TheMule
Well-Known Member
He sticks at 14.2 currently, I think he'll make about 15hh as my previous mule was similar
Mummy was an Irish mare about 16hh
Daddy was a mammoth x about 14hh
Physically more like mum, mentally, quite donkey
Backing 3/4yr olds
- Thread starter TheMule
- Start date
He sticks at 14.2 currently, I think he'll make about 15hh as my previous mule was similar
Mummy was an Irish mare about 16hh
Daddy was a mammoth x about 14hh
Physically more like mum, mentally, quite donkey
SEL
Well-Known Member
So donkey dad was quite tall then (for donkeys!). We've got 3 next door and none go over 13h.
Only ever ridden mules overseas you don't really see them here
Only ever ridden mules overseas you don't really see them here
TheHairyOne
Well-Known Member
My baby continues to make great progress with solo hacking and a ride in the indoor school for the first time. He has also had a good tidy up session and is looking fantastic.
Looking forward to getting onboard!
Looking forward to getting onboard!
alsxx
Well-Known Member
Hope everyone has had productive long weekends with their babies!
Despite weather being quite meh here, Willow is long lining nicely, round the fields mostly and a little bit in the school working on changes of direction (and where I felt enclosed enough to get the phone out for a photo!). I wonder how many babies have to contend with long lining around ride on toy tractors and a husband chain sawing/chopping logs. Hopefully she'll be fairly bomb proof
She's gone quite lanky looking, so think she's growing. Everything feels quite nicely established so not really pushing things at this point.... still haven't sorted a saddle so feels like a nice point to not really stress about things and just revisit things every few days so it stays familiar without overdoing it, and hopefully she pauses growing and we can crack on again.
Despite weather being quite meh here, Willow is long lining nicely, round the fields mostly and a little bit in the school working on changes of direction (and where I felt enclosed enough to get the phone out for a photo!). I wonder how many babies have to contend with long lining around ride on toy tractors and a husband chain sawing/chopping logs. Hopefully she'll be fairly bomb proof
She's gone quite lanky looking, so think she's growing. Everything feels quite nicely established so not really pushing things at this point.... still haven't sorted a saddle so feels like a nice point to not really stress about things and just revisit things every few days so it stays familiar without overdoing it, and hopefully she pauses growing and we can crack on again.
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MatHalTed
Well-Known Member
Final post on this thread as Gi has just turned 5, we went out to Hickstead for our first excursion together and her first time XC schooling today. We just did teeny-tiny fences and she had a few baby moments, with it taking about 20 minutes to get her into the water but we did get in eventually and she was super brave for her first time out doing something like this.
TheMule
Well-Known Member
Hope everyone has had productive long weekends with their babies!
Despite weather being quite meh here, Willow is long lining nicely, round the fields mostly and a little bit in the school working on changes of direction (and where I felt enclosed enough to get the phone out for a photo!). I wonder how many babies have to contend with long lining around ride on toy tractors and a husband chain sawing/chopping logs. Hopefully she'll be fairly bomb proof
She's gone quite lanky looking, so think she's growing. Everything feels quite nicely established so not really pushing things at this point.... still haven't sorted a saddle so feels like a nice point to not really stress about things and just revisit things every few days so it stays familiar without overdoing it, and hopefully she pauses growing and we can crack on again.
Sounds like perfect training for her future!
Enya has got the hand of long lining now too and accepted her saddle. The mule had some wolf teeth out, having also reached a good point in his training, so they are now both enjoying a couple of weeks off before I do another little block of learning with them. Pleased so far- I just love this stage as every day you see real progress.
Asha
Well-Known Member
i guess i can add my 4yos 'little' brother to this now as hes 3 this year.
So meet Rustle, hes a whopping 17hds at 3, but feels much bigger. Very gangly. I advertised him for sale, found a lovely local lady who was due to get him vetted today. But weve had to cancel as the big lump decided to get himself hurt in the field. Not quite sure what he did, but in essence he was sore all over. Physio treated him yesterday and hes already looking and moving better. But as the lady wants to aim for HOYS working hunter on him i thought wed best postpone until hes 100%. The lady is happy to wait. So i may just have to do some long lining with him to get him moving a bit more straight again.
Is it a sign that he doesntt want to be sold..
So meet Rustle, hes a whopping 17hds at 3, but feels much bigger. Very gangly. I advertised him for sale, found a lovely local lady who was due to get him vetted today. But weve had to cancel as the big lump decided to get himself hurt in the field. Not quite sure what he did, but in essence he was sore all over. Physio treated him yesterday and hes already looking and moving better. But as the lady wants to aim for HOYS working hunter on him i thought wed best postpone until hes 100%. The lady is happy to wait. So i may just have to do some long lining with him to get him moving a bit more straight again.
Is it a sign that he doesntt want to be sold..
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Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Horses have the best timing!! How frustrating.
Asha
Well-Known Member
im being a bit unusually philosophical about it , ah well what will be will be
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TheMule
Well-Known Member
Asha
Well-Known Member
It does sound like he's going to end up a keeper♀
Im struggling getting my head around his sisters size theres no way I riding him, id get a nose bleed at that altitude. Plus hes much bigger, and much more athletic. The older i get the less i need athletic types
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
I'm glad you are feeling ok about it. I'm actually pretty happy in retrospect that people failed to appreciate the absolute diamond that is Felix! We are having a lot of fun and I am happy to pootle around for a year or so and see how we get on.
TheHairyOne
Well-Known Member
I went for my first proper ride on my 4 year old today at his 'holiday' yard.
He was a bit spicey today for his regular rider, but settled down and i had a nice time! He might be 2 inches taller than my other horse, but he is about a foot narrower atm!
Pleased to be on him and to get a feel for what the future might hold.
He was a bit spicey today for his regular rider, but settled down and i had a nice time! He might be 2 inches taller than my other horse, but he is about a foot narrower atm!
Pleased to be on him and to get a feel for what the future might hold.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Felix:
Day 1 tack up.
Dat 2: Lean over
Day 3: Get on by my myself in a gale.
Felix yawns and wonders when lunchtime might be….
Myka
Day 1-100: Tack up. ‘OMG the world is ending’
Day 100-200: Lean over etc…. OOH NOT SURE ABOUT THIS
Day 200 + - ok I can deal with this if everything is exactly the same every time. But YOU’VE LEFT YOUR CAR KEYS IN VIEW THEY AREN’T NORMALLY THERE I BETTER GET AWAY FROM THEM AND SNORT A LOT!
But - drum roll - I am finally on Board Little Miss Dramatic! And she’s coming home today.
Day 1 tack up.
Dat 2: Lean over
Day 3: Get on by my myself in a gale.
Felix yawns and wonders when lunchtime might be….
Myka
Day 1-100: Tack up. ‘OMG the world is ending’
Day 100-200: Lean over etc…. OOH NOT SURE ABOUT THIS
Day 200 + - ok I can deal with this if everything is exactly the same every time. But YOU’VE LEFT YOUR CAR KEYS IN VIEW THEY AREN’T NORMALLY THERE I BETTER GET AWAY FROM THEM AND SNORT A LOT!
But - drum roll - I am finally on Board Little Miss Dramatic! And she’s coming home today.
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Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Not sure why sone photos are repeated. When I go to edit they only show up once? Oh well never mind x
YourValentine
Well-Known Member
For the 1st 5 photos, due to sun & angle, I didn't think she had a bridle or headcollar on! I was trying to work out if that was brave or insane given how suspicious she's been of everything
TooOldForThis
Member
So, hi 
this is my first post outside my intro thread 
I did put a bit about Storm on that thread, but I know people don't always get over there, so a quick recap:
He's a Welsh Cob, I got him as a yearling, terrified and horribly headshy. I am not young and have much experience with problem horses and with youngsters, but I have frequently questioned my life choices over the past three years with him.
To cut a long story short, I backed him very lightly last year and we did a handful of short rides following a friend on my old boy. This spring I hauled his tack out, started from scratch, but it was like we'd done everything yesterday. My main aim is to be able to hack him out on his own, so we've done a lot of long lining around the farm and he's very confident and forward going - which tires me out and I've been looking forward to riding instead!
So over the past few weeks, when riding & leading from my oldie, we'll go out one way, then I'll switch and ride Storm instead. Works fine, once we get over the confusion of who's leading whom
We've maybe done four rides on our own. I long line him for a few minutes first, because sometimes he gets out of bed the wrong side, and I'd rather have that discussion from the floor! But then I hop on. Each time we've gone just a tiny bit further, all places he's been in hand before, but not ridden.
Sorry for the essay, on to today, we went for a wander through the woods and back again, perhaps half an hour. On the way back he decides he's going to jog, and when I suggested we didn't want that, he jogged sideways and tossed his head
I am not getting into an argument on board, because he's very quick to escalate, and I never want that when I'm riding, so I hopped off, turned him around and we walked away from home. Every time he tried to jog I'd send him in a tight circle around me, and then we walked on. Once he was walking nicely, we headed home, and I hopped on at a convenient gate (I don't get on from the ground ) He tried to jog again but we settled on a rather active walk that made me glad my pelvic floor is strong (tmi?)
All told, not our best ride, but really pleased with his onward progress
this is my first post outside my intro thread I did put a bit about Storm on that thread, but I know people don't always get over there, so a quick recap:
He's a Welsh Cob, I got him as a yearling, terrified and horribly headshy. I am not young and have much experience with problem horses and with youngsters, but I have frequently questioned my life choices over the past three years with him.
To cut a long story short, I backed him very lightly last year and we did a handful of short rides following a friend on my old boy. This spring I hauled his tack out, started from scratch, but it was like we'd done everything yesterday. My main aim is to be able to hack him out on his own, so we've done a lot of long lining around the farm and he's very confident and forward going - which tires me out and I've been looking forward to riding instead!
So over the past few weeks, when riding & leading from my oldie, we'll go out one way, then I'll switch and ride Storm instead. Works fine, once we get over the confusion of who's leading whom
We've maybe done four rides on our own. I long line him for a few minutes first, because sometimes he gets out of bed the wrong side, and I'd rather have that discussion from the floor! But then I hop on. Each time we've gone just a tiny bit further, all places he's been in hand before, but not ridden.
Sorry for the essay, on to today, we went for a wander through the woods and back again, perhaps half an hour. On the way back he decides he's going to jog, and when I suggested we didn't want that, he jogged sideways and tossed his head
I am not getting into an argument on board, because he's very quick to escalate, and I never want that when I'm riding, so I hopped off, turned him around and we walked away from home. Every time he tried to jog I'd send him in a tight circle around me, and then we walked on. Once he was walking nicely, we headed home, and I hopped on at a convenient gate (I don't get on from the ground ) He tried to jog again but we settled on a rather active walk that made me glad my pelvic floor is strong (tmi?)All told, not our best ride, but really pleased with his onward progress
maya2008
Well-Known Member
My rising 4yo has found herself little sharers to have fun with. She desperately wanted to be a lead rein pony, but my kids are well beyond that and big on her now. So I found her a couple of little friends and she is thriving. The look on her face when the smallest one arrives for a ride is heart wrenchingly sweet. She officially thinks toddlers are the cutest thing EVER and is so kind and gentle.
dorsetladette
Well-Known Member
Reggie is loving his sessions with the freelancer. Today we long reined, lunged and then lunged with a rider on board (me). We've got walk and trot transitions pretty good now. We then ended with a couple of walks round the paddock independently. He's very proud of himself.
TooOldForThis
Member
Took the boys around the block this morning. We live on a sheep farm and we don't have to touch road if we don't want to, but it's obviously important that Storm sees traffic a bit. So rode Brenin (23, bit of an idiot at times but 100% in traffic) and led Storm.
All was really well until we were almost home, where we go past a smallholding. Not normally a problem, today Brenin plants, grows 3 hands, and sticks his ears up my nose. I'm looking, trying to see what he's spotted. Half a dozen squealing piglets run up to the fence. Brenin is genuinely scared of pigs. He backpedals, shaking and snorting. Storm, confused about what's going on, is now sort of sideways on to me, but I have to let him sort himself out as I'm mostly concerned about Brenin deciding discretion is the better part of valour and buggering off in the opposite direction.
We can't turn around, we're almost home, I'm not getting off so he has to get by. I ease him forward, sideways with his head bent away, which is fine, until the little buggers run along the fence line with us, still squealing. Let's just say we left the area rather quicker than planned, although at least all together!
Brenin's a terrible tension stacker, so he spent the rest of the ride snorting and spooking at everything and nothing, although Storm knows what he's like and just ambled along next to us rolling his eyes and sighing occasionally!
Quick pic of ponies and lambs
All was really well until we were almost home, where we go past a smallholding. Not normally a problem, today Brenin plants, grows 3 hands, and sticks his ears up my nose. I'm looking, trying to see what he's spotted. Half a dozen squealing piglets run up to the fence. Brenin is genuinely scared of pigs. He backpedals, shaking and snorting. Storm, confused about what's going on, is now sort of sideways on to me, but I have to let him sort himself out as I'm mostly concerned about Brenin deciding discretion is the better part of valour and buggering off in the opposite direction.
We can't turn around, we're almost home, I'm not getting off so he has to get by. I ease him forward, sideways with his head bent away, which is fine, until the little buggers run along the fence line with us, still squealing. Let's just say we left the area rather quicker than planned, although at least all together!
Brenin's a terrible tension stacker, so he spent the rest of the ride snorting and spooking at everything and nothing, although Storm knows what he's like and just ambled along next to us rolling his eyes and sighing occasionally!
Quick pic of ponies and lambs
McGrools
Well-Known Member
Western tack suits her
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
McGrools
Well-Known Member
lols! Er no, the pommel thingy would be very uncomfortable over a solid fence!Not sure how easy it would be to event in though
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
So Felix met Myka yesterday. She prompty booted him and caught his leg because he was his usual over-friendly labrador-like self and ignored her 'go away' warnings. Cue frantic checking of the leg, but no heat, no swelling, sound on it and not much blood. She just took the skin off really. And at least he's mine and I don't have an irate owner to deal with.
Anyway today they are best buddies and insist they can't POSSIBLY be temporarily separated so I can work them individually. My ear drums feel sore from the neighing.
Both were very good once on their own though. Popped Myka in a stable while I worked Felix as I did not think she;d cope in the field and she prompty went to sleep.
Anyway today they are best buddies and insist they can't POSSIBLY be temporarily separated so I can work them individually. My ear drums feel sore from the neighing.
Both were very good once on their own though. Popped Myka in a stable while I worked Felix as I did not think she;d cope in the field and she prompty went to sleep.
McGrools
Well-Known Member
I have a 4 year old Connie hacking away well now. Broken in in the autumn by me. Hacked up and down dale for 6 months now give and take. Alone and company. He is very good on the whole, noise sensitive, gets a bit worried about traffic approaching from behind but nothing unmanageable. He also insists on having a wary look in every gateway/ driveway. Which makes getting through the village longer than it needs to be.
I was initially letting him have the benefit of the doubt and giving him time to nosey, but I’m insisting he gets on with it more now. He is nicely forward in the woods where there isn’t an opening to a different mystery realm every few yards. I would post pics but have failed to resize them. Will keep trying. He was lovely today, 1.5hrs on his own. Route he has not done before. Had a spooky moment at a crossroads to 2 gateways opposite each other, he doesn’t spin, just takes a minute to gather himself and be brave.
Hoping to do his first fun rides next month, that will be fun for him with a capital F
I don’t have an arena, he has had a trot round one maybe x5. And I have no plans to use one until end of this year/ early next xx
I was initially letting him have the benefit of the doubt and giving him time to nosey, but I’m insisting he gets on with it more now. He is nicely forward in the woods where there isn’t an opening to a different mystery realm every few yards. I would post pics but have failed to resize them. Will keep trying. He was lovely today, 1.5hrs on his own. Route he has not done before. Had a spooky moment at a crossroads to 2 gateways opposite each other, he doesn’t spin, just takes a minute to gather himself and be brave.
Hoping to do his first fun rides next month, that will be fun for him with a capital F
I don’t have an arena, he has had a trot round one maybe x5. And I have no plans to use one until end of this year/ early next xx
McGrools
Well-Known Member
cosmic389
Well-Known Member
Love reading everyone's updates
Took Apache out on a shared trail on the weekend with a few friends. He's the only horse of our little party (4 adults, a baby and 2 dogs). We like this trail because even though cyclists use it, they are much more friendly and understanding because of the horses riders they encounter. A few months ago he was terrified of bikes and today he didn't react at all, which I'm super proud of. I do put myself between the oncoming bikes and him just in case he reacts he won't be running into anyone. He was calm and relaxed the entire day, even when he's left in the yards by himself by the cafe we stopped for food. He got lots of attention and pats hehe. He travelled well and stayed calm when everybody left and we were the last to load up and go home.
Also had a little sit on him a few weeks ago, he was a good boy. Didn't really understand leg aids (not expecting him to) but he walked to the patch of grass in the corner of the arena and started to eat haha.
Took Apache out on a shared trail on the weekend with a few friends. He's the only horse of our little party (4 adults, a baby and 2 dogs). We like this trail because even though cyclists use it, they are much more friendly and understanding because of the horses riders they encounter. A few months ago he was terrified of bikes and today he didn't react at all, which I'm super proud of. I do put myself between the oncoming bikes and him just in case he reacts he won't be running into anyone. He was calm and relaxed the entire day, even when he's left in the yards by himself by the cafe we stopped for food. He got lots of attention and pats hehe. He travelled well and stayed calm when everybody left and we were the last to load up and go home.
Also had a little sit on him a few weeks ago, he was a good boy. Didn't really understand leg aids (not expecting him to) but he walked to the patch of grass in the corner of the arena and started to eat haha.
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TheHairyOne
Well-Known Member
Went to see my 4 year old at school again today. Looking very fine in the sunshine. Gets better and better and half itching to get him home now, but another 2 to 3 weeks should hopefully make him even better for me to crack on with!
dorsetladette
Well-Known Member
Reggie was a little reactive yesterday with the freelancer, but to be fair to him he was in a new environment with other horses in all directions (something I really want him to get used to) and his friends calling for him. Rather than getting straight on I lent over a few times. The bouncing around was not fun and I felt quiet sick by the time he chilled out enough (licking and chewing) for me to sit on properly. Every part of me was telling me not to get on but I trusted the freelancer and got on. Then off we went for a very uneventful walk around the village.
Brave pants well and truly tested.
Brave pants well and truly tested.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
I’m on at home! Feels like a milestone. And she now has English tack.
Trotted round and she moves so beautifully. If I can ever learn to ride her properly she’ll be awesome.
Trotted round and she moves so beautifully. If I can ever learn to ride her properly she’ll be awesome.
