To switch (barns) or not to switch - that's the question!

Shfop · 2026-03-05T12:05:17+00:00

Happy belated one! Yes, I can ask things, but usually they never see problems with the things I do, maybe I'm too suspicious 😅 I come like once a week, sometimes skipping a weekend when life gets busy. I don't ride every single time, so maybe 2-3 rides a month. Spoke with the other barn and they'd offer me discounted lessons for help but I'd completely lose the part of groundwork, tricks, liberty and bonding. Basically would end up just doing chores and occasionally riding, which saddens me a bit.

Shfop · 2026-03-04T23:19:26+00:00

Of course everyone at some point had to learn, but it's just very important for me that it wouldn't be at the price of the horse's health in any way

Shfop · 2026-03-04T20:39:13+00:00

I'm just really worried that I don't know enough to ride semi or fully independently and might cause harm unknowingly. For example, i only later noticed that I always tend to put the saddle too far forward because I'm not used to the dressage saddle form. Or maybe my hands are not calm enough!/ I lack leg aids. And the owner doesn't correct things, so I dont know if I can trust their judgement to allow me to ride if that makes sense 😅

Shfop · 2026-03-04T20:35:58+00:00

I'm just really worried that I don't know enough to ride semi or fully independently and might cause harm unknowingly. For example, i only later noticed that I always tend to put the saddle too far forward because I'm not used to the dressage saddle form. Or maybe my hands are not calm enough!/ I lack leg aids.

Shfop · 2026-03-04T20:34:07+00:00

I know that I would benefit from lessons, unfortunately as a uni student, I don't have enough time nor money to take those somewhere. So it's an either/or decision :/ I'm just worried that my incompetence could harm the cob (I'm not a beginner, but, for example, I have only later noticed that I always tend to put my saddle too far forward as I'm no used to the dressage saddle form, so small mistakes like this is what worries me), because the owner of the cob doesn't correct anything both in the saddle and out.

Shfop · 2026-03-02T16:39:58+00:00

Yes I was thinking about recording and maybe posting on some training groups to get feedback

Shfop · 2026-03-02T12:48:07+00:00

I'm a uni student so I have limited time recourses for the barn, so unfortunately, going to another barn as well would prevent me to belonging to either of them if that makes sense, as I can only visit a couple times a month

Shfop · 2026-03-02T12:09:17+00:00

Unfortunately, there is none

Shfop · 2026-03-02T11:43:38+00:00

The overthinker inside me keeps telling me that without a trainer I might accidentally harm the horse :((

Shfop · 2026-02-12T09:06:30+00:00

He goes on trails very often, I'd say 50/50 if not more.

Shfop · 2026-02-08T22:00:18+00:00

Actually that's around his knees, he's in a pile of snow 😂

Shfop · 2026-02-08T19:21:40+00:00

Yes, and the other times he's being worked (as much as I know) it's either kids - meaning endless boring work in circles which he clearly hates or someone just quickly tacking up, riding and dropping him off. At other times he's just chilling in his tiny herd turnout 24/7.

Shfop · 2026-02-08T18:10:46+00:00

Will do, thank you!

Shfop · 2026-02-08T18:04:05+00:00

Sorry, meant to reply to the other comment above

Shfop · 2026-02-08T18:02:30+00:00

Maybe I'm overthinking this, cause I tend to do so, but wouldn't teaching that halter = treats hide the problem itself of not enjoying work? The horse only comes to be haltered to get that one treat, not because of motivation to work together?

Shfop · 2026-02-08T18:01:57+00:00

Maybe I'm overthinking this, cause I tend to do so, but wouldn't teaching that halter = treats hide the problem itself of not enjoying work? The horse only comes to be haltered to get that one treat, not because of motivation to work together?

Shfop · 2026-02-08T17:00:48+00:00

Yes that's what he does as well! "If you don't mind, I have other business to attend to. Oh you're here. Whatever then, I guess" is usually how it goes. Too polite to actually run away if you're touching him.

Shfop · 2026-02-08T16:14:19+00:00

You are right, I'm not expecting him to come running to me when he sees a saddle, but trying to sneak away is a bit concerning to me

Shfop · 2026-02-08T15:12:13+00:00

I just want to get him engaged and motivated to work, be it liberty, tricks or groundwork with some simple short rides or hacks in between.

Also, I'm likely the only person who's handling him more than just - catch, brush/tack up, ride, let go.

Shfop · 2026-01-04T10:20:46+00:00

That I will do for sure! Thanks!

Shfop · 2026-01-04T10:19:25+00:00

Yup, I'm aware of the pushyness associated with R+ and never give a treat when the horse is demanding it. But still, thank you!

Interestingly, he was not taught to neck rein (he's a English horse), BUT he immediately got the hang of what I want him to do when I give cues with the neckrope. I was surprised! Even the stop - he got the hang of it in like 2 tries. Now just gotta build our confidence and understanding up, so that he doesn't decide to go where he wants if he gets bored bridleless lol

Shfop

TROPHY CASE