Should I ask to ride a different horse or just stick it out with this one?

Question

I used to ride a variety of horses and I got to know a few of them really well and I took my favorite to a show and even placed first and second. For some reason, after the show, my trainer keeps putting me on this huge horse. He's fairly green and he's a major klutz. I like riding him once in a while, he's really sweet and is a nice challenge. Once in a while. 
Anyway, I've been riding him week after week and every time I'm on him my trainer says something about how much she likes me on him. He is okay on the flat but as soon as we start jumping, it goes downhill. He is so giant that he barely even jumps, he kind of just steps over it and I'm not  used to that so I always go way far up into two point and then I'm unbalanced on the other side because I don't really even need to move hardly at all. Then, I'm leaning way forward and I resort to using my hands for balance, which compromises my steering, which is really bad because he drifts to the right when we are approaching the jump and my hands are busy keeping me balanced so I can't use the reins and my leg has to push him over but we never jump centered. Sometimes I even knock down the standards with my leg. I get frustrated and it's not really fair to him and it's not enjoyable for me. 

So the real question is: Do you think I should ask my trainer if I can ride someone else even though she likes me to ride him a lot or should I just keep quiet because he's helping me become a better rider by forcing me to hold back and remain balanced?

Jessica · Accepted Answer

I would talk to your trainer about it, but not to complain about riding the horse. Rather, I would tell her you feel privileged that she sees you as a good enough rider to be trusted with a green mount. You are correct, he will make you a better rider and you will greatly appreciate that some day. Stick with it, I'm betting you and the horse have a lot to teach each other!

Anonymous · Answer

Yeah, I would talk to your trainer about it, and say that although you really like the horse, and definately want to continue lessons with him, sometimes you feel you would like a little more variety, because you ride him all the time. You'd just like to ride some of the other horses sometimes. The worst she can do is say no, and that you have to keep riding this one, in which case you can either stay and keep riding him, or get another trainer :)

Anonymous · Answer

Is this a riding school horse, which sounds like it is. She shouldnt be using you to school a green horse. If you are paying for lessons you should have a horse fit for the job. At the end of the day you are having a lesson and not the horse. He should be confident enough to do what you ask so you can improve your riding. If you are paying for a lesson its about improving your riding. Have a chat with your instructor. 
Riding a variety of horses makes you a better rider but not if you are paying for a lesson to school a horse they dont deem fit for anyone else to ride until you have schooled it. 
A riding school put my daughter on a horse not fit for a novice and it rolled with her on board and now she will not ride at all coz she is scared. This pony rolled to get out of work and they put a novice on. Bad choice and i am cross about it.
Make sure you have a horse fit for the job.
have a chat with your instructor or change instructor.
good luck

? · Answer

If you fear falling or injuring the horse, I would switch, but if you think your trainer thinks your best for the horse, you should try another horse and every other ride take the horse your trainer is having you ride.

question girl · Answer

this has happened to me before so you have to let her know you feel uncomfortable on him and if you can try another horse that might suit you

Should I ask to ride a different horse or just stick it out with this one?

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