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

[redmone]

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.

Polos. Check!!!!

Thank you!!!

 

[Lolo]

Your daughter looks so leggy now!

Top tip- take MrsM's list, type it out onto 2 sheets- one titled DOLLY and the other titled DAUGHTER. Double laminate, buy 2 whiteboard pens and attach to the stiff sheets. Then, the night before as you get it all ready you can tick stuff off! Makes life a lot easier!!

You'll love it and have a blast. Although in 8 years time, as darling daughter sets out on her 16.2hh steed over massive fences for teams of some form, you will be thinking "Why did I do this?!"...

ETA- you walk in front and duck under the breast bar and then tie up, as someone else does the bum bar up Your friend will help you lots though!

 

[dafthoss]

This may be a bit breif but I will explain further later when I'm on computer not phone if you need any more help.
Get pony ready with boots tail guard and the like. Walk her round so she stops silly walk. Walk confidently up the ramp with pony in tow (cross your fingers that she is good to load if not possibly best to get friend to help) I carry a schooling whip sometimes as we have had problems in the past although not for ages now. When in turn dolly round you so she is facing the right way. Tie her up to some bailing twine just incase. Then tie her hay net up. Shut partition and ramp and you are done. It's the same for rear and side loading really you just turn diffrent ways. Trailers are slightly diffrent I will get a video when we next go out just to show you. Then to unload move partition out the way then lead her down just make sure you keep your toes out the way. If she is a but excited nip under and untie her before you move the partition if not it dosent matter what order. hope that helps let me know if there's any thing I have missed or not made sense on. Although I'm sure your friend will help, just be prepared she may be a little reluctant to go home although I have only found this with the first few times they have been out they soon learn the routine.

 

[Annagain]

I've been following your posts for a while, but haven't commented before. I'm so glad things are going well after your bumpy start. Good luck for the show, looking forward to seeing a report and photos next week.

....and it's so refreshing to see your daughter in hi-viz, none of the kids round my way wear it. The only thing I'd add is toilet paper / tissues as the portaloos they normally have at these shows tend to run out fairly quickly, and maybe some hand gel if you're fussy? I tend to go down the baby wipe route but a friend of mine won't go to a show without her hand gel!

 

[redmone]

Your daughter looks so leggy now!

Top tip- take MrsM's list, type it out onto 2 sheets- one titled DOLLY and the other titled DAUGHTER. Double laminate, buy 2 whiteboard pens and attach to the stiff sheets. Then, the night before as you get it all ready you can tick stuff off! Makes life a lot easier!!

You'll love it and have a blast. Although in 8 years time, as darling daughter sets out on her 16.2hh steed over massive fences for teams of some form, you will be thinking "Why did I do this?!"...

ETA- you walk in front and duck under the breast bar and then tie up, as someone else does the bum bar up Your friend will help you lots though!

I know!! Can't believe how much she's grown in a year!! Check out this photo taken exactly a year ago this week! (not a good pic, but you get the idea)

I don't want to think about the 16.2hh massive steed she'll have! If she had her way, she'd have a racing yard by then! She wants to be a jockey (and at currently 4 foot 6 and 4 stone, she'll probably be ok! ) and is trying to convince me to let her go to pony racing school next summer. We'll see

Loving the whiteboard idea, but I might do a power point presentation for myself instead

And thanks re the breast bar - I hope when faced with it, I might have worked out to duck under.......but who knows!!!!! lol !!!!

 

[redmone]

This may be a bit breif but I will explain further later when I'm on computer not phone if you need any more help.
Get pony ready with boots tail guard and the like. Walk her round so she stops silly walk. Walk confidently up the ramp with pony in tow (cross your fingers that she is good to load if not possibly best to get friend to help) I carry a schooling whip sometimes as we have had problems in the past although not for ages now. When in turn dolly round you so she is facing the right way. Tie her up to some bailing twine just incase. Then tie her hay net up. Shut partition and ramp and you are done. It's the same for rear and side loading really you just turn diffrent ways. Trailers are slightly diffrent I will get a video when we next go out just to show you. Then to unload move partition out the way then lead her down just make sure you keep your toes out the way. If she is a but excited nip under and untie her before you move the partition if not it dosent matter what order. hope that helps let me know if there's any thing I have missed or not made sense on. Although I'm sure your friend will help, just be prepared she may be a little reluctant to go home although I have only found this with the first few times they have been out they soon learn the routine.

That's great Dafthoss, thanks loads.

So I need to walk her round to get used to the boots, then confidently walk up ramp (have bought a nice long lead rope to give me some leverage just in case) duck under breast bar and tie her up to bailing string. Or move her around until she's in the right place, depending on the truck etc...

Going to take lots of treats with me, as she's very food orientated, so might be able to tempt her out of any problems.

Thanks for all the help! very very grateful!!!

 

[redmone]

I've been following your posts for a while, but haven't commented before. I'm so glad things are going well after your bumpy start. Good luck for the show, looking forward to seeing a report and photos next week.

....and it's so refreshing to see your daughter in hi-viz, none of the kids round my way wear it. The only thing I'd add is toilet paper / tissues as the portaloos they normally have at these shows tend to run out fairly quickly, and maybe some hand gel if you're fussy? I tend to go down the baby wipe route but a friend of mine won't go to a show without her hand gel!

Thank you! And thanks for commenting!!!

I'm a bit fussy about hat, gloves and hi viz. I've slipped a little with her body protector as she's on and off so frequently, we've got a little casual about it. But Hi Viz is a must for me. I've not gone as far as some, who seem to have boots, blankets, bands etc.... as I hope the ginger ninja stands out on her own, but daughter must have her vest on when out hacking!

Toilet paper - good idea!!! I usually have a pack of tissues in my mum bag anyway, but the baby wipes have got to be a mast!!!

Thanks

 

[dafthoss]

Yes, act confident and in control and you should be fine I put the breast bar up after I'm in as he is good about standing in the trailer. If you get the chance its a good thing to practice so you dont need to limbo under the breast bar. The walking round isn't always needed but by the time they have walked a few steps they generally have forgotten about the special walk but as you are both out of practice it's just one less thing to worry about. Bribery is the way to go you may not need it but first time round it's always helpful to have just in case.
Looking forward to your report hope you all have a great day. If you need any more help just ask.

 

[SophieLouBee]

A handy tip, tie a rope up inside the trailer before hand, then instead of faffing trying to tie pony onto string, you can just clip the ready-tied rope onto Dolly and then unclip the one you are leading her with VOILA! (make sure you clip on before you unclip, or else LOOSE HORSE comes to mind haha)

ALSO. First aid kit, no doubt someone will need savlon or a plaster.

I also always take about 3 ropes just incase one breaks, and lunch/drinks.

Make sure you write a list! Don't forget the list either haha.

How exciting?!

 

[joeanne]

Oh hasn't she grown!
Redmone, you will probably forget something (god knows I always do), but relax and enjoy the day, its meant to be a nice day out, not the prelude to a ruddy coronary!!!
I hope you and Daughter have a great day and we shall await pictures with baited breath!

 

[splashgirl45]

your daughter and dolly both look fab, dolly is a nice slim model now and your daughter is sitting very confidently..have followed your posts from the beginning and am so pleased for you both.....cant really add to the comments about loading etc, but would suggest, be prepared to take off the back boots if she is unhappy with them. most horses/ponies dont mind the front ones, if you do take them off , take them with you and try for the home journey and she will prob be too tired to worry. other than that, have a lovely day, remember its FUN!!!!! and we want lots of piccies!!!

 

[redmone]

Yes, act confident and in control and you should be fine I put the breast bar up after I'm in as he is good about standing in the trailer. If you get the chance its a good thing to practice so you dont need to limbo under the breast bar. The walking round isn't always needed but by the time they have walked a few steps they generally have forgotten about the special walk but as you are both out of practice it's just one less thing to worry about. Bribery is the way to go you may not need it but first time round it's always helpful to have just in case.
Looking forward to your report hope you all have a great day. If you need any more help just ask.

Thanks for all your help!!!

I believe she's moved around a bit before we got her, so hopefully she'll be an old hand at it!!

We've done 2 "in house" shows with her and to be honest, each time she's been perfect - like she knows her job!!! She's probably a damn sight better at it than us!!!

Will let you know how we get on! Thanks again x

 

[redmone]

A handy tip, tie a rope up inside the trailer before hand, then instead of faffing trying to tie pony onto string, you can just clip the ready-tied rope onto Dolly and then unclip the one you are leading her with VOILA! (make sure you clip on before you unclip, or else LOOSE HORSE comes to mind haha)

ALSO. First aid kit, no doubt someone will need savlon or a plaster.

I also always take about 3 ropes just incase one breaks, and lunch/drinks.

Make sure you write a list! Don't forget the list either haha.

How exciting?!

Thanks for the tip! I'd probably ended up with me clipped to the box and Dolly running off down the road!

First Aid kit - good call!! Not thought of that AT ALL!!!!

Thank you!

 

[redmone]

Oh hasn't she grown!
Redmone, you will probably forget something (god knows I always do), but relax and enjoy the day, its meant to be a nice day out, not the prelude to a ruddy coronary!!!
I hope you and Daughter have a great day and we shall await pictures with baited breath!

Thanks Joeanne!

She certainly has! It's like daughter knew she needed a few more inches of height and a bit more muscle to get the best out of Dolly!

I'm really looking forward to it. Not stressing too much at the moment.

Heard the instructor who runs the show today saying that over-bathing ponies isn't a good idea and brush brush and more brush to get them shiny!!!! So might use that as an excuse not to bath (Dolly, not me ) - maybe will just do her tail then...

Nope - just suggested this to daughter and she's looked at me in disgust and said Dolly is having a full bath!! Sorry Dolly!!!

 

[redmone]

your daughter and dolly both look fab, dolly is a nice slim model now and your daughter is sitting very confidently..have followed your posts from the beginning and am so pleased for you both.....cant really add to the comments about loading etc, but would suggest, be prepared to take off the back boots if she is unhappy with them. most horses/ponies dont mind the front ones, if you do take them off , take them with you and try for the home journey and she will prob be too tired to worry. other than that, have a lovely day, remember its FUN!!!!! and we want lots of piccies!!!

Thanks Splashgirl!!! And thanks for following us!!

Dolly is still a bit of a chunky monkey p) and I'd love her to lose some of that neck, but she's much improved and much fitter now too.

I was thinking exactly the same about the boots, we'll start with 4 and see how we get on.

Thanks for your help - definately will be pictures galore!!!

 

[zoelouisem]

Hiya, been ,meaning to see how things were going and to see if you were getting out and about over the holidays!!

Im guessing she loads ok if shes been out and about before but leave a little extra time just in case she doesnt want to go into the trailer at first nothing worse than if they decide not to go and your panicing because the class is about to start and there still stood at the bottem of the ramp refusing to budge (ive been there and if your not panicing they seem to go up better).
I always take a lunge line for daughters pony he decides to be lively means i can giv3 him a canter round without worrying about her!!

Re boots i always travel with if they fit propery they should slip ect. Just make sure there done up nice and tight and as the others have said thats normal for them to walk funny Hokey still does it and he wears them all the time.

And little tip tail guards are easier to put on if youve plaited the bottem of the tail, stops them poohing in it too just let it out when you get there.

AQnd mot importantly have fun (and maybe a hipflask for you)

 

[Honey08]

I think that I can guess which show you are doing next weekend. Its a great one to start at, extremely friendly, and it won't matter a bit if the child/pony is not wearing the right gear. It is designed to be a friendly family show. Add a picnic and deck chair to your list, and pray for good weather - its a lovely place, and everyone sits round the arena watching.

Glad to hear you're venturing further afield. Whoever is taking you will surely help you with preparing for travelling the pony, won't they? If you're going in a trailer, I wouldn't worry too much about tail bandages - tiny Dolly ponies don't come anywhere near the back anyway - we often leave ponies without, but never the big horses. You can do more harm if you're not confident with putting bandages on anyway. Definately do travel boots.

 

[redmone]

I think that I can guess which show you are doing next weekend. Its a great one to start at, extremely friendly, and it won't matter a bit if the child/pony is not wearing the right gear. It is designed to be a friendly family show. Add a picnic and deck chair to your list, and pray for good weather - its a lovely place, and everyone sits round the arena watching.

Glad to hear you're venturing further afield. Whoever is taking you will surely help you with preparing for travelling the pony, won't they? If you're going in a trailer, I wouldn't worry too much about tail bandages - tiny Dolly ponies don't come anywhere near the back anyway - we often leave ponies without, but never the big horses. You can do more harm if you're not confident with putting bandages on anyway. Definately do travel boots.

Hi Honey08! I was hoping you'd find my thread and comment!!! I knew you'd be able to assure me that it was ok for us.

I'm really looking forward to it (as it daughter obviously!) and have been told it's a wonderful, easy going show - no pressure and perfect for Dolly's first (with us) outing away from our lovely riding school.

Picnic is a great idea - actually not thought of that. Got the little folding chairs though!

Will definately try the travel boots - she was happy wearing them, just walking funny!!! We're going in a van (a large one) rather than a trailer so I'll try the tail wrap thing, just in case. Not mastered bandaging yet, so will leave that for now!

Yes - the person we're going with has offered to help us loads, so we should be fine. But you know me, I don't like not knowing what I'm doing!!!

I think so highly of the instructor organising this show and daughter really wants to go, as this instructor has helped her no end with Dolly, and she'd love to show her how far she's come.

Now all we need is some good weather!!!! Please oh please don't rain!!!!



PS Do you mind if I PM you - I wanted to ask if you knew of anything else local daughter could be doing to keep her and Dolly busy!

 

[redmone]

Hiya, been ,meaning to see how things were going and to see if you were getting out and about over the holidays!!

Im guessing she loads ok if shes been out and about before but leave a little extra time just in case she doesnt want to go into the trailer at first nothing worse than if they decide not to go and your panicing because the class is about to start and there still stood at the bottem of the ramp refusing to budge (ive been there and if your not panicing they seem to go up better).
I always take a lunge line for daughters pony he decides to be lively means i can giv3 him a canter round without worrying about her!!

Re boots i always travel with if they fit propery they should slip ect. Just make sure there done up nice and tight and as the others have said thats normal for them to walk funny Hokey still does it and he wears them all the time.

And little tip tail guards are easier to put on if youve plaited the bottem of the tail, stops them poohing in it too just let it out when you get there.

AQnd mot importantly have fun (and maybe a hipflask for you)

Hi!

I was only thinking recently I'd not mithered you for a while too!!!!

Things are going great thanks! We've not done too much, and now we have three shows in three weeks!!! It's all or nothing with us, but we can't wait!!!

Hope you guys are all ok!!

Catch up soon.

RM x

 

[Spotsrock]

Boots funny walk thing perfectly normal. Tail guard designed for travel so spot on. Put everything u want to take into 1 place the day before then as u load up u should spot any gaps. Oh and be prepared for daughter to be nervous and cranky before her 1st class or her most important class. U will be too so just let little things go to avoid confrontation and it will be a fab day. Daughter may be too young for issues yet but try taking a teenager to her 1st show on a very difficult horse who has won everything with pro rider. She wants to win not to let horse down but is so nervous. I back off and mollycoddle a bit till it's over! Makes for a lovely day and better results in the classes as she is less tense if not argueing with me! We also don't discuss any mistakes till we can correct them at home as trying to change things at a show mucks it up more. Dolly is a star pony and daughter a real gem so trust them and enjoy the ribbons!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

How lovely to read about the progress you've all made over the year (I can hardly believe it's been so long). Your showing plan sounds ideal.
Lots of good advice above, so the only thing I'll add is that a leather headcollar is actually more likely to break than a nylon one.
And re Spotsrock's advice; I'm sure you won't do it but there is nothing worse at the ringside than hearing a mum who doesn't ride herself berating her child for a 'mistake' made in the ring. Usually the poor child already knows what she did wrong and just needs a hug and to be told that it really doesn't matter.

Good luck for the weekend!

 

[redmone]

Boots funny walk thing perfectly normal. Tail guard designed for travel so spot on. Put everything u want to take into 1 place the day before then as u load up u should spot any gaps. Oh and be prepared for daughter to be nervous and cranky before her 1st class or her most important class. U will be too so just let little things go to avoid confrontation and it will be a fab day. Daughter may be too young for issues yet but try taking a teenager to her 1st show on a very difficult horse who has won everything with pro rider. She wants to win not to let horse down but is so nervous. I back off and mollycoddle a bit till it's over! Makes for a lovely day and better results in the classes as she is less tense if not argueing with me! We also don't discuss any mistakes till we can correct them at home as trying to change things at a show mucks it up more. Dolly is a star pony and daughter a real gem so trust them and enjoy the ribbons!

Very good advice there!! Thank you!!!

Daughter is one of those kids that has a nervous panic the day before but is "usually" the picture of calm on the actual day. Of course, this could change when out of her comfort zone (riding school) and I'm sure it will! So I will be the very definition of calm, comforting, peace and tranquility on the day, and will internalise all my stress and panic and take it out on husband instead!!!

It makes me very proud to hear people saying that Dolly is a star pony. I was looking at photos last night, remembering all my worries, and concerns, and all my thoughts that we'd bought the wrong pony. I've seen others go through this since, and I suppose it's part of owning a new pony. Wish I'd known that at the time (despite many many people telling me, I was still convinced ours was a horror bag sent from hell to harm my precious cotton wool wrapped daughter!!!! ).

She really is a star though. I know now that if I'd opted for a smaller, quieter pony, daughter would be already outgrowing it, if not in size but also in ability. We definately made the right choice, and Dolly will easily last daughter into her teens. They've got such fun ahead of them, and I'm so proud of them both.

Thanks for your help!

 

[redmone]

How lovely to read about the progress you've all made over the year (I can hardly believe it's been so long). Your showing plan sounds ideal.
Lots of good advice above, so the only thing I'll add is that a leather headcollar is actually more likely to break than a nylon one.
And re Spotsrock's advice; I'm sure you won't do it but there is nothing worse at the ringside than hearing a mum who doesn't ride herself berating her child for a 'mistake' made in the ring. Usually the poor child already knows what she did wrong and just needs a hug and to be told that it really doesn't matter.

Good luck for the weekend!

I know - how quickly has it gone!!! Can't believe we've had her a year - at what point can I stop calling myself a "new owner"!!!! Suppose I've less excuse for messing up now have I!!

Is a leather headcollar a good idea or a bad one then?? I thought breaking was a good thing to stop pony hurting itself, but then again, don't want it loose!!!

With regard to ringside shouting, I absolutely despise this behaviour. We went to watch a show many months ago, and I saw a mum - who's daughter was mid-jump - I'm talking actually in flight - shouting advice (not helpful either!) at her!!!! All critisims etc.... she shouting at her the whole way round the course of jumps. I wanted to smack her!! Nope I'd never do that. And actually, it put me off taking her to shows full stop. I heard lots of parents calling each others children, then all smiles to each other - kids throwing reins at parents saying "this pony is rubbish I need a better one" etc... it really put me off.

I've since heard that this particular show (described above - not the one we're going to) is generally like that, and I'll think long and hard before taking her there.

I've chosen the show we're going to very carefully. And to be honest, if I did shout out, I think if husband didn't clock me one, the lady running it (one of daughter's instructors) would do!!! And rightly so.

I think riding is like driving. When I'm driving, I don't expect (or appreciate!) any comments from passengers about "what they would do". In fact, I'll shove anyone out the door, whilst moving, if they do!!! So when daughter's riding - she's in charge, she's boss and it's up to her what she does. I'll offer advice in private, but I don't ride at the moment, so I'm in no position to bark instructions!!!

Thanks for the advice - sorry my reply turned into a waffle - it's just a serious pet hate of mine

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Is a leather headcollar a good idea or a bad one then?? I thought breaking was a good thing to stop pony hurting itself, but then again, don't want it loose!!!


I'd be tempted to use a nylon headcollar at a show, as you say you don't want the pony getting loose and she is unlikely to be left alone long enough to damage herself, which would be the main reason for using a leather one.

ETA I like your driving analogy!

 

[Honey08]

Hi Honey08! I was hoping you'd find my thread and comment!!! I knew you'd be able to assure me that it was ok for us.

I'm really looking forward to it (as it daughter obviously!) and have been told it's a wonderful, easy going show - no pressure and perfect for Dolly's first (with us) outing away from our lovely riding school.

Picnic is a great idea - actually not thought of that. Got the little folding chairs though!

Will definately try the travel boots - she was happy wearing them, just walking funny!!! We're going in a van (a large one) rather than a trailer so I'll try the tail wrap thing, just in case. Not mastered bandaging yet, so will leave that for now!

Yes - the person we're going with has offered to help us loads, so we should be fine. But you know me, I don't like not knowing what I'm doing!!!

I think so highly of the instructor organising this show and daughter really wants to go, as this instructor has helped her no end with Dolly, and she'd love to show her how far she's come.

Now all we need is some good weather!!!! Please oh please don't rain!!!!



PS Do you mind if I PM you - I wanted to ask if you knew of anything else local daughter could be doing to keep her and Dolly busy!

Local pony club have their final show of the year on 4th Sept (which is about 4-5 miles from you) - all kinds of classes, from games and handy pony to showing and equitation. I can't remember how old daughter is, but they have a 1'9" working hunter for 9yrs and under, and a 2' for over 9s, also a beginners jumping at 1'9". There is also clear round, which can be set to any height that suits. I would really think about joining this pony club next year - it will do you so much good to get out and about now, not just staying at the yard. Their last outdoor rally is the Sept one, then they start indoor lectures over the winter, which may be a good time to start D off...

Feel free to pm. Am whizzing around this week trying to get stepson and pony ready for their first pony club camp at the weekend, so may not answer straight away!

 

[Tillypup]

Great picture of your daughter and Dolly, her smile says it all really!!

Good luck with the show as well, you will soon be a dab hand at getting all the bits and pieces ready, one of the shows I used to go to as a youngster always used to have a saddlery stall there, great in case I'd "forgotten" anything!!

How old is your daughter? I so hope to be in a similar situation with my own daughter in a few years, she's 4 1/2, been having lesson since january and jumped her first jump at the weekend, i'm so impressed!!!

 

[Dancing Queen]

have a great time!!!
dont forget the poll guard! xxx

 

[JFTDWS]

This is such a happy reading thread, you sound so excited! I completely agree regarding parents and spoilt brats at shows - the "this pony is rubbish" attitude makes me consider homicide. Normally it has more to do with the brat not being able to ride! Always good to go to a nice, friendly show with as little of that nonsense as possible. Hope you have a great time and all goes smoothly - you've certainly planned well enough!

Re leather headcollars - the reason you're meant to travel in them is, as you say, so in a disaster situation they break - I prefer to travel mine in leather. If you're worried about it breaking at the show (which is reasonably unlikely - it does take a lot of force - I speak from experience watching my brat break his expensive Christmas present last year lol) then just take a nylon one to swap into when you get there / between classes?

 

[redmone]

Local pony club have their final show of the year on 4th Sept (which is about 4-5 miles from you) - all kinds of classes, from games and handy pony to showing and equitation. I can't remember how old daughter is, but they have a 1'9" working hunter for 9yrs and under, and a 2' for over 9s, also a beginners jumping at 1'9". There is also clear round, which can be set to any height that suits. I would really think about joining this pony club next year - it will do you so much good to get out and about now, not just staying at the yard. Their last outdoor rally is the Sept one, then they start indoor lectures over the winter, which may be a good time to start D off...

Feel free to pm. Am whizzing around this week trying to get stepson and pony ready for their first pony club camp at the weekend, so may not answer straight away!

PMing you now......thank you!

 

[redmone]

Great picture of your daughter and Dolly, her smile says it all really!!

Good luck with the show as well, you will soon be a dab hand at getting all the bits and pieces ready, one of the shows I used to go to as a youngster always used to have a saddlery stall there, great in case I'd "forgotten" anything!!

How old is your daughter? I so hope to be in a similar situation with my own daughter in a few years, she's 4 1/2, been having lesson since january and jumped her first jump at the weekend, i'm so impressed!!!

Thank you!

I've said recently, that her smile (and Dolly's!) makes the money well spent!!!

Daughter is 10. WOW though - your daughter - first jump at 4 1/2 that's FAB!!!!