Recent content by j1ffy

I've always stocked up on paracetamol (it's got a different name in the US though, something beginning with A), ibuprofen and melatonin (prescription only here but very handy for jet lag and available over the counter in the US) when in the States. I don't think there's any issue with...

My PRE started out rushing, then stopping and going backwards, and occasionally spinning. He got worse from 6yo to 7yo so I went down the vet route and found early onset arthritis in both hocks :( I had the back x-rayed too and that was all clear. Definitely worth a vet check before you throw...

Quiet weekend for us as everything is frozen! We did manage a dressage lesson on Friday, which was fab as I wanted to check our flying changes were working before Areas next week and we nailed them all. I've had a dodgy left shoulder, which I think has helped as Sammy tends to lean on that rein...

Thank you - as you know Chilli has been a puzzle! It was so good to see him so fit and happy in his new job 😊

It’s amazing when I write it all down - I run a business, which has been challenging in the current economy, and after years of struggling with Chilli as well it’s been wonderful to have some dressage success. It makes all the tough days worth it! Thank you! He’ll be 19 in June.

It looks like I didn't write any plans for 2025 but it's been an amazing year with loan horse super-Sammy: - Did my first ever AM tests - Qualified for PetPlan Champs in both Winter (Medium) and Summer (Medium and AM) - Placed in the Winter PetPlan Champs at Medium - Had an article in Horse &...

A couple of friends’ kids do it and it sounds like the clique-est thing I’ve ever heard of (and both are from big racing families). I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near it!

My PREs have all been happy in or out but my current warmblood is more like this 👆🏻. He did go out at night for a while in summer but as soon as the weather started to cool down and get damper he wanted to be in. He now stands by his gate after an hour of being out and would happily stay in all...

All of the above! I found that my horses all improved when we moved from a yard on clay soil to a yard on limestone. While they were fine on the clay, I had to be more careful with their diet in particular whereas it feels like we have a larger tolerance now. I suspect it's a combination of the...

I’m in love with her canter - she floats! She looks so happy trying new things there, what a change from her worried stages. Well done taking it slow and getting the foundations right, it looks like you’re reaping the rewards now!

Quikknots are ok but I’d recommend getting the XL ones for big plaits - I found the normal ones fine for the thinner parts of Chilli’s mane but they couldn’t handle the middle. Upholstery needles are essential for big plaits, with the added bonus that they have bigger holes for the thread. As...

I did the big Dutch dressage plaits in Chilli's thick mane (it didn't grow long enough for a running plait, also I find the running plait can discourage them from stretching forward especially in front of the withers), if you use quick knots they're very quick to do. Will try to find a photo...

It does sound fun! I'm going to have to brave the rain shortly to play the music and see if my horse can dance to it ;)

Thank you! I suspect I'll have a lot of learnings from our first few outings - I'll only make it to a 20x60 once in advance so it may be more 'freestyle' than originally planned 🤣 Does anyone know about Prestige or Sparsholt?

Joining in as I've just received my music - I've never done freestyle before so it's all quite exciting! OP - my brother (who helpfully is a musician and sound artist) has done mine, all based on one song but using different versions so there's some punk, dub reggae and a more jazzy version in...