Insulted by pro natural-horsemen....

[CautionToTheWind]

and I'm sick of people in general always thinking they're right!

Sorry about the semi-rant...

I rode Holly today, in a new bit (just an eggbutt snaffle). We were hacking out with my young friend and her pony, and my friend went into the indoor arena to get on as she needed the mounting block. I was already mounted on Holly, and was following them, but Holly HATES the indoor school so she napped and span around on the spot, and continued to do so several times.

There is a few stables facing the entrance to the indoor school, and there was a gathering of 3 people, one of which was my stable neighbour, who were watching me struggle.

I kept turning Holly back on herself and telling her to walk on, then one of them shouted "Thats it pull on her mouth!" and they all started laughing, then continued by saying "you know, if you need some proper lessons I'll give you some but I charge £10 for 30 minutes" and then continued to laugh.

I was thoroughly insulted. Just because I am only accustomed to using a bit doesn't mean they should laugh at me and generally mock me. I've never known bitless riders/naturalhorsemanship people be so derogatory and disrespectful just because I don't follow their scene. Also, as adults, I'd have thought they'd have known better (I'm only 18).
It really made me upset purely because I genuinely have an interest in going bitless etc but it just made me feel like I didn't want to ever be a part of that clique, and just made me feel downright rubbish. I ended up just not bothering going to the indoor school and just waiting because they were critising my every move... I don't feel anyone should ever feel like that.

Has anyone had similar experiences? Its really got to me!

[BEX101]

If they cant behave in a professional manner then they have no right even suggesting that they are qualified enough to charge for their services.

Try not to take it to heart. x

[Bright Sparkx]

Ditto BEX ^^
Ive always had nasty picky people, when i was at college who would always pick on me and my style of riding- because i didnt pull on the horses mouth and smack it apparently i couldnt ride and shouldnt be on a horse which is totally stupid! So if i was you even though its hard and makes you feel a bit down in the dumps, take no notice of them, their not worth spoiling what you have for the sake of their petty comments and childish behaviour.

[angietoots]

What horrid spiteful people!! As the others have said, rise above it and try not to take it to heart. Keep your chin up xx

[Zeitgeist Mom]

How horrid!! I know it's hard to not let it get to you, but you are doing well with Holly, and it's all a learning curve. If it were me I'd take her up on the offer of a lesson for £10, to see her squirm more than anything. She can't possibly be nasty to you for a whole half hour.

[Bek B]

So very easy to criticise when they're not to one facing the problem!

Just keep it in the memory bank and next time they get an outing you'll have to tell them "I know someone who can give lessons on this sort of thing, ten pounds for half an hour - however they seem to be very 'busy' right now" !

[jaffa]

sweetie natural or not that was just rude. They were lucky it was you and not me riding, they would have got a torrent of abuse back before they knew what had hit them. Dont let them make you feel like you should or shouldnt be doin anything the rude swines! Im seriously angry for you.

[My Crazy Clan]

Ignore them, they think they are better when really they know jack ****, if they were that bothered they would have come and helped you.