Daughter and Dolly - getting ready for our first outing!!!

redmone

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 July 2010
Messages
1,713
Visit site
Hi everyone,

Well I'll start with a very quick update, and then ask my questions!!

Everything is going great! Dolly is being a superstar at the moment, and daughter has been spending as much time as possible at the stables. Last week she was there 8am til after 5pm every day - was a very very tired girl!!! She's hacking, hacking and more hacking and loving every minute of it! Last week I got a phonecall to tell me not to worry as she wouldn't speak to me again for ages, as she was going on a "MEGA HACK"!!! She was out for about 2 1/2 hours and did some jumping and cantering whilst out, and came back very pleased with herself.

THIS is why we bought her a pony!!!! It's done her confidence the world of good.

She's doing quite well learning to jump. She's done a few courses in lessons, and had a few practice sessions with me, and learnt a few types of jumps that Dolly's less than keen on :eek:, but I think it's more down to daughter having the confidence to kick her on over them. :D

Anyway, down to the exciting bit!!! Next weekend sees us take Dolly to our first show away from the riding stables!!!!! We've never moved her before, and I'd be really grateful for any pointers you can give me.

We're going with a friend, who has there own horse and transport and has offered to help us, but I don't want to be a complete numpty. So here's my questions!!!

1. - travelling boots or no travelling boots? We have a set as insurance company said they prefer ponies to travel wearing them (I rang them to check up on being insurance in moving her). Obv if they prefer, then it's best to put them on, but someone who I massively respect said don't bother as it freaks some ponies out. What to do?? :confused:

2. - travelling boots - is it normal for pony to pick back legs up very high and strangely when walking in said boots for first time. We tried them on and she was fine with the front boots, but back ones were a bit weird. Wondering if they're a little too big???

3. - been told to bandage tail. Have bought a neoprene and velcro tail wrap - is that ok? I can't bandage yet!!!

4. - Leather headcollar to tie up - been out and bought one as read they were safer.

5. - Got a haynet, friend bringing water.

ANYTHING ELSE????

Going to bath/clean tack etc... next Friday.

Obviously, don't know how she'll move to start with so we'll take everything super slowly. It's a nice local quiet show and the organiser is one of daughter's instructors, so it's a perfect starting point.

Any advice or pointers would be gratefully received.

I think I'm more excited than daughter! She's got shows the next 3 weekends - one at the riding school and the other two away, so it's all go for us!!

Who'd have thought it!! Little Dolly - our superstar!!!! They're are FAB team and make each other really happy.

AND to boot, we've had her a year this weekend!!! Love that little pony.

:D:D:D:D

Hmmmmm what can I give you for reading this???

Lucozade and m and m peanuts!!!! :D
 
Personally, if your insurance company prefer the pony to wear travel boots then i'd stick them on just to cover yourself!

Its normal for them to lift there back legs up really high when boots are on, they soon get used to them and stop - or though my 23 year old pony STILL does it and he's been traveled most weekends throughout his life!

Stick the tail guard on too to stop any rubbing that may happen, unless you like the rock star look with hair sticking up everywhere:D

Just remember your grooming kit, hat, tack, GIRTH, pony and child and you'll have a blast!! It might be worth going a bit earlier (say a good hour (and a half) before your class is due to be on) to let both pony and child settle!

Sounds like they are both having tones of fun, good luck to you all and enjoy it :D

BTW sounds like you have yourself a cracking pony!:)
 
Wow they sound like they're getting on fab!
Would always travel with boots, witnessed one of my yard owners showjumper have a very nasty accident on the lorry. Vet said if it wasn't for the boots it would have been a bullet for him.
Very normal for a horse to stretch out there legs and walk funny for a few minutes, its very hard to put on travel boots overly tight, more a case of making sure they're tight enough to stay up!
Some horses just won't travel in boots, if this is the case perhaps ask someone to bandage her legs if you feel you can't - I certainly can't bandage!
Good Luck at the shows, It's all very exciting!
 
Totally normal for them to walk like complete nerds in Travel boots -even when they've had them on for years! Tail guard is fine. I put ours on last thing, as the boys tend to swish their nice shiny tails and the guard flies across the yard! Take a grooming kit for touch ups, get some hoof oil - always nice to have shiny toenails. And a large pack of Tesco's fragrance free baby wipes. Good for snotty noses, eyes and wiping up ice cream drips (Mum, A and dolly!). Have a brilliant weekend, keep smiling - remember, you do it for FUN!
 
Personally, if your insurance company prefer the pony to wear travel boots then i'd stick them on just to cover yourself!

Its normal for them to lift there back legs up really high when boots are on, they soon get used to them and stop - or though my 23 year old pony STILL does it and he's been traveled most weekends throughout his life!

Stick the tail guard on too to stop any rubbing that may happen, unless you like the rock star look with hair sticking up everywhere:D

Just remember your grooming kit, hat, tack, GIRTH, pony and child and you'll have a blast!! It might be worth going a bit earlier (say a good hour (and a half) before your class is due to be on) to let both pony and child settle!

Sounds like they are both having tones of fun, good luck to you all and enjoy it :D

BTW sounds like you have yourself a cracking pony!:)

Well I do like the rock star look.....but perhaps not for Dolly!!! Although she does generally have a mohawk!!!

Glad the weird walking thing is normal!!!! Had a good chuckle when she first did it - looked like she was practising that posh dressage walk thing!!!

Going early is a good idea! Will try to clear that with our friend also going.

Thanks!! Yes, Dolly has turned out to be a star. Didn't think it at first, but a year later and I know we got ourselves a good un!

:D:D
 
Wow they sound like they're getting on fab!
Would always travel with boots, witnessed one of my yard owners showjumper have a very nasty accident on the lorry. Vet said if it wasn't for the boots it would have been a bullet for him.
Very normal for a horse to stretch out there legs and walk funny for a few minutes, its very hard to put on travel boots overly tight, more a case of making sure they're tight enough to stay up!
Some horses just won't travel in boots, if this is the case perhaps ask someone to bandage her legs if you feel you can't - I certainly can't bandage!
Good Luck at the shows, It's all very exciting!

I've heard such mixed comments about boots, it's quite confusing!! But I agree with above poster - as insurance company mentioned it, I'd better at least try to put them on her.

I'll walk her about in them a bit to try to get her used to them, but figure I can put them on just before and take them off once we get there, so as long as she's not freaking out about them, it should be ok.

We are very excited!! Just hope it doesn't rain too much!

Thanks :D
 
Totally normal for them to walk like complete nerds in Travel boots -even when they've had them on for years! Tail guard is fine. I put ours on last thing, as the boys tend to swish their nice shiny tails and the guard flies across the yard! Take a grooming kit for touch ups, get some hoof oil - always nice to have shiny toenails. And a large pack of Tesco's fragrance free baby wipes. Good for snotty noses, eyes and wiping up ice cream drips (Mum, A and dolly!). Have a brilliant weekend, keep smiling - remember, you do it for FUN!

Tail guard comment made me laugh!!!!! I can just see it......weeeeeeeeee!!!!

Baby wipes is a TOP idea!!! Thank you!!!!

I don't know who is more excited! Me or daughter!!!

The first show is a small local one, just a young rider, handy pony and a few in hand classes.

The 2nd one is our riding school annual show - very very exciting!!!

The last one is another riding club's kids show (under 14s) which looks fab. But daughter is most exciting as it will be her first working hunter class! :D:D:D

It's all good!!!! Loving that it worked out so well!! :D
 
Just wanted to say - sounds like your daughter is having an amazing time (and it's confirmed to me I have made the right decision getting my kids a pony!!). Have a fantastic day at the show.

DEFINATELY done the right thing!!

I've no regrets, not one. Well maybe just that I made a bit of a prat out of myself in the first 2 months when every little thing scared the poo out of me, but I've since learnt that this is completely normal so feel less :o

I just wish that I'd chilled out earlier and enjoyed it all a bit more. I know if I'd have been calmer then daughter would have been calmer too, but I was so scared that this big mad creature would bite/kick/squish my precious daughter!!

I've since learnt that she bounces and that she doesn't need my cotton wool anymore!!!

Thanks, and congrats to you and your children. Hope you have many lovely years ahead of you x
 
How exciting! I wouldn't worry about freaking with the travel boots, if she was going to freak she would have done it when you tried them on.

Hope you have a lovely time and make sure you post some pics!!

Good point re the boots. Will see how she goes with them.

Will do!! As I said, it's only a small show (I believe it gets very busy though, as it's a bit of a "family day" type thing) but no jumping or doing anything mad. I just thought it's nice and close, quite basic and ran by someone that knows daughter and Dolly, and therefore a perfect start for them.

And here's a little secret!! If these couple of outings go ok, we're pricing up getting our own van!!! :D:D
 
It sounds like you & daughter are having a fab time!! It brings back the days 10yrs ago when I took the plunge knowing absolutely nothing & bought my girl a pony!! I love it now & can't imagine a life without ponies (not got onto horses yet!!) although I still consider myself to be a novice!! I love that I get to spend so much quality time with my daughter & we now end up going all over the country competing. I hope you have as much of a good time as we have xxx
 
Oh what fun :D

Travel boots - I use normal boots and overreach boots on each leg instead as the Dizz is a bit special and stands on travel boots, no matter how carefully I put them on. Yes, they all walk like a constipated chicken in them, especially the first few times :rolleyes:. Make sure you know how to fit them properly, do not have them too loose :)

Tail guard - much better than a bandage, until you have been shown how to do it properly and you are very good at it :). I used to be, but that was many years ago, so now I prefer not to as I stay awake stressing about it :eek:

Other stuff - make yourself a list (and check it twice :D):

Saddle
Girth
Stirrups - two
Irons - two
Bridle
Bit
Hairnet (or two!)
Gloves - a pair
Tie (plus a spare)
Dandy brush
Body brush
Hoof pick
Grooming bag
Any lotions and potions you need (keep the gin away from the child, could get messy :cool::p:rolleyes::D:D)
Boots - a pair
None-messy boot cleaner
Baby wipes - packs of them, brill for all sorts of things lol
Jodhpur clips - by the dozen, they always go walkabout
Spare shirt and jodhs if you have them (ice-cream has a mind of its own)
Water bucket for pony
Spare bucket for cleaning the poo that is bound to appear on her hind legs!
Sponge (ditto above)
Broom/dustpan and brush
Rubbish bag/s
Suncream
Shorts and tee-shirt

Okay, that should do for now :D
It sounds quite long, but get used to keeping show gear in a box/tub trug. It's not really a lot of stuff :). Keep show gear in a suit bag. If child wears jodhs and shirt from the off, put thin tracky bottoms and a sweatshirt over the top.

Re. the tack - it's often cleaned the day before, which easily leads to 'something' being missed off/forgot to pick up!

And lastly, cameras by the dozen! :D:D:D




















Reins
 
Last edited:
It sounds like you & daughter are having a fab time!! It brings back the days 10yrs ago when I took the plunge knowing absolutely nothing & bought my girl a pony!! I love it now & can't imagine a life without ponies (not got onto horses yet!!) although I still consider myself to be a novice!! I love that I get to spend so much quality time with my daughter & we now end up going all over the country competing. I hope you have as much of a good time as we have xxx

Awwww I completely agree with you!!

I wondered last year, when I could see that daughter was getting bored playing toys and games with me, how we would spend our time together in the future. She's my only child, and I think I need her as much as she needs me (probably more now actually!). But I didn't consider this when buying Dolly.

So I'm so pleased that having Dolly has brought us together so much, at exactly the time most children are probably moving more towards their friends than their parents. Don't get me wrong, I actively push her towards her friends (lovely girls that they are) as she's a shy one, but Dolly has given her confidence beyond belief.

I love the time we spend together, and that I'm "useful" in her life!! I can't imagine life without ponies, and someone said to me a while ago, "what will you do when daughter doesn't need you anymore". And I said........

GET MYSELF A PONY!!!!

Dolly = Best thing we ever did! :D

:D:D:D:D
 
Oh what fun :D

Travel boots - I use normal boots and overreach boots on each leg instead as the Dizz is a bit special and stands on travel boots, no matter how carefully I put them on. Yes, they all walk like a constipated chicken in them, especially the first few times :rolleyes:. Make sure you know how to fit them properly, do not have them too loose :)

Tail guard - much better than a bandage, until you have been shown how to do it properly and you are very good at it :). I used to be, but that was many years ago, so now I prefer not to as I stay awake stressing about it :eek:

Other stuff - make yourself a list (and check it twice :D):

Saddle
Girth
Stirrups - two
Irons - two
Bridle
Bit
Hairnet (or two!)
Gloves - a pair
Tie (plus a spare)
Dandy brush
Body brush
Hoof pick
Grooming bag
Any lotions and potions you need (keep the gin away from the child, could get messy :cool::p:rolleyes::D:D)
Boots - a pair
None-messy boot cleaner
Baby wipes - packs of them, brill for all sorts of things lol
Jodhpur clips - by the dozen, they always go walkabout
Spare shirt and jodhs if you have them (ice-cream has a mind of its own)
Water bucket for pony
Spare bucket for cleaning the poo that is bound to appear on her hind legs!
Sponge (ditto above)
Broom/dustpan and brush
Rubbish bag/s
Suncream
Shorts and tee-shirt

Okay, that should do for now :D
It sounds quite long, but get used to keeping show gear in a box/tub trug. It's not really a lot of stuff :). Keep show gear in a suit bag. If child wears jodhs and shirt from the off, put thin tracky bottoms and a sweatshirt over the top.

Re. the tack - it's often cleaned the day before, which easily leads to 'something' being missed off/forgot to pick up!

And lastly, cameras by the dozen! :D:D:D




















Reins

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED!!!!

Mrs M - You are a star!!!!! :D

Things I forgot:

Hairnets
Jodphur clips
Bucket for poo etc...
Bin bags
Spare clothes
Suncream

And probably more.......

THANK YOU!!! x x x
 
Fantastic news! So glad it's all working out so well!!

You've had loads of great tips already so the only thing I would add is arrive in plenty of time and take a step back from what Daughter and Dolly do at home to make sure they stay within their comfort zone. Just to be 100% safe take Dolly out for a little walk in hand first to let her see the sights and sounds and then stay close to them when Daughter first hops on. I am sure Dolly will be a total star and they will both have a great time! Make sure you take some photos for us!
 
So glad they're doing well, i remember your posts this time last year - it's flown by! Good luck for the show, take lots of photos for us. Little Dolly is a superstar :D

Thanks MGM! I know, hasn't it flown!

Dolly is lovely, we're so very pleased with her!!! She's still a grumpy mare in the stable, but less so now.

What a different pony to a year ago!

:D
 
Fantastic news! So glad it's all working out so well!!

You've had loads of great tips already so the only thing I would add is arrive in plenty of time and take a step back from what Daughter and Dolly do at home to make sure they stay within their comfort zone. Just to be 100% safe take Dolly out for a little walk in hand first to let her see the sights and sounds and then stay close to them when Daughter first hops on. I am sure Dolly will be a total star and they will both have a great time! Make sure you take some photos for us!

Thanks!

Yes, definately agree with all of that. This first "away" show is quite a basic one - shouldn't be any cantering and definately no jumping. I thought it was an ideal first one, as it's about 7 miles away (so not too far in case of travelling problems) and with it being a bit slower than she's used to, should ease them in gently.

I really hope it goes well. We're not at all bothered about rossettes, just excited to be going somewhere with Dolly!!

Very wise advice of yours that. Thank you!

And yes, will be getting bucket loads of photos in the next few weeks - three weeks and three shows - GET US!!!!

:D
 
Fantastic!
Have a lovely time.

I'm about to take the plunge and buy a pony for my daughter and neice to share, and small horse for me and my sister too, so its lovely to hear a positive story at a time when I'm thinking 'what am I doing?'
 
Fantastic!
Have a lovely time.

I'm about to take the plunge and buy a pony for my daughter and neice to share, and small horse for me and my sister too, so its lovely to hear a positive story at a time when I'm thinking 'what am I doing?'

Thanks!

Well my goodness, how much did I stress about it!! Ask anyone!!!!

But it really did work out well for us, and Dolly was by no means easy to start with (didn't help that daughter weights about 4 stone and Dolly seemed to think " ha no way am I going where you say"!!!). But with good people around to support and help us, a year on, we couldn't be happier.

My advice would be to take everything super slowly, try not to worry too much about things (unlike me :rolleyes:), and enjoy the little things to start with like just owning a pony!

BUT also DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!! :D

Best thing we ever did :D:D:D

PS Sorry if you've had ponies before and I'm teaching you to suck eggs!!!! I'm sure you knew all of the above anyway!
 
I do love reading your posts. It takes me back to when my daughter had her first pony. Although I'd "been there, done that" it was lovely seeing my daughter get to love the same things. It does keep you close (most of the time:D) especially as they can't tow themselves until they're at least 21.

We need to see pics mind.
 
I do love reading your posts. It takes me back to when my daughter had her first pony. Although I'd "been there, done that" it was lovely seeing my daughter get to love the same things. It does keep you close (most of the time:D) especially as they can't tow themselves until they're at least 21.

We need to see pics mind.

Thanks!!

I'd not thought of the driving lark - ooooo that's really good leverage!!! I'm liking that!!!

Not sure if I've posted this pic before, but here's one from a few weeks ago to keep you going, from when the weather was nice!

216977_180357375347876_100001208452027_512697_662400_n.jpg


More pics to come soon, when we've done these shows!!!

:D
 
Exciting stuff :D every one else has covered your questions and given you a good list. The only thing I would add is a rain sheet and a waffle for dolly incase it rains I use an old rain sheet that lives in the trailer that's been broken so he can't wear it in the field but it's fine to put over him at shows. I keep all my show stuff in a big plastic box so it's nearly all packed ready to go. Other than that enjoy and don't forget to take loads of pictures so we can have a good report.
 
What a lovely pic, and soooooo nice to hear you and your daughter are getting on so well with Dolly. Good luck and have lots of fun.

Don;t forget the polos.
 
Exciting stuff :D every one else has covered your questions and given you a good list. The only thing I would add is a rain sheet and a waffle for dolly incase it rains I use an old rain sheet that lives in the trailer that's been broken so he can't wear it in the field but it's fine to put over him at shows. I keep all my show stuff in a big plastic box so it's nearly all packed ready to go. Other than that enjoy and don't forget to take loads of pictures so we can have a good report.

Thanks DH!!! I've got a waffle rug and hadn't thought to bring it!!

OH is "special bag" mad and keeps arriving home with really cool bags to keep things nice! And has taken to fastening bits of velcro tape into said bags for whips, girth, stirrups etc.... he goes mad at me cause I chuck everything into the bag and leave it to him to put everything back in it's little holders! Well he has to have a job doesn't he!!

One thing I have bought is a handful of suit bags from the pound shop! They're really handy to stop numnahs from leaving hair all over the boot of my car, and really handy for show clothes etc... too! See I'm a good organised mum me :p not.

Will definately put up lots of pics.

One last thing....and I was hoping you'd post (but anyone else is also welcome to help!) - could you do me a HUGE favour please.

Could you step back step talk me through loading a pony. I might not have to do it myself, but I also might, so I'm going to look up guides online, watch youtube tutorials and try to watch someone else, but I'd really like someone to just tell me what to do.

The bit I can't fathom is how say if you're rear loading, and there's another pony next to yours, where do you stand? Do you just walk up the ramp and then let it walk into the space (or push it's bum!!!).

Sorry - I've probably just undone all my good work at trying to sound like I've got the slightest clue about what I'm doing, but I'd just like someone to talk me through it!

PS don't know it truck will be side or rear loading, but know it's not a trailer.

THANKS!! :D
 
Top