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About Amanda Groff
Expertise
I can answer any questions about anything. Training in all discipline's, nutrition, riding advice, and buying new horses. Just ask and I got all the answers.
Experience
training Thoroughbred racehorses with hall of fame trainer Jack Van Berg, champion barrel racer, assistant vet, training colts for all disciplines. excersise rider on the track for 3 years.Riding instructor for 3 years for english and western. assistant trainer for world class Reinner and trainer of champion Major Sno Chex, Donnie Bricker.
Organizations
APHA, California Horse Racing Board,Socal Cowgirls Club,Riverside Range Riders.
Education/Credentials
Equine Science, Equine Training Study, Equine Nutrition,and EquineAnatomy
Awards and Honors
State Champion Barrel Racer, Instructor of the year (at our barn) many western pleasure championsships, #1 pole bender of the Riverside Range Riders, Cowgirl of the year for the socal cowgirl club
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You are here: Experts > Sports > Horse Racing > Horses > what am i doing wrong?
Horses - what am i doing wrong?
Expert: Amanda Groff - 11/4/2009
Question
"Hi I have been riding horses for about 8 years in England, until 1 year ago I had a bad fall and I was dragged by the horse, i lost my confidents and stoped riding. A year later I’m in Australia working with animals around the country. I stared to miss horse riding so i decided to lease a horse from a riding stable. The horse that they paired me up with is a lovely mare, everyone around the stable tells me how jealous they are, and how she’s one of the best horses there. When i rode her she was nice and forward but she keep on pulling on the rains and jerking her head, so i gave her more rains but then she would try an canter off, so I gaverd the rains back up to bring her back into a walk (as i wasn’t confident enough to let her canter while she’s in control), this carried on for the whole ride, in the end my hands were badly blistered from playing tug of war. The riding centre is offering me another quieter horse to lease, but i want to improve my riding and if she is one of the best horses there would it be better if i kept her? Can you please tell me what I’m doing wrong so riding can be a pleasurable experience for both of us. Thanks charlotte
Answer
hi charlotte,
i am sorry to hear about your bad experience. i know how it feels to be dragged and hurt but you always have to remember they didn't do it on purpose and you have to get back in the saddle. what people say a horse is and what a horse really is are two different things. a horse will act different with each person. this mare may be nice and well trained but she is testing you to see what she can and cannot get away with. she may want to run but it is not for her to decide. i personally think you should stick with this horse and teach her to behave well for you. getting on a quieter horse wont boost your confidence and it wont advance your riding. so, since she pulls your arms to point were they blister you need to do this, one if shes in a regular snaffle bit get her out of it! this bit is not doing anything for you. it may work on her with other riders but not you. put a Kimberwick Snaffle Bit in her. it has different spots were you can put your rein through so you can have more leverage and then when shes better you can put it in the middle hole and it will be as easy as a normal snaffle bit. next is she is not flexing and giving into you. a German martingale will fix this easily. it will gently make her break at the poll and give in to your hand. these devices are not going to fix the problem completely you also need to do some training on her. take here in the arena and mount her. pull your left rein back to your knee. she may start to turn in circle but let her do not do anything. when she stops and gives in to your pressure release, let the tension go. do this to both sides. it is called flexing. you also want to flex her head down and make her break at the poll. pull evenly back on both reins. do not move your legs at all. if she backs up let her. wait till she stops and gives in then release. you cannot do this enough. flexing will give her a softer mouth and will make her more responsive. also you need to practice verbal commands. start out at a walk and ask her to whoa. if she doesn't then pull back. keep repeating this until she will stop on a voice command only. once you have it at a walk go to a trot. tell her walk if she doesn't pull back and say walk. keep at this until you can go from a trot to a walk to a whoa all on voice commands. the same goes with a canter. when you feel you are ready get her to go from canter to trot to walk to whoa on voice commands. now if your on the trail and she is trying to go faster simply turn her in a circle a few times and make her stand. if she takes a step forward then make her take two steps back and stand. this wont be easy, it wont happen over night or even over a week. you need to be consistent and never let her get away with anything. i know you can do this and i have full belief you will get your confidence back fast. keep your head up, heels down, and a smile on your face. riding is about having fun and accomplishing thing you couldn't on your own. you and this mare are a team and you need to work together. if you have any other questions just let me know and i will be more then happy to help. also keep me updated on your progress and if you want send pictures! i love seeing the horses and people im helping.
the best of luck to you charlotte!
amanda
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