I think I might be getting there with Tarquin

[Laafet]

Having posted about the successful weekend at the pleasure ride, I have tried to keep up with the positive vibes from the ride. Monday we took the horses out for a walk to stretch their legs and Tarquin was very like Zebedee

, he must be fitter than I thought as he was not at all tired after Sunday's exertion. He had yesterday off and I poo picked his field and took his rugs off for a bit to get the sun on his full clipped back while it was warm. I even sat in the field having a rest and he stood with me, resting his head on my shoulder.

Today we had planned to go for a proper ride, was glad my friend is a hardcore rider in that she doesn't care what the weather is like she'll always go out. This morning it was f*cking freezing and so foggy you couldn't see much more than 100 yards around you. But we still went out in all our reflective gear of course and we were in the park so no roadwork. I elected to put an exercise sheet on even though Tarquin is not always well behaved with it on and he has never cantered with one on yet. But we've got to do these things some time and even though we've been cantering just over a week I thought he'd be better than having his full clipped bum out in the cold!
Well he was to begin with, then we had a canter along a flattish field which is not great for me as he can go into one and I prefer to canter up hills only

. But we did it anyway, we set off and he cantered in a reasonable fashion for a youngster, then he went into a broncing fit. How I stayed on I don't know, I just tried to keep him straight, get him head up and push him on. This wasn't working to well so I tried to pull up, telling my mate to carry on as this doesn't bother him at all. Well the broncs got bigger but I managed to get him to trot on and behave. He was fine afterwards and I think he's finally learnt that mum doesn't just fall off now she riding in a proper saddle and doesn't give a stuff if he messes about so its not that fun to mess about

. We even rode home on a long rein and he was so relaxed.

I know this is long and a bit self indulgent but its been ages since I've been positive about my own riding or Tarquin's behaviour. He has been checked out for teeth and back and there is no reason other than being fresh and young for his behaviour.

 

[kombikids]

my mare pulled the same trick at the w/e and i felt proud of myself for getting thro it. sure it will settle once summer comes and we can get out more. cookies to us for staying on!

 

[Laafet]

In hindsight the full clip three weeks ago was not altogether a smart move, but he was getting so sweaty I had to do something. Murphy was exactly the same when I first got him but is a far more laid back character anyway. Having said that Murphy and myself parted company with frightening regularity for the first two years that I owned him and he was broken in before I got him. Tarquin is more a victim of circumstance and extremely sharp in temperament but atleast we are getting there and the more we do and stay together then the better we will progress. I'm eating chocolates to celebrate now!

 

[kombikids]

great positive attitude! i am having a similar journey with my mare although sometimes i want to give up i find it very rewarding, and feel v proud of the small things (like going clear at novice sj lately!)

 

[pnap]

well done you - though I think it's funny how everyone now adds the disclaimer that they've had the teeth and back done! I remember when I was a youngster no-one would even have thought of that being an issue if the horse was mucking around and enjoying the joys of spring.

 

[Laafet]

LOL I know I'm of that school too but as everyone brings it up, I thought I'd stick it on. Despite being a complete pussy about things at the mo (think I'm having a bit of crisis in life in general TBH), I am quite competent and experienced!