Asking for Advice on Trying a New Horse · Get Good With Horses Courses

Asking for Advice on Trying a New Horse

I'm going to try a pony tomorrow and just wondered if anyone had any advice?

I've met him and had a little walk on him down the lane, but tomorrow I'm going into the school for a full trial.

He's fairly young, age 7, and quite babyish still. Not sharp in any way but he gets his confidence from his rider.

He's a pony who really benefits from a strong relationship with his person, which I love about him. He needs his person to make him feel safe and secure.

I know that if I got him, I could do all my relationship building activities and really form a strong bond with him, but I obviously can't do that during a trial.

The owner won't let him go to someone she doesn't feel is right for him - which I'm obviously totally on board with and in fact it makes me more keen because I know he's coming from a knowledgeable home where he's been worked with and treated in ways that align with my approach to horses.

But I'm feeling a lot of pressure not to mess up my chance with him.

I've had time out of the saddle after scary experiences riding Ronnie (this pony is nothing at all like Ronnie) so I'm worried that my nerves will get the better of me.

Does anyone have any advice about how I can help him to feel OK with me fairly quickly - obviously not the finished product, just something small I can do in the moment?

I'm going to do Zoe's grounding mindfulness practice before I go and spend a little time with him before we ride. And I must remember to breathe while I'm in the saddle - I might write a note for myself on my hand!

Thank you 🫶

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