Recent content by j1ffy

  1. j1ffy

    Pre-Easter weekend plans

    I need to do some re-training with my OH first. Last time he came he took multiple videos of me jumping a tiny jump (Chilli's intro to fillers) at the far end of the school but missed the meaty* oxer right in front of him (he thought he'd pressed record but evidently hadn't...) 😆 *That's my...
  2. j1ffy

    Pre-Easter weekend plans

    Nova looks great @TheMule! I hope he avoids any more self-harm incidents and you get in a full season with him. Had a fab jumping lesson on Chilli on Monday evening, although generally buzzy he was very relaxed and focused towards the jumps and I felt I could be a little more demanding about...
  3. j1ffy

    Pre-Easter weekend plans

    A former HHOer came over for a hack yesterday. It was brilliant to catch up although we got caught in a horrible hail storm soon after we set off. P and Chilli turned their bums into it and refused to move until it passed 🤣 More hacking today and a jump lesson tomorrow.
  4. j1ffy

    On my holibobs Los Alamos

    It’s such a special place! 👋 we met once when I took Indio to Keysoe. It’s wonderful to hear he’s still with us! I had some great lessons on him and rode him out at LA. He taught me so much. I used to own Galeno, he’s an absolute sweetheart! There was a complicated horse swapping and cash...
  5. j1ffy

    Tips for correct canter lead

    Following with interest as I have the same problem. I've tried all the above suggestions and more (leg yield to canter; counter-shoulder-in to canter; various body positioning and flexions) but with no success. I've now got the vet coming in a couple of weeks to take a look, starting with a...
  6. j1ffy

    Different Strokes for different folks.... What do you look for???

    Along the same lines as Gloi - I wanted a weanling from the same stud as my old boy Indio and really fancied a bright bay. Unfortunately he's darkened with age (see avatar) but he's still awesome. If I was looking, I'd look at hooves, straight movement and basic conformation but above all...
  7. j1ffy

    Cheltenham 2024

    I don't think I've seen a thread yet..! I'm not sure how much I'll manage to watch thanks to work and a dressage camp (the latter isn't too intense so should be able to catch some!) but I'm very excited as 'my' (and a load of other forum members') mare Apple Away runs at 5.30pm tomorrow in the...
  8. j1ffy

    4.5 tonne box experience, thoughts and recommendations

    I got mine from Freddie Gover and I love it. I've got sofas and a table that convert into a double bed, fridge and sink/hob. I had the option of a shower/toilet area but went for storage instead. The living area is far better designed and more comfortable than my old 7.5T! The horse area is very...
  9. j1ffy

    Good Farriers - South Oxfordshire

    As @Velcrobum says there are heaps of farriers around Wantage. If you hang out at West Berks golf club you’ll probably see at least half a dozen at any time 🤣 My horses are barefoot but I do see many farriers at our yard. The only one I’d use, based on chats and having seen the hooves of the...
  10. j1ffy

    North Farm Stud Livery - Wantage

    I can’t speak from personal experience about NFS (only hearsay) but I can recommend Coldharbour Grazing and Livery for retirement. Fantastic place with lovely owners. If you want a horse in at night I think you’d be looking at standard part livery rather than retirement livery, regardless of...
  11. j1ffy

    Weekend plans?

    I went about a year ago when Chilli was recovering from bone bruising in both front hooves, so we only did in-hand work. Really lovely place, very relaxed clinic with just 4 people each time and great tuition. The Thurman-Bakers are incredibly kind and generous with their knowledge and home. I'm...
  12. j1ffy

    Weekend plans?

    @millitiger - congratulations on the wildcard!! Not a lot on here as I've got friends visiting from Oz then good old Mother's Day. Next week's more exciting though as I'm off to Turville for a clinic with the Thurman-Bakers Tuesday-Thursday :D
  13. j1ffy

    Prelim 2 experts please

    That's correct - it's basically a dog leg type movement. You can download the test from dressage diagrams - I find it much easier to learn that way and you can see where the movements go!
  14. j1ffy

    Musings on horses behaviour

    I’ve experienced both of these. Also as a rule riders will put the horse under less pressure away from home - eg normal practice is to train at a level or two higher than the level your competing at, so the work itself may be easier for the horse. The idea that horses are calmer because other...
  15. j1ffy

    29th Feb Leap-Weekend Plans

    The best lesson (and probably best ride) to date on Chilli this evening! Some lovely canter work, there are glimpses of his future ability to really sit and collect, and confidence building trot work focused on engaging his hindquarters. I need to always think about keeping him off his shoulders...
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