JHC
Well-Known Member
Some know that I originally posted under a different username but I had a lot of negative comments so I changed my username and since then I've had a lot of useful opinions which I have used.
So the grey mare who was underweight and has a couple other issues was given the all clear before Christmas to be broken in - by a professional as she bronced at any weight on her back. The method that person choose had a lot of controversy, which I won't go into but it worked. The pro got her hacking out well but I didn't want them to do anymore as I felt just sitting on her was a huge achievement in itself.
When she came back to me, she was plagued with an abscess so hasn't been ridden since Xmas day. She lost a lot of weight and after advice on here she is looking so much better after completely overhauling her diet and going barefoot.
She came sound and happy to work on tarmac 2 weeks ago so I have been walking her inhand, then progressed to long-reining.
(not sure why she looks so small here, she's actually 16.1hh and I'm 5'8")
So two days ago I decided to long rein and get on and hack home. We were only about 5mins from home but she let me on her back and didn't tense up. Wasn't bothered with the traffic or pheasants flying out of the hedgerows.
Today, I did the same but went a little further and got on a little earlier. We went through the estate, over the link-road for the first time and through a hamlet with kids playing, wheelie bins and not to forget it was windy and snowing! Although on her toes, I cannot fault her.
I cannot believe after so long off, she didn't even hesitate to let me climb on her. I know this sounds very trivial to most, but for this mare it is HUGE!
So a huge smile is on my face right now
So the grey mare who was underweight and has a couple other issues was given the all clear before Christmas to be broken in - by a professional as she bronced at any weight on her back. The method that person choose had a lot of controversy, which I won't go into but it worked. The pro got her hacking out well but I didn't want them to do anymore as I felt just sitting on her was a huge achievement in itself.
When she came back to me, she was plagued with an abscess so hasn't been ridden since Xmas day. She lost a lot of weight and after advice on here she is looking so much better after completely overhauling her diet and going barefoot.
She came sound and happy to work on tarmac 2 weeks ago so I have been walking her inhand, then progressed to long-reining.
(not sure why she looks so small here, she's actually 16.1hh and I'm 5'8")
So two days ago I decided to long rein and get on and hack home. We were only about 5mins from home but she let me on her back and didn't tense up. Wasn't bothered with the traffic or pheasants flying out of the hedgerows.
Today, I did the same but went a little further and got on a little earlier. We went through the estate, over the link-road for the first time and through a hamlet with kids playing, wheelie bins and not to forget it was windy and snowing! Although on her toes, I cannot fault her.
I cannot believe after so long off, she didn't even hesitate to let me climb on her. I know this sounds very trivial to most, but for this mare it is HUGE!
So a huge smile is on my face right now
