It has been a blur of days, where we learn to adapt to a new way of living. It does seem rather isolated at times, but I have been lucky enough to be able to go to the stables for a few hours every day. However, I have been doing a lot of riding on my own, which often makes me wonder

“Am I wrecking my horse?”

When something is not going quite so well; my horse is resisting the left bend, and equal in both reins, or can’t find a good spot to that oxer, there is a niggling doubt in me.. the doubt that says that I am doing the wrong thing and in the process, I am ruining my horse or making things worse for him.

This is of course made worse in our current situation, where so much of the riding is done on my own, without a coach or someone to video me.

All I then do is fall back on my feel, instincts and innate knowledge in me. I normally run through a quick check list which may include any of the following questions

1. Am I sitting even / straight?
2. Is my canter good enough?
3. Am I pulling back on the reins?

You can make up your own checklist of things that you know you have a habit of doing or that you need reminders for. Be confident in your abilities and what you want to achieve. Asking yourself this question does not necessarily mean a lack of self confidence.. more of just an empathy and innate bond that you have with your horse… that you want to do the right things by your horse.

With my answers, I can then fix what is necessary and try again. I always tell people that the horse is your mirror. He will tell you what you are doing wrong… so it is always wise to listen to him and not blame your horse for your shortcomings.

There are times when you ask for something, and you will encounter some resistance from your horse, or a little question from him to say are you sure? If you know you are correct, then push through and trust the process. You are not wrecking your horse.

Sometimes I know that when my horse questions me, I back off and make excuses for him, whereas I should actually be riding through the issue. Backing off too many times and making excuses can sometimes make matters worse. This can be a way of indirectly wrecking your horse!

What I am trying to say is that your horse is not perfect. You won’t wreck him when you make mistakes, IF you make sure you try to correct those mistakes. You are not perfect either.. so he has to learn to accept that. Most horses are generally quite forgiving, as long as we try as much as possible to be clear, consistent and concise with what we ask.

Forgiveness has to come from both sides. Forgive the mistakes, but correct them, have confidence in your abilities and knowledge, and enjoy the process!