***Bay boys update from Sparkle HQ***

[nikkimariet]

Long time no read...

Absolute beast of an update coming up!

Goofy been growing up quickly; we've been doing some despooking as usual. Fig was happy to prove how grown up he is!

Maybe not...

Looks good in pink:

Figgy and Brucey been hacking:

We had a Team Sparkle trip to Badminton, and Goofy landed himself a new headcollar

Figgy went to a show for a Med and Adv Med landing just under 68% and 61% (bit mean!). Coped really well with a small and busy warm up and was able to press for some pi/pa and the changes

Goofy appears to be the most food orientated horse ever!!!

And he seems to be really settling in...

Here's a video:
https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...39601284/?type=3&video_source=pages_video_set

Work is coming along nicely. He's doing long lining and a little bit of lunging, as well as lots of jumping around/half getting on.

Here's a video:
https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...02467311/?type=3&video_source=pages_video_set

Slowly getting there with the backing His saddle is due to arrive this Saturday, but as we are off on holiday the following week we will wait till we get back. Currently the only saddle that fits is Bruce's GP which is not ideal for sitting on a youngster for the first time lol!

Fig is really coming along too!!!!

It's hard to believe he's the same horse, looking back...

Meant to be summer, but keep getting caught in the rain!

Little bouncy video:
https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...79514640/?type=3&video_source=pages_video_set

Hilariously, when checking what date Figs jabs were due I found this... So... He was entire in 2010! Lol!!! You would never know!!!!

On Thursday, we snuck Fig off to Somerford Premier League. He was a total dude and scored just under 70% and 63% in the Med and Adv Med classes which placed us 3rd and 5th restricted!!!! How cool?!

Here's the videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCR6Ckuz4hE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-23CgDYh1gU

Hilariously, as none of us had thought ahead. I got changed. And was basically standing BY the prize giving when they announced my name over the tannoy... Sprint back to the lorry, dive back into my gear and sprint back. Riding in my boots? No problem. Running in my boots? Problem...

Poor Fig VERY tired on the Saturday!

He had a little hack and then due to unavoidable timing (don't like working him this much in one go!), went off for a lesson on the Sunday. He was really good and Ken was super impressed with how much he had physically and mentally grown up. Thumbs up for the end aim of 60% at GP!!!!

Here's a video:
https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...24739452/?type=3&video_source=pages_video_set
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5Cw821vX1I

And that's about it! A gentle week for the pair of them. Then a good rest whilst we jet set to Italy for a week!

 

[Bernster]

Amazing turnout as always, horses and riders. Looking fab !

 

[kassieg]

Wow fig looks amazing !! cannot believe how he used to look !

love your youngster as well

 

[Tiarella]

You know I am your number one fan haha!!

Figgy just looks amazing! Would never even consider him a TB he looks so muscular and strong. You have done the most wonderful job with him and totally admire you for it. I keep meaning to message you about how you acquired fig & pea - not sure which route to go down myself yet!

Looking forward to seeing F on goofy too! Will be lovely to see how he turns out with such careful management and training from a young age.

 

[Walrus]

They both look fab - i love following your posts on facebook. Hope you don't mind a couple of questions.....what girth do you use on fig? And what elastic / bungie set up are you lunging Goofy in - i was trying to work out how it was set up as i don't think it goes over his head - is it directly from girth to bit?

Thanks

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

thank you

Fig is in the standard width Fairfax.

Goofy's bungee loops round a bit of baler twine on girth then runs up through bit ring and back to girth straps on each side.

i dont like the poll pressure of putting it over head, where as this way allows them to come up or stretch down as long as they stay round (and although some will disagree its our opinion that a deep round stretch is more beneficial than a long low flatter stretch).

 

[Horsemad12]

Great update.

Ouch knees though!

I love Somerford, tend to be there eventing but would consider heading up there next year to watch the PL show.

 

[Walrus]

thank you

Fig is in the standard width Fairfax.

Goofy's bungee loops round a bit of baler twine on girth then runs up through bit ring and back to girth straps on each side.

i dont like the poll pressure of putting it over head, where as this way allows them to come up or stretch down as long as they stay round (and although some will disagree its our opinion that a deep round stretch is more beneficial than a long low flatter stretch).

Thank you - i like the look of the bungie - might have to give it a go.

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

ive never had one not like it

Goof is quite reactive and i think even loose side reins would have freaked him out but this is always encouraging them down and round which is a relaxing position for them, and theres enough give not to feel pinned in.

 

[Pinkvboots]

Lovely pictures Fig looks like a different horse you must be very proud, I was also looking at the bungee on Goofy and will give it a try on mine have never thought of trying it that way

 

[PorkChop]

As always a super update with beautiful pictures

I really enjoyed watching the videos, thank you for posting

 

[nikkimariet]

Thanks guys 👍

Super pleased with Fig still 😁