Introducing the new and improved Olive - love of my life!

Mongoose11

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18 months ago Olive hadn't done anything except career around bridle ways and stuff her face. My aim is to get her out into some cob classes and do some dressage with her and to that aim we started with asking her to learn how to balance, bend on a circle without falling over and to work in an outline. She is still learning and does come behind the bridle as an evasion (just like another of our HHo regulars :rolleyes:), but she tries her heart out and I couldn't be more proud of her.

I love this mare, she is my best friend and I can't imagine my life without her. Olive is 100% bombproof and capable of some really nice work. This week has been 'flying change' week :)

Any CC welcome, we need to go shopping for a nice dressage pad as she is still in her Gp and no it isn't me riding :( I'm not ready to throw myself to the wolves yet, but I will I promise.

This was her 18 months ago and the others were yesterday, I think she has changed! Don't you?

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Oh she's lovely - really nice stamp of a thing. Look forward to seeing some competition reports! :cool:
 
Put up a video for everyone to critique ;) Only joking. Your mare looks lovely, in a couple of pics the rider looks behind the movement in trot - but there could be any number of reasons for it as they are just snapshots in time :)
 
Thanks everyone. She makes me so happy! I really wish I could go matchy matchy with her but can't really do bandages as her thick legs would look even thicker and she really doesn't need them :( much to my disdain.

I remember posting a poll on here about whether I should hog and clip and it was almost unanimous for leaving her hairy. I am so glad I took the plunge as I think she looks bloomin' brilliant!

Having started riding again we are taking it slowly and I truly feel that we are communicating so much more effectively. She actually talks back in a language I can listen to now rather than her hauling and leaning and tanking she is saying 'well no actually, if you ask like this then you will get this'. Everything clicked for her and she has just settled to work soooo well!
 
Dare I ask how much more you think she needs to lose *eeeeeek*? :)

I really wouldn't like to say from those photos. In some she looks fine, in others rather round -which could easily reflect the camera angle and moment in the stride. She might be fine, she might benefit from losing a bit (very few horses couldn't stand to lose a bit, in my opinion though - including my own - that doesn't make the fat). I wouldn't be overly concerned on the strength of these photos anyway.
 
To be honest I would probably put her at a good 3.5 at the moment. Her cook's arse is misleading because I can find a rib, can't see it though. Not sure I ever will!
 
Due to her recent loveliness I think she deserves two new saddle cloths. We are going for the Shockemohle burgundy and Eskadron Petrol, she has been whining about having those two for ages. Bless her, she'll be so excited :)
 
Well what a reception! I always thought she was special, but didn't think for a minute other people would say 'wow'! The most thanks has to go to my instructor, who I have just had another fabulous lesson with. I honestly don't know how she puts up with my frustrating ways. It is amazing to have someone so inspiring able to teach Olive and me; if only I could ship her to France..... :)
 
She is simply stunning Billie ! you will defo turn some heads with her, very nice markings and looks like a super sweet mare.

P.s I feel your pain regarding matchy matchy bandages :( I'd love to stick some red ones on Tess but her legs are big enough she would end up with the leg warmer look lol !
 
She looks cracking - so glad you decided to ditch the fluff - I am a self confessed hater of anything hairy but I honestly think 9times out of 10 they look so much better for it. Next stop - maxi cob :)
 
What a lovely looking horse, very smart and looks like she's going like a dream. Well done you, i can see the effort and work you've put in. :)
 
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