My article is about my 10 Yr old grey mare Misty. As most of you know from my ponybox account on paint I have had a lot of problems with Misty in my 4 years with her. Misty is a Arab cross and therefore has a lot of energy, but Misty also had other problems! Misty would buck whenever in trot or asked to canter and she would also leap through the air after her buck. When I jumped Misty she would always dart toward the jump at a fast pace and then leap over the jump in a very horrible way. I then realized that my saddle fitter had fitted Misty's saddle wrong on purpose so he could sell another new saddle and make even more money. Because of this it meant I wouldn't be able to ride Misty for months as I had to wait for a new saddle from a new saddle fitter that was highly recommended from my local stables.
When I got my new saddle the saddler said it could take up to six months until she has got it out of her head that the saddle won't hurt her anymore! Misty did get better over time but she was still a high energy and bucking horse. This was when I started training her myself in my field during the summer holidays. I new Misty could be something special but all the riding teachers said
"You’re mad to ride a horse like that."
My mum says it was a huge mistake to buy her and that I should have looked around for another horse, but I fell in love with Misty as soon as I saw her. Misty has also taught me a lot with my riding with her acting up. People don't believe me when I say that Misty taught me how to canter and how to jump, but actually I do feel safe on her and I think there is a connection between us.
During the holidays I rode her in my field and managed to stop her bucking. I'm now working on her head. She does have the odd buck now and then but she is so much better to ride. She doesn’t seem to race and rush anymore and she has the most beautiful movements.
To see some of our progress, watch my new YouTube video of us cantering and trotting:
I am now busy working on jumping her and I will hopefully have some more updated videos of her progress. To watch Misty’s progress please subscribe to my YouTube account and also please favourite and comment on the video if you like it.
RELAX YOUR ARMS!!! Part of the reason she is thowing her head like that is because of your arms! They are pinned down and so you are hurting her mouth. She doesn't seemed to be relaxeed and enjoying the riding like she should be.
RELAX YOUR ARMS!!! Part of the reason she is thowing her head like that is because of your arms! They are pinned down and so you are hurting her mouth. She doesn't seemed to be relaxeed and enjoying the riding like she should be.
Congrats on how far you both have come! I would have spread the word about that saddle fitter and leapt down his throat about it, that is NOT on. It's good you realised what he was doing. And please, do keep us updated on both your progress :D
Congrats on how far you both have come! I would have spread the word about that saddle fitter and leapt down his throat about it, that is NOT on. It's good you realised what he was doing. And please, do keep us updated on both your progress :D
She's very pretty :) Have you tried doing a little dressage work during practice? Thats what I do with my own green horse and when I'm schooling ther horses It helps the horse listen to you as a rider.
She's very pretty :) Have you tried doing a little dressage work during practice? Thats what I do with my own green horse and when I'm schooling ther horses It helps the horse listen to you as a rider.
I'm not the most experianced rider, but I noticed your arms are very stiff and your shoulders are forward whilst your seat is back.
Maybe if you set your shoulders back and sunk your weight into the saddle she might respond to your seat aids better. Also, relaxing your arms and making them un-stiff will reduce tension through the reins and create a more elasticy feel, making it more comfortable for Misty, and more control for you.
I could be totally wrong, as I'm not an expert, but try it, and see if it helps (: xx
She's gorgeous by the way! Don't give up on her, stuff them riing teachers, your doing great!
I'm not the most experianced rider, but I noticed your arms are very stiff and your shoulders are forward whilst your seat is back.
Maybe if you set your shoulders back and sunk your weight into the saddle she might respond to your seat aids better. Also, relaxing your arms and making them un-stiff will reduce tension through the reins and create a more elasticy feel, making it more comfortable for Misty, and more control for you.
I could be totally wrong, as I'm not an expert, but try it, and see if it helps (: xx
She's gorgeous by the way! Don't give up on her, stuff them riing teachers, your doing great!
did you have a vet do chiropractic work on her after you found out the saddle didn't fit? I would try that to see if that would make her feel a little more comfortable.
did you have a vet do chiropractic work on her after you found out the saddle didn't fit? I would try that to see if that would make her feel a little more comfortable.