>>>> But my horse, Gormur, is very strong and at the end of a 2 hour ride, my hands are developing blisters from trying to hold him back, especially on the way home when he just wants to get faster and faster. I also have a problem when going out with my group of friends riding. Several of them like to fast canter/gallop and a few hang back, doing a slow canter. Gormur and I can tolt or canter with the slow group but Gormur wll pass each horse if I let him to catch up with the ones in front, pulling almost until I can not hold him back. (this is where the blisters come from!) Many times I feel I almost cannot hold him back.
You may not want to hear what I have to say, but I don't think the problem is the bit - not at all. I think the problem is the situation you're riding in, and possibly the people you're riding with. If he's nervous and antsy, insecure in any way, then he needs to learn to relax. And you may be feeding each other's insecurities - that certainly happens a lot. That has nothing to do with a bit. If I had that situation (and I don't any more, at least no often, because I'm picky who I ride with) I'd only ride with a person or two for a while who'd do entire rides at a leisurely WALK. There are lots of exercises you can do to reassure him he's not going to get left behind, and that it won't kill him if he does. You can try hand-walking him alone on the trails, so it's just the two of you. You can ride him out or in the ring with a buddy at a walk. You can go out on the trails with a friend who will play leapfrog with you, and do other exercises - wasn't it Laree who posted of such a ride recently on Doppa? That's great stuff. And didn't Judy just post a link about getting a horse to stop (and go) from your body language? The Parelli program has some good exercises - as do other programs. Until you've mastered these things at a walk, maybe even staying in the ring, I think it's quite dangerous to be riding on the trail on a horse you can't control. Please don't get yourself hurt! There are probably plenty of folks in your area that are also in your situation - either green riders, or more experienced riders who are working with green horses. I was surprised when I decided to be more vocal about MY needs and my horses' needs, how many folks I found willing to ride the way I needed to. Even when I'm riding a more experienced horse, I try to offer to be the "seasoned horse/rider" for less experienced people/horses all along - and I will accept the same favor from them. Riders come in all shapes, sizes, and personal preferences. Find a group that will work with you. Life's too short not to enjoy your horses, and enjoy them safely. Karen Thomas, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED]
