Recent content by MCTM

There's a book called Solo Schooling by Wendy Jago which I found useful and interesting when I was going through a similar phase a few years ago. I still refer to it from time to time to help me be a bit more focused.

If you go to the charities, make sure you know what the financial details are at the start. I know that some ask for fairly substantial "donations" also ongoing monthly payments. It won't necessarily put you off using them but it's good to know before you go and fall in love with one!

I think you have some good advice already - including wearing gloves, but I just wanted to add you should never loop a lead rope round your hand (it sounds as though you might have done if you have a rope burn across your knuckle). When I was a teenager I knew two people who had lost index...

As somebody has said, don't put the breed in the advert. When I bought mine the advert didn't say she was a TB (let alone an ex-racehorse) because she was so unlike the stereotyped perception people have. She was advertised an a potential eventer - which she was. If somebody asks, then tell...

I know Mike and Ian are being quite good, but is there an option to watch without commentary (like they did for Olympia I think?)

I love the look and feel of the mesh air pad but unfortunately I found it slipped quite badly - especially compared to my Ecogold one which doesn't move.....

I went last year too - hoping I might qualify at Pachesham but this season hasn't gone according to plan so who knows? Mine took a dislike to the judging tables - even though she'd seen them at the arena walk they suddenly became much spookier with JUDGES sitting at them...... If I do enter I...

I live between Guildford and Aldershot so happy to help too. If you can afford it then somewhere nearer to Guildford would give good train connection to London and to Aldershot too. If OH doesn't mind a change of trains at Guildford then somewhere near Ash station (or Wanborough) is also worth...

I'm off on a 2 1/2 trip to Keysoe to do 1 dressage test! Crazy, but it's the RC Novice championships and I somehow managed to qualify as an individual. Will be sleeping in the lorry tomorrow night so hoping it's not too cold.... Anybody else going to be there?

I use the equicore system on my mare who has kissing spines. Certainly in the early days I felt a big difference - I used it when lunging and riding too. Now she's strong in her core I don't use it so much but I do still use it. It's possible to rig something up yourself using resistance...

I have used a water treadmill for my ex racer - she has stayed there 3 times over the last 18 months and had "top-up" visits in between. She has kissing spines and the treadmill really helps to mobilise her lumbar region and build up topline (it also really frees up her shoulders). My equine...

Yes, my ex racer was diagnosed with KS about 3 1/2 years ago. She went to the vets for a full work up due to intermittent performance problems - she never bucked, reared etc but just didn't feel "right" and could be very slightly cold backed when you first got on. Nothing showed on trot ups...

My Ideal Suzannah was made to measure, so I have a branded saddle which fits the horse.

Just to say that my vets (very large, reputable equine practice) won't use the Succeed test - they haven't had good results from it. There seem to be too many instances when the results are questionable, although as you say it is difficult to prove definitively anyway. Best bet is to manage...

Really pleased with Lottie yesterday - been doing quite a bit of "desensitisation", playing her music in the stable and the arena. She was a bit spooky in the fog (we were outside) but less tense than normal. Anyway managed to get a 72.22%, won the restricted section and was 3rd overall. Off...