it will take a while to assert your dominance again, and using a stick on him to do so is not the answer. I'm not one of these advocates of 'you shouldn't hit your horse, ever' (and there are a lot on this website who are!)A sharp smack as a reminder of manners is sometimes necessary, but if you've lost control of a situation a stick will not help you regain it! If you are truly worried about dealing with him maybe you should consider cutting your losses and moving him on before he gets too unruly for anyone to want him. A friend of mine took on a 2 yr old, he is now 5 and she has spent all winter in a wheelchair as a result of his actions. He's totally green, she backed him and has little experience, he went away to be schooled, and when he came back she continued to hack him out. He got more and more naughty, and eventually spooked at a puddle and stood on his hind legs. Whether she pulled him over, or he slipped or he just threw himself up so high he went over no-one will ever know, because she was alone and she has no idea what really happened. He landed on her and smashed her pelvis. She now has a dilemma, she will never get on him again so ...keep him as a pet (not an option) Sell him? She's worried if he should do it again, she doesn't feel she can , and if people know what he did, who will buy him. Last option have him put down. She now acknowledges she should have sold him last year when she realised he was too much for her. Don't wait for either you or him to get hurt. If you really feel he is too much for you make the break before its too late.

At 10:47:23 on 09.03.11, Part Arab wrote:
Yep agree with Angelalain. You need to decide whether or not YOU feel safe and able to work with (and enjoy) this horse successfully. Trust your gut instinct. If yes, act as if you are confident and watch your horse believe it. Good Luck :)

At 13:17:54 on 19.03.11, ShadowsGirl33 wrote:
I get what you guys are saying and just want to mention that i do have someone helping me at all times i am with him and just yesterday we dropped him off at a trainers for a month, i get and i am sorry about your friend thanks for they advice.