Hi everyone! Well, I have been having a problem with my horse and am hoping for some advice. She is a 16.2hh, 5 year old, TB mare (never raced). I bought her
as a 3'6" A circuit hunter prospect (eventually lol). She was way overpriced in this market but hopefully will be worth it in the long run.
Anyways, we have been having a speed problem. You'd think too fast, right? Well, actually, she is so, so lazy! I ride her twice a week currently (I am in high school so have a lot of work). These past couple days I have honestly been having a very difficult time getting her to trot. I am not big (5'4") so I use some aids. I ride her in a eggbutt snaffle, custom fitted saddle, and currently 1/2" spurs and carry a crop. Once I get her trotting she is ok (a little slow) but it is near impossible to get her to canter more than a large circle a couple times. Jumps don't speed her up at all; if anything she requires more leg to get to them. I have also been having trouble picking up the left lead and have had to resort to getting it by flying changes. I swear, this horse can do her changes from a walk. They are not pretty because we have NO impulsion. I have been riding for around ten years and own another TB mare. She is also slow but definitely not lazy. This current horse compares more to a fat Shetland than a TB.
I knew she was "a little lazy" when we bought her (in NJ in 27 degree weather I needed a crop), but it seems that as soon as I got her home (Richmond, VA) she became much, much lazier. I am trying not to complain too much, as it is good to have a quiet horse for a hunter. Although, as previously stated, she was supposed to be my 3' or 3'6" horse. It seems like unless I stick a firecracker up her butt that isn't going to happen
Oh, and btw, it is not pain. Custom saddle, chiropractor every month, vet checked, etc. Just personality I think - she falls asleep in the cross ties. Do you think she is just out of shape? I should probably be having my trainer rider her more, but I just cannot afford the full training board. Regular board is now $850 where I am and to add the extra riding/lessons it would go over $1100.
I would love to hear any suggestions on how to encourage forward movement. Thanks!
Anyways, we have been having a speed problem. You'd think too fast, right? Well, actually, she is so, so lazy! I ride her twice a week currently (I am in high school so have a lot of work). These past couple days I have honestly been having a very difficult time getting her to trot. I am not big (5'4") so I use some aids. I ride her in a eggbutt snaffle, custom fitted saddle, and currently 1/2" spurs and carry a crop. Once I get her trotting she is ok (a little slow) but it is near impossible to get her to canter more than a large circle a couple times. Jumps don't speed her up at all; if anything she requires more leg to get to them. I have also been having trouble picking up the left lead and have had to resort to getting it by flying changes. I swear, this horse can do her changes from a walk. They are not pretty because we have NO impulsion. I have been riding for around ten years and own another TB mare. She is also slow but definitely not lazy. This current horse compares more to a fat Shetland than a TB.
I knew she was "a little lazy" when we bought her (in NJ in 27 degree weather I needed a crop), but it seems that as soon as I got her home (Richmond, VA) she became much, much lazier. I am trying not to complain too much, as it is good to have a quiet horse for a hunter. Although, as previously stated, she was supposed to be my 3' or 3'6" horse. It seems like unless I stick a firecracker up her butt that isn't going to happen
Oh, and btw, it is not pain. Custom saddle, chiropractor every month, vet checked, etc. Just personality I think - she falls asleep in the cross ties. Do you think she is just out of shape? I should probably be having my trainer rider her more, but I just cannot afford the full training board. Regular board is now $850 where I am and to add the extra riding/lessons it would go over $1100.
I would love to hear any suggestions on how to encourage forward movement. Thanks!
