rara007
Well-Known Member
Novas video is really useful 
For my older horse as much as her...!
For my older horse as much as her...!
Backing 3/4yr olds
- Thread starter TheMule
- Start date
j1ffy
Well-Known Member
We be trotting
View attachment 53170
And long reining out
View attachment 53171
And getting more relaxed (me not her!) under saddle
View attachment 53173
And finally very near to 100% accepting of double lunging/ropes behind legs.View attachment 53174
She's such a stunner! Looking great.
palo1
Well-Known Member
1st ever lesson today! Just 30 minutes with a very nice local instructor -I was super happy with the lesson and Alw certainly showed improvement in her rhythm/tempo and we got a lovely canter on the right rein. Left canter, which is usually her best was not so great today but I was so happy with right canter I am not so fussed about that. Transitions are starting to smarten up and I have a good plan moving forward for the next 3-4 weeks. Definate things to work on as well as some more qualitative things. I finally acknowledged that I would like to try a few tests next year with the intention of calling it a wrap for dressage if we get through Prelim and achieve a Novice test without too shaming a result!! It is so good to be able to tell someone that without them falling about laughing or looking worried...
It felt good to be able to have some sort of stated plan/ambition however humble it may be. Lovely instructor was very nice about sweet Alw too. It seemed all very straightforward, productive and constructive which is fab and we have another lesson booked next week. I will go with that for a couple more weeks until I return to work when logistics become more tricky. I will probably hope then to alternate lessons and arena hire before giving Alw another winter break/reduction in her work. I want to admit too that I was enormously chuffed that my instructor reassured me that we could go out to Intro dressage tomorrow without feeling embarrassed as to where we are at at all and that Alw is quite straight and correct, listens to me really well and has a lovely rhythm. This really is music to my ears actually - though not a massive 'achievement' as such!! I am sure most people take these things absolutely for granted but I feel chuffed because I have done everything myself so far, including all the manners/loading/confidence boosting/groundwork/in hand work so that taking her somewhere is actually a pleasure and means I can actually concentrate on helping her to work more effectively. I don't have any arena or 'facilities at home' which doesn't bother me but I always enjoy help and good input from others and what with one thing and another Alw has only had me so far.
It is such early days but after quite a long isolated period working alone with my young horse it is lovely to see a way ahead with some help and support from someone else. Later in the Autumn I will be hoping to take Alw for a lesson with my favourite but more 'serious' and expensive trainer - it's one step at a time!!
Just 30 minutes with a very nice local instructor -I was super happy with the lesson and Alw certainly showed improvement in her rhythm/tempo and we got a lovely canter on the right rein. Left canter, which is usually her best was not so great today but I was so happy with right canter I am not so fussed about that. Transitions are starting to smarten up and I have a good plan moving forward for the next 3-4 weeks. Definate things to work on as well as some more qualitative things. I finally acknowledged that I would like to try a few tests next year with the intention of calling it a wrap for dressage if we get through Prelim and achieve a Novice test without too shaming a result!! It is so good to be able to tell someone that without them falling about laughing or looking worried...It felt good to be able to have some sort of stated plan/ambition however humble it may be. Lovely instructor was very nice about sweet Alw too. It seemed all very straightforward, productive and constructive which is fab and we have another lesson booked next week. I will go with that for a couple more weeks until I return to work when logistics become more tricky. I will probably hope then to alternate lessons and arena hire before giving Alw another winter break/reduction in her work. I want to admit too that I was enormously chuffed that my instructor reassured me that we could go out to Intro dressage tomorrow without feeling embarrassed as to where we are at at all and that Alw is quite straight and correct, listens to me really well and has a lovely rhythm. This really is music to my ears actually - though not a massive 'achievement' as such!! I am sure most people take these things absolutely for granted but I feel chuffed because I have done everything myself so far, including all the manners/loading/confidence boosting/groundwork/in hand work so that taking her somewhere is actually a pleasure and means I can actually concentrate on helping her to work more effectively. I don't have any arena or 'facilities at home' which doesn't bother me but I always enjoy help and good input from others and what with one thing and another Alw has only had me so far.
It is such early days but after quite a long isolated period working alone with my young horse it is lovely to see a way ahead with some help and support from someone else. Later in the Autumn I will be hoping to take Alw for a lesson with my favourite but more 'serious' and expensive trainer - it's one step at a time!!
TheMule
Well-Known Member
1st ever lesson today!
It felt good to be able to have some sort of stated plan/ambition however humble it may be. Lovely instructor was very nice about sweet Alw too. It seemed all very straightforward, productive and constructive which is fab and we have another lesson booked next week. I will go with that for a couple more weeks until I return to work when logistics become more tricky. I will probably hope then to alternate lessons and arena hire before giving Alw another winter break/reduction in her work. I want to admit too that I was enormously chuffed that my instructor reassured me that we could go out to Intro dressage tomorrow without feeling embarrassed as to where we are at at all and that Alw is quite straight and correct, listens to me really well and has a lovely rhythm. This really is music to my ears actually - though not a massive 'achievement' as such!! I am sure most people take these things absolutely for granted but I feel chuffed because I have done everything myself so far, including all the manners/loading/confidence boosting/groundwork/in hand work so that taking her somewhere is actually a pleasure and means I can actually concentrate on helping her to work more effectively. I don't have any arena or 'facilities at home' which doesn't bother me but I always enjoy help and good input from others and what with one thing and another Alw has only had me so far.
It is such early days but after quite a long isolated period working alone with my young horse it is lovely to see a way ahead with some help and support from someone else. Later in the Autumn I will be hoping to take Alw for a lesson with my favourite but more 'serious' and expensive trainer - it's one step at a time!!
That sounds like a really positive experience, well done!
ahml100
Well-Known Member
First school report from my trainer who is very kindly backing Jamie for me.
He was a bit 'lost' the first 48 hours, however I was reassured that this is perfectly normal as his little world have been turned upside down! - it is a slight jump going from the field with all your friends with the same person working with you, to a stable and someone who you have never met before...! However, now he understands his new routine he has been lovely, confident with lunging (the one area I did very little with) and remembering his earlier long lining eduction. I think he will have another week of long - lining before the actual backing process starts. Though, there is no time frame for him as I just want a happy confident horse so if it takes 3 weeks or more I am not fussed.
My trainer very kindly sent me this picture of him yesterday, I would be lying if I said that I have not spent all of yesterday and today window shopping for a smart hunting bridle. I can not wait to see hounds in full cry from behind those ears.
He was a bit 'lost' the first 48 hours, however I was reassured that this is perfectly normal as his little world have been turned upside down! - it is a slight jump going from the field with all your friends with the same person working with you, to a stable and someone who you have never met before...! However, now he understands his new routine he has been lovely, confident with lunging (the one area I did very little with) and remembering his earlier long lining eduction. I think he will have another week of long - lining before the actual backing process starts. Though, there is no time frame for him as I just want a happy confident horse so if it takes 3 weeks or more I am not fussed.
My trainer very kindly sent me this picture of him yesterday, I would be lying if I said that I have not spent all of yesterday and today window shopping for a smart hunting bridle. I can not wait to see hounds in full cry from behind those ears.
Attachments
Asha
Well-Known Member
We finally have something worth sharing . Frank is at big school , and learning to long rein . They think they will be able to sit on him next week , But just want to make sure they have brakes first . Only comments so far is that he’s more of a competition horse ( assuming by that they mean he’s sharp ??) , that’s what he’s bred for so .. and he’s a bit fussy in his mouth. He did have his teeth checked a few months ago, but may just have to get them checked again . 
TheMule
Well-Known Member
Exciting times Asha! Look forwards to seeing the 'on board' pics.
My two are turned away again now as we achieved everything I wanted to this year. Now I've just got to basically ignore them until next Easter which is hard as they were such fun to work with, so I will be living through everyone else on this post!
My two are turned away again now as we achieved everything I wanted to this year. Now I've just got to basically ignore them until next Easter which is hard as they were such fun to work with, so I will be living through everyone else on this post!
Asha
Well-Known Member
It’s a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation, I can’t wait to see someone on board and to get him hacking out . Plan is to do a few weeks of that and see how he is . We may do what you doing and chuck him away for a couple of months , will just see what we have in a few weeks .
Yours have both been fab, I hope Frank is as easy ?
Cluelessblonde
Well-Known Member
My mare went to be broken yesterday!! Have to say I miss her today the place isn't the same without her... Very quiet with just the oldies here ?
TheMule
Well-Known Member
I can’t believe my luck with how easy mine have been- I've been helping a friend with hers and ? it really hit home. It does help if you’ve had them all the way through though as they know me and totally trust me.
Asha
Well-Known Member
I think you are spot on . I just haven’t the bottle / experience to do it . Hats off to those who can , it must make it such an easier transition for the horse
Cluelessblonde
Well-Known Member
I plan on riding mine off myself... But my girlie is being broken by an 80 year old man that I'd trust with my life... Its probably the last I'll be able to get broken by him so it was a no brainer for me!!
Asha
Well-Known Member
Crikey ! He’s 80 ??, well blinking fair play to him for still being able to do that ! Make sure you post some photos of them both ?
Cluelessblonde
Well-Known Member
Yup 60 years experience how cool is that?! Still hunts horses... Softest hands in the world!! Definitely getting some pictures... He always says they're just like kids... Don't spoil them don't neglect them
itroteverywhere
Well-Known Member
Who is your instructor The Mule? She seems fab!
ihatework
Well-Known Member
Well my little guy has been superb.
He has really settled and knuckled down to some work.
This month he has been going out in the trailer a fair bit - once a week to the girls yard who is riding him and he also went to Wickstead and strung a few show jumps together and did a bit of ditch schooling. Then he did his first proper Xc school at Oxtalls and was a complete pro. Trotted and popped all the diddy ones then went in the big field and jumped some 80/90’s plus steps and water. Bold, honest and loving it!!
So I’m not sure he needs to do too much more at this stage, he is now ready for a holiday and will be going back to Stud this weekend.
Oh, and he has only grown an inch in the last 5 months ?
He has really settled and knuckled down to some work.
This month he has been going out in the trailer a fair bit - once a week to the girls yard who is riding him and he also went to Wickstead and strung a few show jumps together and did a bit of ditch schooling. Then he did his first proper Xc school at Oxtalls and was a complete pro. Trotted and popped all the diddy ones then went in the big field and jumped some 80/90’s plus steps and water. Bold, honest and loving it!!
So I’m not sure he needs to do too much more at this stage, he is now ready for a holiday and will be going back to Stud this weekend.
Oh, and he has only grown an inch in the last 5 months ?
palo1
Well-Known Member
@ihatework - Wow!! Super smart chap ) My little mare is coming along very nicely - now going out in the trailer once a week to do 30 mins of structured schooling with a view to competition 'exposure' later in the autumn. She too has grown, strengthened and thankfully slimmed down a bit It's slow but steady progress and I am delighted with her!!
) My little mare is coming along very nicely - now going out in the trailer once a week to do 30 mins of structured schooling with a view to competition 'exposure' later in the autumn. She too has grown, strengthened and thankfully slimmed down a bit It's slow but steady progress and I am delighted with her!! 
lannerch
Well-Known Member
Wow he looks fabulous a proper event horse he’s really matured .
TheMule
Well-Known Member
She's called Demelza Hawes. I count myself as very fortunate that a random Facebook post led me to her as I've been looking for a classical instructor for a long time and she comes to a yard just down the road a few times a year. She's bloody brilliant!
Michen
Well-Known Member
My guy has a busy few weeks. Met hounds on Wednesday and will do so again tomorrow. Little in hand show Monday and hounds again Friday then we will go to weekly hound exercise/autumn hunting providing good behaviour remains.
Hopefully he will do a little dressage competition before having a month or so off over Christmas and then we will start doing more school, begin jumping etc early 2021.
Hopefully he will do a little dressage competition before having a month or so off over Christmas and then we will start doing more school, begin jumping etc early 2021.
Gingerwitch
Well-Known Member
I think you should start it now as these things can take a couple of years to be debated etc, I would happily sign too x
lannerch
Well-Known Member
I’m pretty sure there is one going already which I think I’ve signed either that or the fizz I’ve had tonight has gone to my head ?
TheMule
Well-Known Member
They did one in the US, and one over here for BD a few years ago. She wouldn’t currently be allowed to compete BS or BE
ahml100
Well-Known Member
Big day here!
Today, I sat on my boy for the first time to have a little walk and trot up e lane.
He has been under saddle for 10 days and all I can say is wow, it has been worth the wait. I am so lucky that my trainer is so knowledgable as ultimately I am reaping all the benefits!
So (hopefully will work!) a little video and photo of the big moment will be added shortly...once I get it to load!??
Today, I sat on my boy for the first time to have a little walk and trot up e lane.
He has been under saddle for 10 days and all I can say is wow, it has been worth the wait. I am so lucky that my trainer is so knowledgable as ultimately I am reaping all the benefits!
So (hopefully will work!) a little video and photo of the big moment will be added shortly...once I get it to load!??
ahml100
Well-Known Member
nikkimariet
Well-Known Member
Both super cute!
TheMule
Well-Known Member
Looking super, well done!
Asha
Well-Known Member
He looks fab . Really nice and chilled out .Well done , it’s great when a plan comes together ?
ahml100
Well-Known Member
Thank you so much! My trainer is really pleased with him and thinks he is going to make a smart horse in the future. One more week of school then home for a long holiday until the spring
MarvelVillis
Well-Known Member
Love catching up on this thread and seeing everyone's youngsters. My guy turned 3 last month, we've just moved to a new yard so letting him settle down and then will restart regular walks in hand and long reining. I've always wanted to wait until he was 4 to be broken in, but as he's a late baby I'm not sure whether to wait until the following spring so we've got the spring/summer to be riding away. Lots to think about before then! We went on our first walk in hand on the weekend on Dartmoor and he was really well behaved, considering we came across walkers, dogs, cows, sheep and ponies!
