Good start to 2016 for the Bay Boys :)

[nikkimariet]

A little catch up on what we'e been up to

Of course, Fig had his usual trip to the gallops:

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...10811172/?type=3&video_source=pages_video_set

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...438661516390/1258824964144420/?type=3&theater

The boys did their first arena hire together. First indoor for Goofy!!!

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...23852144/?type=3&video_source=pages_video_set

And just to see if I could... I had a play bareback on him

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...438661516390/1263873643639552/?type=3&theater

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...83503618/?type=3&video_source=pages_video_set

Goofy has been going great guns. His grown up life is well under way. He hacks on his own very happily now

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...438661516390/1271919539501629/?type=3&theater

I was challenged to do a one handed canter piri on Fig a la Kyra K...

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...438661516390/1267002266660023/?type=3&theater

Challenge accepted

Fig has been really super at home, very excited for this seasons competing

And just to show the huge change in him... Jan 2012 to Jan 2016!!

We had some very exciting snow!!!

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...438661516390/1272559922770924/?type=3&theater

Hired a local arena (chose a good day for it lol!) with both the boys. Goofy was superbly well behaved despite a LOT going on. Fig was a good boy too and showcased some super piaffe:

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...438661516390/1272769366083313/?type=3&theater

Fran then had this removed:

Bye bye plate!!!

And I took the reins on Goofy for a few sessions whilst the stitches heeled He is such a lovely rideable horse.

After a week off proper work due to a bit issue, Fig was a good lad the other night. Just a gentle session in the school. I've been playing with the Kyra K walk/canter/walk piri exercise. I usually do them a little tighter than this but not fair to ask 100% of him after a week off!

VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...438661516390/1276814109012172/?type=3&theater

And Goofy from today. Working on keeping the neck open and the shoulder loose.

Just spotted Sir Fig is in this weeks BD magazine too

 

[LouisCat]

The Bay Boys are looking so smart

 

[Bernster]

Love seeing the before and after pics of Fig. Goofy is looking very grown up now. And is that a new pink matchy set I see?!

 

[Vodkagirly]

Goofy looks so in ungoofy that I think you need a new name for him.
Fig looking great as always.
How is the shoulder now?

 

[PorkChop]

Fantastic as always, you should both be pleased as punch - which I am sure you are

Very clever piaffe steps from Fig

 

[Pigeon]

Figgle looks amazing as always, and omg Goofy is looking SO powerful!

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

The shoulder is good thank you....it was in all fairness a simple op to remove the plate and I have not needed any pain relief since the morning after it was done .......it was advised not to ride for 10 days but agreed that 5 was realistic and in the end I rode after 3 lol! But it's absolutely 100% movement and comfort wise,stitches out wed and that's it DONE!

Super pleased with how Good is maturing work and attitude wise. He came in today and walked right behind a mare then stood tied up within eye sight for 30 mins and never even whickered to her,total gent. Plus when we hired the second indoor it was bring in time/feed time on a BIG yard so lots of clattering,neighing,horses looping the loop,but he was again very focussed on ME and tried super hard to stay in the zone.
Can't ask any more of him abc it gives me good vibes for taking him to shows

 

[nikkimariet]

Ah thanks guys Please with how they are both looking! And yes. Piaffe is Figs party piece!

 

[atropa]

Wow. They both look amazing, you're a big inspiration!

 

[Bills]

Both looking amazing! Fig has beefed up some and Goof is just hench!

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

thank you both very pleased with them and excited for this year.

Goof is really starting to settle in to adult human carrying life and is picking up on the rules of being a working stallion ie what you do in your own time in the field is NOT acceptable once i'm on board.....he's a smart little cookie

 

[Apercrumbie]

Both looking gorgeous! I love seeing before and after pics of Fig - he looks soooo much stronger! If I may say so nikkimariet, you also look much stronger in the second pic.

 

[nikkimariet]

Both looking gorgeous! I love seeing before and after pics of Fig - he looks soooo much stronger! If I may say so nikkimariet, you also look much stronger in the second pic.

Ah thank you

 

[shadeofshyness]

I follow you on Facebook but it's lovely to see this as a summary. They are both looking SO good!

 

[HotToTrot]

All look absolutely amazing, I am in awe.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Would you be able to detail the exercises you use to keep the frame open in front and the shoulder free please.

 

[HighFive]

I really love your summary updates! I do follow you on FB, but it's nice to see it all condensed too!

The boys looks sensational, Goofy has matured beautifully, I can't wait to see the progression in another years time. And Fig, well, he's just Super-Pony and a total inspiration. Keep it up girls!

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

hi AdorableAlice

the basic ones for real babies i would do are: lots of polework, mini gear changes(small trot/canter to bigger and back etc), LY from 3/4 line to track and then bigger trot to corner OR spiral out of the circle then go forward round the circle.

always think of pushing the nose away, hands up and together as much as possible(sometimes HAVE to put the hands lower and neck down as a safety position if has built up a head of steam) and ride forward in to that.

once the ground dries up i will be doing lots more on and back round the tracks too

 

[nikkimariet]

Thanks guys

Boys been continuing to behave!

Figgy went off to Addington for AM98 and despite a major whoopsie at the end of his test, landed 66.05% and 3rd place in his section and 6/11 overall (winner 68 and last 61).

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEIfRWwA-i4

Then we had a friend over at the weekend to watch the ponies. They were both really good

Fig has put a load of chunk back on and starting to look like his normal self again. He has changed SO much from the weedy little chap we brought home:

Can't wait to get Goof out competing!