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HorseAdvice.com » Training, Behavior, & Conditioning Horses » Western Riding Skills » Retraining for Western Riding » |
Discussion on New to western | |
Author | Message |
Member: Gwen |
Posted on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 - 6:39 am: As many of you have seen, I have been going through a lot with trying to get my QH diagnosed with something related to his "hitch" . I have decided to give up on the conventional veterinary approach to sort of deal with his discomfort as it arises. Anyway, I am thinking of getting into western pleasure work with him because that style of riding SEEMS to require a horse to rely less on their hind end. I don't want to offend anyone! I am only judging by what I see in the QH magazines!I have been riding him lately the way I think he is supposed to go and he is happy with it. I am sort of looking for advice on tack ( I was thinking of a lighter saddle) and whether or not I am off base regarding the front end thing. I know that they probably are better off using their hind ends too, but could they get away with relying on their front ends and just sort of creep along? |
Member: Kthorse |
Posted on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 - 7:12 am: Hi, I am not a western rider. I ride hunter ,trail and dressage. Western horses use their hinds just as much, thats how they do their spins, stops, etc. A horse has to use their hind end to be able to carry you comfortably. You dont need your horse to look like a dressage horse for this to happen. You never want them to be heavy on the forehand , you will put stress on that area and have another set of problems. If your horse seems happy with you riding more relaxed , (western) keep doing it. Listen to your horse.I hope that helps. |
Member: Lhenning |
Posted on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 - 11:16 am: I've been riding western pleasure for a few years now, and you do want them to work from their hind end. Also, the saddles are heavier than english, so I'm not sure you will achieve the results you are looking for. However, it is a very relaxed way to ride, so that may help your horse find his "comfort zone". |
Member: Goolsby |
Posted on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 - 12:56 pm: GwenI guess I missed you previous discussions about your horse. What problem does he have? When you say western pleasure do yor mean showing and competing? Colleen |
Member: Gwen |
Posted on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 - 8:35 pm: Hello Ladies, Thanks for replying! Colleen, I have spent thousands of dollars in vet bills trying to have my horse diagnosed. I have finally given up and decided to treat his discomfort as it arises. Anyway, he is only seven and seems to get more uncomfortable as the stress is increased on his hind end. (The last vet thinks that he has an old acl injury in the left stifle.)So I thought that I could still be able to enjoy him by riding as long as he is comfortable and allow him to have a purpose at the same time. I understand that ultimately we would all like our horses to travel in balance and provide impulsion from their hind quarters. However, my horse clearly does not seem to be able to sustain himself that way. My thought process is just to allow him to be ridable yet comfortable. I would love to be able to put him into a western pleasure show ring, however as I said I just want him to be comfortable. I will take what I can get! -Gwen |
Member: Goolsby |
Posted on Wednesday, Oct 13, 2004 - 9:17 am: GwenI have a traditional western leather saddle that is very heavy and a western Cordura saddle that I like the best that is very light. I use these on my quarter/appy. It is ok to use an english or lighter Aussie saddle since you are just riding for pleasure. I have used both, but I prefer a western. Use what ever is comfortable for you and your horse. I have ridden with folks on quarter horses that never go beyond a slow walk which is very easy on the horse. Sounds like you are on the right track by tuning into your horse. Good luck with your western riding. |
Member: Gwen |
Posted on Thursday, Oct 14, 2004 - 8:16 am: Colleen, What do you think about my theory with traveling where he is comfortable(on his forehand)? Also, I tried to find anyone interested in taking him for the purpose of very light riding, but they were hard to find! It has become such a weight on my mind, because I can't do what I want with him. It is unelbievably hard to look at him at only seven years old and think that I can't use him. |
Member: Goolsby |
Posted on Thursday, Oct 14, 2004 - 8:52 am: I agree with your theory. Let him travel where he is comfortable. With light trail riding at a slow walk it is not necessary to put stress on the hind end. It is a shame he has such problems at a young age. I hope you can find someone suitable for him. Have you tried listing him with petfinder.com?Colleen |
Member: Gwen |
Posted on Friday, Oct 15, 2004 - 7:09 pm: Colleen, I am petrified to try anything like that again. Last time I thought I found him a home, he ended up at an auction in Pennsylvania. So you think that I need to keep him at that-a slow walk, huh? |
Member: Kthorse |
Posted on Saturday, Oct 16, 2004 - 6:36 pm: Gwen,I think that your light riding at the level that makes him comfortable is to be comended. I love to hear of someone who puts the horse first. Horses can be a mistery. I think what you are doing sounds great. Let him travel what is comfortable. By the way what makes you think he travels on his forehand? Is it his neck carriage? I think that if he can tolerate it walking up and down hills will strenthen muscle s needed. Does he hollow his back when you ride him? usually horses travelling on there fore do? What is his diagnosis? I did not read the other posts. I think your love for this horse is great. Wish you lots of luck with this. Katrina |
Member: Goolsby |
Posted on Monday, Oct 18, 2004 - 9:30 am: GwenIf you are going to keep him and ride I would continue to ride him where he is comfortable, if it is a slow walk, then just walk. I think you are right on by "listening" to how he feels and taking it from there. It dosent make much sense to me to push him and cause him pain. It sound like you had higher goals for him. Is he your only horse? I imagine it would be hard to find him a good home. I just mentioned pet finder because that is where I got my last horse. The rescue that listed him seemed to try to place the animals in good permanent homes. Colleen |