AutumnDays
Well-Known Member
He's been with me just over a week now. A mid teens, 16.2hh WBx. He's not done much at all, so is very green under saddle. A little rude on the ground, and he seems like he's used to using his size to his advantage, so we have some work to do there. He's a quick learner though, and seems a genuine chap, so I think most of it is lack of education. He is already besotted with the mare, and the gelding is being a right grumpy sod, but he is socially inept. Big lad is nice and chill with them, so there's been no drama or noise, just face pulling from grumpy.
My plan is for us to be comfortable happy hacking. I'm going back to basics with him, establishing ground manners, and walking out in hand to see things (he has seen nothing), so riding is not on the cards for a bit, which is fine, because I need to buy everything tack wise! I did sit on him before he arrived, and considering he hasn't done anything for a while, was just pulled in and climbed on, he was ace. This weather isn't really inspiring riding either, although I will be getting the other two out for walkies and big lad can have a groundwork session. Signed up for the free rider pilates to get myself back in gear, as it's been a couple of years since I rode, so I think slow, steady and on the floor will be good fitness and trust building for us all!
Just wanted to share this new chapter with you all (as no one in my life is horsey, and husband can only take so much horse talk)... Any other advice or pointers that you think would add to our rediscovery experience will also be gratefully received, as there's bound to be something I haven't thought of!
Wishing you all a peaceful and healthy new year x
My plan is for us to be comfortable happy hacking. I'm going back to basics with him, establishing ground manners, and walking out in hand to see things (he has seen nothing), so riding is not on the cards for a bit, which is fine, because I need to buy everything tack wise! I did sit on him before he arrived, and considering he hasn't done anything for a while, was just pulled in and climbed on, he was ace. This weather isn't really inspiring riding either, although I will be getting the other two out for walkies and big lad can have a groundwork session. Signed up for the free rider pilates to get myself back in gear, as it's been a couple of years since I rode, so I think slow, steady and on the floor will be good fitness and trust building for us all!
Just wanted to share this new chapter with you all (as no one in my life is horsey, and husband can only take so much horse talk)... Any other advice or pointers that you think would add to our rediscovery experience will also be gratefully received, as there's bound to be something I haven't thought of!
Wishing you all a peaceful and healthy new year x
