Little Dolly **PIC** - 8 months on and feeling brave - cc our pony!!!

[redmone]

Hi everyone,

Well it's either braverly or madness!!!

8 months have passed since we bought Little Dolly, and I think both her and daughter have come on a treat! Daughter had a little "bareback" ride last weekend and we took this lovely picture, and I thought it was a good opportunity for some gentle cc!!

I'd really like to know what the general opinion is of her. I think she's beautiful and the work our RS has done with her is amazing and a credit to them. To me, she looks fitter, healthier and prettier, but then I am biased!!

We're also now back in a snaffle bit (after the top picture was taken), which is great. Daughter is finding her a little strong at the moment (but I think some of that may be in daughter's mind!!) but we'd love to keep her in it.

So here goes - first picture is last weekend, second picture is last August.

Be gentle with us!!

ps I know the saddle doesn't look great on this pic - it's the belly you see!!!

Left over Easter Eggs for anyone who comments!!!

 

[hunting mad]

Can i ask why you have changed the bit back to a snaffle???
If your daughter and the pony were happy in the pelham id be inclined to leave it like that....after all,its not good to have little children being run away with
Watch ponies weight,apart from that looking good

Ps...i wont have any easter eggs,other wise i will be like the pony!!!

 

[Dirtymare]

What a gorgeous pony.
Looking really fit and well now. Well done.

 

[Spudlet]

I think she does look fitter, I'd say her belly has decreased somewhat She still seems to have quite a neck on her, but that could be the angle of the pic or how she is standing. Her coat looks to have a nice sheen, and her expression is nice, she looks happy and chilled to me I would say your daughter is tipping forward a bit, could be just the lack of saddle - she looks almost like she's trying to sit up too much and is sticking her tummy out and perching as a result - I can tend to do the same myself. She needs to relax her torso a bit and think about having her spine in a vertical line, like you do in Pilates, and sitting back on her seatbone a bit more. But then, she might do all that in the saddle anyway in which case ignore me

I do like Dolly

 

[dafthoss]

She is definantly thinner!! They look like a well suited pair now your daughter has grown and dolly has shrunk a bit . Good to know your daughter can now ride her in a snaffle again, will hopefully do her confidence loads of good when she feels like she has full control in it. Bare back is great fun at her age before you know it she will be jumping bareback so prepare your self for that one . Did they do the dressage the other week? And if so how did it go? Any pics Any more dolly photos??? please?????

 

[Milanesa]

pony and daughter look amazing! well done you! x

 

[redmone]

Can i ask why you have changed the bit back to a snaffle???
If your daughter and the pony were happy in the pelham id be inclined to leave it like that....after all,its not good to have little children being run away with
Watch ponies weight,apart from that looking good

Ps...i wont have any easter eggs,other wise i will be like the pony!!!

Thanks for your reply!

Have changed bit to snaffle as daughter wants to have a go at a dressage competition soon, and needs to not be in a pelham for that, so thought it best to get used to it early.

Dolly's much better behaved now, so the pelham seems a bit on the strong side. We'll see how she gets on with the snaffle!!

 

[redmone]

What a gorgeous pony.
Looking really fit and well now. Well done.

Thanks!!

Love your user name!!!

 

[redmone]

I think she does look fitter, I'd say her belly has decreased somewhat She still seems to have quite a neck on her, but that could be the angle of the pic or how she is standing. Her coat looks to have a nice sheen, and her expression is nice, she looks happy and chilled to me I would say your daughter is tipping forward a bit, could be just the lack of saddle - she looks almost like she's trying to sit up too much and is sticking her tummy out and perching as a result - I can tend to do the same myself. She needs to relax her torso a bit and think about having her spine in a vertical line, like you do in Pilates, and sitting back on her seatbone a bit more. But then, she might do all that in the saddle anyway in which case ignore me

I do like Dolly

Nope - the neck is not the photo! She has a chucky neck!! Hopefully it'll decrease in time!

She really is tipping forward in that pic - she'd literally just got on and got a bit better after having a toodle round! She's much better positioned in the saddle, and felt a bit weird without having one their! Trotting was fun

Thanks for nice comments, she's a lovely pony

 

[redmone]

She is definantly thinner!! They look like a well suited pair now your daughter has grown and dolly has shrunk a bit . Good to know your daughter can now ride her in a snaffle again, will hopefully do her confidence loads of good when she feels like she has full control in it. Bare back is great fun at her age before you know it she will be jumping bareback so prepare your self for that one . Did they do the dressage the other week? And if so how did it go? Any pics Any more dolly photos??? please?????

Jumping??? Bareback!!!! Nooooooooo!!!

I did tell her I was taking the bridle off as well next time! Should have seen her face!

We'll keeping trying with the snaffle, she's so much better than when we first got her. And you're right - daughter has grown and Dolly has shrunk so they're a much better match!

Dressage is in a few weeks - problem points are the canter bit rolleyes and the transition from trot to walk up the centre line - daughter keeps collasping in a heap after trotting (never did that before, so why now!!!). but we'll get there! The driveway has letters marked out on it and she's learnt it off by heart and trots round on foot!!! It's all for fun anyway, but good that she's having a go!!!

More pictures soon - promise!!

PS Daughter did first proper jump on Tuesday night and Dolly went rather fast!!! But stayed on and proper chuffed with herself....I have a video.....

 

[hunting mad]

Thanks for your reply!

Have changed bit to snaffle as daughter wants to have a go at a dressage competition soon, and needs to not be in a pelham for that, so thought it best to get used to it early.

Dolly's much better behaved now, so the pelham seems a bit on the strong side. We'll see how she gets on with the snaffle!!

I can see why now..... good luck for the stressage!!!

 

[redmone]

pony and daughter look amazing! Well done you! X

thanks!!! :d

 

[redmone]

I can see why now..... good luck for the stressage!!!

Still keeping the pelham handy....just in case!!!

Dolly seems a bit strong to daughter in the snaffle at the moment, so she's taking it easy and trying it out this week. I think it's a bit in daughter's mind too. We'll see........

 

[DuckToller]

Sweet photo - more pics and videos please!

For the record, even with roundings a pelham has leverage on the poll and a snaffle doesn't, so I have to agree with daughter on this one - she will definitely feel stronger in a snaffle if she is used to a pelham.

Look at thickness of pony's neck versus thickness of daughter's arms - it's no contest, if the pony leans a little on the bit and chooses to ignore polite requests from rider to slow down or stop, daughter will have very little chance of slowing her without hauling the whole of the front end of the pony off the floor (so to speak) and pulling like mad. So stick with the pelham when she needs it for fast work and do lots of transitions when in the snaffle to try to get the pony to listen. How about trying a hanging snaffle if you haven't already - it has a little bit of leverage, and might stop pony leaning on the bit.

 

[dafthoss]

Jumping??? Bareback!!!! Nooooooooo!!!

I did tell her I was taking the bridle off as well next time! Should have seen her face!

We'll keeping trying with the snaffle, she's so much better than when we first got her. And you're right - daughter has grown and Dolly has shrunk so they're a much better match!

Dressage is in a few weeks - problem points are the canter bit rolleyes and the transition from trot to walk up the centre line - daughter keeps collasping in a heap after trotting (never did that before, so why now!!!). but we'll get there! The driveway has letters marked out on it and she's learnt it off by heart and trots round on foot!!! It's all for fun anyway, but good that she's having a go!!!

More pictures soon - promise!!

PS Daughter did first proper jump on Tuesday night and Dolly went rather fast!!! But stayed on and proper chuffed with herself....I have a video.....

Mwhahahaha jumping bare back is fab just thought I would give you some advanced warning as it will happen at some point. Awe bless her give her a head collar to start with or make her tie the reins she will love it .

I'm sure she will be fine in a few weeks for the dressage, tell her shes ahead of me I'm doing one on saturday and I still havnt looked at my test . The collapsing I would guess is she is relieved to be back in walk even if she dosent realise it, we have all done it halt, salute, collapse and breathe. Hope she has a good time and I expect a full report with pictures or videos .

Good we like dolly pictures having heard the story from the beggining its nice to be kept updated.
WELL DONE HER!!! she will be away jumping loads in no time, you will be on the look out for clear round evenings all the time. Please post the video

 

[Booboos]

Dolly is looking great, much fitter and all that droopy tummy is gone, well done. Great to see your daughter has the confidence to have a go bareback!

If it's safe I think it's a good idea to keep trying with the snaffle. It will be easier for your daughter to start getting a feel for the pony's mouth, but of course if D starts tanking off again swap back. If she's worried about the canter see if you can't persuade your RS to include a Walk and Trot test at their next DR show.

If a more experienced rider is still schooling D ask them to work her long and low with a lot of flexes and counter-flexes - this may help with the neck which does look a bit too muscular (may be the result of using her neck to brace against the rider which would account for the tanking off as well).

Best of luck with the DR!!

 

[Tickles]

Lovely to see such progress. Looks like D is turning out to be a really lovely pony, lucky daughter!

 

[LauraWheeler]

Bless little dolly and your daughter looks so happy. I'm so glad it's working out for you now after everything thats happened you all deserve to be happy.
Good luck with the stressage

 

[JenHunt]

they're both looking well R - much better match now! I'm glad it's all working out, and that she's got the confidence to ride her bareback a little. It's great for the balance and the communication between pony and rider - we used to do loads bareback when I was in pony club, games, jumping, XC, all sorts! it was soooo much fun!

 

[DaisyDoll]

Ah how cute! What a happy looking pony and rider, hope all goes well with the stressage, will there be more piccies?

 

[muddygreymare]

Dolly looks fab! They look so happy together. Good luck for the dressage, you'll have to let us know how it goes. And jumping video please So happy for them that she's now able to start jumping on Dolly after all the ups and downs and they are a happy little pair

 

[Echo Bravo]

I was just thinking about you lot late last and here you are, pony and daughter doing well and so is mother

 

[amage]

Aw they look fab well done you!! If she is finding her a bit strong a hanging snaffle may give her a wee bit extra leverage! Both Dolly & daughter are an absolute credit to you!!

 

[Jericho]

Dolly definitely looks thinner - well done!

I think both you and your daughter have done so well in persevering and I think the smile on your daughters face is just reward. Keep up the good work!

Ps she is such a pretty pony

 

[redmone]

Sweet photo - more pics and videos please!

For the record, even with roundings a pelham has leverage on the poll and a snaffle doesn't, so I have to agree with daughter on this one - she will definitely feel stronger in a snaffle if she is used to a pelham.

Look at thickness of pony's neck versus thickness of daughter's arms - it's no contest, if the pony leans a little on the bit and chooses to ignore polite requests from rider to slow down or stop, daughter will have very little chance of slowing her without hauling the whole of the front end of the pony off the floor (so to speak) and pulling like mad. So stick with the pelham when she needs it for fast work and do lots of transitions when in the snaffle to try to get the pony to listen. How about trying a hanging snaffle if you haven't already - it has a little bit of leverage, and might stop pony leaning on the bit.

Aww thanks for that!!! I'll have to pluck up more courage to post the video! Although got to say, everyone is being very kind!

You're 100% right about the strength issue! When Dolly sets her mind to it, hmmmm well.....!!! Daughter is quite good at steering though, and those little circles work wonders sometimes!

I'm going to the tack shop this weekend with a plan! I'm going to buy a posh new bridle for the dressage show, and ask about bits.

Daughter is definately feeling her stronger (I agree now!) and if I'm completely honest, I'd now prefer her back in the pelham, but I'm going to see if there's something else, midway, as a compromise. Then we can just swop bridles depending on what she's doing. I just don't want Dolly in a weaker bit but daughter having to yank on her mouth to stop her (that situation hasn't arisen yet, but don't want it to).

In typical kid form, daughter has decided today that she wants Dolly in the snaffle and will get used to the extra strength! KIDS!!!!

So will seek advice from everyone that will listen!!!

 

[redmone]

Mwhahahaha jumping bare back is fab just thought I would give you some advanced warning as it will happen at some point. Awe bless her give her a head collar to start with or make her tie the reins she will love it .

I'm sure she will be fine in a few weeks for the dressage, tell her shes ahead of me I'm doing one on saturday and I still havnt looked at my test . The collapsing I would guess is she is relieved to be back in walk even if she dosent realise it, we have all done it halt, salute, collapse and breathe. Hope she has a good time and I expect a full report with pictures or videos .

Good we like dolly pictures having heard the story from the beggining its nice to be kept updated.
WELL DONE HER!!! she will be away jumping loads in no time, you will be on the look out for clear round evenings all the time. Please post the video

NOoooooooo!!! Jumping bareback sounds PETRIFYING!!!!

She leant to canter standing up last weekend (not good at it yet) and wants a go at cantering without stirrups soon (all with saddle of course!!).

She's no excuse about the poor downward transition, as it's in the middle of the test - not at the end! She's just not preparing early enough! I think she's rushing through it a little - need to get her to slow it all down.

And you! Get practicing missy!!

Thanks for the lovely comments.....will try pluck up the courage for the video!!!

 

[Jesstickle]

Dolly definitely looks a bit more trim round the muddle

And another super smiley photo. I'm so glad it's all going to well and we definitely would love to see the video

 

[redmone]

I was just thinking about you lot late last and here you are, pony and daughter doing well and so is mother

Awww thank you!!! You've been there right from the beginning, and I really appreciate your help and advice!!

Please see my above post about bits - I'd be interested in your thoughts.

Mother's nerves were much better, but this jumping business is giving me the heeeby jeeebies!!! We've done lots of little pops over branches whilst out hacking, but Dolly was quite different in outdoor school - she just saw the jump and bombed it!! She's a cracker, but I was glad she stayed on!!!

 

[redmone]

Dolly definitely looks thinner - well done!

I think both you and your daughter have done so well in persevering and I think the smile on your daughters face is just reward. Keep up the good work!

Ps she is such a pretty pony

Thank you!!!

 

[redmone]

Was planning on replying to everyone individually, but as always you guys have surprised me at your constant support and interest in my little un and her ginger ninja!!!

I didn't expect so many replies, so I'll say one big.....

THANK YOU ALL!!!!!

You've helped me so much, and I really appreciate your comments.

As above post, I'm debating the "bit" issue at the moment - snaffle being preferable but differing advice about whether to keep her in the pelham.

Daughter now wants her to stay in the snaffle, I'm not so sure. She does seem a lot stronger.

I'm going to talk to more people, and go to the tack shop (buying a posh new bridle anyway - so might have snaffle on one, and something else on the other).

Any suggestions everyone?? x x x