Leo Walker
Well-Known Member
They do muscle up and develop once you work them. The difference can be quite striking. I think there would have to something seriously amiss if a 4 year old wasnt ready for light backing and some hacking
2019 review and 2020 goal setting?
- Thread starter milliepops
- Start date
They do muscle up and develop once you work them. The difference can be quite striking. I think there would have to something seriously amiss if a 4 year old wasnt ready for light backing and some hacking
maya2008
Well-Known Member
This time last year, I only had two in work - a just backed 3yo and a Shetland pony! I also had two invalids.
Now we have four in work. That 3yo is now a well mannered 4yo who hacks like a dream, is starting to school for longer periods of time (more than 10min!), has learnt to travel properly, been out to arena hire and a couple of competitions and behaved beautifully at all times. The Shetland behaves better than last year, one of the invalids made it and is slowly getting stronger and we have a new youngster.
Oh and one of my kids came off the lead rein while the other got the hang of wrestling naughty Shetlands, learned how to back a pony then transferred that to a second one, and is bringing on his youngster with some success (and a fair amount of lessons!).
So while I sit here and think that we did nothing competitively at all, we actually did loads!
Next year I would like to have some competition success to look back on...
Now we have four in work. That 3yo is now a well mannered 4yo who hacks like a dream, is starting to school for longer periods of time (more than 10min!), has learnt to travel properly, been out to arena hire and a couple of competitions and behaved beautifully at all times. The Shetland behaves better than last year, one of the invalids made it and is slowly getting stronger and we have a new youngster.
Oh and one of my kids came off the lead rein while the other got the hang of wrestling naughty Shetlands, learned how to back a pony then transferred that to a second one, and is bringing on his youngster with some success (and a fair amount of lessons!).
So while I sit here and think that we did nothing competitively at all, we actually did loads!
Next year I would like to have some competition success to look back on...
J1993
Well-Known Member
A few have said to send her away but I just think she physically looks very weedy but because I have owned her from being a weanling my judgement is probably slightly clouded by her still looking like a baby! I can send you a pic if you want. I find it interesting to see what people think.
kathantoinette
Well-Known Member
Plenty of dressage competing this year. Qualified for the AF finals which was an improvement on 2018. Scores generally went downhill summer onwards and not really sure why.
Picked up my jumping again autumn and am aiming to carry this on throughout the year in 2020 hoping it will help with the fitness and variety of work.
Sorry to hear of you with injuries [humans and equines] and hope that 2020 is a more successful year for you.
Picked up my jumping again autumn and am aiming to carry this on throughout the year in 2020 hoping it will help with the fitness and variety of work.
Sorry to hear of you with injuries [humans and equines] and hope that 2020 is a more successful year for you.
Leo Walker
Well-Known Member
I'm more than happy to look for you
Maybe do a post and put a pic up and get a range of opinions?
AandK
Well-Known Member
Review of 2019: Had to retire my 22yo in March due to an injury that was one too many for him to come back from at his age. Although he’s still with me I struggled quite badly with knowing I’ll never get to ride him again. I’ve had him 17yrs and although he’s had issues, we had such a great ridden bond, I adored riding him, it was like putting on a worn in, comfy pair of shoes! But he’s loving his retirement, currently very hairy, very muddy and very happy!
Was very fortunate to be able to get another horse (no3) so enter 6yo exracer who is an absolute sweetheart to handle, but very green under saddle. As with my 22yo he loves to work and is a fast learner. Sadly just as we were making some great progress (a slow start due to going barefoot and finding the right saddle) a field injury in July stopped any ridden work. Initial checks showed a bone chip in his hock so to give him the best chance of long term soundness he was booked in for an arthroscopy mid Sept. Turned out to be collateral ligament damage so good job we went down that road. Op went well but GA affected his gut so was home for less than 2 days before going back to the vets for another 4 days with a very impacted caecum. He also somehow damaged his tail and so could not lift it to poo, which probably contributed to the impaction. It’s been a long road but he’s finally back out in the big field with my 22yo as of last week, 3 months post op. The 3 month check up scans and assessment showed good progress healing wise and he has been given a good prognosis to return to full work. Now it’s 2 months field rest and then hopefully I can get back on! Last time I rode was 24th July!
I also sadly had to say goodbye to my 29yo in November after nearly 23yrs with me, her various ailments had finally caught up with her, so I had to make that awful decision.
For 2020 my goals/hopes are just to be able to get ride. To get back on the 6yo (7 in April!) at the end of February and bring him back into work. Aim to to a prelim test mid summer and all being well, start some poles and jumping after that. But just to have an injury free year would be nice, it’s been a long time since I’ve had one of those!!
Was very fortunate to be able to get another horse (no3) so enter 6yo exracer who is an absolute sweetheart to handle, but very green under saddle. As with my 22yo he loves to work and is a fast learner. Sadly just as we were making some great progress (a slow start due to going barefoot and finding the right saddle) a field injury in July stopped any ridden work. Initial checks showed a bone chip in his hock so to give him the best chance of long term soundness he was booked in for an arthroscopy mid Sept. Turned out to be collateral ligament damage so good job we went down that road. Op went well but GA affected his gut so was home for less than 2 days before going back to the vets for another 4 days with a very impacted caecum. He also somehow damaged his tail and so could not lift it to poo, which probably contributed to the impaction. It’s been a long road but he’s finally back out in the big field with my 22yo as of last week, 3 months post op. The 3 month check up scans and assessment showed good progress healing wise and he has been given a good prognosis to return to full work. Now it’s 2 months field rest and then hopefully I can get back on! Last time I rode was 24th July!
I also sadly had to say goodbye to my 29yo in November after nearly 23yrs with me, her various ailments had finally caught up with her, so I had to make that awful decision.
For 2020 my goals/hopes are just to be able to get ride. To get back on the 6yo (7 in April!) at the end of February and bring him back into work. Aim to to a prelim test mid summer and all being well, start some poles and jumping after that. But just to have an injury free year would be nice, it’s been a long time since I’ve had one of those!!
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
liking in sympathy, AandK, what a grim year!
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Whereabouts in the country are you? I know a fab trainer for giving people confidence. Cheshire//Staffordshire based.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Love these threads. Really useful to reflect and plan. And the posts where things have gone wrong also really put things into perspective. If we have healthy, happy horses than that means more than anything.
AandK also liking in sympathy. We need a heart button or something as alternative to likes. Hope 2020 is a year or recovery new beginnings.
LW: Bobbie looked fab in those driving trials. A winter of training and you'll smash it next year. Also can't waut to see how baby-pony progresses.
Oldie48, Rose looks amazing. What a great job you have done with her.
Mule - what a stunning horse! (Gotta love a Chestnut
)
Hopscotch Bandit - I'm with you o the weight loss aims. 2020 is the year I finally get fit again and ditch about a stone.
JFTD - Love, love that jumping and shooting picture. Awesome!!
MP - It has been really interesting watching you start again with a newbie after the achievements with Kira. And I can't wait for the foal pics next year.
AandK also liking in sympathy. We need a heart button or something as alternative to likes. Hope 2020 is a year or recovery new beginnings.
LW: Bobbie looked fab in those driving trials. A winter of training and you'll smash it next year. Also can't waut to see how baby-pony progresses.
Oldie48, Rose looks amazing. What a great job you have done with her.
Mule - what a stunning horse! (Gotta love a Chestnut
)Hopscotch Bandit - I'm with you o the weight loss aims. 2020 is the year I finally get fit again and ditch about a stone.
JFTD - Love, love that jumping and shooting picture. Awesome!!
MP - It has been really interesting watching you start again with a newbie after the achievements with Kira. And I can't wait for the foal pics next year.
Elf On A Shelf
...
My plans from last year are kind of the same for next year! Get out to some shows and find a rider for the Wee Coloured Job!
This year I went to 5 shows in total with a range of beasties!
The first show of the year I took 2 black Shetlands. The big mare was way down the line and she didn't look her best but she only went because I didn't have another black suitable to keep my 2yo company that day! No point in taking something other than black that day ? the 2yo filly excelled herself and stood 2nd in her first ever showing class and her first ever trip away from home! She LOVED it so I will hopefully get her out toa few more shows next year.
She has the most divinely small head!
Next time out saw the Welsh Cob win his M&M class and the chestnut mare stand 6th to him in what turned into a bit of a joke of a class! It was supposed to be split into large breeds and small breeds but they didn't bother so I ended up running 2 out and by the time they had decided what they were actually doing with the class the shetland had walked for miles round the indoor and was thoroughly fed up!
The Wee Coloured Job then took over and won his classes at all 3 shows he attended. The small breeds class at the Scottish Horse Show, the Shetland class and then Reserve Scottish Breeds champion at a local show before finishing the season winning his stallion class, open coloured championship and then reserve overall coloured champion at the shetland show.
My wild, unruly stallion ... ?
My favourite pic of him this year
I did manage to get Gray out this year ... if I had known it was in the indoor school I wouldn't have bothered! For some reason I thought it was outdoors! Somehow he managed to come 2nd in the inhand riding horse class and then 4th (and last ...) in the racehorse class being an absolute pillock!
The pictureof innocence ...
I also have a foal due in the very early days of the new year! So that will be interesting! Bloody Shetlands...
Next year I will hopefully have my trailer test so I can get out and about more by myself and take whoever I fancy! Judge dependent of course! If I can find some riders for some ponies - fantastic!
How could I forget that I ran a show specifically for Retired Racehorses and it went down an absolute storm! Hopefully next year will be bigger and better! Along with the shetland pony show I am planning!
This year I went to 5 shows in total with a range of beasties!
The first show of the year I took 2 black Shetlands. The big mare was way down the line and she didn't look her best but she only went because I didn't have another black suitable to keep my 2yo company that day! No point in taking something other than black that day ? the 2yo filly excelled herself and stood 2nd in her first ever showing class and her first ever trip away from home! She LOVED it so I will hopefully get her out toa few more shows next year.
She has the most divinely small head!
Next time out saw the Welsh Cob win his M&M class and the chestnut mare stand 6th to him in what turned into a bit of a joke of a class! It was supposed to be split into large breeds and small breeds but they didn't bother so I ended up running 2 out and by the time they had decided what they were actually doing with the class the shetland had walked for miles round the indoor and was thoroughly fed up!
The Wee Coloured Job then took over and won his classes at all 3 shows he attended. The small breeds class at the Scottish Horse Show, the Shetland class and then Reserve Scottish Breeds champion at a local show before finishing the season winning his stallion class, open coloured championship and then reserve overall coloured champion at the shetland show.
My wild, unruly stallion ... ?
My favourite pic of him this year
I did manage to get Gray out this year ... if I had known it was in the indoor school I wouldn't have bothered! For some reason I thought it was outdoors! Somehow he managed to come 2nd in the inhand riding horse class and then 4th (and last ...) in the racehorse class being an absolute pillock!
The pictureof innocence ...
I also have a foal due in the very early days of the new year! So that will be interesting! Bloody Shetlands...
Next year I will hopefully have my trailer test so I can get out and about more by myself and take whoever I fancy! Judge dependent of course! If I can find some riders for some ponies - fantastic!
How could I forget that I ran a show specifically for Retired Racehorses and it went down an absolute storm! Hopefully next year will be bigger and better! Along with the shetland pony show I am planning!
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Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
2019 has been a big step up for me I think.
I fulfilled a lifetime's ambition and did a season at BE80cm in 2018. I loved every second of it once I got over the nerves. It was just amazing but I never really felt like we were a credible partnership. I felt astonished that I was out there at all and vaguely apologetic that I was there on a horse as capable as Amber.
Then at the end of 2018 - almost exactly a year ago in fact - I got utterly fed up with myself. I am passionate about riding, competing, improving. Why pretend I am just there for the craic and why spend every lesson introducing myself as an unconfident rider with a horse who I can't really ride. However true that intro may feel! So 2019 was the year of 'Fake it Till You Make It'. I treated lessons like events - psyching myself up for them. Power posing in the lorry before them (yes really!) and never ever ever telling an instructor I lacked confidence and saying 'yes sure' to any fence or line they suggested I might try.
Sure enough the lessons increased in height and technicality immediately. I went from easy 80 lines to complex 90/100 lines pretty much overnight.
When asked for my goals I just said 'I'm taking Amber BE90' without qualifying that with 100 caveats. I spent all winter saying I am going out at BE90 so when March rolled round it seemed obvious that BE90 was the height I was starting at. No easing myself in gently with an 80 first.
I evented at BE90 till injury in August ended our season prematurely. I continued to struggle with the same control issues as I used to have but in amongst the 'yeehaa' Amberish moments there were also rounds where she stayed in a rhythm and let me ride her.
I am far less of a passenger now than I was. So even though I have not stepped up again since the beginning of the year - I am still stuck at 90/100 fences - I am riding them better and staying in better balance and riding better lines. And when she does tank off on landing (yes she still does
) I recover much quicker and get her back.
So my goals for next season are to event at BE90 again aiming this time for controlled rounds! Once I feel that I am riding her round confidently then I will step up to BE100. I would love, love to do the BE100 at Eland which is taking place on my 50th birthday! I have jumped round clear at Eland at the 90 3 times now and it feels very easy......
Plus I hope to get Deedee healthy and happy and eventually out competing too, all being well.
I fulfilled a lifetime's ambition and did a season at BE80cm in 2018. I loved every second of it once I got over the nerves. It was just amazing but I never really felt like we were a credible partnership. I felt astonished that I was out there at all and vaguely apologetic that I was there on a horse as capable as Amber.
Then at the end of 2018 - almost exactly a year ago in fact - I got utterly fed up with myself. I am passionate about riding, competing, improving. Why pretend I am just there for the craic and why spend every lesson introducing myself as an unconfident rider with a horse who I can't really ride. However true that intro may feel! So 2019 was the year of 'Fake it Till You Make It'. I treated lessons like events - psyching myself up for them. Power posing in the lorry before them (yes really!) and never ever ever telling an instructor I lacked confidence and saying 'yes sure' to any fence or line they suggested I might try.
Sure enough the lessons increased in height and technicality immediately. I went from easy 80 lines to complex 90/100 lines pretty much overnight.
When asked for my goals I just said 'I'm taking Amber BE90' without qualifying that with 100 caveats. I spent all winter saying I am going out at BE90 so when March rolled round it seemed obvious that BE90 was the height I was starting at. No easing myself in gently with an 80 first.
I evented at BE90 till injury in August ended our season prematurely. I continued to struggle with the same control issues as I used to have but in amongst the 'yeehaa' Amberish moments there were also rounds where she stayed in a rhythm and let me ride her.
I am far less of a passenger now than I was. So even though I have not stepped up again since the beginning of the year - I am still stuck at 90/100 fences - I am riding them better and staying in better balance and riding better lines. And when she does tank off on landing (yes she still does
) I recover much quicker and get her back. So my goals for next season are to event at BE90 again aiming this time for controlled rounds! Once I feel that I am riding her round confidently then I will step up to BE100. I would love, love to do the BE100 at Eland which is taking place on my 50th birthday! I have jumped round clear at Eland at the 90 3 times now and it feels very easy......
Plus I hope to get Deedee healthy and happy and eventually out competing too, all being well.
Sasana Skye
Well-Known Member
Wasn't here to post in any previous threads. 2019 has been very kind to me and my girls after a horror 2017 & 2018 where I was pretty depressed and convinced that I would lose both of my horses at the same time.
We haven't had any significant successes to refer to, I have only done a handful of competitions in 2019 but I've fallen in love with riding and having horses again, so in that respect, this year has been a good one. Both horses are well, Brieze had to have her hocks medicated again this week as the last one was just starting to wear off after 2 years (pretty good going imo). Vet took one look at Osi after not seeing her for 3 months and told me she looks great and how much stronger she looks since the last time he saw her - thank you hill work!
Having someone tell me that my horses look good has got to be the best compliment I could ever receive.
I would love to get Osi to her first competition in 2020, she will be 6 next summer which is shocking - what happened to my yearling!?
She is a year behind due to injury which took her out of work for best part of a year so I'm treating her as a rising 5yo. Her work is 99% hacking so we will need to get cracking on doing some arena work in the Spring with the hope of getting her to do a prelim test by this point next year. I'm in talks with an event rider about sending her away for schooling for a period but nothing set in stone yet, if we don't get a space then weekly lessons are the plan.
I have no 2020 plans for Brieze except for her to enjoy life and stay fit and well. I probably won't event her competitively again and I'm absolutely OK with that.
We haven't had any significant successes to refer to, I have only done a handful of competitions in 2019 but I've fallen in love with riding and having horses again, so in that respect, this year has been a good one. Both horses are well, Brieze had to have her hocks medicated again this week as the last one was just starting to wear off after 2 years (pretty good going imo). Vet took one look at Osi after not seeing her for 3 months and told me she looks great and how much stronger she looks since the last time he saw her - thank you hill work!
Having someone tell me that my horses look good has got to be the best compliment I could ever receive.
I would love to get Osi to her first competition in 2020, she will be 6 next summer which is shocking - what happened to my yearling!?
She is a year behind due to injury which took her out of work for best part of a year so I'm treating her as a rising 5yo. Her work is 99% hacking so we will need to get cracking on doing some arena work in the Spring with the hope of getting her to do a prelim test by this point next year. I'm in talks with an event rider about sending her away for schooling for a period but nothing set in stone yet, if we don't get a space then weekly lessons are the plan.I have no 2020 plans for Brieze except for her to enjoy life and stay fit and well. I probably won't event her competitively again and I'm absolutely OK with that.
oldie48
Well-Known Member
I love your attitude and honesty and also for me, recognising that I was a bit of a passenger and learning to take control has also been pivotal in improving my riding. It's something a lot of riders just don't seem to get! I'd love you to meet a friend of mine, who also events and has a very similar attitude to you, you'd be so supportive of each other. Fingers crossed for Dee Dee and I hope you have a brilliant 2020.2019 has been a big step up for me I think.
I fulfilled a lifetime's ambition and did a season at BE80cm in 2018. I loved every second of it once I got over the nerves. It was just amazing but I never really felt like we were a credible partnership. I felt astonished that I was out there at all and vaguely apologetic that I was there on a horse as capable as Amber.
Then at the end of 2018 - almost exactly a year ago in fact - I got utterly fed up with myself. I am passionate about riding, competing, improving. Why pretend I am just there for the craic and why spend every lesson introducing myself as an unconfident rider with a horse who I can't really ride. However true that intro may feel! So 2019 was the year of 'Fake it Till You Make It'. I treated lessons like events - psyching myself up for them. Power posing in the lorry before them (yes really!) and never ever ever telling an instructor I lacked confidence and saying 'yes sure' to any fence or line they suggested I might try.
Sure enough the lessons increased in height and technicality immediately. I went from easy 80 lines to complex 90/100 lines pretty much overnight.
When asked for my goals I just said 'I'm taking Amber BE90' without qualifying that with 100 caveats. I spent all winter saying I am going out at BE90 so when March rolled round it seemed obvious that BE90 was the height I was starting at. No easing myself in gently with an 80 first.
I evented at BE90 till injury in August ended our season prematurely. I continued to struggle with the same control issues as I used to have but in amongst the 'yeehaa' Amberish moments there were also rounds where she stayed in a rhythm and let me ride her.
I am far less of a passenger now than I was. So even though I have not stepped up again since the beginning of the year - I am still stuck at 90/100 fences - I am riding them better and staying in better balance and riding better lines. And when she does tank off on landing (yes she still does
So my goals for next season are to event at BE90 again aiming this time for controlled rounds! Once I feel that I am riding her round confidently then I will step up to BE100. I would love, love to do the BE100 at Eland which is taking place on my 50th birthday! I have jumped round clear at Eland at the 90 3 times now and it feels very easy......
Plus I hope to get Deedee healthy and happy and eventually out competing too, all being well.
maya2008
Well-Known Member
With time, this gets better. I still miss riding my retired girl SO much, but finally, after 4 years, today I could sit on the pony who is 'mine' now and spontaneously tell her 'I love you!' and really mean it, in the middle of a hack when she'd been her usual wonderful self. She's tried so very hard to be good for me, to be my friend and to fill the hole her friend left. But they are so different. It has taken a long time (and for me to be able to scratch my schooling 'itch' with my husband's youngster) for me to really bond with anything else, but it is finally happening.
And good years follow bad ones. Ride this out, good times will come again.
rosiesowner
Well-Known Member
Loved reading everyone's replies. This has got to be one of my favourite threads we have each year! We've all achieved so much in so many different ways and I think it's important that we step back to realise it
DressageCob
Well-Known Member
I don't think I contributed to the post last year. I'm not sure why; things were a bit uncertain after the little lad lost his eye, but beyond that there was nothing major!
This Year
Albert
The little lad Albert has had a good year. He returned to competing after his operation and his altered vision has not held him back at all. We have had the odd issue with surfaces; it's the only thing that seems to bother him. If the surface has a damp patch, shadow or you have two different surfaces he can have a little worry. I think he can't judge depth properly, so doesn't know if different surfaces are the same level.
To be honest I'm absolutely delighted with how he's going. It's no secret that I didn't think he'd cope without his eye, never mind thrive. But he's back out and this year he has:
- won at combined training;
- done a show jumping and cross country camp;
- competed BD
- Qualified for first round area festivals, although we didn't go because of my work being in the way.
At home he's started to learn a baby half pass and his medium trot has got pretty fancy.
Toby
Last year he was competing at Prelim and did the Prelim Area Festivals. Our final didn't go brilliantly because he spooked at a photographer who suddenly popped up ?
This year he has competed at Novice consistently and has just started to move up to elementary. We've had a break from competing for a few months now, to try to work on some things at home. Nothing dramatic, but the contact just has to be better for us to progress, and that's mainly stopping my arms from being straight, my hands from being too tight so that he can relax his neck.
We have also dabbled in eventing this year. We are yet to go clear SJ because he doesn't respect show jumps. He gets very complacent and leaves his back toes behind. More training needed
Aims for 2020
Albert
Keep him happy and engaged. Do the odd dressage competition, no major ambitions for championships etc. But to be consistent at Novice and Elementary would be great. Also to be more confident with him jumping would be great. He loves jumping but tends to overdo it these days, since his height perception seems to be off ? And I'm a wuss.
Toby
To do more 80Ts this season. If we could get a double clear that would be amazing. If we could cross country within the time allotted that would also be fab. But in reality I'm just happy getting through all three phases! I want to learn to soften more in the air, go with him so I don't take his jump away.
Dressage-wise, competing consistently at elementary would be great. Maybe a medium by the end of the year or in 2021. The movements are there, they just need refining and I need to be more correct with my aids and position.
All in all, I am happy with my boys and if we can keep doing what we are doing I will be very fortunate indeed.
This Year
Albert
The little lad Albert has had a good year. He returned to competing after his operation and his altered vision has not held him back at all. We have had the odd issue with surfaces; it's the only thing that seems to bother him. If the surface has a damp patch, shadow or you have two different surfaces he can have a little worry. I think he can't judge depth properly, so doesn't know if different surfaces are the same level.
To be honest I'm absolutely delighted with how he's going. It's no secret that I didn't think he'd cope without his eye, never mind thrive. But he's back out and this year he has:
- won at combined training;
- done a show jumping and cross country camp;
- competed BD
- Qualified for first round area festivals, although we didn't go because of my work being in the way.
At home he's started to learn a baby half pass and his medium trot has got pretty fancy.
Toby
Last year he was competing at Prelim and did the Prelim Area Festivals. Our final didn't go brilliantly because he spooked at a photographer who suddenly popped up ?
This year he has competed at Novice consistently and has just started to move up to elementary. We've had a break from competing for a few months now, to try to work on some things at home. Nothing dramatic, but the contact just has to be better for us to progress, and that's mainly stopping my arms from being straight, my hands from being too tight so that he can relax his neck.
We have also dabbled in eventing this year. We are yet to go clear SJ because he doesn't respect show jumps. He gets very complacent and leaves his back toes behind. More training needed
Aims for 2020
Albert
Keep him happy and engaged. Do the odd dressage competition, no major ambitions for championships etc. But to be consistent at Novice and Elementary would be great. Also to be more confident with him jumping would be great. He loves jumping but tends to overdo it these days, since his height perception seems to be off ? And I'm a wuss.
Toby
To do more 80Ts this season. If we could get a double clear that would be amazing. If we could cross country within the time allotted that would also be fab. But in reality I'm just happy getting through all three phases! I want to learn to soften more in the air, go with him so I don't take his jump away.
Dressage-wise, competing consistently at elementary would be great. Maybe a medium by the end of the year or in 2021. The movements are there, they just need refining and I need to be more correct with my aids and position.
All in all, I am happy with my boys and if we can keep doing what we are doing I will be very fortunate indeed.
Attachments
rosiesowner
Well-Known Member
@DressageCob there is a spider in that brush fence!! 
teapot
Well-Known Member
As a non horse owner (who's only ever competed at an actual comp once) and riding/training at two reasonable size centres only, getting my Stage 3 flat was one thing, the fact I'm now serioulsy training for my Stage 4 flat is blowing my mind a bit, in a good way! If I even book it, it'll be a massive achievement for me, especially considering the confidence battles I have, and I'm still feeling the effects from a fall I had in May. Would like my 3 jump too to get my certficate but that means going xc...
Going to Wellington was the best thing I ever did and I hope 2020 continues in that way. Also trying to get my 3 care under my belt so I can take the new Stage 4 management exam! Still considering loaning my own so I've got something to ride regularly outside of lessons too, but salary only goes so far...
Going to Wellington was the best thing I ever did and I hope 2020 continues in that way. Also trying to get my 3 care under my belt so I can take the new Stage 4 management exam! Still considering loaning my own so I've got something to ride regularly outside of lessons too, but salary only goes so far...
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rosiesowner
Well-Known Member
What I wrote in December 2018:
I'd love to do some Quest though, and just ENJOY it, as time with Chilli is going to be my me time and outings are time mum and I can spend together. Really, all I want to do is stuff my pony's face with carrots and continue to love riding her, maybe with a few lessons and competitions thrown in there too.
Our 2019:
Well, we didn't really have any concrete goals due to what was happening this time last year. This year has been different to what I expected though, to say the least! However, we have met our goal of having FUN and doing Quest! For the past couple of years due to a big confidence knock I'd firmly decided that I'd let go of any desire to seriously leave the ground. Until around July when I decided bugger it, I'm having a jump saddle fitted to her! And from there we've made amazing progress. The difference in the jumping photos from start to finish is crazy. In and amongst the jumping we've been having monthly flatwork lessons with the best flatwork instructor I've ever had. She has changed the way I ride and it's had a great influence on Chill and I. It's been our first full year with our own transport and that has been the most amazing thing in the world, I will never stop being grateful for that. I finally, after over three years of having her, feel like I'm figuring out how to ride Chill. She's such an incredible, capable and athletic little horse who at the age of 18 has spent her life giving and giving to people. I love her so much it makes me cry! Here are some photos from the year, in chronological order(I apologise if they come out huge):
2020 Goals:
I really like what Amber's Echo has written about not writing yourself off as a rider who isn't good enough for their horse. That is the attitude I'm trying to take on right now. Chilli is more than capable and you know what, with some work I can ride her to the best of her ability! I really want to do the Wobbleberry goals challenge, I think that'd be the right kind of positive pressure to encourage me to meet my goals.
-Jump an 85cm course in competition.
-Jump a 90cm course in competition.
-Complete a BE80.
-Complete an Elementary dressage test.
The ultimate goal:
-Complete a BE90.
But most of all, just have fun and love this horse with everything I have!
I'd love to do some Quest though, and just ENJOY it, as time with Chilli is going to be my me time and outings are time mum and I can spend together. Really, all I want to do is stuff my pony's face with carrots and continue to love riding her, maybe with a few lessons and competitions thrown in there too.
Our 2019:
Well, we didn't really have any concrete goals due to what was happening this time last year. This year has been different to what I expected though, to say the least! However, we have met our goal of having FUN and doing Quest! For the past couple of years due to a big confidence knock I'd firmly decided that I'd let go of any desire to seriously leave the ground. Until around July when I decided bugger it, I'm having a jump saddle fitted to her! And from there we've made amazing progress. The difference in the jumping photos from start to finish is crazy. In and amongst the jumping we've been having monthly flatwork lessons with the best flatwork instructor I've ever had. She has changed the way I ride and it's had a great influence on Chill and I. It's been our first full year with our own transport and that has been the most amazing thing in the world, I will never stop being grateful for that. I finally, after over three years of having her, feel like I'm figuring out how to ride Chill. She's such an incredible, capable and athletic little horse who at the age of 18 has spent her life giving and giving to people. I love her so much it makes me cry! Here are some photos from the year, in chronological order(I apologise if they come out huge):
2020 Goals:
I really like what Amber's Echo has written about not writing yourself off as a rider who isn't good enough for their horse. That is the attitude I'm trying to take on right now. Chilli is more than capable and you know what, with some work I can ride her to the best of her ability! I really want to do the Wobbleberry goals challenge, I think that'd be the right kind of positive pressure to encourage me to meet my goals.
-Jump an 85cm course in competition.
-Jump a 90cm course in competition.
-Complete a BE80.
-Complete an Elementary dressage test.
The ultimate goal:
-Complete a BE90.
But most of all, just have fun and love this horse with everything I have!
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Dressagecob that looks like Somerford and Eland? Love that pic over the fencs at Eland!
Rosie's Owner, Chilli has to be HHO's most photogenic horse!!! Just gorgeous. X
Rosie's Owner, Chilli has to be HHO's most photogenic horse!!! Just gorgeous. X
rosiesowner
Well-Known Member
Oh my goodness! I may be biased but I do think she is the most beautiful thing ever. Treats work well to encourage the posing and I LOVE how happy she looks, especially XC.
Sam_J
Well-Known Member
Duplicate post
Sam_J
Well-Known Member
Can I join in? Didn't write anything last year as I wasn't really riding, but it appears that now I am! The short version is that instead of the trusty turbo cob I thought I would buy for myself once daughter lost interest in ponies, we bought a 16.2 KWPN for daughter - and after 6 months, GCSEs got in the way and she decided that she wasn't really interested any more. Common sense said that we should have sold the fancy warmblood to buy the aforementioned turbo cob for me. Except that the fancy warmblood had wormed his way into my heart by then and although he is totally not my type of horse, he is the kindest, most well behaved, mannerly boy you could wish to meet and ticks all the boxes - good in traffic, good to travel, good to shoe/trim and an absolute gent under saddle. So having not ridden seriously since I did my BHS exams in my early 20s, I'm now trying to regain my fitness, ability and confidence.
Goals for 2020: Get out to a dressage competition; find my brave pants and try a couple of jumps.View attachment 39648View attachment 39648
Goals for 2020: Get out to a dressage competition; find my brave pants and try a couple of jumps.View attachment 39648View attachment 39648
Sam_J
Well-Known Member
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Boulty
Well-Known Member
I don't think I've done on of these on here before (although have elsewhere) but I've been handed a literal fresh start for 2020 so let's give it a bash... it might even be fun!
Even though I don't / didn't put all that much about it on here 2019 was truly pants. I started the year by waving goodbye to my little box (& in a style which sums up much of our relationship she squatted on my drive for several weeks over the Xmas period after something went "bang" on what was supposed to be a routine drive to check all was working before I tried to sell her... ended up being towed away to a dealers garage for him to fix & sell on my behalf) I then lost the Welsh Idiot in the Summer after coming to the decision that I was struggling to keep his many health conditions sufficiently in check for him to have a decent QOL. He'd already been retired in all but name for nearly a year by that point & things were going to get worse not better. I don't think I'll ever have another horse who'll teach me as much or as broadly as he did. My life is easier without him in it but I do miss him & wish we could have fitted a few more daft adventures in.
My next daft adventures shall instead be with a 3 (4 in May) yr old Highland named Fergus but generally referred to as the Hairy One (+/- Fat depending on how his belly looks that day!). He is currently not backed although he's had a lot of groundwork done with him, has mostly brilliant manners (likes to put everything in his mouth... including human hair, lead ropes, the ends of schooling whips, bits of the quad bike) & is generally fairly chilled about life. I believe his first action when someone does sit on him may be to see if this is a better angle for investigating the contents of human coat pockets (maybe after he's tried to eat their boots?)
Goals for next year are fairly relaxed TBH
Have taken him for a couple of walks already following a friend. By the end of the year I'd like to be able to take him for inhand walks on his own.
Would like to improve my own sloppy approach to groundwork (in my defence a lot of what I've played about with in this area with the previous horse has been through reading / the odd thing tagged onto ridden lessons...) via lots of lessons together so I can get him working as correctly as he's able to for his age from the ground with the hope that this will make everything easier for him being ridden
Barring disaster would like to get him sat on at some point in Spring / Summer (shall be seeking a lot of help with / laying down a proper plan for this at some point). Would love him to start going for short hacks & to have a half-decent grasp of the very basics in walk / trot in the school but will be led by him & any problems we need to solve along the way
Would like to taking him TREC training (probably just inhand to introduce him to things like low branches & s bend with correct dimensions that are difficult to replicate at home) at least once next year & would love to get him to a few shows inhand at some point just for the experience (I would normally prefer to watch paint dry than partake in showing but at least I won't be really mind if things don't go well & will be a decent starting point to learn from & at least I've got half a chance of him standing in a line up rather than doing manic circles like the Welsh one) Lack of transport & finances may curtail this one a bit... we shall see
Before I allow myself to sit on pony myself I want to both lose about a stone (possibly more if we take Xmas weight into account!) & improve my wonkyness. I think this may involve biting the bullet & investigating physio / chiro type things that I generally happily pay out for if they're for the horse but have thus far refused to spend money for myself on. It may also involve attempting to convince my GP that as it's still not right 6 months later maybe we should investigate the possibility that I've possibly done something more serious than "pull a muscle" in my shoulder
Even though I don't / didn't put all that much about it on here 2019 was truly pants. I started the year by waving goodbye to my little box (& in a style which sums up much of our relationship she squatted on my drive for several weeks over the Xmas period after something went "bang" on what was supposed to be a routine drive to check all was working before I tried to sell her... ended up being towed away to a dealers garage for him to fix & sell on my behalf) I then lost the Welsh Idiot in the Summer after coming to the decision that I was struggling to keep his many health conditions sufficiently in check for him to have a decent QOL. He'd already been retired in all but name for nearly a year by that point & things were going to get worse not better. I don't think I'll ever have another horse who'll teach me as much or as broadly as he did. My life is easier without him in it but I do miss him & wish we could have fitted a few more daft adventures in.
My next daft adventures shall instead be with a 3 (4 in May) yr old Highland named Fergus but generally referred to as the Hairy One (+/- Fat depending on how his belly looks that day!). He is currently not backed although he's had a lot of groundwork done with him, has mostly brilliant manners (likes to put everything in his mouth... including human hair, lead ropes, the ends of schooling whips, bits of the quad bike) & is generally fairly chilled about life. I believe his first action when someone does sit on him may be to see if this is a better angle for investigating the contents of human coat pockets (maybe after he's tried to eat their boots?)
Goals for next year are fairly relaxed TBH
Have taken him for a couple of walks already following a friend. By the end of the year I'd like to be able to take him for inhand walks on his own.
Would like to improve my own sloppy approach to groundwork (in my defence a lot of what I've played about with in this area with the previous horse has been through reading / the odd thing tagged onto ridden lessons...) via lots of lessons together so I can get him working as correctly as he's able to for his age from the ground with the hope that this will make everything easier for him being ridden
Barring disaster would like to get him sat on at some point in Spring / Summer (shall be seeking a lot of help with / laying down a proper plan for this at some point). Would love him to start going for short hacks & to have a half-decent grasp of the very basics in walk / trot in the school but will be led by him & any problems we need to solve along the way
Would like to taking him TREC training (probably just inhand to introduce him to things like low branches & s bend with correct dimensions that are difficult to replicate at home) at least once next year & would love to get him to a few shows inhand at some point just for the experience (I would normally prefer to watch paint dry than partake in showing but at least I won't be really mind if things don't go well & will be a decent starting point to learn from & at least I've got half a chance of him standing in a line up rather than doing manic circles like the Welsh one) Lack of transport & finances may curtail this one a bit... we shall see
Before I allow myself to sit on pony myself I want to both lose about a stone (possibly more if we take Xmas weight into account!) & improve my wonkyness. I think this may involve biting the bullet & investigating physio / chiro type things that I generally happily pay out for if they're for the horse but have thus far refused to spend money for myself on. It may also involve attempting to convince my GP that as it's still not right 6 months later maybe we should investigate the possibility that I've possibly done something more serious than "pull a muscle" in my shoulder
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humblepie
Well-Known Member
What a range of things we do with our horses on HHO and it is always so interesting to read about other disciplines and personal achievements and goals, be it youngsters or veterans or in the middle. It is so often not the winning the first place that is the major achievement, it is the achievements on the way - be that a learning light bulb that we have, that the horse has or just the fun of thinking that was a really good lesson or a lovely hack out. Our horses are there for us to enjoy whatever we do with them and just a pamper day when we get to spend some quality time with them in our busy lives is the best time. That's partly why I like showing as I spend a lot of time with the horse, be that polishing, trimming, plaiting, or just hanging around, it is just me and him.
JFTDWS
+++ Out of Cheese Error +++
^^ I always feel like I'm here on some kind of widening participation scheme, representing the weird and wonderful world of alternative horse sports!
I leave the actual success and competence to others. We're just here on a batshittery ticket
I leave the actual success and competence to others. We're just here on a batshittery ticket
DressageCob
Well-Known Member
You know your cross country courses!! It is Somerford and Eland.
The "dragon under the box fence" photo always makes me smile. he'd never seen anything like it before, so gave it the respect he thought it deserved ?
Bernster
Well-Known Member
^^ I always feel like I'm here on some kind of widening participation scheme, representing the weird and wonderful world of alternative horse sports!
I leave the actual success and competence to others. We're just here on a batshittery ticket
You bring the diversity ?
nikkimariet
Well-Known Member
2019. Hmmm. Didn’t achieve much!
Fig went lame and I sold Nova. The King did do a few inter 2’s though which was really cool. And Rooni is amazing.
2020... Well. Fig is out of work again but I don’t have any competitive plans for him moving forwards. Rooni will move up to Novice in January and by mid year hope to be out at Ele. The work is easy for him it’s just a case of confidence.
Fig went lame and I sold Nova. The King did do a few inter 2’s though which was really cool. And Rooni is amazing.
2020... Well. Fig is out of work again but I don’t have any competitive plans for him moving forwards. Rooni will move up to Novice in January and by mid year hope to be out at Ele. The work is easy for him it’s just a case of confidence.