Advice please - o wise folks............
I have an occasional ride (not a formal loan, just 1/2 times a week) of a sensible 14.2 Connemara. I am not the most skilled or most confident rider, and his paces are kind of 'jaunty' - not really bouncy but not all that easy to sit to.
He's 17, has hunted, XC, etc. but at the mo I just ride him in the sand arena. I'm beginning to get used to him, and he is very sensible - thank goodness. I'm a typical RS rider, and find him very light on the rein and quick on the leg compared to the simple school ponies. However, that's not the problem.
The owner has 25 acres available once haylage is in, and I could ride him in the fields if I wanted. But the thought terrifies me! She admits he can get very strong in canter and I am sure I'll just be tanked off with. I'd like to try just walking/trotting him first, but I suspect he'll recall his hunting days in Ireland and may take off. He's an experienced lad, and knows full well that I have 'deficiencies'. Don't you just love canny ponies?
His ears prick up and he can quite lively when heading for the trotting poles in the arena. My instinct tells me I should stick to the sand school and play safe (expecially as I usually ride alone up there). On the other hand it would be lovely to hack steadily around the open fields. I'm not actually scared of a fast canter/gallop, it's the being out of control that concerns me.
His owned did talk about putting a stronger bit on him if I wanted to try - but I'd don't agree she should change his tack because of my inadequacies (sp?). She has a real rapport with him, and will ride him round the school bareback in a headcollar. It's my fear of strong/fizzy horses that's the problem. Am I being a chicken, and missing out on some lovely times through lack of confidence, or should I just enjoy the simple pleasure of the sand school and accept it?
I have an occasional ride (not a formal loan, just 1/2 times a week) of a sensible 14.2 Connemara. I am not the most skilled or most confident rider, and his paces are kind of 'jaunty' - not really bouncy but not all that easy to sit to.
He's 17, has hunted, XC, etc. but at the mo I just ride him in the sand arena. I'm beginning to get used to him, and he is very sensible - thank goodness. I'm a typical RS rider, and find him very light on the rein and quick on the leg compared to the simple school ponies. However, that's not the problem.
The owner has 25 acres available once haylage is in, and I could ride him in the fields if I wanted. But the thought terrifies me! She admits he can get very strong in canter and I am sure I'll just be tanked off with. I'd like to try just walking/trotting him first, but I suspect he'll recall his hunting days in Ireland and may take off. He's an experienced lad, and knows full well that I have 'deficiencies'. Don't you just love canny ponies?
His ears prick up and he can quite lively when heading for the trotting poles in the arena. My instinct tells me I should stick to the sand school and play safe (expecially as I usually ride alone up there). On the other hand it would be lovely to hack steadily around the open fields. I'm not actually scared of a fast canter/gallop, it's the being out of control that concerns me.
His owned did talk about putting a stronger bit on him if I wanted to try - but I'd don't agree she should change his tack because of my inadequacies (sp?). She has a real rapport with him, and will ride him round the school bareback in a headcollar. It's my fear of strong/fizzy horses that's the problem. Am I being a chicken, and missing out on some lovely times through lack of confidence, or should I just enjoy the simple pleasure of the sand school and accept it?