Mid August weekend plans anyone?

[SEL]

Just been for a lovely hack past our nemesis - the hunt kennels. I am having to pop off and walk her past but that's better than the spin & run for home after the smelly carcass incident.

The wagon was offloading on our way home so I averted my eyes. No idea what will happen to that service to farmers if hunting is banned.

Baby cob off to a clinic tomorrow. We did an impressive rodeo last time at this location so I'm hoping for no wavy leg nonsense.

What's everyone up to? Weather looks lovely.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Sounds like a fab weekend SEL!

I am schooling tonight, plan is to work on him leaning on the one rein and dropping it when he starts so he has to balance himself and halting the tension feedback loop we sometimes end up in, that and stepping the left hind under on the turn which is harder for him (and wear in the new long boots that arrived today as I have lose weight and the old ones are too loose on the calf - wish me luck!).

Tomorrow is a day off for him as I think have a 6 mile fun ride Sunday in a new spot with a friend I haven't seen for a while, so looking forward to that!

 

[blood_magik]

I have actual plans for the first time in ages

Jack is going to his first show since he did his suspensory and ddft back in February. It’s also likely to be my last show of the year as I’m waiting on a knee op (not quite sure how long I’ll be off for until I see the surgeon in a couple of weeks).

It’s probably not the best time to be buying a new horse but hey ho… gotta have something to look forwards to, right?

 

[blodwyn1]

I have fun club tomorrow.

 

[nutjob]

I'm taking my horse to a dressage competition, like @blood_magik it's my first for ages as my horse also has had a suspensory injury. I am quietly confident as it looks like I am the only person entered in my class .

 

[RachelFerd]

We went to BD Area Festivals today. I had a ridiculously long drive down to Onley as more local dates to me clashed with other (non-horsey) things I had on. Isaac was a bit naughty in the warm-up taking major offence to a broken plank on the fenceline and being a spooky lunatic about it. But he then wasn't too spooky about the flowerpots and sandbags in the arena itself, so maybe that was a good thing. Came out with a 67.something and 8th out of 37 in the Ele Bronze - judge at E loved him, judge at C quite rightly marked him down for a few wobbly not-straight moments. Also had a frustrating spook during the first medium canter because a score runner decided to vault over the arena wall right in front of us wearing hi-viz as we were cantering towards him - really not ideal, but these things happen. Although I will claim it has cost me £20 in prize money!!


Took forever and a day to drive home as we were caught up on the motorway due to what looked like a nasty motorbike accident

Onwards now to trying to qualify for winter area festivals mediums (bronze) and regionals (ele silver and ele silver music) - starting to feel like he's a pleasure to ride in the ring and that he really understands the movements.

Nice little pro pic as I was travelling solo today so have no vids...

 

[Squeak]

We went to BD Area Festivals today. I had a ridiculously long drive down to Onley as more local dates to me clashed with other (non-horsey) things I had on. Isaac was a bit naughty in the warm-up taking major offence to a broken plank on the fenceline and being a spooky lunatic about it. But he then wasn't too spooky about the flowerpots and sandbags in the arena itself, so maybe that was a good thing. Came out with a 67.something and 8th out of 37 in the Ele Bronze - judge at E loved him, judge at C quite rightly marked him down for a few wobbly not-straight moments. Also had a frustrating spook during the first medium canter because a score runner decided to vault over the arena wall right in front of us wearing hi-viz as we were cantering towards him - really not ideal, but these things happen. Although I will claim it has cost me £20 in prize money!!


Took forever and a day to drive home as we were caught up on the motorway due to what looked like a nasty motorbike accident

Onwards now to trying to qualify for winter area festivals mediums (bronze) and regionals (ele silver and ele silver music) - starting to feel like he's a pleasure to ride in the ring and that he really understands the movements.

Nice little pro pic as I was travelling solo today so have no vids...

View attachment 144810

Well done RF. Have you been out eventing recently?

 

[Squeak]

Busy weekend here, had a jump lesson yesterday and then off to dressage on Sunday. Aiming for solid tests rather than anything flashy this time.

 

[RachelFerd]

Well done RF. Have you been out eventing recently?

No, off to Blair next week hopefully!

 

[southerncomfort]

Spectating at Frickley Park if anyone is here today!

 

[Pippity]

I hacked Blue for the first time since fracturing my spine.

Only around my yard's tiny farm ride, because she's so fat her saddle doesn't fit, and I'm not doing anything vaguely adventurous without stirrups and knee blocks, but we did manage a bit of trot.

Next time, I might manage to let go of my death grip on her mane!

 

[Red-1]

Yes!

BH has been away at a friend's (who is also a pro) since the end of May due to my stables/fields being refurbished. The field has been all dug up for drainage. Even Rigs spent the summer being ferried backwards and forwards when it was too much or we were away holidaying.

He was due home on Saturday but there was a hunt ride on the Friday and my friend took him. She tried to persuade me, but I have barely ridden since May (apart from 6 days in June on safari) and when I popped up for a jump to see how I was earlier in the week, the next day I was rather sore (although I did seem to ride OK, actually).

My friend used to be an avid hunter, but hasn't been for a good few years. She rides daily though as they have a big yard full of horses.

BH was great! He was astonished at hounds. Last autumn, I took him myself to one of the first rides, but it was +30 degrees heat and, although the ride took place, they left hounds at home. He was mannerly. It was just a walk/trot amble, so not too hard.



Then, Saturday I fetched him home. He was exhausted, mentally, from his grand night out. Back home, he had his first go at having his feet done with an angle grinder. He has been barefoot for years and I have been doing them myself. Having seen me sweating at the task, my boyfriend bought an angle grinder and a floppy sandpaper disc and did Rigs first. Rigs much prefers this was of doing things. The video is pretty much the whole thing, apart from me holding hin for the first foot and then going to get the camera. It is quick and effortless.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7404207328158879008

BH, as he typically does, took it all in his stride.

Both boys get a day off now as BF and I are doing a triathlon!

Oh., and not the weekend, but Riggers got some stubble time earlier this week!

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7403342976958663968

I am blessed! Although not feeling it up at 5.30 to do boys before the triathlon. Shoulda left them there another couple of days

 

[Pippity]

I hacked Blue for the first time since fracturing my spine.

Only around my yard's tiny farm ride, because she's so fat her saddle doesn't fit, and I'm not doing anything vaguely adventurous without stirrups and knee blocks, but we did manage a bit of trot.

Next time, I might manage to let go of my death grip on her mane!

And I did it again this morning, but with a bit more trotting and a lot less death grip!

The whole 'getting back on board' thing was delayed by her getting a hoof abscess that took forever to drain, and then I ran away to sea for a week, but we've got a new instructor/behaviorist coming on Friday who will hopefully help us rebuild trust in each other.

 

[SEL]

And I did it again this morning, but with a bit more trotting and a lot less death grip!

The whole 'getting back on board' thing was delayed by her getting a hoof abscess that took forever to drain, and then I ran away to sea for a week, but we've got a new instructor/behaviorist coming on Friday who will hopefully help us rebuild trust in each other.

Huge well done! It's been hard enough for me to relax after 2 falls in as many weeks and that was nothing ibuprofen couldn't deal with! Sounds like you're really making progress.

 

[ihatework]

Glad everyone is having a good weekend.

Unfortunately mine is doom and gloom. My wonderful black mare was supposed to be doing her first event. But a few days before had a freaky accident that has meant a lot of tears in IHW land. She is currently in horsepital waiting on a theatre slot for a CT scan but the only thing I can hold onto is she is still here and the specialist who saw her on Friday is pretty confident she can be saved. So hopefully with time, care and rehab she can be a mummy at least. I think it’s 50/50 on whether she could return to competition aspiration

 

[southerncomfort]

That's horrible news IHW. Will be keeping everything crossed that surgery goes as well as it possibly can.

 

[humblepie]

Gosh IHW that’s horrid news. Wishing all the best.

 

[Bernster]

Sorry to read that IHW

 

[Red-1]

Glad everyone is having a good weekend.

Unfortunately mine is doom and gloom. My wonderful black mare was supposed to be doing her first event. But a few days before had a freaky accident that has meant a lot of tears in IHW land. She is currently in horsepital waiting on a theatre slot for a CT scan but the only thing I can hold onto is she is still here and the specialist who saw her on Friday is pretty confident she can be saved. So hopefully with time, care and rehab she can be a mummy at least. I think it’s 50/50 on whether she could return to competition aspiration

I'm sorry to hear that. I know she will get best of care to hopefully be a mummy.

 

[Jeni the dragon]

I'm sorry to hear that IHW. Fingers crossed she gets a CT shortly.

 

[daffy44]

I'm so sorry IHW, everything crossed for a speedy recovery for your beautiful girl, I hope you get a CT slot soon.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

So sorry IHW. Hope you get reassuring news soon.

I’ve been on holiday but got back yesterday. Lottie was busy with her sharer while I was gone, including doing the Stannage Edge Evening EGB ride. Apparently took it all in her stride.

Had a jumping lesson today and she was her usual yeehaa self that she always is after a break from jumping! I do love her enthusiasm for life! She’s so game.

 

[RachelFerd]

Glad everyone is having a good weekend.

Unfortunately mine is doom and gloom. My wonderful black mare was supposed to be doing her first event. But a few days before had a freaky accident that has meant a lot of tears in IHW land. She is currently in horsepital waiting on a theatre slot for a CT scan but the only thing I can hold onto is she is still here and the specialist who saw her on Friday is pretty confident she can be saved. So hopefully with time, care and rehab she can be a mummy at least. I think it’s 50/50 on whether she could return to competition aspiration

So sorry to read this - fingers crossed for the best possible outcome. Horses are such heartbreakers.

 

[blodwyn1]

Bramble and I had fun and came 4th in our section. She is getting better at the challenges being asked of her!

 

[Rough and tumble]

Glad everyone is having a good weekend.

Unfortunately mine is doom and gloom. My wonderful black mare was supposed to be doing her first event. But a few days before had a freaky accident that has meant a lot of tears in IHW land. She is currently in horsepital waiting on a theatre slot for a CT scan but the only thing I can hold onto is she is still here and the specialist who saw her on Friday is pretty confident she can be saved. So hopefully with time, care and rehab she can be a mummy at least. I think it’s 50/50 on whether she could return to competition aspiration

Ahh that’s so sad xx I know the feeling mine had kick in the field after horses getting into him despite being on individual turnout he’s only 7 will never event , hopefully be ok to hack again after spending £20. 0000 to buy him xxx he will have a home for life with me but we had a lot of tears x

 

[blood_magik]

Hope your horse is ok IHW.

We had a successful outing yesterday.

Jack got a bit worked up when he first went into the warmup so we had to be rescued by his bestie Beau but once I was on he settled nicely, bar shouting for his friends every 5 minutes.

He’s a tricky ride because he has a pretty bad shiver and is generally very stuck to start with but he actually felt nice and soft, and bendy and relatively balanced.

First test was a little tense and he dropped me for a moment in the canter trot canter across the centre line but all-in-all it felt great considering he’s not been out since the beginning of the year.

Second test was *chefs kiss
He nailed all of the downwards transitions and the mediums, and ended up winning both classes with 66.74 and 68.62% respectively.

No pics unfortunately as we took the baby with us to get some experience and dad was busy keeping him entertained.

As an aside, the horse I was looking at sailed through his vetting

 

[Chippers1]

Most of the weekend was non-horsey as I was in London to see Taylor Swift (amazing!!) then we went to the local charity show on Sunday where Buzz was a little star and got a 1st, 2nd and 3rd - we only did 3 classes so I would call that a success!

Also had a frustrating spook during the first medium canter because a score runner decided to vault over the arena wall right in front of us wearing hi-viz as we were cantering towards him - really not ideal, but these things happen. Although I will claim it has cost me £20 in prize money!!

I had something similar costing me a 1st in my WH yesterday, it was a photographer hiding behind a filler which Buzz spotted at the last second and caused a refusal! The judge said it was a huge shame but never mind, he still did well

 

[Ample Prosecco]

That's amazing Chippers! Well done x

 

[Chippers1]

Thank you! He's the best boy

 

[j1ffy]

The horse I had vetted failed pretty spectacularly on x-rays - thank goodness I had them done. I really felt for the owner as she had no idea of any issues I then had an interesting chat with a friend about breeding - apparently there's increasing evidence that the genes for 'brilliance' and bony changes are very close together so breeding for one tends to bring the other with it. A subsequent geeky chat with a DNA expert friend explained how / why that happens and how / why some horses will show one and not the other but that's a discussion for another time!

So a quiet weekend with my horses, just a plod around the farm on a very cheerful Chilli - I'd not sat on him for a couple of weeks and I do take it for granted that he behaves so well when fresh!

Saturday I met up with a ex-HHOer at the Global Champions Tour in London, which was great fun. We did more people watching that SJ watching but what we did see was great. The warm-up was eye-opening, we spent a fair amount of time working out the bitting arrangements on a number of the horses - some of them looked like torture devices . John Whitaker, on the other hand, did a fantastic clear with a nathe snaffle and what looked to be a well-fitted flash.