Bernster
Well-Known Member
Inspired by Jen's report, here are some some pics from Keysoe riding camp last week. First time to a camp, first time taking Finnegan away overnight.
We have lots to work on and are at an early stage in training, so this was more about getting some experience and building confidence. My main aim (as it usually is), is not to fall off. And, yay, we succeeded! (Although we did have one bobble in the last class of the camp so it would have turned out differently.)
Wednesday was 'arrive and settle' day, and we watched the dressage show that was on in the lovely but spook-filled arena.
We then did sj on Thursday morning which turned out a bit eventful as the other 2 riders fell within about 10 mins of each other. No harm done but horses needed to settle a bit. Fortunately, F and I managed to not make it 100% fallers and he settled really well in the arena. First time jumping rustic poles and he took them all nicely - forward, keen, bouncy canter and felt confident (although they were teeny fences). I am working hard on allowing with my hands and this def improved, although sadly not in this shot. And what is that face?! He looks nice though, so I'll post it for that reason.
Flatwork in the afternoon, which was a massive trial by fire with flowerpots, markers, judge's boxes and the cafe along one side. He was a bit tense for a while but he contained himself and did some decent work, despite my awful left leg waggling about. Main tip was to lift up my left rein and pick him up on that side as he falls out through his left shoulder. Awful facial expression again - and it was v hot! But really chuffed to have gotten some experience in a busy arena.
Feed talk in the evening which didn't really overwhelm me. Shame the weighbridge lady didn't make it as would have liked to have gotten him weighed - he's a bit porky and on a diet at the moment!
The next morning we went out to the little xc field, spent some time around the water, which F was very relaxed about. Did a coffin for the first time, and the steps up and down. Then whizzed around some inviting little fences. We had a run out at the first but represented and then did a little course first time round, with plenty of fences we hadn't done before.
Oh, forgot to add we did a pole/grid work session as well. He was tired and it was blooming hot. It was hard work for him as he's not totally balanced in canter but he tried his heart out, although he did demolish a few poles along the way. However, we improved over the session which is good enough for me.
I did cheat massively and didn't actually camp (we stayed in a B&B and I'm sooo glad we did!). But what a fabulous experience for us both. I felt like I got to know F better and we both learned so much just by being at a new buzzy venue. I can't believe how well he behaved for his age (5yo) - he went like a dream the whole time, could not have asked for more. Am v lucky to have such a dude of a horse
We have lots to work on and are at an early stage in training, so this was more about getting some experience and building confidence. My main aim (as it usually is), is not to fall off. And, yay, we succeeded! (Although we did have one bobble in the last class of the camp so it would have turned out differently.)
Wednesday was 'arrive and settle' day, and we watched the dressage show that was on in the lovely but spook-filled arena.
We then did sj on Thursday morning which turned out a bit eventful as the other 2 riders fell within about 10 mins of each other. No harm done but horses needed to settle a bit. Fortunately, F and I managed to not make it 100% fallers and he settled really well in the arena. First time jumping rustic poles and he took them all nicely - forward, keen, bouncy canter and felt confident (although they were teeny fences). I am working hard on allowing with my hands and this def improved, although sadly not in this shot. And what is that face?! He looks nice though, so I'll post it for that reason.
Flatwork in the afternoon, which was a massive trial by fire with flowerpots, markers, judge's boxes and the cafe along one side. He was a bit tense for a while but he contained himself and did some decent work, despite my awful left leg waggling about. Main tip was to lift up my left rein and pick him up on that side as he falls out through his left shoulder. Awful facial expression again - and it was v hot! But really chuffed to have gotten some experience in a busy arena.
Feed talk in the evening which didn't really overwhelm me. Shame the weighbridge lady didn't make it as would have liked to have gotten him weighed - he's a bit porky and on a diet at the moment!
The next morning we went out to the little xc field, spent some time around the water, which F was very relaxed about. Did a coffin for the first time, and the steps up and down. Then whizzed around some inviting little fences. We had a run out at the first but represented and then did a little course first time round, with plenty of fences we hadn't done before.
Oh, forgot to add we did a pole/grid work session as well. He was tired and it was blooming hot. It was hard work for him as he's not totally balanced in canter but he tried his heart out, although he did demolish a few poles along the way. However, we improved over the session which is good enough for me.
I did cheat massively and didn't actually camp (we stayed in a B&B and I'm sooo glad we did!). But what a fabulous experience for us both. I felt like I got to know F better and we both learned so much just by being at a new buzzy venue. I can't believe how well he behaved for his age (5yo) - he went like a dream the whole time, could not have asked for more. Am v lucky to have such a dude of a horse
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