[codyntampa]

I have been riding Cody for three years, almost four now. Although I have gained a lot of confidence on him, and I love him to death, everytime I ride him I come off frustrated and exhausted. He is so lazy, and I feel bad because he hates having to work (Dressage, or anything in a frame where he has to use himself) Hes always happy until we go into the ring. Whenever I ride him western pleasure he is SO happy, he loves it so much. I ride him western occasionally, but I would rather ride dressage, hunters, or eventing. My riding instructor has been nagging at me to move off of him because he "won't be able to do what I want to achieve" Its not true, because he can do it, he just doesnt like it. I feel like I am keeping him from his true potential, WP, but I dont want to just focus on WP. My instructor said I can still ride him next year because we have such a relationship, but she wants me to ride Sly, a thoroughbred mare as well this year. I agreed because I am falling for the mare, but I dont know how I should split up the show year. Do I just keep pushing Cody where we are both uncomfortable, but Im doing what I like, or do I just limit him to hunters or equitation and use Sly for dressage? Cody also likes to jump, so I dont want to not jump him. I just cant decide what to do, what would you do in this situation?

[SkyeTiger]

I personally would ride/show him in what he likes and what you know he is comfortable/confident in. Then, I would ride the Thoroughbred mare in dressage and what she is comfortable in. So you are still getting your english fix (lol) but just not ALL with Cody. What about Tampa? Can you ride/show him in english?

[codyntampa]

Hehe I thought about Tampa, but he was a Children's HUnter in Ocala, so he knows the ropes and is "too easy" for me, I need more of a challenge. We are using him for the younger kids to learn on.

[SkyeTiger]

Oh ok.........well would the rest of what I said work? lol

[PizzazzandMe]

[quote=SkyeTiger]I personally would ride/show him in what he likes and what you know he is comfortable/confident in. Then, I would ride the Thoroughbred mare in dressage and what she is comfortable in. quote]

I agree.