“What are your plans for him?”
It’s a question that comes up with every new horse – and for someone who’s got no hard, fast goals – it feels a bit squirmy.
Most serious riders will announce their discipline before they’re even asked – a bit like a vegan or a crossfitter.
“I ride dressage” or “I’m a showjumper”.
Statements like that are a solid indication that you’re in the presence of someone that knows their shit.
For amateurs like myself, it’s generally a little more vague
“I just like to have fun and do whatever” which is also code for “Carry on… I’ll be over here trying not to fall off or pop the buttons on my slightly-too-small pants”
On one hand, I know I need to have a ‘purpose’ otherwise I’ll just fanny around doing circles in the paddock for no reason.
But on the other, I’ve realised that setting lofty competition goals can really ruin the mojo of the horse-human relationship.
With Shady (the big grey, Goodyear Blimp I write about in Tales of a Terrible Equestrian) – I feel like I ignored his strengths and weaknesses and just ploughed onwards with my dreams of tearing around cross country courses.
The thing is, he is completely unsuitable.
He never showed any aptitude for the sport – and I paid it absolutely no attention.
The very purpose of cross country is to test ‘grit, courage and resilience’ – which is a few hills away for a horse that’s perpetually offended by the world around him.
Just yesterday I was riding him down the road when he became totally petrified by a road sign that had changed position.
The rudeness of the sign not being exactly as it had been the day before, resulted in a 5 minute dragon snort performance.
So back to Big Gangles and his master plan…
I don’t really have one.
I think at this stage I will take it slow, get him out to a few lessons and clinics before I try and find his calling.
When it comes to my personal riding aspirations; aside from a distinct dislike for showing (which are the the beauty pageant style competitions) – I don’t really have a draw to any particular discipline..
At a pinch, Eventing is probably my favourite – however, I don’t want to jump very high.
…Which is a little bit like busting to get into Art School but only wanting to use crayons.
Sure, I’ll get to refine my technique – but I’m leaving a bit on the table as far as ambition is concerned.
Over the last few years, I realised that unrealistic expectations are the most effective way to ruin the relationship with a horse. Conversely, finding a horse’s ‘calling’ and seeing them take joy in their work, is the best feeling ever.
Poor, petrified Shades would be happy never to see another cross country course in his life, but has shown incredible talent and enjoyment with liberty and trick training.
It certainly wouldn’t be my first choice. Yet here we are 🤷♀️
He on the other hand, legitimately loves it.
So the plan with my retired racehorse… (aside from not having a plan)…. Is to let him experience a wide range of activities and then pick the path of least resistance.
If he takes to jumping, whooopeeee! We will enjoy a long and illustrious career of not jumping very high.
If he seems to enjoy going round and round in a rectangle – then dressage it is (please don’t be that, please don’t be that 🤞) and if he’s not really much good at anything, then he’s come to the right place.
You can read the next installment of the Recycled Racehorse here.