This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses » Hunters & Jumpers » Discussions on Hunters & Jumpers not covered by the above »
  Discussion on Jumping on grass vs. dirt
Author Message
New Member:
Althaea

Posted on Sunday, Sep 8, 2002 - 9:18 pm:

Sounds like you have a timid rider who has once again been "over-horsed". Perhaps a round-about sneak attack could be done. Very sneaky but could resolve the situation. Can you approach the mom with - gosh your daughter's horse is absolutely gorgeous - do you think I might pop up on him sometime to try him out? Put him through his paces (sensibly of course). This might encourage the youngster that there is nothing to fear. Of course it might have the opposite effect if the horse is too much for her to handle. I always find it horribly sad when kids are forced to ride. I've never seen one that ultimately went on to love the sport - they just resent the pushing. Does your barn have a rule that horses may only be jumped during a lesson? If not perhaps this is a good time to develop the rule.
New Member:
Cnichola

Posted on Sunday, Sep 29, 2002 - 10:59 pm:

We show over fences on grass and sand/rubber mix. If too wet, the grass will be slippery and studs would be appropriate (either shoes that the farrier drills and taps for screw-in studs or the ones with the little, stubby "nails" in them). Too much traction can be as big a problem as too little, though.

My barefoot horses have great traction on grass, even wet grass. If the grass isn't irrigated enough, though, it will get hard, and that can be slippery, too. (Not to mention that the grass will wear away quickly).

Seems silly to tear out a nice grass arena to replace it with dusty sand or dirt, when riding on grass is very manageable and often refreshing.
Member:
Belhaven

Posted on Monday, Sep 30, 2002 - 8:18 am:

Can you speak with the mother and express your concerns-that Goldi does not seem interested in riding (phrase it a bit more diplomatically of course).

There is NO reason to tear up a perfectly fine grass arena for this-she will simply find another reason not to ride.
Member:
Aeowen

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 2, 2002 - 4:35 pm:

This sounds very sad to me. She's self-taught? Well no wonder she's nervous - it sounds actually like she might be ashamed to ride in front of other people. I know lots of teens who get caught in that "I can do it" trap (in fact, I have a 7 year old son who will NOT back down once he's said something or an impression has been made...we're working with it).

I rode tons on grass - used to jump bareback over 3' on grass (I know, I was insane...I was a pre-teen). My horses were shod and not shod (not at the same time, obviously) and they never slipped. *shrug* I always took a more casual approach at home, and lots of people put studs etc. I guess I was more cautious if it was rainy, but only if the grass was very short.

I'd be willing to bet that your teen has a case of "oh dear, I've gotten myself in over my head and now I can't back down". Help her see a safe way out :-)
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC