A spotty update

lindsayH

lindsayH

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I don't know if anyone will remember, but some time ago I posted about my utterly useless spotty boy Clyde. Well, yesterday he went for one last go at breaking to Janet George's yard. I'm not overly optimistic but he is a bit more grown up now so you never know! If everyone could cross fingers and toes for me, I'd be grateful. I was suprised how emotional it was, I guess this is a bit how mothers sending their kids to boarding school must feel! I'm so used to having the big lump around...

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Awwww, thanks all, much appreciated. I must admit to having spent lots of time just looking at him, but after 5 years the frustration of not being able to get on is almost unbearable! Heres hoping it'll be third time lucky...
 
If anyone can do it, Janet can. She's used to big lumps - she's got a yard full of em, but all very useful, not useless and I'm sure your boy will be the same.
He looks gorgeous - I can understand why you're missing him!
 
ironhorse said:
If anyone can do it, Janet can. She's used to big lumps -
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:D You've met my OH then?

Clyde has settled in beautifully! It's early days, of course, but I'm confident he WILL be backed! His lunging is foot-perfect - Lindsay has done a good job there. His manners in the stable are excellent!

He IS 'ear-shy' (not head shy!) I suspect he may have aural plaques and I'm planning to do a little careful exploration tomorrow. If I'm right - and we can clear them up - that will help with the problems bridling!

But he's a NICE boy - and I'm sure he will soon be a USEFUL boy!
 
If it's any help - I've just been on the BD forum and someone on there was looking for a person to back their dressage youngster and Janet George's name came up several times as recommended ! Good luck - keep us posted !!
 
abina said:
If it's any help - I've just been on the BD forum and someone on there was looking for a person to back their dressage youngster and Janet George's name came up several times as recommended ! Good luck - keep us posted !!
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;) It helps me! I got an e-mail from a DQ last night enquiring about backing and I wondered how she got my name - that might explain it!
 
Thank you all for your lovely comments. Janet was recommended to me by several people after my last post, otherwise I'd never have sent him so far away! It's hard to find the right person for this sort of thing, personal recommendation really is the only way to go.
TicTac, he was totally unhandled until 2 and a half years old which has resulted in him never quite being 100% trusting of people I think. Knowing he might be a bit complicated, I got someone else in to back him at 3 and a half. I think he was a bit rushed, he got the guy off and gave himself a scare. He's never quite regained his confidence. He's been turned away for 2 years as I haven't had the time/money/facilities to do anything with him.
Ear thing sounds interesting, he's ok to worm, for dentist etc so yes 'ear shy' is more applicable than 'head shy'!
 
I have a spotty too! How is he bred? My mare is by Danish Blue and is a snowflake blue roan.

They can be a bit of a handful at times and have a sense of humour that can verge on the impenetrable but once they have a "lightbulb" moment they are SUCH fast learners. I think the problem with a lot of them is they are very quick and can be easily distracted, so getting their attention on one thing, and then motivating them to keep their attention, can be tricky. I've found they respond very well to treats, vocal reassurance, and like to work in short, busy bursts, rather than longer sessions.

Keep us posted!
 
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