Honest opinions

Ginn

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24 November 2005
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It is a well known fact on here that there is a wealth of experience to be had - the difficult bit is often deciding which bits of advice to consider further and which to put aside and I think some recent posts have shown this.

Anyways, without getting into a debate, and I am now not going to jump in and say anything unless a specific question is asked, I am looking to those of you with experience with youngsters who have followed my progress with Tilly over the last 18 months to tell me (brutally?) and honestly what you feel about the way I am bringing her on, and what you would change if you were in my position.

Obviously I want to get it right with her, she is a person who I completely adore and plan to keen with me for the rest of her life so I don't want to make mistakes!!!

Now obviously everyone has different views and opinions, it is one of the things I love about this forum, so clearly I cannot follow everyones advice but I am looking for other peoples experience to either correct me if you feel I am going wrong and reassure me where I am getting it right!!!

I'll also add that I'm not including any info on us as I feel that there is so much to say only those who have followed our progress and understand what, why and how we have got to where we are now to comment though I would be happy to pm newer members with further details. Also, for anyone concerned that I am to young/novice/inexperienced to be doing what I am doing I'd just like to say that you may well be right but I have an extensive network of support around me, including an instructor who specialises in youngsters and problem horses and an excellent dressage trainer to make sure that the riding is up to scratch when the time comes to ride her. And I have plenty of experienced horse friends on hand to give me their two pence worth where needed.

Sorry for the ramble
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I guess part of my is looking for some support that I am getting it right and part of me realises that maybe Im not in which case I need a kick in the right direction....
 
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I am looking to those of you with experience with youngsters who have followed my progress with Tilly over the last 18 months to tell me (brutally?) and honestly what you feel about the way I am bringing her on

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At this stage I stopped reading.

I think you are an example to us all - and I hope that I can do as good a job with Amy's baby as you have done with your beautiful girl.

There are a couple of you on here with youngsters who I think could show the 'professionals' how to do it properly.

You have a happy, health, and handleable youngster who looks a pleasure to own and be around - all of which is down to you.
 
i agree with amymay hun, i think you are doing an amazing job with Tilly. She always looks fantastic in the pictures you post of her and from when i remember that you are doing with her, everything is spot on.

I hope that i can educate and train Bloss's foal aswell as you have Tilly so far xx
 
I third that too, honestly!

Always look forward to your reports and I think you have been (are) very dedicated and careful with her. I believe that you have given her one of the best starts in life a horse could wish for, what more can any horse ask?
 
Thanks guys, I am just so terrified of screwing it up, mainly due to my inexperience.

I really would appreciate if anyone sees me potentially making mistakes if they make me aware of them so I can re-evaluate. I do sometimes worry that maybe I try to do/ask too much with her as she is young but then I worry that if I don't knowing what she is like when she is bored, that Im asking for problems.

So reassuring to hear your lovely comments
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I think that the reality is in this game that you will make mistakes - but you are very unlikely to create a problem or damage your horse doing them.

Not everything will go like clockwork - but as long as you are sensitve, use your common sense and continue to do what you're doing you won't go far wrong.

New piccys please................
 
Hi Ginn, I have read your posts and blog since I remember as bringing youngsters is what I love the most in the whole equine world and what I like reading about. Although I don't remember ever getting into discussion with you I do think you have a very nice young little horse (your conformation analysis seems quite negative to me - she seems much nicer built than you indicated - just my opinion), you should do more photo updates on here!
From what I have learnt about your methods I think you are doing very well with long-reining her and, in general, I also like to use this instead of lunging with young horses. I would do more trot work even if this means you becoming a jogger
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I found that variety of long-reining exercises helps a lot with first stage of more serious schooling once ridden (especially if you introduce halts, walk to trot, trot to halt combined with voice commands).
The very good think I also noticed is that you can be firm with her if necessary – I believe most horses like to have leaders (as oppose to someone they can push about) in their handlers as only then they feel safe. So many people play roles of ‘pushovers’ with their youngsters. I am not saying it’s good to make your horse into a soul less machine but from what I ‘see’ you are striking a good balance so big credit to you for that.
Apologise but have nothing major to criticize you for
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