Has anyone else's horse...

[bex1984]

..come back from the enforced break because of the bad weather better than they were before?!

murphy hasn't really had more than about 4 days off in a row since I've had him (which is nearly 3 years) but he had two weeks off because of the snow and ice, and is a bit of a different pony now...in a good way!

He has been refusing to do left canter when asked for two years, but has been doing it regularly for 2 weeks since coming back into work...I am completely shocked

He is much bouncier and much more forward

Last night I couldn't stop him

Seriously wondering whether he should have a holiday every winter?! Only problem is he got a bit podgy despite all his feed being reduced

 

[AmyMay]

Yep, my horse had a good bit of time off for the same reasons.

He's come back in to work like an absolute demon - and is taking as much as can be thrown at him. Thank God for stable jockeys!

 

[Kenzo]

I think they all benefit from a long break at times.

 

[3Beasties]

After having his break due to the snow Charlie has now realized that he is not a giraffe and can actually bring his head down and go round, something I have been trying to get him to do for about 5 years

Still a long way to go (for both of us

) but I'm still really pleased with his improvement

Millie on the other hand is acting like Satens helper, bucking, rearing and generally being a little madam, I would post a video but I may get told off for letting the jockey wind her up etc

 

[Equestrian92]

I think they need a good rest once in a while its like working a recieving no holiday.

 

[bex1984]

hmmm I think I will have to time Murphy's next break with his slimmest part of the year - early Sept. he does really seem to have benefitted. Last night we jumped a barrel for the first time, something I have been sort of daring myself to do for 2 years and haven't managed it. his trot work was lovely once he settled too. And last week we survived gridowrk for the first time ever (he normally gives up half way through the grid). He didn't like having time off though so maybe he's trying to be very good so I keep him busy!!

 

[WandaMare]

My mare has been easier to get into a nice canter aswell, I was really struggling before the bad weather. Do you think they could have had some back pain or something which has recovered with some rest? I had my mare's back and saddle checked in October and no problems were found, but having a similar experience to you I'm now wondering if something was niggling her after all....

 

[bex1984]

I have wondered the same TBH...his saddle was completely re-done a few weeks before he had the time off...who knows?! If only they could speak!

 

[stacey_lou]

Definlty when I got on after the almost 3 week break, she was able to strech alot more, work into my hand softly and hold her only head with out leaning on the forehand I was thrilled to bits!

 

[Carefreegirl]

Mines gone syco ! I always give her mid Dec to Jan off due to work over xmas but she thought she'd retired for ever. Couldnt catch her, first time ever and mental in the school much to my shame as in front of the saddler. Saddler prob thought 'All the gear, no idea'. Bring on the lighter nights.

 

[monkeybum13]

Yes, Lace has been amazing since the snow.
Before the snow she started to get a little spooky in the arena, first time she went in after the snow she ignored everything (including a chainsaw and a JCB)

 

[BFG]

I try and give Jameson about a month off every year and i think we both come back from it better. I compete most of the year and schooling quite a lot and i think he gets bored the break revitalises us both.