Lexi, My 4yo is, or should I say was, doing really well, but lately I have noticed subtle little changes in her ridden work, and it is really starting to concern me....
I hacked her out on Saturday with one of my friends, now Lexi used to be fine infront or behind other horses - she walks out really well, so I tend to lead, but friend wanted to go infront, no problem for me, along a bridleway.... she asked her horse to trot, so I asked Lexi to trot..... well!! Her head came up, she hollowed and got REALLY excited and started to canter sideways - I did get her to trot and she wasn't at all strong, but the trot was choppy and horrible
This morning, I decided to school her a little before work, and again she was like a rocket, head up, trying to hollow - so I decided to do lots of walk and trot transitions on a long rein, and eventually she gave me some nice work.
I spoke to one of my very good freinds, and she said that it sounds like Lexi has been 'over-cooked' and that I shouldn't have sent her away back in May for those 4 weeks, where she was taught to jump. Thinking about it now - I may have made an error in judgement - Will I ever get the calm, easy going Lexi back, or is it too late??
My friend has suggested that I completely forget about stressage, schooling and sponsored rides, and as she is still only 4 - I should kinda turn her away for a couple of months - literally just hack and no more.
Do you think that is this good idea?? Or should I carry on with her schooling and stuff, but just back it off abit and only concentrate on walk, trot and transitions on a long rein - trying to get her to relax again?? I'm so confused - I just want what's best for my little girl.
Please, all advice, opinions and comments welcome.
I hacked her out on Saturday with one of my friends, now Lexi used to be fine infront or behind other horses - she walks out really well, so I tend to lead, but friend wanted to go infront, no problem for me, along a bridleway.... she asked her horse to trot, so I asked Lexi to trot..... well!! Her head came up, she hollowed and got REALLY excited and started to canter sideways - I did get her to trot and she wasn't at all strong, but the trot was choppy and horrible
This morning, I decided to school her a little before work, and again she was like a rocket, head up, trying to hollow - so I decided to do lots of walk and trot transitions on a long rein, and eventually she gave me some nice work.
I spoke to one of my very good freinds, and she said that it sounds like Lexi has been 'over-cooked' and that I shouldn't have sent her away back in May for those 4 weeks, where she was taught to jump. Thinking about it now - I may have made an error in judgement - Will I ever get the calm, easy going Lexi back, or is it too late??
My friend has suggested that I completely forget about stressage, schooling and sponsored rides, and as she is still only 4 - I should kinda turn her away for a couple of months - literally just hack and no more.
Do you think that is this good idea?? Or should I carry on with her schooling and stuff, but just back it off abit and only concentrate on walk, trot and transitions on a long rein - trying to get her to relax again?? I'm so confused - I just want what's best for my little girl.
Please, all advice, opinions and comments welcome.