First rides on Sebastian

[granniesboy]

Have ridden Seb twice since he arrived on Monday ,in the school for about 20 Min's at a time. I have him in a loose ring french link snaffle.
He is sooooo different to ride from my other horse , I was very apprehensive first time ( thank heaven for rescue remedy). Oliver is a slug compared to seb. As soon as you pick up contact he's off in work mode. Thunders along,I really have to find my seat, I know i put it some where. Doing lots of transitions and half halts to get him listening and also just testing brakes. And slowing my rising to slow him down. Any comments or suggestions greatly appreciated.

[solomon]

You just need to get to know each other. it takes time. Any chance of a few lessons? They always help me. In the meantime, you know what to do, it's just having the confidence to follow through. Tell yourself you are riding someone else's horse. That often works for me too, don't make allowances, just be firm and fair. Horses prefer it!

[granniesboy]

Thanks, Have emailed my instructor and waiting for a reply. Haven't had her out for over a year. But she's become very busy and we don't have transport to go to her. My friend in the mean time is watching us and helping out. Don't feel like taking him out yet till i,m more used to him and we slow down. But I am having fun!

[fleabitten]

Totally echo sol's advice!

I would highly recommend getting an instructor out to you as soon as possible, to give you guidance, get you on track and build your confidence - the last thing you want is a confidence knock.

Do you know of any other instructors?

Afraid I cant give any recommendations but perhaps there are others from yorkshire on here who would be able to help you.

[fimacg]

just get used to him, he is also somewhere new and will need to know his boundaries, but it sounds like you are doing the right kind of things, also keep varying it so he doesn't get to anticipate, lots of circles squares, serpentines, all good for both of you

[florence]

Just try to relax and get used to him. No need to put pressure on yourself to do more than you're comfortable with.

[granniesboy]

Have a lesson booked for next week. Need to slow him down and work on brakes. At the moment have him in a french link snaffle but think i'll try a jointed.

[fleabitten]

Would a french link not be stronger?

[kitcat]

Good luck with your lesson next week. I will look forward to hearing all about it.

[granniesboy]

Fleabitten. I understand that the jointed is stonger because of the nut cracker action but i may be wrong.

[fimacg]

Bboth Brave and Chompy both have double jointed bits one a french link and one a lozenge, horses with big fat tongues like cobs, or dished faces often go better in them as it makes more room in their mouths.