Question # 197: My horse and I moved up to Training level last summer, and did very well, even winning at our last event of the year. But this year...
...has not started off so great. He is still jumping everything, but kind of reluctantly. He just doesn't feel as confident this year, and I don't know what the problem is. We have done 3 events this year already, and he was no better in the 3rd as he was in the first. I am thinking of dropping back down to Novice for a while, but my trainer doesn't want me to. She says he will be fine, and I just need to get more agressive. What do you think? (Amelia)
Hi Amelia!
Well, there could be a number of things going on here. First of all, it would be a good idea to get your horse thoroughly checked out by a vet who is a lameness specialist. Sometimes they begin to lose enthusiasm for their job long before they are actually lame, when they have a minor issue. This can be especially true when it comes to hock issues, which are often bilateral (occuring evenly on both sides), as well as back or SI (sacroiliac) issues. But can also be an issue with mild foot pain or saddle fit. Since your horse has had such a big change in performance, it is really a good idea to rule out any physical issues. But it could also just be a confidence thing.
Did you start out the season at Training level straight away? Some horses do best when... (Click on Question Title above (in blue) to read full answer)
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