Last Weekend in April Plans

SaddlePsych'D

SaddlePsych'D

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I know it's a bit early really but tomorrow I'll be on the road early because I am going to view a horse to buy! Trying not to freak out too much but, y'know, me.

It's gone a bit quick from not ready to make calls to going to view, but this horse was the first to really make me want to pick up the phone. He's had the thumbs up from my instructor and from a few HHOers who kindly looked through several ads for me via PM. Then when I made the call I felt there were green flags from the seller (they wanted to know about me and the home for the horse, not in a rush to sell to whoever come first).

I'm also seeing loan horse over the weekend. Last time with him I struggled a bit but we managed. He is being a good teacher 😊
 
SaddlePsych'D said:
I know it's a bit early really but tomorrow I'll be on the road early because I am going to view a horse to buy! Trying not to freak out too much but, y'know, me.

It's gone a bit quick from not ready to make calls to going to view, but this horse was the first to really make me want to pick up the phone. He's had the thumbs up from my instructor and from a few HHOers who kindly looked through several ads for me via PM. Then when I made the call I felt there were green flags from the seller (they wanted to know about me and the home for the horse, not in a rush to sell to whoever come first).

I'm also seeing loan horse over the weekend. Last time with him I struggled a bit but we managed. He is being a good teacher 😊
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Good luck with the viewing!

Also I think there is a mindset needed with horses - sometimes things don't go to plan as they have their own challenges (they might be a bit stiff or tired on a particular day, or have their adrenaline levels up for a reason we can't perceive, or a million other things) and very few riders have all the tools to deal with a challenge in the moment. Just put it down to a difficult day and move on...if you keep having the same issue(s) then it's worth addressing but it's important not to get hung up on one bad session.
 
@SaddlePsych'D how exciting! 3 years today my hooligan cob was delivered. Took a bit of nerve to contact the owner and go and see him off the back of a random FB post but we haven't looked back

Anyway to celebrate our anniversary we had a jumping lesson yesterday with a friend. The instructor knows us both well and we asked for small & fun. Excellent lesson but I absolutely need to sit up on landing. I'm not sure if it's me or my recently refitted saddle but even the pro dressage photos from last weekend had me tipping forward.

Day camp with the hooligan this Saturday (flat & jumping) then to help with numbers I'm taking the microcob to RC dressage on Sunday to trot round 2 intro tests. She hasn't been in an arena for 4 years and I'm not sure she's ever been in an indoor so will be educational!!
 
I had a jump lesson yesterday. Unremarkable, but fun. Lower than usual but he bounded round and didn't touch a pole, so that was good. I was feeling a bit off it as there has been more bad news and trauma in personal stuff, as if I haven't had enough, so opted for low and bounding.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7496513239463906582

Other than that, non horse stuff is the order of the day at the weekend I think. I considered going to a show on Friday night at the venue where we jumped yesterday but I really can't be arsed 🤣 I think BF and I are out hacking tonight. Probably involve a pub.
 
j1ffy said:
Good luck with the viewing!

Also I think there is a mindset needed with horses - sometimes things don't go to plan as they have their own challenges (they might be a bit stiff or tired on a particular day, or have their adrenaline levels up for a reason we can't perceive, or a million other things) and very few riders have all the tools to deal with a challenge in the moment. Just put it down to a difficult day and move on...if you keep having the same issue(s) then it's worth addressing but it's important not to get hung up on one bad session.
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Thank you! And thank you for an important reminder. I am often quick to criticise myself so it helps to be reminded not to hold things against myself or the horse.

Good luck for Sunday, I will look forward to reading the lesson and comp reports 🙂
SEL said:
@SaddlePsych'D how exciting! 3 years today my hooligan cob was delivered. Took a bit of nerve to contact the owner and go and see him off the back of a random FB post but we haven't looked back

Anyway to celebrate our anniversary we had a jumping lesson yesterday with a friend. The instructor knows us both well and we asked for small & fun. Excellent lesson but I absolutely need to sit up on landing. I'm not sure if it's me or my recently refitted saddle but even the pro dressage photos from last weekend had me tipping forward.

Day camp with the hooligan this Saturday (flat & jumping) then to help with numbers I'm taking the microcob to RC dressage on Sunday to trot round 2 intro tests. She hasn't been in an arena for 4 years and I'm not sure she's ever been in an indoor so will be educational!!
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Happy anniversary! Sounds like a busy and fun packed weekend 😀
 
Red-1 said:
I had a jump lesson yesterday. Unremarkable, but fun. Lower than usual but he bounded round and didn't touch a pole, so that was good. I was feeling a bit off it as there has been more bad news and trauma in personal stuff, as if I haven't had enough, so opted for low and bounding.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7496513239463906582

Other than that, non horse stuff is the order of the day at the weekend I think. I considered going to a show on Friday night at the venue where we jumped yesterday but I really can't be arsed 🤣 I think BF and I are out hacking tonight. Probably involve a pub.
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Weee look at him go! 😍

Sorry to read you have some more difficult things going on Red. You have certainly had more than enough! Sounds like you have a good plan in mind for the weekend to help get you through.
 
SaddlePsych'D said:
Weee look at him go! 😍

Sorry to read you have some more difficult things going on Red. You have certainly had more than enough! Sounds like you have a good plan in mind for the weekend to help get you through.
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I know, I've had a year where I thought crap stuff was over. This weeks revelations include an impending funeral and a hospital appointment. Still waiting to find out if they will clash 🤔 I am sick of being brave and positive. I am sick of people telling me my horse could be doing better too. Yep, he could do more. But then, I think he's doing just great teaching BF to ride, taking me on fun rides, just being a dude.

No matter, onwards and upwards.
 
Red-1 said:
I know, I've had a year where I thought crap stuff was over. This weeks revelations include a funeral and a hospital appointment. I am sick of being brave and positive. I am sick of people telling me my horse could be doing better too. Yep, he could do more. But then, I think he's doing just great teaching BF to ride, taking me on fun rides, just being a dude.

No matter, onwards and upwards.
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That sounds pretty crap Red - do take care of yourself. Fun on horses is so good for our mental health so ignore the muppets commenting on what you’re doing with BH. You’ve developed him into a super horse and one that suits your needs, I’m sure BH couldn’t care less about bigger jumps or more competitions!!
 
j1ffy said:
That sounds pretty crap Red - do take care of yourself. Fun on horses is so good for our mental health so ignore the muppets commenting on what you’re doing with BH. You’ve developed him into a super horse and one that suits your needs, I’m sure BH couldn’t care less about bigger jumps or more competitions!!
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I nearly didn't put the video up as I know I was pushing him out of his rhythm. We had all sorts of strides and legs. I was just feeling like having a wheeee day. And no, I don't think he really minds. We only did a warmup and 2 rounds. I particularly like the flying XXL High Viz, as we rode there and I always high viz up for the roads!
 
Went for a stress buster ride last night. It was going to be Rigsby's longest ever ride so I was riding him and boyfriend was featuring on H. Sadly, as we trotted the trail to the pub, the stirrup leathers were rubbing BF's legs, so we walked there and swapped for the off road bit after the pub.

The pub was packed. Rigs really enjoys a good drink and is expert with a glass 🤣

The off road bit was fun. Rigs trammed along, was fun and playful. BF even experienced his first few strides of gallop.

Once that was done, we swapped back to walk home. Rigs was blowing and I was just so proud of the little man, I led him most of the way. After a few minutes he was pulling me along, fully recovered. He was so weak from all that box rest when he came in 2020, now he is so robust and fun, and 20 years old!

I am sorting out the saddles so the stirrup leathers won't run BF any more. He is having fun riding but has no interest in actual lessons. On Rig's saddle, I got some Barnes Buckles so the stirrups will simply detach if he has a mishap. The leathers are then threaded under the flaps, and onto the bar. I may simply swap stirrups on the days he rides out with me. He is too heavy for long term Rigs riding unless it is just a stroll round the village. It isn't a perfect solution, but works.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7497176801874119958
 
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SaddlePsych'D said:
I know it's a bit early really but tomorrow I'll be on the road early because I am going to view a horse to buy! Trying not to freak out too much but, y'know, me.

It's gone a bit quick from not ready to make calls to going to view, but this horse was the first to really make me want to pick up the phone. He's had the thumbs up from my instructor and from a few HHOers who kindly looked through several ads for me via PM. Then when I made the call I felt there were green flags from the seller (they wanted to know about me and the home for the horse, not in a rush to sell to whoever come first).

I'm also seeing loan horse over the weekend. Last time with him I struggled a bit but we managed. He is being a good teacher 😊
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How exciting! I hope it goes well. Whether he's the horse for you or you rule him out, it's a great step along the way to horse ownership.

Red-1 said:
I know, I've had a year where I thought crap stuff was over. This weeks revelations include an impending funeral and a hospital appointment. Still waiting to find out if they will clash 🤔 I am sick of being brave and positive. I am sick of people telling me my horse could be doing better too. Yep, he could do more. But then, I think he's doing just great teaching BF to ride, taking me on fun rides, just being a dude.

No matter, onwards and upwards.
Click to expand...

Sometimes people really need to keep their mouths shut and letters just get on with enjoying their horses. He sounds like a fab horse who is doing brilliantly for you and for BF. What more could you want?
 
I'm taking Rabbit (a.k.a Baby T-Rex cause he's currently 15.3hh at 2 years old and still growing!) out in hand hacking on a new hacking route and taking Baggs my retired 20 year old along as a moral support pony. Rabbit has gotten really confident with the short circular route from the yard, through the estate and up through the other side of a different estate, which all has plenty of roadwork and so he's pretty much used to all sorts of traffic - just got to slowly introduce him to tractors, buses and lorries as we haven't met a lot of those yet!

The new hacking route goes through a beautiful farm with some lovely tracks to plod on, with the added bonus that you can link different bridleways all to this one hacking route at various points, so I'm eager to get him chilled with this as it opens up a whole new world, with much reduced roadwork so it's safer all round :) We might have fun cause we have to go past alpacas, some free roaming chickens and a few free roaming dogs who like to pop out of hedges at the worst possible moment (hence why we're taking Baggs along as it's one of his fave hacking routes!) but it's all experience and something to work towards which is nice.

It also helps that Rabbit is pretty chilled when things freak him out - he's more of a stand, snort, arch the neck slightly and stare at whatever is freaking him out, before looking back at me for some reassuring scratches so it makes spook busting/ general training a LOT more pleasant - I'm used to Baggs who is more of a p**s off into the next county and think about your actions later kinda guy, so I'm having to train myself a different way with Rabbit as he's the total opposite 🤣

It's also Rabbit's birthday on Wednesday, so no doubt I shall be making my way into a few tack shops and buying him some pressies....he's already got a lovely leather headcollar on the way but birthday's only come once a year right?! ;)😂😂
 
Happy Birthday for Wednesday Rabbit! He definitely deserves some pressies, baby birthdays are extra special ❤

I am tentatively hovering over the arena booking button for tomorrow morning. A fellow livery and myself are going to try and get back into dressage with some online stuff and hiring the local venue (35 mins dander on quiet roads) is looking preferable to clearing and re-setting the million jumps in the home arena. Is that lazy or just good extra education for the ponies? Hmm 🤔

Good luck today @SaddlePsych'D !!!
 
smolmaus said:
Happy Birthday for Wednesday Rabbit! He definitely deserves some pressies, baby birthdays are extra special ❤

I am tentatively hovering over the arena booking button for tomorrow morning. A fellow livery and myself are going to try and get back into dressage with some online stuff and hiring the local venue (35 mins dander on quiet roads) is looking preferable to clearing and re-setting the million jumps in the home arena. Is that lazy or just good extra education for the ponies? Hmm 🤔

Good luck today @SaddlePsych'D !!!
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Good education for sure - and you can use the hacking there as a warm up, and hacking back as a cool down ;)
 
My chap has recovered from his lameness incident last week, aside from some age-related stiffness in both hind hocks. He was seen by the vet on Wednesday, and I've been given the OK to ride, so I'm planning to do just that. I realised that between lameness and his teeth, I've ridden once so far this month, and that was only half a lap of the arena before he had me off when he spooked. So tomorrow I'll be doing some groundwork before getting on. I suspect he'll be feeling rather spritely!

We were meant to be doing an online dressage test this month, but that's not happening, barring miracles, especially as I have the same issue as @smolmaus with millions of jumps being set up in the arena at home.
 
SaddlePsych'D said:
Brief update as I'm just home from a 300 mile round trip and so tired I could cry. Except I can't cry because I'm too tired to do even that!

Showed video to instructor, talked it through. Have asked for a second viewing and she'll come with me this time 😁😁
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That sounds positive! Apart from the exhaustion which I get because I hate driving...
 
Super fun day at the BRC DTM Champs.

10 days ago I subbed onto another horse, so I'd ridden the individual test 3 times. Once to record it so I could do the music, once with the first draft of music and once with the final draft. I've never ridden this horse in a competition.

Same applied to the pairs. 3 run throughs 🙈.

Cob had a whale of a time, and I did too. Nothing spectacular but we had loads of fun.

Friends horse got stage fright but got through her test.

The pairs they were much happier together, with only a few yee ha moments to finish just out of the placings.

Met the lovely @flowerofthefens who helped us all day and provide loads of support.
Thank you again!
 
Have you ever met a horse who you swear has been on this planet before? Well that's how I feel about my microcob. 6 years ago today she had her BOGOF foal so I know she hasn't done a dressage test in 6 years. Before that she bounced around a couple of dealers after coming out of a breeding herd because she wasn't in foal (except obviously she was!)

Today she stepped in for the hooligan at riding club local dressage with permission from the judge to ride in her hackamore. Nailed an 8.5 for her first centre line and won Intro A - at which point I embarrassed myself by bursting into tears! She hasn't been in a school for 4 years, we only hack and yet she got off the lorry in a strange venue like she'd done it a million times.

Not bad for a pony who the vets gave a "guarded" prognosis for ridden work 🥰
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It’s always fun reading this thread - such a varied community of riders and always so supportive! I hope everyone’s enjoying the sunshine.

Super Sammy took me round my first Advanced Medium after being in a fairly cantankerous mood in our lesson on Saturday (he clearly thinks he doesn’t need the practice…and forgets that I do), but he was on a mission at Hartpury.

The last time I rode in that arena was 7 years ago on Pocholo, his last BD as it was an absolute disaster. Sammy’s last time was prize giving at last summer’s Midways and he felt very happy to be back!

He felt fab, I felt messy (movements come up a lot faster at AM!) but happy with how I rode most of it. We had three flying changes that were late behind but somehow got 7s for each of them - it’s nice when luck is on your side!! I was flabbergasted at our score of 68.29%, first in our section and second overall 🤩

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