In this case I would like to try a pelham on him and forget the gogue - I assume that I just have to buy the bit & the curb chain (the mullen mouth one you mentioned in your book) + an extra rein and use the rest of the bridle I have already. If I cannot find this in France I will get via internet or when I am next in the UK. My hands in fact are about the best part of my riding ability as they are quite light and I do not pull on the horses's mouth. My horse is an ex-racehorse (he was still racing up until June of last year) - I bought him to save him from the slaughterers as since he was suffering from Emyphsema, as you may know many race stables just stop looking after their horses once they can no longer run and he was in a terrible state of neglect, thin and sick. He is now in great shape, coughs very little and is learning and making great improvements in ordinary day to day things. He no longer tries to bite and kick anyone coming near and has leart to trust people. I want to do my best for him so that he will be a pleasure to ride. As you can see he was not really the sort of horse best suited to me but I could not leave him and it was certainly worth it. So if you could just confirm about the pelham I will try this out and get up the courage to tell my instructor that I am leaving off the gogue for the moment.
My instructor is a nice girl but tells me to use a lot of force ont he reins ALL THE TIME and this is not the way I ride, I like a light contact - I feel uncomfortable as she is a good rider but it is not my style.
I am very interested in your July event - have you any idea of costs ?
All the best and hope to hear soon.
Alexa <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Heather:
HI Alexa,
The de Gogue martingale is not a good idea, in comparatively inexperienced hands, as it 'fixes' the horse's head carriage by force, rather than just releasing the lower jaw, as does the Pelham when used in the gentle way that I describe in my book. The horse learns in this way to carry his head without the constraint caused by a device that fixes his head and allows very little respite. this will cause aching muscles. I am not saying that the Pelham will cure every problem, just that it works in many cases, and merely shows te horse what you want him to do without force. Most horses will go back into a snaffle perfectly happily, once they understand what is required of them, and also once the muscles are built up in the neck in a way that makes the correct carriage of the head easy for the horse.
Regarding July, the weather here is usually pleasant at that time. It is of course our summer, but you can never rely on the weather here in England. It could be 80 degrees, and really hot, or it could be pelting with rain and in the high 50's!
WE have an indoor school, so weather is not a problem, and also a large outdoor school. I prpose that we do a five day sort of seminar. As I have only six schoolmaster horses, most of whom are suited to the more experienced rider, and although well behaved, are are too sharp for novices, we can do a limited amount of riding on real horses, but as several of you have said, there are so many questions that you want to ask, and have answered, that we can do various lecture demos with questions welcomed at all times, work with you on the simulators, there are video lecture opportunities- in fact there is masses that we can do to clarify all sorts of things. Just make sure you come armed with a list of things you want to discuss ! ( Did I say only five days!!)
I have a friend who owns a riding/trekking stables on Dartmoor, right on top of the moor in fact, in a glorious position. How about a half day ride up there? Doreen's horses are not glamourous, being good half bred cob types, but all are very fit, foot sure and well fed and shod, and you would be assured of a good safe, ride.
We are only ten miles from one of the most beautiful coastlines in Britain, so we can spend time on the beach. How about a barbecue there too?
How does this sound so far folks?
Heather<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>