Mid May Weekend Plans

[Ample Prosecco]

No thread yet? Apologies if I have missed it. It looks like it is going to be dry! I am back out show-jumping on Sunday in my quest to get to Aintree for the National Amateur Champs. Enjoying my defection to the dark side at the moment. It's a lot less stressful than eventing!

 

[Chippers1]

I'm hunter-trialling tomorrow! There's 3 from my yard in the same class, nothing like a bit of friendly competition there's 37 altogether though, busy class!

Have good weekends everyone

 

[j1ffy]

Good luck both of you, sounds like fun!

We're doing another working equitation lesson tomorrow. I'm hoping we can crack his fear of the rope gate (he's convinced it's electric) but given he and his mates broke out of their new summer field and he has a wire mark on his chest, I somehow doubt it...

He had his three-month vet check yesterday (after his navicular oedemas were injected in Feb) and the vet's very pleased with him. He said to up his work but stick to soft ground for now, which I'm finding quite limiting as all our hacking involves road work. I'll try to box him out as much as possible but (typical!) my horse box is booked in for uprating and snagging for two weeks in June. I'm due to go to a wimpy weekender camp in July but I'll have to pull out as he won't be fit enough and there's little point travelling across the country for some flatwork and a beach ride!

 

[Bernster]

Ah AE but is it as exciting ? Some fun trips planned, hope everyone has fun.

Despite spraining my knee (doing a low impact joe wicks exercise would you believe ) I went sj last weekend and had a blast, and I’m off to a xc lesson round Milton Keynes again on Sunday. My Physio lasered the knee last night and it’s way better today plus I have loaned her mini laser and bought myself a bag of frozen peas! I like the mix of high and low tech approaches .

RC camp at Aston next weekend. Whoop. My ins is going to plus an old acquaintance from a previous yard, and some lovely RC people who I’ve met over the year, so I’m looking forward to that. Im in an air bnb which I’m also very happy about as I’m no camper! Too old and creaky for all that nonsense haha.

ETA I just realised I’d got my pics from last weekend. Diddy fences and I wish I would pull a nicer face! But we went on our own, Bertie was 100% the whole time, warmed up nicely (despite being a bit short in time), and popped round the course really smoothly.

 

[J_sarahd]

We have got our first trip out!

We are going to an RoR pole clinic tomorrow and I have no expectations. All I want to do is come home with both of us happy and healthy - so whether that means an hour of walk or even an hour of in-hand work. I don’t mind, as long as we are both safe and content by the end.

I’ve been a bit quiet on here as I’m muddling through some issues with Nova but she seems very happy at the moment. The field move seems to have gone way better than I thought it would have. Both horses are actually pretty chilled out when left alone or brought in and I think it’s settled down Nova’s anxieties elsewhere in life.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Wishing good luck and good weather to everyone getting out and about this weekend!

Still no riding for me after my share ended a few weeks ago. I liked the horse a lot, thought it could be a great opportunity and maybe it would have, but in the end I couldn't stick the yard environment and the impact on my riding confidence was quite striking.

Was supposed to have first lesson at new RS with coach who specialises in and seems to enjoy to enjoy teaching people in need of some confidence building. Unfortunately instructor unwell so that's postponed for a couple of weeks. Getting a chance to miss riding will probably do me some good!

Had my first RDA volunteering 'shift' today, which was lovely

 

[Red-1]

Wishing good luck and good weather to everyone getting out and about this weekend!

Still no riding for me after my share ended a few weeks ago. I liked the horse a lot, thought it could be a great opportunity and maybe it would have, but in the end I couldn't stick the yard environment and the impact on my riding confidence was quite striking.

Was supposed to have first lesson at new RS with coach who specialises in and seems to enjoy to enjoy teaching people in need of some confidence building. Unfortunately instructor unwell so that's postponed for a couple of weeks. Getting a chance to miss riding will probably do me some good!

Had my first RDA volunteering 'shift' today, which was lovely

You can't just put that without expanding!!!

How was it?

 

[Red-1]

I had a lesson with Joe Midgely yesterday, which was fabulous.

We went out on the box today and are going out again on Monday.

I shouldn't put the vid on really as I already have elsewhere (sorry for boring you), but I am very happy so will! Also, we have done so little, it is nice to mark when we do something.

We only went out as the council was resurfacing the road outside, and we have hardly jumped since last year. I went to a local livery yard with a hacking route off road, where there were some fences!

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7234907187468946714

Monday is the farm ride again. There are a few fences there too, come to that.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

You can't just put that without expanding!!!

How was it?

Hehe! I've put a little write-up on my RDA query thread but basically was there for three lessons, did some side walking and leading. It was a bit overwhelming at first, possibly as by the coach's own words they had got off to a bit of a chaotic start (not sure why or what that was about). All the other volunteers were really welcoming and I felt immediately included/looked after. They do their lessons part in the arena and part out on a mini-hack which I think is so lovely for the riders and the horses. I am going to ask if next week I can come early/stay after and help on the yard as well as in the lessons.

 

[Red-1]

Hehe! I've put a little write-up on my RDA query thread but basically was there for three lessons, did some side walking and leading. It was a bit overwhelming at first, possibly as by the coach's own words they had got off to a bit of a chaotic start (not sure why or what that was about). All the other volunteers were really welcoming and I felt immediately included/looked after. They do their lessons part in the arena and part out on a mini-hack which I think is so lovely for the riders and the horses. I am going to ask if next week I can come early/stay after and help on the yard as well as in the lessons.

That sounds like a really good first time. Love the idea of the mini-hack too.

 

[Bernster]

Red - great video, you’ve come along so much!

 

[Squeak]

I had a lesson with Joe Midgely yesterday, which was fabulous.

We went out on the box today and are going out again on Monday.

I shouldn't put the vid on really as I already have elsewhere (sorry for boring you), but I am very happy so will! Also, we have done so little, it is nice to mark when we do something.

We only went out as the council was resurfacing the road outside, and we have hardly jumped since last year. I went to a local livery yard with a hacking route off road, where there were some fences!

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7234907187468946714

Monday is the farm ride again. There are a few fences there too, come to that.

That looks like a lovely place to hack! Looks like he jumped beautifully too

 

[Red-1]

That looks like a lovely place to hack! Looks like he jumped beautifully too

Red - great video, you’ve come along so much!

It was funny because he isn't the bravest always, but I think it is genuine as, once he has done something once, he is good to go as many times as you like. I had a horse like that before - Charlie-Horse. I made Charlie do his work as in, jump what I say when I say it, first time and, I think, because of that, he always won a numnah at BE100 but was not mentally prepared to go any higher because I had rushed the initial education. I did get him round BE Nov, but he hated it and I quit trying. I bought a bold one to go higher, and did, but only because she was very forward and brave!

I knew it was partly the way I had trained early on. I had rushed Charlie-Horse, because he could jump: I hadn't respected his need to sort it out in his mind.

I decided with BH that we will just trot to stuff until he feels the love. I have video from this day (yesterday now) where he was trotting to stuff, if he was worried he could stop, rein back then trot and pop. I made myself have no attachment to what happened, he either jumped or stopped, no worries. Rein back and pop, all's good. Double bonus as my homework from my Joe Midgley lesson is to do more rein back with energy and lightness, so we got to practice that a time or two as well. I think he stopped at 5 fences, but then popped over once we had reined back and re-approached.

We were actually on our way home when we saw this line of fences. I just wondered what he would make of it, as it was a bit wider and I wondered how he would manage at trot.

You can see, we trotted to the first fence on this video. Then, BH just said, "I got this," and set sail in a lovely rhythm. This was the first time over these fences and they were bigger than the previous ones, but, because he had decided to go do them like that with confidence, they felt fab!

I plan on lots of hires, my plan is to trot just the same, but if he is confident and can do more, as politely as this, then we will do more. He is actually 6 this year but is a big old unit and is a bit backward in some ways. I am also a lot older than when I competed before. So, we are just doing our thing.

It helps that he is such a friendly chap and simply good company!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Late to the thread, but arrived at 3 day camp yesterday morning 1st thing. B pretty good for flat lesson in the morning but a blooming superstar in the afternoons sj lesson, left me wanting to do more!
More today and tomorrow

 

[Accidental Eventer]

I had someone to come out and ride Coolie in a share/lease type arrangement today. He is just the best little horse, and I have been worrying about him, I want him to be ridden more than I can manage to keep him ticking over but don't want anyone to smash him around the place (he'd think he was up for it, but at 20, I'd like to keep him going as long as possible). Anyway, this lady is someone I know and she would be perfect. He was so kind to her too, he make my heart so happy with how careful he is with other riders and how he fills them with confidence. He is just a once in a lifetime soul that horse! So hopefully it works out for everyone, it would be nice to see him bring joy to someone else as he brings joy to me.

Henry and I had a jumping lesson on Thursday and finally, things clicked into place and it felt easy. He was in front of my leg and super adjustable, I could place him anywhere to jump, such a good feeling! Then we cooled out by going for a bush walk with my coach and her young horse. He is such a good baby sitter, not fussed by other horses at all. And very unspooky and level headed generally. He's like a giant labrador, sweet and friendly.

Tomorrow probably just ride at home, need to do some flatwork and Coolies new person is going to come out and ride him again.

 

[Btomkins]

I’m taking Ernie to his first show of the year (and second show ever) tomorrow, wish us luck!

A different venue for us and quite a trek at an hour away opposed to our normal venue that’s just ten minutes down the road.

He’s the smallest and easiest of my bunch, so I’m using him as a Guinea pig to see what the venue is like, meant to be nice and friendly and all classes we’ve entered are fully booked so looking like a busy one!

I did remember on Wednesday that’s he’s two now so a bridle is more appropriate than the white halter he wore last year. Tried it on and he mouthed the bit for 30 seconds then settled like he’d always worn it bless him.

Bath time today, he will not be impressed but at least the weather is being cooperative



I’ve also been back riding Zach for about 3 weeks now and although I am still thinking about selling him, the more I do with him the more he’s likely to stay

I rode him out accompanied by my sharer riding my main boy Ben, and he was foot perfect and a delight. Couldn’t ask for a nicer 4 year old. Does make Ben look like a Shetland though…

 

[millitiger]

We're off to BD tomorrow, chasing down some final points for summer regionals.

Had a fabulous jump lesson this week, feel we're really making progress together.

 

[Cherryblossom]

I’m off to do working hunter today. We’ve done a couple of small local ones, but this one says it’s got a ride judge and conformation judge. Does anyone have any idea of whether they’ll likely strip down and ride for all classes, or just the bigger heights? I’m only doing 70 & 80cm, and I think Poppy would be fine to ride, but if I need to strip her down I’ll have to try and work out logistics of tidying her up as I don’t have a groom. I could potentially get my 5yo daughter to bring the stuff over to me and work it out from there.

 

[J_sarahd]

I can’t describe how incredible Nova was today. Travelled pretty badly and was very fresh/anxious when I got her off the trailer so I walked her round the arena in hand first and did some groundwork. There were some scary tyres just outside of the arena, which she wasn’t a fan of. But as soon as I got on, she was incredible. No napping, no trying to just go, no silliness at all. Trotted over every pole without any fuss. We were the only pair who didn’t canter but I wanted to leave wanting more not regretting anything. It was nice to be with other ex racehorses to see that some of her “quirks” are normal.

A nice leg stretch hack for her tomorrow and then a few weeks off for her.

 

[Michen]

Eventing- in America!!

Luckily the Canada wildfire smoke cleared enough to be safe to run, though I was pretty unimpressed that they were planning on running regardless. Anyway I was happy with the air rating by the time we got there so we did all phases.

Boggle being very Boggle with his first time eventing in the USA! He was actually 2nd after dressage on a 28. Then SJ I took a wrong turn and crossed my tracks, then he took a dislike to a trailer on the other side of the string. So they marked that as a refusal. And then gave us a pole for good measure! He didn’t have a pole, I have the video. But he jumped fab and I got tons of confidence back so I’m really chuffed.

XC, the optimum time here is so slow. 350 mom. Well Bog is always too fast at BE80 so this was impossible, despite walking him in a few places he came in 1 min 13 seconds under the optimum time. Woops. He had a great time though.

He just cracks me up, he really is the funnest dude. we had three supporters with us too which was epic! Great fun.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Living his best life!

 

[Chippers1]

Buzz was so funny at the hunter trial yesterday, he's been there so many times schooling but he couldn't work out why there were cars, people and fencing on the course! It made for a very distracted pony and a difficult ride but he still jumped everything and it was really good practice for me to try and keep him concentrating and keep up the pace. It also didn't help that his friend finished and walked past the start box just as we were about to go
But still, despite all that, he came in 6th!! Out of 34!! A huge class and we beat the speedy horses from our yard too just so pleased with him, he's doing so well this year it's really feeling like it's finally coming together for us and we're working as a team with him actually listening to me despite being boggle eyed at everything it's only taken 6 odd years...!

 

[Cherryblossom]

Had a fantastic day out at the working hunter. Poppy jumped a lovely clear around the 70cm and was pulled in 3rd. She then jumped beautifully round the 80cm, but knocked the penultimate fence. Luckily for me, everyone else in the class had a pole too, and we ended up winning! We didn’t stay for the championship as she was shattered, and I wanted to end the day on a good note.

 

[Cloball]

I haven't been up to much as D went a bit wild with the change to the summer field, I think the change in routine and the grass blew her mind a little and my confidence abandoned me so we've been doing a lot of ground work and slow hacks in company.

Things have been a lot better this week I had a great lesson on Tuesday. She was absolutely fab out hacking yesterday she lead all the way back, along a route we've only done once before in winter, past mopeds, the bit where she tried to canter and buck and hoards of cyclists. Met a bus too for good measure. She didn't try and bog off home which is a fear of mine. She got complimented on her tail by a lovely cyclist. She left the other much bigger ponies for dust .

Our main issues appear to be on the ground at the moment particularly standing still and relaxing which she tells me is impossible, she really looks after me when I'm on board!

More hacking today with a new hacking buddy I have also trimmed her tail

 

[J&S]

All these ponies doing so well! Well done every one.

 

[Red-1]

Not competing, but this is competing and training, and we were training today. Just a little schooling with BH. He is a legend! He spent a year messing around as he simply didn't feel strong enough to do more, like everything was too much effort. I did camps etc as that jollied him along. This year, he is striding out. A different horse.

So, this video is very ordinary, not special in schooling terms, but very special to me as BH has bought into the program!

Our mounting routine, a bit of trot and some canter. By heck, he is with me!

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7235599508309052699

 

[Cloball]

@Red-1 I need to learn your mounting routine. Do you have a webcam covering your arena?

Also not exciting or competing but feels like training (mentally for me) . This is D leading the way down a route she's not been before and me pulling a weird face. Feels like a real step forward as my nerves have been all over the place lately. Pretty sure I can be seen from space

 

[Red-1]

@Red-1 I need to learn your mounting routine. Do you have a webcam covering your arena?

Also not exciting or competing but feels like training (mentally for me) . This is D leading the way down a route she's not been before and me pulling a weird face. Feels like a real step forward as my nerves have been all over the place lately.View attachment 114034View attachment 114035 Pretty sure I can be seen from space

Your horse does remind me of Rigs.

Yes, I do have a web cam. But, it does not cover the mounting block as it is in the corner behind the shelter - as the arena is also the winter turnout. That part was done on my phone.

I started with just insisting on good manners and correct placement when mounting. Then, he would refine that by one secret weapon - simply feed a mintie (Extra Strong ATM) when I get on. He practically begs me to get on and, gradually, I stopped having to hold him or lead him.

Some days, when it isn't as hot as today, we race to the block and he will trot.

I've always said that I won't mount a horse who doesn't want to be mounted. Often, when I buy one (this horse included) the first lesson(s) are simply about mounting. I do it as if teaching from scratch. Once I am on the block, I don't come down again, they have to move to the right place.

 

[Cloball]

@Red-1 thank you D is very good at coming to the mounting block and occasionally has tried to joining me on it but not so good at staying still (she finds this a difficult concept which we are currently working on) I think she was a race horse in a past life . Because she's my first since my teenage years it's really making me think about teaching the basics right in a different way.

 

[Red-1]

@Red-1 thank you D is very good at coming to the mounting block and occasionally has tried to joining me on it but not so good at staying still (she finds this a difficult concept which we are currently working on) I think she was a race horse in a past life . Because she's my first since my teenage years it's really making me think about teaching the basics right in a different way.

If she is manoeverable, I would get on the block and then move her, so little fig 8s, so the moving is thoroughly explored (and quite difficult) so she will be glad when you invite her to stop (a mintie could be involved at that stage too ). Then, I would extend the standing and, if she can't stay still, then she is free to move fig 8s (quite difficult) until you invite her to stand again.

That is something I would play with anyway.