Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2015 19:52:30 GMT
So after a few weeks of research and going back and forth with myself I have decided to send Benny out for training this winter.
I found a trainer whose style of riding I like, and who lives close enough that I could check in often. She trains out of a respected stable and under the supervision of a very successful trainer.
I am happy with the progress we have made over the past year, and he has come a very long way. That being said, I want him started over fences this winter, and while I have done this personally with all my previous horses, I don't think I should with Benny.
1) I am still not at my top confidence level with him. It gets better every ride and he has been nothing short of saintly, but I still feel myself get tight every once in a while.
2) It has been nearly 4 years since I jumped on a consistent basis the jumping muscles are sad looking and feeling right now, the last thing either of us needs is for me to loose my balance and catch him in the mouth when he is learning to jump. Or lean on his neck, or get left behind ect. I really want his first experiences with fences to be solid and positive.
3) I love jumping, I miss it tons. When I ride finished horses over fences I am totally fine, no confidence issues whatsoever. Kind of related to number one, I am not totally confident on Benny again yet, and I don't want to start the seed of anxiety and even open him to the idea of stopping by riding into a fence with a bundle of nerves and what ifs running through my head. Not good for him, and not good for me.
So the plan is for Benny to go in November, I am going to ride him up until then and do some finishing work on his flat. Get him reasonably fit, so the trainer doesn't have to spend extra time getting him fit enough to jump. While Benny is gone I am going to lease a friend's mare. I've ridden her a few times and she is super broke and very fun. I am going to take some lessons on her so I can focus on getting me back to where I need to be. Hopefully, if all goes as planned, Benny will spend 3-4 months at the trainers, and by that time I will be solid enough to take him back over. |
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Post by horselover4life on Jul 31, 2015 22:09:12 GMT
Sounds like a plan....
Love the fact you are close by and will be checking in often on Benny, his progress and condition.
Benny has turned out to be a nice horse because you aren't rushing him through things...
When he returns to you he should have more than just a basic understanding but be darn good over fences and you will have had time to concentrate on "YOU" riding the friends mare...
Sounds like a win-win for all sides...
Enjoy.
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mistersmom
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Abita Springs, LA
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Post by mistersmom on Aug 1, 2015 0:12:21 GMT
I think that sounds like a well-thought out plan and a great idea for all involved! I can't wait to hear about how he progresses at the trainer's and how you progress with your lessons as well.
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Post by carshon on Aug 2, 2015 0:17:01 GMT
What exciting news! This will help with your confidence and bring Benny up in his training. I this this is such great news.
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nhg
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Post by nhg on Aug 5, 2015 17:29:31 GMT
Sounds like a great plan to me. I'll be looking forward to hearing how you're both doing.
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Post by Shelly on Aug 6, 2015 19:16:05 GMT
Sounds like an awesome plan!! Hopefully everything goes well with everything. Looking forward to hearing some updates on his progress  |
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Aug 17, 2015 2:16:38 GMT
I just found this thread; trying to keep up is a full time job I think.
So you've got a plan for Benny and you, that's great. And a trainer can tell you not only where the training holes are but what to do about them.
I hope the trainer allows you to visit and take pictures so we can all see how Benny's doing??? I can't wait for November lol
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2015 16:01:56 GMT
Yes, I am very excited for this all to get underway. The hauler is booked, and I can hardly wait. A lot of my friends have been surprisingly negative about this whole thing. I find it a bit confusing, but maybe it is because they have their own training business' on the side and I elected to send Benny to someone else? Not sure, but it is a little disheartening. I am very pleased with my choice of trainer, I have followed her riding closely for a few years, and ridden a horse that she has produced. She has a wealth of OTTB experience as well. Random, unannounced visits, and the ability to view and participate in training session at my leisure was one of my set in stone requirements for sending him out somewhere. This trainer and facility were more than happy to accommodate that. The trainer was very receptive to the idea of me taking video, and I will be sure to have keep everyone updated on his progress! This is the facility he will be headed too: www.kvf.ca/This is the trainer's page: www.facebook.com/albertaeventer?fref=ts |
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hugs
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Post by hugs on Aug 17, 2015 17:31:04 GMT
I know what you mean about negative feedback. It is so very confusing sometimes, I honestly don't get it either except I do believe you hit on it; pettiness. As much as folks will say, "Oh I totally get it, it's up to you", they can't understand how you'd choose something that isn't them or disagree with them, after all they're (yes I had written "their" first!) the trainer! I can tell you I have more than enough personal experience to be cautious about believing folks about horses, dogs or just about anything no matter their experience.
You have the added benefit of riding one of her horses and following her for a couple years, that's fantastic.
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Post by horselover4life on Aug 17, 2015 17:31:54 GMT
You know what Apollo....
You need to do what feels right for you and Benny.
If that means going to a different trainer and facility than your trainer friends... so be it!
Your friends should be happy for you that you found a comfortable environment that you believe Benny will excel in and at....
Sometimes people need to put their own agenda aside and look at what is being offered by another...sometimes it is better and sometimes it isn't.
The fact though is the horses needs come first in handling and care, education and having a string as that farm and trainer has both for sale and as competition horses along with students...well.. can your friends all match that and the facility???
Do they have the same re-pore with OTTB as this trainer?
Technique means a lot and so does execution of that technique to teach and educate with love and understanding not by destroying a spirit of a animal...
You do as you need to and let "your trainer friends" deal with their nose out of joint!!
Your horse deserves a full-time trainer, not a "on-the-side" experience....
Kind of makes me wonder why if they are "that good" they aren't full-time "this is my profession" trainers.... 
Yup, MY OPINION!! 
Now off the soap box before it breaks under my weight...
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mistersmom
Junior Member
Abita Springs, LA
Posts: 3,749
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Post by mistersmom on Aug 17, 2015 23:02:00 GMT
I agree to just ignore those "friends". I think it's great you have been following this trainer for a while, she is willing to meet your wants/needs and you have ridden one of her horses previously. Good for you for doing all your homework! I'm so excited for you and Benny. Have you been riding him anymore lately?
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Post by horselady on Aug 18, 2015 0:27:50 GMT
If your friends can not respect your opinion than i feel sorry for them. you think things thru and want to do what is best for you and Benny, and the trainer sounds great and i respect her for allowing you to just drop in and visit and see what is going on. oh and we would like those updates and photos of him during his schooling lessons.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2015 16:05:05 GMT
Thank you all. I appreciate the support. I am extremely excited to send Benny to this trainer and really think that he will thrive with her. I was/ am a bit put out by the pettiness, but I guess no matter what the situation someone is going to try and rain or your parade if you let them! I have been riding Benny quite a bit lately. He has been going great. He really is just a little superstar of a horse. We have been working on getting a little more 'push' from the hind end and transition work lately. He has a ton of power, he just needs some help figuring out what to do with it. As he gets stronger I am starting to think he might have the most powerful hind end of any horse I have ever owned. When we get a few strides of him really sitting down and using himself he takes my breath away. The first time I felt it I was so surprised that I cursed, the second time I laughed; it felt amazing. There will be tons of pictures and video's once he is with the trainer. I promise. Probably so many that you will all be sick and tired of me gushing over my horse by the time it is all said and done Lol. |
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Post by horselover4life on Aug 18, 2015 16:30:12 GMT
No way do we, any of us, get tired of hearing a success story!!......
Enjoy the adventure......... 
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