Little xc schooling session with the midget highland - cc welcome...

[JFTDWS]

I took Fergs to do some xc schooling at Downhouse (so very little!) with Angua2 on Sunday. I haven't taken him xc since last year at Ely, though dafthoss took him to Isleham with her PC last summer. He was very, very green then, particularly over xc fences / away from home etc - and spent most of his time doing his patented "jump jet manoevre" over fences.

I've spent a lot of time since then working on his rhythm, style over fences and getting him more confident moving off my leg away from home / into fences. My aim this weekend was to get him thinking more forward over the little fences at Downhouse and thinking about his next fence on landing. As a result, you are about to witness some of the smallest xc jumping you will ever encounter

Anyway, he was a lot more forward and confident than he has been previously, and was jumping less like a special ( ) so whilst we didn't do anything very taxing, I felt it was pretty successful.

However, I'm also painfully aware of my own failings - I need to get off his back a lot more, and sort my lower leg out. Generally my xc position (on the flat and over fences) could use a lot of work, so any cc on how to improve that would be great. Oh and my release has gone from extreme to practically non-existant

[youtube]tM6upklpZcM&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

A few stills for anyone who can't be bothered to watch 4 minutes of highland hopping

Cheers

 

[Lolo]

He looks awesome, keen bean pony!

My only CC would be to try and hitch your stirrups up another few holes, as between the fences your 2-point looked a little insecure. And at the corner, you KNEW he was going to run out and didn't correct until he did actually run out. The second time round it looked like you'd got over your worst bit, and so you corrected at take off and he pinged Think you need to be more confident in your riding, he's a credit to you and so ready for eventing

(definitely go to the next Ickworth thing, he will love the 2'3 course there- I did it on a very miscreant pony and managed to wing it round so you two will storm it!)

 

[dafthoss]

He is totally unrecognisable from the pony that came to pony club last year! He looks super confident and happy and no jump jet specials , even over the ditch (told you he would be fine after the one at isleham )

Love the 3rd photo of him over the log!

 

[JFTDWS]

He looks awesome, keen bean pony!

My only CC would be to try and hitch your stirrups up another few holes, as between the fences your 2-point looked a little insecure. And at the corner, you KNEW he was going to run out and didn't correct until he did actually run out. The second time round it looked like you'd got over your worst bit, and so you corrected at take off and he pinged Think you need to be more confident in your riding, he's a credit to you and so ready for eventing

(definitely go to the next Ickworth thing, he will love the 2'3 course there- I did it on a very miscreant pony and managed to wing it round so you two will storm it!)

Thanks lolo Gosh I'm not sure I can get my stirrups up any more! I see what you mean though - they look like they could be shorter - the trouble is the saddle is a VSD and I'm pretty long in the thigh, so will be right in front of the knee rolls. I will have a go and see if I can do it If not, I may have to consider a more jumping cut saddle if I can get one to fit his shoulder... (Ah the trials of a midget pony and a tall rider!)

The corner was a mess, it was total rider error - I aimed right at the tip (cowardice!) and he pulled into the right / middle of the two, so I pulled him left and he just nipped round the side in a "don't mind if I do" way! I need to man up a lot!

However, with him feeling more confident, I feel much more confident to push him, so hopefully this will improve I shall aim for the 2'3 at Ickworth and try not to embarass ourselves!

He is totally unrecognisable from the pony that came to pony club last year! He looks super confident and happy and no jump jet specials , even over the ditch (told you he would be fine after the one at isleham )

Love the 3rd photo of him over the log!

Ha, yep, that ditch was nothing compared to Isleham - Fergs barely registered it (on the vid you can hear me yelling "ditch, ditch, LOOK AT THE DITCH" as I thought he was so unphased he would miss it entirely!)

thanks, love that pic too

 

[ghostie-x]

No CC but just have to say that my mum and I really enjoyed watching the video. She has recently got a young Highland and we would love for him to be doing things like this in the future! Your boy looks really genuine and eager-to-please from the video. Really nice pony

 

[Angua2]

well, stirrups too long or not ( and I can hardly talk) you and fergs were totally awesome.

Have to say I haven't messed with my video's yet or got the guts to post the superb pictures that JFTD's mum took

Was a great afternoon though.

 

[Lolo]

I 100% get the corner-nerves, I do the same and it drives my sister wild. I casually allow the horse to veer out on a nice gradual curve as well before coming round the second time and actually riding properly. Not sure why I do it, and the only reason I noticed a bit for you. You're jumping WAY bigger though!

I think you might need a jumping saddle then Will hold you to Ickworth- think Al might take SuperCob next time it's on and you will love him. He's the biggest lad ever

I never said, but your position over the fences is so balanced and easy, you're making Ferg's job very simple.

 

[Neptune]

No CC. But Fergs looks as though he is really enjoying himself

Also thanks for sharing as Down House is my local schooling venue and heading there in a couple of weeks with the young horse, I've never been before so good to see what the fences are like

 

[JFTDWS]

No CC but just have to say that my mum and I really enjoyed watching the video. She has recently got a young Highland and we would love for him to be doing things like this in the future! Your boy looks really genuine and eager-to-please from the video. Really nice pony

By strange coinkydink I have just been oggling your chap in your thread in PG You simply cannot beat a good highland (not in an eating competition anyway )... Fergs is very genuine - sometimes a little too genuine (will scramble over a fence from anywhere if he can, normally by launching me practically into orbit!). He's also getting the hang of this jumping lark at last - he's the opposite of my 3 y/old who instictively knows how to fly over things

well, stirrups too long or not ( and I can hardly talk) you and fergs were totally awesome.

Have to say I haven't messed with my video's yet or got the guts to post the superb pictures that JFTD's mum took

Was a great afternoon though.

Haha, you were a lot bolder than me - actually tackling bigger options The pics on my facebook are just video stills - didn't put them in the video as didn't want to solicit cc on you against your wishes! It was good fun

I 100% get the corner-nerves, I do the same and it drives my sister wild. I casually allow the horse to veer out on a nice gradual curve as well before coming round the second time and actually riding properly. Not sure why I do it, and the only reason I noticed a bit for you. You're jumping WAY bigger though!

I think you might need a jumping saddle then Will hold you to Ickworth- think Al might take SuperCob next time it's on and you will love him. He's the biggest lad ever

I never said, but your position over the fences is so balanced and easy, you're making Ferg's job very simple.

I'm not 100% sure I've ever done an xc corner before I just presented him at it with no conviction - can't really blame him for taking the easy route out!

Yea, that thought had occured to me Will have to wait till I have a proper job though... Not sure if it will be easy / possible to get one to fit him though - I couldn't when I tried (years ago!) to get one for JJ and me

I definitely want to meet SuperCob and Al By hook or by crook I will get there and (possibly) make it round

I think my position over fences is pretty hideous But thanks - nice to know not everyone's watching thinking "dear god that poor pony "

No CC. But Fergs looks as though he is really enjoying himself

Also thanks for sharing as Down House is my local schooling venue and heading there in a couple of weeks with the young horse, I've never been before so good to see what the fences are like

I believe it's shut till mid May after the HT this weekend... Just fyi Probably no bad thing as the ground is a little boggy on the stream side and could really do with some time to dry out. Most of the course is totally fine though and completely rideable - and well worth their cheap rates! I will definitely take the wee man back

 

[Angua2]

Haha, you were a lot bolder than me - actually tackling bigger options The pics on my facebook are just video stills - didn't put them in the video as didn't want to solicit cc on you against your wishes! It was good fun

QUOTE]

Well since tonight I do not plan to be held at gun point (and yes I was last night before anyone asks) I will tinker around with the video and put cowardly old me to the "wolves"

 

[JFTDWS]

"Wolves" don't seem to be hunting this afternoon

Held at gunpoint?? That's an unusual evening pastime?!

 

[Angua2]

"Wolves" don't seem to be hunting this afternoon

Held at gunpoint?? That's an unusual evening pastime?!

MMM, went to pick the OH from work at betting shop closing and two men walked in with hand guns which ended up pointed at both of us while they took rather a lot of money. did mean I didn't do video editing bah!

and I am not going to hijack your post

 

[JFTDWS]

MMM, went to pick the OH from work at betting shop closing and two men walked in with hand guns which ended up pointed at both of us while they took rather a lot of money.

That's pretty hardcore stuff - you guys ok??

 

[Angua2]

a little too hardcore! We will live. Think Since I have faced that I am going to really have to deal with the XC terrors...

 

[JFTDWS]

a little too hardcore! We will live. Think Since I have faced that I am going to really have to deal with the XC terrors...

Would it be traumatising if I threatened you with some form of (toy) gun next time?

XC fences are nothing compared to that sort of experience, that's for sure!

 

[Angua2]

Would it be traumatising if I threatened you with some form of (toy) gun next time?

XC fences are nothing compared to that sort of experience, that's for sure!

Ah Ha.... you mean to say that there is going to be a next time Excellent

 

[Jenni_]

He looks mega fun!

Agree with the stirrups. Ones stirrups can never be too short (up by ears are the preferred position of mine )

Well done

 

[hayinamanger]

Looked great to me, I adore that pony.

 

[CrazyMare]

I like him - I love seeing a fit and trim Highland!

Stirrups up definatly, I understand your difficulty with a pony and long legs, at the risk of boring everyone, my mare is 13.1h and I'm 5ft8, my inside leg is 34"

I have a jump saddle, with next to no blocks

 

[Neptune]

I believe it's shut till mid May after the HT this weekend... Just fyi Probably no bad thing as the ground is a little boggy on the stream side and could really do with some time to dry out. Most of the course is totally fine though and completely rideable - and well worth their cheap rates! I will definitely take the wee man back

Thanks for letting me know, Will wait a few more weeks then.

 

[JFTDWS]

Ah Ha.... you mean to say that there is going to be a next time Excellent

I hope so!

He looks mega fun!

Agree with the stirrups. Ones stirrups can never be too short (up by ears are the preferred position of mine )

Well done

I'm the opposite - long, long and longer some more... Not as long as Peter Atkins though

Looked great to me, I adore that pony.

He is rather adorable isn't he?

I like him - I love seeing a fit and trim Highland!

Stirrups up definatly, I understand your difficulty with a pony and long legs, at the risk of boring everyone, my mare is 13.1h and I'm 5ft8, my inside leg is 34"

I have a jump saddle, with next to no blocks

Well, theoretically, it must be possible then When my bank balance can take it, I'll look into picking one up I thought my stirrups were pretty short already

 

[olop]

You both look like your having a blast really well done
I'm only stabled up the road from there, do you have a number for them would really like to have a session over there & can hack there which is a real bonus

 

[JFTDWS]

I don't, olop - Angua2 booked it... They're not the easiest to track down on t'internet (or rather, don't exist online at all!). Lucky you in hacking distance - I'm only 20 minutes in a trailer though which is pretty great

 

[mandwhy]

I just love him! He looks like he is having fun and I understand your saddle + tall rider + big shoulders issues! That is all!

 

[MandyMoo]

cute pony no cc from me, as others have said what I would have done

 

[lindsayH]

Your pony is completely awesome and I think we should all petition the FEI to include Highland Hopping as an internationally recognised equine sport. Possibly with the olympics in mind...

 

[JFTDWS]

I just love him! He looks like he is having fun and I understand your saddle + tall rider + big shoulders issues! That is all!

Thanks. I know, it's a nightmare isn't it! Wouldn't swap him for a biggy with easy saddling options though - not for all the tea in china

cute pony no cc from me, as others have said what I would have done

Thanks... so that's whack my stirrups up and ride with more conviction?

Your pony is completely awesome and I think we should all petition the FEI to include Highland Hopping as an internationally recognised equine sport. Possibly with the olympics in mind...

Hehe thanks - I like the idea of Olympic level Highland Hopping. Would happily represent Team GB in that

 

[Aperchristmas]

Please let me have Fergles pleassseeeeeeeeeee.

 

[JFTDWS]

Please let me have Fergles pleassseeeeeeeeeee.

Sorry He is the most adorable little beast though, I just went up to get them off the back field (grass!) and stick his rug on / littley in stable and Fergs heard the car and by the time I'd parked up and got out, he'd come flying round the stable block into the front field (away from the grass) and was standing at the fence line, ears pricked, waiting for a cuddle. Brought a tear to my eye, soppy old git that I am...

Mostly as it saved me going round to drag them all off the back

 

[JenJ]

Pfft. For the first minute or so of that video I was thinking that was *my* kind of cross country jumping. Then you started doing silly bigger stuff...

I love the terraced houses jump that was in the background!