It's been nearly a week since I last rode, so today I took Anky into the school and we worked on relaxation and bending. Slowly, slowly she's starting to release and give. We finished with a short trot on both reins and we got some stretch down for a few strides, inconsistent but coming better.
I took Remy in the school and after a short in-hand session I got on. I was on for all of 30 seconds. I don't know what he spooked at, but he suddenly shot forwards and spun round, unbalanced me, which, I think frightened him more and he set off!
Where was my neck strap? I'd forgotten to put it on!
All I could think was, 'he's heading for the fence', which he was, and, 'I don't want to pull on his mouth', which, I don't know if I did or not!
Of course, before I could blink we were at the fence and I was wondering if he was going to try and jump it! He didn't, he just turned sharply and by this time my self self preservation/kamikaze/call it what you will instincts set in and I was looking for a way to get off.
I know, I wish I could overcome them, and , with Anky,who I know very well, I do, but with an unknown quantity, my instinct is to get my feet back on the ground as quickly as possible. I don't know quite how I got off him, it all happened too fast, but it involved the fence, several splinters and a grazed leg. Both the fence and I are a little worse for wear, but Remy seems ok. He trotted around the school as I hit the ground, and then came to me when I called him.
I got straight back on and he was fine so we continued with moving him around the school with walk/halt transitions and lots of changes of direction, then a couple of reinbacks and shoulder-in on the circle on both reins to finish.
Jim was up at the school, so he walked with me and I rode him back down the lane home.
So, our first spook. I'm glad it's over with and I'm really pleased at the way he calmed down so quickly after it. I'm sure that I could have dealt with it better, and I hope that I deal with the next one a little better!
Next time I ride I will remember to put on the neckstrap and we'll work a little, using it for walk and halt transitions.
9 comments:
Ouch, hope you're not too sore. I admire your ability to get out of the Lexington, I've wondered if I'd be able to in a hurry as it's so snug! Take care, xx
ouchy, hope you're not too bruised! but glad Remy was ok with you when you got back on... must be quite scary for a horse when they first lose their rider! having only recently got used to being ridden...
Oh Di!
Doesn't it happen so fast ..makes your head swim.
Well done with reclaiming the ride too..Remy,he sounds as if he has an excellent recovery!
So glad that you may have only been bruised.
I am still bruised in my head,(pensiveness) about riding out right now...it has been a few weeks off the horse...yet, I have had other reasons of late. I am going to WAIT for the new arena and round pen...before I attempt to get on...or when my siss is with! Jsut a bit shy at present.
Hope you are well still!
KK
"I admire your ability to get out of the Lexington"
Hehe, no skill involved, just crap balance!!
just crap balance!!
rubbish, not true!!
I am not sat reading your post chuckling HONEST!! Like you say your first spook out of the way......... tee hee
LOL, I'd a loved to see it on vid, I bet it looked pretty funny!
Yah Ouch! I don't know why but my stubborn self insists on riding out things like that. I think my fear of pain from hitting the ground is what keeps me in the saddle, or on their necks...
I think you've got the right idea Jeni, I wish I could change my instincts. It's easier when you know a horse and know what he's capable of. I don't know Remy under saddle, it's very early days and unfortunately my wimpy instincts won out!!
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