Just a quick blurb about Hobbes...I rode yesterday and he was so much fun to ride. I only spent about 10 min. in the ring warming him up and checking his mental state before I took him out for a hack. We did some trotting and cantering on an incline...that is an excellent way to check how balanced you are. We are not balanced and the downhill is a struggle. It forces me to check my own position and how I'm contributing to the problem (leaning, collapsing on one side, etc). I need to do more of that. We then just went for a trail ride on a loose rein. He's such a good boy...makes me want to keep him forever : )
And for the update on the RPSI gelding I tried...I got out there later than I wanted to Friday evening due to traffic. So we rode at dusk, which is a good check for spookiness for any horse! He is friggin big horse. Hobbes is about 16.3 but he just seems small in comparison to this guy, who's a solidly built 17H. He seems to have a good mind, quiet overall yet still happy and alert. He's not the sleep in the cross-ties I'm used to with Hobbes...but at only 7 now, he'll probably be like that when he's 16, too!
We put the dressage saddle on him and his owner rode him for a bit...he's a lovely BIG mover. She said a hunter rider almost bought him, but he doesn't have his changes as he's not hunter trained....they tried to teach him last week, which he apparently didn't like. He did act out a bit when he thought she was asking for a change. Acting out for him was just a kick-out, though, nothing really bad. I hopped on and rode around for a while. I felt like one of those crappy amateur riders dressage people make fun of who is riding a horse that she is not good enough to ride. In comparison to horses I've ridden, he just has so much more suspension...which in some ways makes things easier (less sewing machine-like, as in Hobbes' case) but is also tough to really keep your seat in transitions, etc. I don't know most of his buttons, so I think I confused him a little...but all in all, he seemed content to tote me around.
I'm planning on going back to try him again...I'd like to take him on a trail ride and hop over some little fences, although if I bought him, I'd probably do mostly dressage with him. My goal was to get to 2nd level, but he could do that plus way more. Of course, I'd have to learn to ride him correctly...which means way more lessons. She offered to let me take a lesson on him w/ her trainer...which I may take her up on. I think that would help me figure him out.
So, in summary: I really like him, but I'm nervous that I'm not ready for him yet. On the other hand, I'll never be ready for him if I keep riding Hobbes, who is just not a dressage horse. I've never had a super nice horse and, well, here's a good opportunity...I talked to my mom yesterday who's opinion is, "if you have the money, buy him!" Ha. Thanks Mom for the un-Mom like advice!
And, sorry to dissapoint ya'll, but my photographer/videographer was distracted while I was riding. The owner's husband has a mule...an appy mule. I wonder if we can get a 2 for 1 deal? Ha.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
GET THE MULE!!! :)
I would definitely take her up on the lesson idea before you make your decision. It sounds like a really great way to try him out with someone familiar helping you along the way.
Exciting - I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!!!
Well, the gelding has really big mule-like ears...so he might be confused as one!
Glad you enjoyed the larry horse -- and I'd take her up on the lesson idea (Lynn L is great!).
Bucky is ADORABLE (loud but adorable)...and when he first came, there was much discussion over who's ears were longer...Bucky or Larry
Sounds like a good opportunity. I'd definitely take a lesson on him to see how you do with some coaching. In theory the trainer could tell you if he's too much horse for you, but it sounds like you're ready for a horse to 'grow into'.
I 3rd/4th the lesson idea. It would be a GREAT way to learn a little bit more about him and see if you can handle his protests.
He will have to do flying changes eventually in dressage too, I would make sure whatever his protesting is about them that you are comfortable and the trainer feels that he will get them happily.
I agree with the others- get a lesson and go from there. It sounds like you can handle him fine...but if you have concerns his current trainer can help you with that.
And I'm with your mom- if you have the money, go for it! You'll learn his buttons, and he'll learn yours. You're certainly a solid enough rider that you aren't going to screw him up, and it sounds like he can teach you a lot!
I "umpteenth" the lesson! This horse sounds like a an awesome opportunity, though! He doesn't sound like too much horse for you, but a horse you can grow into and with!
Post a Comment