chester1234
Well-Known Member
I got back on T yesterday for the first time in almost five months! He caught the virus that was being batted about at the end of last season - resulting in us withdrawing from Solihull before XC after getting 47 faults SJ [inc time!]. Thought he may have just lost his confidence after the hiccup with studs at Burghley, so took him schooling. Did a 90cm track, but he just wasn't right. Popped one fence up to 95cm and he stopped, at which point I said to mum "I'm not getting back on that horse 'til he's been to the vets.". Just wasn't like him.
So turned out he had this wretched virus thing, and he was prescribed a few weeks off and was pumped with a needle full of vits & mins
Due to weather and various other things, ended up giving him 5 months, as he's not got to prove anything, he's 13 this year, and he's never going anywhere. I'd rather him just be happy!
Anyway, I got back on him yesterday, put him in the full cheek sweet iron waterford & the dressage saddle. Spent the first few minutes bouncing around all excited, then he settled. What surprised me the most is he was actively seeking a contact - I'd planned just to plod around the field on a long rein for 20 - 30 mins. He kept putting himself into an outline [up front anyway] and then falling because I wasn't helping him. Decided to pick up the contact, and he became v soft and was working reasonably well - trying to track up but obv. not got the muscle. T isn't a dressage diva by any stretch of the imagination [Baydale will vouch for me on that!] - his best score has been 41.5, and his worst 56-something. I was quite shocked that he was trying to work. Had a little trot at the end, just down the long side on each rein, and he still maintained shape
at this point I thought someone had done a sneaky swap
.
Got on him today again, settled instantly into a contact [albeit on a longer rein than normal]. Did a bit more trot work, and again, soft, v little resistance...just a general nice horse
I normally ride a giraffe
Am hoping something has clicked in his brain while he's been off, and he'll continue like this...but I'm not placing any bets
Anyway, got some photos of him, and for 5 months off, I don't think he's looking too bad?
Please do ignore the mud
Too cold and windy for me to use water, even warm water !
And just because I think he looks cute in this photo, and he'd have a hissy if he knew I hadn't included him...The SGO proving he CAN do flatwork!
Wine and cheese if you got this far!
Anyway, I got back on him yesterday, put him in the full cheek sweet iron waterford & the dressage saddle. Spent the first few minutes bouncing around all excited, then he settled. What surprised me the most is he was actively seeking a contact - I'd planned just to plod around the field on a long rein for 20 - 30 mins. He kept putting himself into an outline [up front anyway] and then falling because I wasn't helping him. Decided to pick up the contact, and he became v soft and was working reasonably well - trying to track up but obv. not got the muscle. T isn't a dressage diva by any stretch of the imagination [Baydale will vouch for me on that!] - his best score has been 41.5, and his worst 56-something. I was quite shocked that he was trying to work. Had a little trot at the end, just down the long side on each rein, and he still maintained shape
Got on him today again, settled instantly into a contact [albeit on a longer rein than normal]. Did a bit more trot work, and again, soft, v little resistance...just a general nice horse
Anyway, got some photos of him, and for 5 months off, I don't think he's looking too bad?
Please do ignore the mud
And just because I think he looks cute in this photo, and he'd have a hissy if he knew I hadn't included him...The SGO proving he CAN do flatwork!
Wine and cheese if you got this far!
