***Daughter and Dolly update***

[redmone]

Hi All!!!

Hope everyone is well, and warm! As is customary, I have cheap wine and some of those melt in the middle chocolate puddings to offer to those who get through my epic posts!!

It's been a good few weeks. Dolly has been seriously "fresh" since her clip - strangely wasn't at first, but then went supersonic after a week or so!!! She does so like lulling us into a false sense of security!!! They had a lesson of very small circles I'm sure you've all been there during which Dolly just wanted to GOOOOOOO!!!! Then (once instructor had left ) daughter took the handbrake off and blasted her around for a bit!! Watching her jockey style canter (gallop?) her around made me sad. Don't know why. But these days aren't gonna last forever. Dolly LOVES going fast, loves daughter off her back and being allowed just to go - I wonder whether she's ever pony raced or hunted? Her ears are never as forwards as they are when she thinks she's racing!!!

I think next year, I'm going to let them pony race. Then start doing mounted games seriously. We ARE going to get the most mileage out of this cheeky orange pony!!!!

Anyway, results! The rosettes have been flooding in they came 1st and 2nd in last month's Interdressage (daughter is currently 2nd in the league out of over 100 entrants, with league ending in December - please everyone have EVERYTHING crossed she keeps her place and gets a £75 prize portrait!!!), then they came 8th in showing (out of over 30) and receiving their first starburst rosette and first sash!!! Gorgeous!!! Finally, Daughter and Dad went to the big riding club presentation night for daughter to pick up her 5th and 6th place championship rosettes (HUGE ones! ) and x2 trophies!!! That was just last weekend

Myself and OH also hosted a "Halloween Fancy Dressage" competition at our yard recently (it was only fair, being the resident weirdo goths!!!). It was fantastic, so many amazing costumes and brilliant tests. Daughter went as a highway man (photo coming up!) and came 6th. We contemplated making her enter HC (?) but decided that as we weren't judging she should be allowed to take part. She did great, and got about 67% despite Dolly picking up the wrong canter lead once!!!

Can't remember if I've posted since I took her "working hunter" practice jumping! Basically we rented an arena for her to practice her WH as she'd never jumped those type of jumps before. BEST DAY OUT EVER!!! Dolly was awesome and really grew wings! Now we know what she's made for!!!!

Anyway, here's the photos!! Hope everyone is having as busy a autumn/winter as us - looking at the diary, there's no chance of the two Ds slowing up over winter. Best get my thermals on and give up on the idea of lie ins!!!!

Highway man.....and pony!!!

growing wings....

first starburst and sash!!!

first triple

What a time they are having. Who remembers two years ago, my "OMG what have I done" posts!!! We're talking more and more about "the next pony" (well I am, daughter doesn't want to move on, but I appreciate the need to plan....) jeez why do they have to grow? Thank goodness we got a fatty or she'd be out of her already!!! It makes me really sad.

We've made one decision. Dolly stays with us.

The next is, where she (daughter) goes next. Do we get another pony? Do we find her "rides"? No idea. We're just living for the moment right now.

I plan on making the next year, the year she'll remember most in her life. I'm aiming as crazy and as high as I can for them, they both deserve it. Then goodness knows what'll happen.

It's great and poo at the same time.

Thanks for reading all.

RM xxxxx

 

[rhino]

Who remembers two years ago, my "OMG what have I done" posts!!!

I remember, I'm not an old nag for nothing

I love seeing your updates, they epitomise the amazing bond that can be created between a child and a pony The progress you have all made is truly wonderful

Great photos as always; I'll try and get one of T wearing his matching sash

Oh, and it's HC rather than NC, short for hors concours x

 

[MrsMozart]

Brilliant post

 

[Maisy]

I can't believe its been 2 years!!!!! Where does time go! They look like a great team though

 

[Munchkin]

I rarely respond [to anything!] but I love reading your updates and seeing daughter & Dolly's progress - keep them coming!

 

[ladyt25]

Lovely post! Takes you back to being a kid -god the amount of competitions we did as kids, staying around the show ALL day!!! Lol

I don't think she looks nearly grown out of her yet and pony racing sounds like a fab idea - my friend just did it with her daughter, they went to Aintree for the day. Make the most of Dolly whilst you can I reckon and, if your daughter's confident on her and enjoys doing what she's doing then there's no major need to move on to another.

 

[Honey08]

Hi, great update. Promise to reply to your message soon!

Are you going to join "real" pc this year? (We aren't, S has decided he has outgrown it, but will probably still do shows..) That would be one of the best ways to spot the next pony - there is always something good about to be grown out of, and you can see them in action at shows and rallies...

 

[Always_A_Moody_Mare]

Sounds like they are having a fantastic time! I can't believe its been 2 years since you got her Its gone so fast!

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

I can't believe its been 2 years!!!!! Where does time go! They look like a great team though

That is what I was thinking, the time passes very quickly, scary!

Lovely post RM and lovely pictures to accompany it

 

[redmone]

I remember, I'm not an old nag for nothing

I love seeing your updates, they epitomise the amazing bond that can be created between a child and a pony The progress you have all made is truly wonderful

Great photos as always; I'll try and get one of T wearing his matching sash

Oh, and it's HC rather than NC, short for hors concours x

That's what I said??? hahahaha (see above, now edited post )

(thanks!) I thought it meant non competitive! lol!!!!

I'm glad there's a few out there who remember our early traumas!!!! They really have a great bond now. It's just poo that once they get to the "top of their game" they outgrow the ponies! I'm sure you've heard this many times!!!

There's so much they've not done, I'm going to keep them quite busy the next 12 months!! And after that, the plan is that daughter rides RS ponies for a while to get a taste of what she wants next (as well as riding Dolly). Beyond that, we're thinking of trying to find a loaner for Dolly but at our RS (so not a true loan really, and no massive change for Dolly day to day) but someone we can take out to comps with us, as this is so important to Dolly. She lights up away from the yard. God knows how it will work. Daughter is VERY sensitive about the whole subject.

In true HHO style, I've probably been a little "economic" with the bad days! They've been through so much together, which is why I'm probably SUPER PROUD of the good days. To "let her go" isn't an option now. I'd walk her round on a lead rope at comps with me if I had to. So it's not an option for them to part. Ahhh we'll see. What will be, will be, and all that!!!

I just hope you all are gearing yourselves up, ready for me to be neurotic about what the HELL I've bought now for my precious bubble wrapped daughter!!!

AND WHERE are these photos of T and his sash????? x x x x

 

[rhino]

AND WHERE are these photos of T and his sash????? x x x x

Oh he needs a drastic mane pulling session and groom before he'll grace HHO with his presence He's taken to retirement with great gusto; the transformation from competition pony to hairy muddy yak is incredible

 

[monkeybum13]

2 years, has it really been that long?

Photos are fab, love the WH one

 

[redmone]

Brilliant post

Thankies!!! How's your broken parts???

I can't believe its been 2 years!!!!! Where does time go! They look like a great team though

Oh I know. They are a great team, but one of them is growing and one is shrinking!!! For goodness sake.....!!!!!

I rarely respond [to anything!] but I love reading your updates and seeing daughter & Dolly's progress - keep them coming!

Thank you Munchkin!! You've been with us a long time!!! xxxx

Lovely post! Takes you back to being a kid -god the amount of competitions we did as kids, staying around the show ALL day!!! Lol

I don't think she looks nearly grown out of her yet and pony racing sounds like a fab idea - my friend just did it with her daughter, they went to Aintree for the day. Make the most of Dolly whilst you can I reckon and, if your daughter's confident on her and enjoys doing what she's doing then there's no major need to move on to another.

Refreshing to hear you say that. So many people just go from one to the next. I've said that once daughter can use her feet for brakes, we'll start shopping!!

Hi, great update. Promise to reply to your message soon!

Are you going to join "real" pc this year? (We aren't, S has decided he has outgrown it, but will probably still do shows..) That would be one of the best ways to spot the next pony - there is always something good about to be grown out of, and you can see them in action at shows and rallies...

Hi Honey!!! Thanks re message! I want to get them there soon, before the XC closes!!!!! Not sure about PC. We love the idea but the practicalities just don't fit with our timetable. Daughter has her week pretty much mapped out after school now, so all that free time I thought we'd have has vanished. We'll see!! I sort of think she's missing something if she doesn't but to be honest, she's had a good time with Rochdale RC this year, so perhaps that will be in place of it????? As for ponies, well daughter fancies a foal to "bring on herself" lol!!!!!!! I think that way she thinks she gets another 3/4 years of Dolly - I'm not fooled!!!!

Sounds like they are having a fantastic time! I can't believe its been 2 years since you got her Its gone so fast!

I know. Where does the time go!!!

That is what I was thinking, the time passes very quickly, scary!

Lovely post RM and lovely pictures to accompany it

Thank you!!! Always lovely to update! xxxxx

 

[Feathered]

Awesome update as usual. I really love her highwayman outfit and the red and black matchy matchy.

I saw Mary King's mum standing on the baileys horse feeds stand at YHL with Mary's silver medal round her neck, letting everyone touch it and telling them her daughter had won it. I loved how she was still such a proud mum even though her daughter is in her 50's! That could you be you in the future!!

 

[OldNag]

Fab update. D &D are such a great combination, you must be very proud.

 

[TJP]

What a lovely, smiley post. I am loving watching the relationship between junior and his pony. Being a proud mummy rocks!

 

[penny3]

think im actually in love with this pony- what a great pair they make! love reading these posts about the two, always put a smile on my face
Now for the cheeky bit- the black jeany/jods in the third photo down, there gorgeous! Would love to get some for my niece for xmas, nothing better to hide the dirt and muck a 10yr old that would get covered in than black jods so would you share where you got them from pretty please ??

 

[redmone]

Oh he needs a drastic mane pulling session and groom before he'll grace HHO with his presence He's taken to retirement with great gusto; the transformation from competition pony to hairy muddy yak is incredible

No excuse!!! Get it posted!!!!

2 years, has it really been that long?

Photos are fab, love the WH one

Thanks!! I truly am feeling old!!!

Awesome update as usual. I really love her highwayman outfit and the red and black matchy matchy.

Thank you!!! They're always pretty well dressed!! Lets never speak of the "possible red jacket" thread ever again!!!!

I saw Mary King's mum standing on the baileys horse feeds stand at YHL with Mary's silver medal round her neck, letting everyone touch it and telling them her daughter had won it. I loved how she was still such a proud mum even though her daughter is in her 50's! That could you be you in the future!!

Oh no. It'll be daughter proud of ME by then!!! (I've not written MY update yet......!!!!)

Fab update. D &D are such a great combination, you must be very proud.

I am very very proud. Thank you.


WHO wants a video???

 

[MurphysMinder]

I love reading your updates and can't believe its been 2 years, its hard to believe its the same 2 Ds.

 

[ebonyallen]

Goes to press the Like button, love seeing your posts. Well done the pair of them great pics. Just goes to show that you should never give up. Great happy post

 

[Honey08]

Have sent you a FB message. Didn't realise the course was open to hire - thought they just ran competitions a couple of times a year.. There are pics of stepson doing it on my FB photos, not the best one, but shows it was diddy!!

Yes Roch RC would have some good competition ponies around - keep an eye out there or let people know you're looking..

 

[Boxers]

Once again enjoyed your update. If she likes SJ maybe you should try the Trailblazers. My daughter did it in 2009 and qualified for the champs, we had a fab weekend there at stoneleigh and she got placed in her classes too. It really was a very freindly competition.

She could also do the Trailblazers dressage!

 

[Mince Pie]

Thankies!!! How's your broken parts???

*snorts* sorry my mind is in the gutter!

I also remember 2 years ago when you first got Dolly and it's been great seeing your updates getting more confident as the time goes on

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

 

[zoelouisem]

Definatly do mounted games, theres legs need to dangle so they do the vaulting on stuff!!! That way she can carry on competing her!!
You just have to buy her a 2nd pony for dressage and jumping!!! Shell have a string of competition ponies.

 

[FreddiesGal]

Ah Dolly pony! She looks great!

What make are your daughters jods in the third pic? I really like them!

 

[redmone]

What a lovely, smiley post. I am loving watching the relationship between junior and his pony. Being a proud mummy rocks!

Thank you!! It certainly does ROCK!!!!!

think im actually in love with this pony- what a great pair they make! love reading these posts about the two, always put a smile on my face
Now for the cheeky bit- the black jeany/jods in the third photo down, there gorgeous! Would love to get some for my niece for xmas, nothing better to hide the dirt and muck a 10yr old that would get covered in than black jods so would you share where you got them from pretty please ??

Hahaha thank you!!! I love her too!! I think the jods you mention are the PVC (pretend leather!) ones with suede inserts. Can't for the LIFE of me remember where we got them from, sorry. They looked horrid and massive when she first got them, now they're super cool!!!!! I'll try look for you.... x x x

I love reading your updates and can't believe its been 2 years, its hard to believe its the same 2 Ds.

OH recently sent me x2 photos taken at the same place two years apart. I should post them. It is !!!!

Goes to press the Like button, love seeing your posts. Well done the pair of them great pics. Just goes to show that you should never give up. Great happy post

Definately not. IMO an animal is an animal. It is what it is. Can't help it, doesn't know how to tell you why. Dolly sometimes is a handful, even now. Sometimes I think "why can't she just have an easy ride". Sometimes I think that Dolly holds her back. Daughter (again in my opinion) is a determined and talented child who has persevered where many would have given up. More than persevered, she's WON. (sorry proud mum bit!!!) Maybe it's made her a better rider. Maybe it's made her enjoy the sport less and dented her confidence. Only time will tell. But this one ginger pony is having a nice life, when otherwise it might have not. Good enough for me!

Thank you! x x x

Have sent you a FB message. Didn't realise the course was open to hire - thought they just ran competitions a couple of times a year.. There are pics of stepson doing it on my FB photos, not the best one, but shows it was diddy!!

Yes Roch RC would have some good competition ponies around - keep an eye out there or let people know you're looking..

Got message, thank you! I think it's open for farm rides for spring summer and autumn, so might be a bit late for us now, but we'll see. Plan on attending many more Roch RC next year. We'll keep eyes open, but in no rush!

Once again enjoyed your update. If she likes SJ maybe you should try the Trailblazers. My daughter did it in 2009 and qualified for the champs, we had a fab weekend there at stoneleigh and she got placed in her classes too. It really was a very freindly competition.

She could also do the Trailblazers dressage!

Have been giving Trailblazers quite a bit of thought and registered her as a member. Just a long way to go (from manchester) to the champs, but we'll see if she's lucky enough to qualify first! Thanks!!!

*snorts* sorry my mind is in the gutter!

I also remember 2 years ago when you first got Dolly and it's been great seeing your updates getting more confident as the time goes on

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

Oh trust you!!!!

You're another that's been here all the way!!! Thank you! x x x

 

[redmone]

Definatly do mounted games, theres legs need to dangle so they do the vaulting on stuff!!! That way she can carry on competing her!!
You just have to buy her a 2nd pony for dressage and jumping!!! Shell have a string of competition ponies.

Yeah, I know

I need to get a second job

Or a second husband

Ah Dolly pony! She looks great!

What make are your daughters jods in the third pic? I really like them!

OK. I think they as these:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/warm-black-whippy-jodhpurs-id_8206638.html

They were from Decathlon,definately. They are "leather look" with suede inserts and seriously fleecy and toasty warm inside!! Really warm. NOTHING to do with having bikers as parents. Honest!!!!

Thanks!x

 

[Boxers]

Have been giving Trailblazers quite a bit of thought and registered her as a member. Just a long way to go (from manchester) to the champs, but we'll see if she's lucky enough to qualify first! :x

2 hr drive, took a tent and stayed over for 3 nights. It was really great and a fab experience for daughter of a 'big' show.

 

[redmone]

2 hr drive, took a tent and stayed over for 3 nights. It was really great and a fab experience for daughter of a 'big' show.

Hmmmmm.....

For goodness sake....don't show daughter this thread!!!

 

[zoelouisem]

Yeah, I know

I need to get a second job

Haha i know that feeling!!! Its horrid seeing there legs sneaking down there sides but dont panic to much. It will be a long time, if ever shell be to heavy for her. It doesnt matter if there legs are a bit long on them, that is untill there that long there feet knock the jumps!!!!