Bernster
Well-Known Member
Cute face! I’m still in bed haha. It’s a lovely sunrise but I’m happy looking at photos of it.
Ahhhhh I am on cloud 9. It was my first time hacking there and back on my own (with mum walking, just no other horses) and she was perfect, just plodded along but did take offence at some sheep but I’m not sure we’ve ever really seen them before so that’s fine!
I just had a quick trot round the warm up and popped over the jumps a few times, she was more forward than normal but not as forward as home. I was firm but didn’t push her as we are both still green in a competition environment!
then we went in and she was amazing! Popped into canter a few times and I did have to nag her to keep the canter and it was a bit flat but we’re getting there! I can’t believe 3 months ago even a tiny cross pole made me feel sick.
Best thing I did was not push it. If she jumped it nicely then I stop and move on. Then every time I jump it’s a good experience and I found my confidence shot up. Also lots and lots of lessons.Well done sounds like a good day. ?
I'm still at the feeling sick at a tiny cross pole stage, so this gives me hope for the future!
A couple of fences where we were on a half a stride I refrained from pushing for a long stride (following orders) which resulted in him chipping one in and a bit of a bunny hop but in general am pleased with our round.
Why do the fences look big on the course walk but tiny on the photos??
Thank you! And well done to you too. You are right though that does look like a big jump to the next class!Well done @shortstuff99 !
I would like to go up a class from the one we did yesterday (70-80) as we have done it many times but the next class up is 90-100 which seems like a huge step up.
Here is one of the Xc fences from yesterday - the 90-100 is on the left.
In the flesh it looks huge (though typically less impressive on the photo!)
View attachment 54578View attachment 54577
Here's my score sheet from my test which sums up what riding a Spanish is like ?, and a still of the medium trot which both score 7.5. Very proud of the fatty potato!View attachment 54569View attachment 54570
It's why we love them I'm sure ?I recognise that description!
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Schooled round Llanymynech on Saturday, started off pretty poor, I think we're just transitioning back to Skylla doing the whole taking off bit on her own rather than me dictating strides as much, so we were fairly sticky the first time round. I really should have also walked the course on foot too as I didn't know where I was going or what the ground was like, whoops! However, took her straight back round, counted her out of the start box and she flew the second time .
Then the Cheshire Forest fun ride yesterday! Ground was pretty deep and cut up by the time we went round but we had a blast regardless! Still had a couple of stops at fences, but I know it was me not riding strongly enough at them doh! Really need to find my mojo again, I'm annoying myself with riding badly .
Picture of flying Skylla, she's just the best!
Confidence wobbles aside, I love the fact I have a horse I can do fun rides on now without fear of death , it was so busy but she is just super cool!
I don't blame you for not riding strongly enough when the ground is less than ideal. It's exactly the problem I had at Llanymynech last year; my horse stopped for the first time in his life because I thought the ground was slippery and couldn't persuade myself to properly go for it.
I do like the Cheshire forest fun rides. I haven't been for a couple of years because I lost my fun ride companion and nobody else fancies going with me ? I've never taken my "newer" horse (only had him 3 years...) and I haven't taken my other one since he lost his eye so I'm not sure how he'd cope with the inevitable overtaking ? I just need to persuade one of the other liveries to join me (or someone else who is confident enough to ride one of my boys when their reactions will be unknown!!).
Also collective wisdom that is HHO!
Skylla has caught the inside of her knees twice now? Is it the shoes, the studs (studs were only on the outside so I can't imagine how it could be), not sure what to do as it's not somewhere I can 'boot', will she stop catching herself given time?