***Daughter and Harley...a little update!***

R

redmone

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

Well I'm at a loose end right now, having "done" the ponies for the day and left daughter at the yard with her friends. It's weird this "not being needed" lark!! :confused:

So thought I'd give a little Harley update, now we've had him almost 3 months.

He's a good little sausage who we've really grown to love! He's very different to Dolly in all ways, and that's taken a bit of getting used to. However we've had no serious traumas (not like the early Dolly days!) whether that be because he's so nice natured or whether that is due to Daughter being a more confident rider now. Who knows. We've certainly had some serious support from our yard, which we're really grateful for.

He can definitely be frisky, and quite highly strung at times. But he's not got a bad bone in his body.

We recently booked an arena with jumps for an hour, so we could see how he travelled etc.. before going to his first show. He was brilliant. Jumped round fantastic. He took a dislike to a rustic gate :rolleyes: and had a stop at that (seriously....a really plain brown gate!) but jumped happily over the umbrellas and rainbow jumps!!

We did have a "moment" however! He has loads of energy, but little stamina. So we're finding he's very frisky and up for it, but tires quickly. Daughter had jumped round a good few times, and we were coming to an end. He was puffing a bit! Anyway, we decided to go for that "one more round". Harley had other ideas and caught daughter out on landing after a jump and he napped to the door. Unplanned dismount included daughter hitting the wall spread eagle!!! I do have it on video..... :p

Anyway, daughter was up and running after him immediately (that's due to Dolly who sods off when she dumps you- Harley just stood there grinning!) and she got back on and jumped round clear again! There's definitely truth in leaving things on a good note - Harley had obviously just had enough.

Bless him, he was good that day though. I'm sure he's got springs for legs!

Apart from that, there's been lots of lessons and lots of daft games with me! I've learnt that Harley will chase me like Dolly does, but his stride catches me up quicker (nearly flattened me the other day!).

Daughter had also ridden Dolly a good few times and seems to have decided that Dolly is now either a racing pony, games pony or stunt pony depending on the mood! :D

So all is good with us and the ponies! I'm quite pleased that we've smoothly moved into the "second pony" stage! First show is in a couple of weeks, so have your fingers crossed!

Here's a few photos....

Harley_zpsfa0210b8.jpg


Daughter and Harley getting ready for jumping!

AliceandHarley2_zpsff702603.jpg


PING!!!

AliceandHarley_zps29a9eb90.jpg


The boy loves to jump!

1782112_726668470698945_901871970_n_zps2fa19ec9.jpg


Besttrot_zpsa0a83370.jpg


Flatwork's got a lot of work to be done on it, but he's getting better.

Alltheponies_zps4a9d526c.jpg


And lastly, Dolly saying hello! I love this photo, but doesn't it show the difference between them!!

Thanks for reading everyone! I'll report back later this month after their first show.

I've got a nice brew and double chocolate cookies for shares! :)

RM xxx
 
Maybe he dumped her because as you said he was tired and he had enough, they can only tell us which ever way they can, its whether we listen or not. Glad they are getting on well.

The one photo looks like the saddle is very forward or is it just the pic.
 
putasocinit said:
Maybe he dumped her because as you said he was tired and he had enough, they can only tell us which ever way they can, its whether we listen or not. Glad they are getting on well.

The one photo looks like the saddle is very forward or is it just the pic.
Click to expand...

I think he had definitely had enough. He'd been very honest and was tired! As you say, they can only tell us by showing us! We know him a little better now, but it was quite funny!!

No, the saddle had slipped forwards. It's currently at the menders again. Custom made for him, but still struggling with his shape :-(

Fingers crossed when it comes back this time it will be better.

xxx
 
Wow he gives his jumps a lot of air doesn't he! Can't believe how much daughter has changed, she's looking like a little grown up now! What's wrong with these children, I still get ID'd at 24, my neice at 12 is taller and looks older than me... Glad she's still having fun on Dolly too
 
redmone said:
I think he had definitely had enough. He'd been very honest and was tired! As you say, they can only tell us by showing us! We know him a little better now, but it was quite funny!!

No, the saddle had slipped forwards. It's currently at the menders again. Custom made for him, but still struggling with his shape :-(

Fingers crossed when it comes back this time it will be better.

xxx
Click to expand...

Could he be changing shape with being in work or growing etc? Sorry not sure of his age, lol. I hope you get to the bottom of it soon :) Saddles, arghh!
 
kinnygirl1 said:
Lovely update. Glad it's going so good for you all. Daughter looks so grown up in that last pic!
Click to expand...

Thank you! Yes, she's grown up so much this past year! I thought she'd look small on Harley (full up 14.2hh) but I daren't have bought a pony much smaller to be honest! She's going to be waaaaaay taller than me (I'm 5 foot, if I stretch!) xx

ridefast said:
Wow he gives his jumps a lot of air doesn't he! Can't believe how much daughter has changed, she's looking like a little grown up now! What's wrong with these children, I still get ID'd at 24, my neice at 12 is taller and looks older than me... Glad she's still having fun on Dolly too
Click to expand...

I know exactly what you mean (apart from the ID'ing....I'm 35 and being ID'd is a distant memory sadly!!) she has grown up and isn't really child-like anymore! I find myself missing the daft kiddy classes at shows etc... so much fun little ponies! Think me and Dolly may have to strut our stuff together at some point in the summer! ;-)

Yes, Harley does like to make sure he clears the jumps! He's got a lot of scope, and genuinely does seem to love his jumping! I imagine he'll be a lot of fun cross country.....I might not watch that....!! :-) xxx

Arizahn said:
Could he be changing shape with being in work or growing etc? Sorry not sure of his age, lol. I hope you get to the bottom of it soon :) Saddles, arghh!
Click to expand...

He's 6, and I think you're probably bang on there! He was jumped by someone before we owned him, but not worked regularly I don't think. However, I also think it's a touch of the barrel shaped pony thing - he's very broad and round, photos probably don't show it.

Wishing I'd bought a working hunter saddle now....the one I've had made has gone back and been adjusted twice, and now is having "anchor straps" fitted - which I understand is a 4th girth strap. How that's going to help remains to be seen.

But yes, arrrrrrgh!!!!! Saddles!!!!

;-) x
 
Glad it's all going well with Harley - he looks gorgeous. You really sound relaxed about it all now -wish I could say the same about myself!! Last week we sold my older daughters first pony (he's still on our yard so we can see him) and we have just got back from viewing ponies. Fingers crossed we buy the right one, it's all a bit nerve wracking. Good luck for the show.
 
alijanem said:
Glad it's all going well with Harley - he looks gorgeous. You really sound relaxed about it all now -wish I could say the same about myself!! Last week we sold my older daughters first pony (he's still on our yard so we can see him) and we have just got back from viewing ponies. Fingers crossed we buy the right one, it's all a bit nerve wracking. Good luck for the show.
Click to expand...

I am quite relaxed this time to be honest! When we bought Dolly, I was a wreck! It was so new to me (first pony ever for our family!) but I swore I wouldn't be like that again. I had a couple of weeks where I had the odd "have we done the right thing" niggle, and winter is just a horrible time to be buying isn't it!

BUT I have to say, we've had massive support from our livery yard. They've helped endlessly. Harley wasn't a very confident hacker, so daughter's instructor hacked him out for us a few times a week. Now he's great. Daughter hacked him out with instructor today and led the way back :-) Everyone goes out of their way to help - we're very lucky.

I just kept telling myself that he's fully clipped, new environment, new rider, pants weather, little turnout. If we can get through now, everything else will be fine! And **touch wood** he's much more chilled now. He's still frisky, I think that's just him, but once he's let a bit of steam of, he relaxes nicely.

I really feel your pain though. It is a worrying time!

If I have one word of advice. It is this.

WINE! ;-)

Good luck though, I'm sure you'll find a superstar for your daughter!

xxx
 
Boxers said:
That's great to hear. So glad you're all getting on well. Handsome pony. My first pony was black/very dark bay too!
Click to expand...

Hi Boxers! I love the ponies in your footer....whatever it's called up there ^^^^ very smart!

Harley is a true black pony (or so his passport says!) but definitely can look dark brown in some light, especially with his full clip. Can't wait for it to grow out. I mean perhaps he needs it, but I've felt cold looking at him sometimes - he's not exactly the very fluffy type!

Thank you xxx
 
thanks for the update..love reading about daughters adventures and nice that dolly is still having fun....harley looks a good size for her....
 
Great to hear daughter and Harley are getting on so well. I fully understand the curse of saying "Just one last round" ;) Looking forward to the first show report :)

And also fab to hear Dolly is still having a fab time. :D
 
Oh my goodness - your daughter looks so grown up in that first picture compared to the first 'Dolly pics'

She's turning into a very stylish jockey :biggrin3:
 
splashgirl45 said:
thanks for the update..love reading about daughters adventures and nice that dolly is still having fun....harley looks a good size for her....
Click to expand...

Thank you! I worried (me?he he he!) That he might be too much for her at first but they're getting along fine! X

LauraWheeler said:
Great to hear daughter and Harley are getting on so well. I fully understand the curse of saying "Just one last round" ;) Looking forward to the first show report :)

And also fab to hear Dolly is still having a fab time. :D
Click to expand...

Thanks chuck! Yeah that "just one more time" never works out does it!!!

Will report back later this month! Xxx

honetpot said:
She has grown up so quick. Enjoy every minute.
Click to expand...

Thank you xxx

m1stify said:
love reading your updates. Best of luck with Harley glad to see Dolly is still around!
Click to expand...

Thanks! Yes dollys still my favorite, harley has got big hooves to fill there! X

Carefreegirl said:
Oh my goodness - your daughter looks so grown up in that first picture compared to the first 'Dolly pics'

She's turning into a very stylish jockey :biggrin3:
Click to expand...

Aww thank you, that's a lovely thing to say!! Yes she's really grown up this last 12 months. Still loves pony games though!! : ) xx

Mariposa said:
Lovely update! What are you going to do with the awesome Dolly now?
Click to expand...

The awesome dolly is a busy girl! She's back on the riding school teaching the little uns to stick on and kick on, and she has a little loaner who rides her Sundays and school holidays, who loves her and is the best little girl we could have found to ride her. Then she has the occasional blast with daughter and we've got shows planned and going to the beach too! She has a fab life! : ) xxx
 
Lovely update. They look a super pair and its lovely to see the joy in your daughter's face alongside her very nice riding style :)
 
Chunkie said:
Lovely to have an update, I've always enjoyed your Dolly & Daughter posts. Daughters legs look so long, she seems to be shooting up!
Click to expand...

I don't know where she gets those legs from....not me!!! Daughter and Harley doesn't have the same ring though does it!! ; )

Adopter said:
Lovely update. If you decide to be brave and take to Dolly yourself, make sure we get dome pictures.

Your daughter is very lucky to have such a supportive Mum as well as a nice yard!
Click to expand...

Thank you! I do enjoy it too, mostly!! xxx

tobiano said:
Lovely update. They look a super pair and its lovely to see the joy in your daughter's face alongside her very nice riding style :)
Click to expand...

Aww thanks loads. She's very happy with Harley, I'm glad they've now clicked, took a few weeks as he is very different to dolly, but lovely nonetheless. Xxx

armchair_rider said:
Great update. Harley is a smashing pony, i'd have loved him when I was your daughter's age. Actually I'd have him now
Click to expand...

A lot of people have said that! He certainly seems to be very likeable. The saddler said he is a "classic child's hunting pony" that was very popular years ago. He certainly looks to be built nice. He's got such a nice nature too and is a real character!! Xxx
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top