Just posting this as a reminder to those that need to hear it.
You are your horse's advocate. You do not need to push your horse if you do not approve of it. You can tell a trainer or professional "No." You can develop at a pace that suits you and your horse, you do not need to base your speed of development on those around you or what ever someone on social media is doing.
So often we feel pressured to go faster, get better, do better, be the best. But once you let go of these invisible "expectations," you'll find that life gets a lot easier. Do the best that you can. Make your goals small and attainable. Don't have time to ride? Envision yourself executing a specific movement, or reacting to a spook, or going on a relaxing trail ride. Make that your smallest, attainable goal. You can even practice subtly shifting your weight while driving (be careful though) or riding on public transit. I even practice half halts while walking my dog!
Encourage yourself. Be mindful of your progress while thinking of your goals. No one improves in a day. Allow yourself and your horse proper time to develop. You can push yourself and them, but be kind. Accept that you both will make mistakes and be gracious. You are working with your best friend. Make sure you treat your horse and yourself as such!
Sorry, English is not my mother tongue.
Has any of you ever tied a horse's rein to the saddle? Or tied the forelegs with the lead rope? Are there any words for that? I am translating a story from Mongolian to English and I wondered if an equivalent term existed.
At my hunter/jumper barn I've noticed that a lady in my lesson group uses what look to be like long neck dressage spurs on her horse and tends to be pretty harsh with them.. Like taking her leg off of horse and really kicking with force using the spur in moments that I feel aren't necessary.. For example, just to get her horse even to walk forward after he's been standing for awhile (instead of asking with minimal pressure and gradually increasing if no response). Anyways, her horse is clipped and I noticed that he has what looks like bruising in the spur area. It just made me cringe a lot to see how she was using them on her horse and then to visibly see bruising didn't make me feel great. I feel like it's not REALLY my business since it is her horse and the last thing I want is to cause drama or upset at this barn.. But at the same time, I feel terrible not saying anything because it's obvious that she is hurting her horse. I don't know if she even notices herself because she does seem to love him and is always gushing over him and sweet-talking him, etc...Trainer hasn't said anything and no idea if they have noticed either... What would you do in this situation?
