May
I’m used to riding my teensy pony, and now I am moving on to a 16.2hh gelding. He’s like a guardian angel though we’ve only met twice, and we both get along together extremely well. I trust him to not take off bucking or galloping off, but when we canter, I get wary, and I panic slightly when he doesn't listed to my tugs, pulls, or halfhalts, and puts his head slightly lower than originally (not in a buck position) and he increases speed. I feel panicked though he isn't moving that swiftly. It isn't his movement that troubles me, its that he increases speed and he is a lot bigger and I have this constant bad feeling that if he goes too fast, I won't be able to control him, and I’ll fall off. I am not looking down, and I have tried 'easy' and all the other tiny methods. Its something I know I’m going to get used to as I’ve outgrown my pony..a little help? I can clarify more if needed..
Answer:
It's pretty natural to be a little uneasy when graduating to a more massive horse. I used to ride a short welsh pony and when I turned 13 my mom got me a thoroughbred and it was a tiny terrifying to realize how far away the ground was at this point. But learning to rest is the best hting you can do.
Also I like this woman's way of putting it:
“When you are so afraid that you are tense, your riding suffers *and* it feels more frightening, because you bounce and you’re less stable in the saddle. If you can get your body to relax, that can help you feel more relaxed emotionally as well.
1) Breathe. When we are tense, we unconsciously hold our breath. This will stiffen your back and generally make you more physically tense. You can speak, sing, or just focus on breathing regularly in and out. Any of these will keep you from holding your breath.
2) Open your ribcage–”put your shoulders back”–lift your shoulders. If you're tense, you'll be inclined to lean forward, hunch yourself into a fetal position; that also locks up your back and makes you bounce. Sit up straight, put your shoulders back (reasonably, not like you're trying to push your chest into everybody's face) and feel how much easier it is to breathe and to move your back. Sitting straight will reinforce relaxation as well.
The tendency to hunch your back is unconscious; sitting up will require conscious effort. When you're trying to break a habit, it can help to pick something you'll see frequently (like a particular post in the arena or round pen) and check yourself each time you pass it.
3) Find something to focus on that's positive. Consider how much fun it will be when you can throw a saddle on and go for a relaxed ride. Consider how much you adore your horse and how happy you are to be on her back. Consider what a pretty color of blue the sky is this day. If you sing, pick a silly song that makes you laugh; a complicated song that takes a lot of your attention is even superior.
If you can distract yourself from the fear, you’ll feel more natural.”
Answer:
Any big horse can be intimidating when you aren't used to the size. But, remember, it isn't the horse's size that creates problems, it's the horse's training level and basic temperament. If this horse makes you nervous, go slowly and just walk the horse till you feel comfortable. Getting to know the horse will help tremendously.
Answer:
Practice, practice, practice. Experience is the best remedy for nervousness.
Answer:
Relax. I ride Clydesdales. Let the beast do all the work.
Answer:
Put it simply, the horse is a prey animal. When it's trusted rider starts to panic and get upset the horse thinks 'oh now I need to be upset.' Firstly you need to stay calm.
Circles are always good. Pull one rein to your knee and it will cause him to cut himself off. This is a method to use if you loose control.
Try ground work first so you can get to know the horse and the gaits. Maybe this horse just moves quicker? Observing from the ground and working the horse that way will teach you a lot and build your confidence.
EDIT: The previous answer given was very poor to the point I needed to add this. The size of the horse has totally NOTHING to do with how hard you need to ask them. I can get most of the horses, including Irish Sports I ride to respond with a pinky finger. I actually use more rein on some of the smaller horses I ride. Size has NOTHING to do with pressure of asking them to do something.
Answer:
I’m sure that you are a confident rider…but I find that when people are intimidated or nervous when moving from a trot to a canter that the horse, obviously, senses that like so many other people have said…but what is your first instinct?…it is most prone to lean just a little bit more forward and to tense just a little bit more with your legs? It is humans natural response…something like the fetal position while riding a horse. Well for the horse that’s saying “Go faster.” Sometimes more massive horses do need larger commands…you seem to have met the previous owners, I would ask them some questions about his speed and how well he responds to commands, when given right. I would look at what you might be doing wrong first, it only takes something little. Then you should be able to move on to the horse, maybe he is just used to a heavy hand. I actually tend to be more wary of the smaller horses then the larger ones, but I suppose each of us has our own preference.
Answer:
You’re graduating to a more massive horse, it probably seems like to much. You must keep you know how in your mind, you know what you re doing. Don't let size intimidate you. You have to keep in mind of what you know, and if you've been taught right, you'll be fine. When you're on this large horse, before you take off, picture yourself on the smaller horse. Close your eyes, just for a moment, and think I know what I'm doing, I have the ability to do this. You must take a deep breath and tell yourself that you can do this, nothing has changed, you are the same. Don't panic, you must figure him out, and you’ll in time. But don't let his size worry you. Be confident in what you know, if he gets out of control, or you feel like you are getting to nervous, stop him. Start over, there is nothing wrong with starting over. I tell all of my students, if things get to where they can't handle the horse, tell him whoa, and begin back at a walk. Make him listen to you, and when he does, your ready to ride. Good Luck!!
Answer:
You must remember that this horse is larger than your pony it will feel faster in its gaits, it has longer legs so will take larger strides and feel faster. Same as with your commands on your reins he’ll probably need a bit more pressure as he is bigger and tiny tugs will feel very light compared to your pony who they may feel sharp to. It’s like a new pair of shoes they feel strange at first because there not your comfy old ones that fit you exactly perfect. but try not to scar yourself, because if your that wary of him hes maybe not the horse for you as you don't want to knock your confidence in riding.
Answer:
because you’re moving onto a larger horse, your commands also have to be “larger”. for example, if you want to make him stop, you’re going to need to tug a little harder on the reins than you’re used to with your current pony.
its similar to moving from a sports car to a long bed pickup. everything you're used to doing now has to be done in a different way.