Recent content by little_flea

Thanks guys! I like the Cascos but I think I have to try one - the shape is quite unusual and I might end up looking like a mushroom...

Hi everyone, I haven't been around much – Vanilla had an accident and has been off work for ages, but we are now almost competition ready again. I need a new hat – ideally cheap (under £100) for everyday use. Any suggestions? For competitions I love my brown Samshield, so I guess that sort of...

Thank you very much everyone. Horse is insured for Vet fees but I'd rather the driver paid than me making a claim in my policy - Vanilla is great out hacking, and rider was wearing hi-vis...

Vanilla is as good as she can be, all things considered. The would looks terrible but she is her bright and cheery self and allowed to come home tomorrow! I am not a member of the BHS but both me and Vanilla are BS registered, but I was not the rider at the time of the accident - my sister...

My insurance company said they won't do anything at this stage... Police not being especially helpful so far. Should I hire a solicitor?

I spoke to my insurance company and they said this is nothing they would persue right now. I guess if I make a claim they may feel more strongly. And for the record - Vanilla is 16'3hh, white and the rider was wearing hi-viz so it is pretty damned hard to understand how the driver would not...

The other day my sister took Vanilla for a hack. They were on a narrow country lane when a car approached. He showed no signs of slowing down and my sister was shouting and waving but no reaction from the driver. He hit Vanilla. Driver stopped and asked if the horse was ok, my sister replied no...

The height probably doesn't matter too much if the horse is a good jumper and you are reasonably experienced - first outings are usually just about getting used to the atmosphere. I think main thing is not to overphase the horse though, so I would start really small and do a few rounds instead...

It is hard to give advice without seeing what goes on here - but sounds a bit like lack of balance on your part - perhaps you balance a bit in the reins when he shoots off? Bridging the reins, shoulders a bit more forward might help keeping softness as you don't risk being left behind so much -...

I actually never think of doing a turn on the forehand! I use turn on the haunches quite a lot, but good tip. I do a lot of half pass but suspect I don't ask enough of the horse... 5m circles? That's crazy, I can barely ride a 20m one ;) might have to get some help from dressagey sister.

Vam, sorry about your horse. :( You are most welcome to come and ride mine - do feel free to have a lightbulb moment with her!! :D

Yep, I do that a lot when she becomes locked and heavy. At least it gets her off the bit (though it's not pretty!)

Good idea TarrSteps - think we have a Myler hook bit, will try that. I don't like schooling in leverage bits either and I have tried to flat my mare in a more suitable bit but it just isn't productive. She (and I, for that matter) is in a big transition period at the moment as we have to take...

Wow, thank you everyone. Reading your comments was a real lightbulb moment for me - I need to change the bit! She has been in a straight bar short shank Pelham for ages - tried some different things ages ago but defaulted back to the Pelham again. She is clearly at a level now that she has to...

I agree regarding bitting up - sure, it would be nice to ride in a snaffle but on this horse I wouldn't stand a chance. A 13 stone man might be able to, but not me. I'd rather bit up and be able to use more gentle aids. It is difficult in staying consistent and I do think I have confused my...