Mr G's ROR journey

[007Equestrian]

This post made my day in work! I'm a fully signed up member to his fan club

 

[LPL]

Thank you We did some grid work yesterday and totally disgraced ourselves jumping three bounces in one. On the plus side three bounces must equate to the width of the Cottesmore Leap at Burghley so.. swings and roundbaouts. I was really lucky to win £100 training voucher with BE so I've booked onto a gridwork and related distance lesson with Sue Ringrose at Bishop Burton at the end of the month. Just hope I don't totally let the ROR team at Countryside Live down next weekend!!!

 

[LPL]

It has been a while since our last update! We have been busy:

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[video=youtube_share;h8dJN6gitZ0]https://youtu.be/h8dJN6gitZ0[/video]

[video=youtube_share;vcN5JPxRY48]https://youtu.be/vcN5JPxRY48[/video]

[video=youtube_share;v1NIDaG2SnQ]https://youtu.be/v1NIDaG2SnQ[/video]

 

[ester]

That first picture! He is so fab

 

[LPL]

Mr G had had some more fun over the past month or so! Still trying to claim trailblazers tickets we went to Osbaldeston to do the 85cm and 95cm. We had one down in each class, it is totally me and each time we jump a round of jumps I learn something new.

[video=youtube_share;w10funkntBs]https://youtu.be/w10funkntBs[/video]

[video=youtube_share;moxsP2Wi6EA]https://youtu.be/moxsP2Wi6EA[/video]

 

[LPL]

Then, very excitingly, we had a lesson with Nicola Wilson organised by the RoR. I learnt so much, lots to do with riding leg to hand and remembering to always keep my leg on. She is one of the nicest people. She even said during a tricky exercise that we did it 'textbook' I was buzzing!!!

[video=youtube_share;nXw4RxLpZvI]https://youtu.be/nXw4RxLpZvI[/video]

AND i got to meet a really cute puppy!

Then we had Christmas and Gilbert had his annual Christmas photoshoot <3

After Christmas I decided to take G xc schooling at Helen Bell's. G was full of it and thought it was the most fun ever. He totally outjumped me at the start and took a while to settle down, by which time he was quite tired. He was really really fun though, super bold and brave. I need to learn how to warm him up more effectively and remember he needs his hand holding over new things, don't just expect it of him.

[video=youtube_share;YIqYdaS-Dys]https://youtu.be/YIqYdaS-Dys[/video]

[video=youtube_share;DmKO-OOxn-k]https://youtu.be/DmKO-OOxn-k[/video]

Then today we went to Northallerton to do the RoR 3 phase challenge. I totally did not know what to expect, the dressage test is really weird, very short, you don't salute and you don't do a final centre line, you just leave! Also felt really weird doing dressage in a jumping saddle. I've been trying something new with him recently, I have really struggled with his flatwork because he gets so tense and fast he can't relax and seek the contact. Instead of fighting him to work and calm down I've been inspired by the Diamonds in the Rough dressage ladies and tried the whole buckle end stretching and relaxing, every time he does something well, buckle end stretch, everytime he gets his knickers in a twist, buckle end stretch. It's like pressing the reset button! But we are still early days.

So today he did a fairly sweet test, I didn't quite have enough time to warm up so didn't quite feel I could put my leg on as much as I wanted but he tried his best.

We then went straight to do our jumping and we jumped clear! (by the skin of our teeth!!)

The conformation part was last, I have never done an inhand show and I really need to practise making him stand square and handsome and how to trot up properly! But we pulled it off to come 2nd! There were only 7 in the class but I am still incredibly proud of my little weedling. He's really starting to look like a grown up now <3

 

[Bills]

Great update, sounds like you have both been having loads of fun!

 

[scats]

I am officially a fan of your horse!! What a star! And all credit to you for producing him so well. More updates please xx

 

[LPL]

Thanks!! He's been a piece of cake really. He's got his BD debut on Saturday I'm very excited!!

 

[leflynn]

Love Mr G's updates! Good luck for your BD on Saturday, smile and have fun

 

[LPL]

Anyone else feeling the tiniest hint of spring? Since our last update G has got two events entered and has had loads of fun hooning around the gallops at home.

So the BD thing... we went to port royal for our BD debut in the novice/90cm combined training. Since I was (am) kinda porky after Christmas and I had a big night out planned I decided to starve myself for 2 weeks to lose some timber. It worked (and I looked bang tidy) but it seriously affected my brain... I went wrong in the test around 5 times. Missed bits out, made bits up AND left my tailbandage on. Luckily it was black but no wonder the bloody pony was tense &#55357;&#56883; So we got a lot of 4s, and a few pens for going wrong and got a PB of 51%. Yikes. Ate a packet of crisps, warmed up for the sj and jumped a clear round. Bloody hell. Lesson learnt, make sure you eat.

[video=youtube_share;4U90A8ktigk]https://youtu.be/4U90A8ktigk[/video]

Then, excitingly we appeared in a H&H feature on ex racers!

Then we were grounded and my beloved van broke down &#55357;&#56862; It was a huge ballache but luckily we were at home so G was safe in his stable. And it was a good job because we waited 8 hours for the AA to decide to turn up.

Definitely not what you expect from a brand new chassis less than a year old with 2000 miles on the clock!!! But it's fixed (for now) and fingers crossed it won't happen again. But we would like to buy some reflective strips for the back of the van in case we break down on the road. Any recommendations welcome!!

Then this weekend we went for some BE training at Bishop Burton with Sue Ringrose. G was fab, if not a big speedy when he heard the words 'cross country style' But he was really good, I have learnt that I really need to stop being vacant when I'm riding. Don't know if that happens to anyone else but sometimes I'll be riding along and literally thinking nothing! Totally vacant, then I give myself a slap and start to think and things go much much better. Sometimes I hit the racehorse button too and G thinks it is soooo much fun.

But then we can be sophisticated if I think about it!
[video=youtube_share;dCINCidCiFI]https://youtu.be/dCINCidCiFI[/video]

Next week, our first 90cm ode at Osberton then his first BE90 at epworth. Yippeee the season is upon us!!!

 

[j1ffy]

Wow - that's what you call taking a stride out! He looks very classy in the video though.

I went to a CT with a fellow livery a couple of weeks ago and it was a disaster! My boy did a sweet dressage then he also attempted a Thistlecrack impression (in the warm up) but completely scared himself so we were eliminated at the first meaty oxer.

Fellow livery had a brain meltdown in the dressage and, having never forgotten a test before, got eliminated for three errors of course! It was unaffiliated so they let her jump and she did a lovely round for 4 faults.

I thought you might feel reassured that you're not the only one who's struggled at CTs recently!

 

[LPL]

Thanks! We do have the odd classy moment and he makes me very giddy!

Wow three errors of course!!! I am so reassured it's not just me haha. My dad doesn't call me team stupid for nothing though!

 

[ester]

I thought it was him in the H+H list
eating is definitely good for you
fingers crossed the van behaves from now on!

 

[Bills]

Awesome! I do love seeing your updates and following your progress.

Best of luck for the ODE and the BE

 

[JLG]

Thank you for posting this, and well done. He is a credit to you and is just what I'm hoping I can do, given some time.
As the new (6 weeks) owner of an ROR eligible boy, I am currently wondering what on earth I have done.
We are still at the rushing around with head in the air stage but to be fair I probably got him at exactly the wrong time of the year as I work full time and have only been able to hack out twice due to weather, so most of his work is in the indoor school in the evening. And that is clearly quite boring, even with pole work.
Anyway, I shall watch with interest and if you have any really useful tips I would love to hear from you via PM.

 

[LPL]

Thanks, I'm really excited even if he was an absolute tool on a hack this evening!

JLG I'm no expert and think I have a been really lucky with G. But I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. The only thing I can recommend is going as slowly as possible. Help them build up the right muscles and they'll find their new job easier. Take your time and enjoy it!!! It's so rewarding.

 

[LPL]

Mr G did his first 90cm ODE this weekend. Run by the fantastic EMDG at osberton, the ground was AMAZING and it ran like clockwork. Really struggling with the flat work he totally backed off my hand and my leg and I rode like an absolute lemon. 44 dressage which actually wasn't the worst in the section. Then we went show jumping! Warmed up beautifully after I took an absolute flier to the upright and demolished it. When walking the course I knew I'd get the green fence down and I did! Well done me hahaha. I also forgot where I was going. Doh. I still felt he jumped a good round. And 90cm feels really really tiny &#55357;&#56842;

[video=youtube_share;0un_tNUT5zU]https://youtu.be/0un_tNUT5zU[/video]


Then onto the best bit!!! We had the best ever xc round I have ever ridden. He was straight and keen, didn't pull and kept the best rhythm. I came back absolutely buzzing and G had totally recovered by the time we got back to the van.

[video=youtube_share;u0gyb2RX-dM]https://youtu.be/u0gyb2RX-dM[/video]

[video=youtube_share;AnHKp-6a1EI]https://youtu.be/AnHKp-6a1EI[/video]

I was lucky my lovely boyfriend came to help(eat all the food and walk him off after xc) and my super strict neighbor and we had a lovely day. So proud of G and extremely excited for our first BE90 at epworth on Saturday, after a much much needed flatwork lesson on Friday.

Pro photo with thanks from Jason Goodlad Photography!

 

[PorkChop]

Fantastic Very jealous you have been eventing already this year!

You have such a lovely partnership, and he really is super handsome, hope you have the best season

 

[LPL]

Thank you!! I certainly think he's super handsome haha. I can't quite believe we've been out eventing either! I'm so excited for the season

 

[LPL]

Wahooo we've been to our first BE of the season! After it absolutely threw it down all day Friday I wasn't optimistic but the fab ground at Epworth stood up to it. First we had our flatwork lesson, it's been so long since I had one and we so desperately needed it. We basically worked on getting him to bend through his back better and keep forward steps not fast ones. G is super forward going and off the leg, but not so much when you are asking him to bend. He totally drops off the legs and is almost impossible to send forward. I am really bad at using my legs properly having always ridden hot horses (badly). So this lesson was a massive learning curve for both of us and after half an hour of fight we got some really lovely work. Thoughts for tomorrow, bend, squeeze and always have a plan.

Got to epworth, had a wonder round and the obligatory nervous &#55357;&#56489; got my number and stated to get ready. G is really just so lovely to handle, my last horse was a nightmare and pretty much always had to have someone hanging on the end of a lead rope. So it's really a pleasure to have such a well mannered and pleasant boy to deal with.

Headed over to dressage and he warmed up horribly. I hit brat mode and told dad it was his fault my horse won't move because my fat legs are too weak to send him forwards when in reality I could have just done with a long whip to help me out a bit. Never mind. Just remember the rest and try your best. Off we went and he was mostly lovely actually. Walk was pretty horrid as I couldn't get him to move! Had to pony club kick to get him to trot. Even non horsey Dad commented he could see my legs flapping around more than usual. That obviously went down really well as well hahaha. As long as beat last weeks score of 44 I would be happy.

Onto showjumping and again he warmed up pretty badly. Just couldn't get enough canter, the warm up was really really busy and very deep in places but it was the best they could do given the circumstances. We hit pretty much ever fence we jumped. So I certainly wasn't feeling optimistic. But in we went and he jumped a cracking clear! And I remembered the whole course. Well done super G!

We got ready for the xc and I was really excited the course was fantastic, a few questions but nothing we couldn't do as long as I rode every fence. Sometimes ah can be a bit looky at fences and I don't want to use all my leg and potentially a smack on the shoulder at the easier fences so I have nothing left if he really backs off. So I was pretty vocal around the course because I know he responds well to it. As awful as it sounds! G was really fantastic, it's so amazing going round xc without having your arms pulled out. He is so easy to change pace and responds to everything you ask of him. It was our first time with the watch and I found it really useful. We just had t on countdown and I kept an eye on it throughout the course. We didn't worry about minute markers or anything but it was really useful to just have an idea of how fast he goes. Im so glad we did because we actually completed the first half of the course in just over a minute so I really slowed down on the long stretches where everyone else probably kicked on!! We finished 10 seconds under the time and had the ride of our lives. Especially at the water where he leapt into the run in as if it was a 10 foot drop. The fence judges found it extremely comical! So we finished on 37.5 and a double clear coming 15th. Very proud of my boy and now we have a long few weeks of flatwork lessons ahead of us before we go to ROR camp at somerford at the beginning of April.

Really love the double chins as well. Can you tell I'm scared of ditches!!

 

[ester]

wheeeeee!

 

[Charmin]

He's giving them some air! Definitely not tempted for a nibble on those carrots

 

[Mariposa]

He's got some pop! Just read this whole thread, what a feel good story! He is stunning, and what a lovely partnership you make!

 

[LPL]

Hahaha definitely not touching them. Some vids!
[video=youtube_share;rEXE3-JjoMI]https://youtu.be/rEXE3-JjoMI[/video]

[video=youtube_share;AgrimSz5iaA]https://youtu.be/AgrimSz5iaA[/video]

[video=youtube_share;XY80EB2l6yU]https://youtu.be/XY80EB2l6yU[/video]

And a lovely pro photo:
http://www.klsequinephotography.com/epworth.html

 

[LPL]

So we are one year on from the start of this thread and I don't think it could have gone much better! After Epworth I took G down to the Northern Racing College in Doncaster for a showing clinic with Clare Poole. It was really interesting and we learnt absolutely loads. It was really reassuring to know that I was doing everything right as although I have done a fair bit over the years at county level showing, I am entirely self taught from a non horsey background (thank god for the internet!) She said G made a super picture and although he is fit looking, a good judge shouldn't place us further down the line up for that - same goes for straight top boots. She also rode him which was a first as he has only had one other person on him for about 10 minutes some time last year. She said he gave a fair ride for his age but to try get other people on him to get him used to it. Challenge accepted!

Then we had a showjumping clinic with James Sommerville which was good fun and G was pretty much foot perfect. Must learn to ride quieter!!!

Then we went to Somerford Park for the RoR Northern Camp!!! We didn't get there easily with G coming in with a nasty overreach during the week, but a weeks worth of bute and antibiotics helped sort him out ready to go. Then on the morning we were supposed to set off the van wouldn't start AGAIN!!!! But eventually we made it and had a lovely stroll around the farm ride with a new friend I met at the showing clinic the week before

In the morning I joined three others for a strech around the farm ride and perfect boy G was an angel when the others halos slipped slightly.

Then we had a flatwork lesson with Thoroughbred dressage's Louise Robson who was absolutely brilliant. You know when you have one of those instructors that just has you sussed in the first 5 minutes? I have loads of tools in my kit now for my hot little man!

[video=youtube_share;0Tcxsafahww]https://youtu.be/0Tcxsafahww[/video]

Then we had a jumping lesson with Jo Callwood where we jumped like absolute hooligans. It didn't go as well! The next day, a friends horse had broken so I suggested she take G into her poles/flat lesson that morning instead - ticking a box here! She does a lot of showing and rides beautifully and did such a fabulous job on a very excitable G. I was fab to see someone else riding him so I could admire how handsome he is!

In the afternoon we had a cross country lesson with Jeanette Breakwell. It was brilliant and G jumped everything with huge enthusiasm. Lesson learnt for the day...slow down. It's really hard for me to realise when we are going fast - it might sound stupid but I honestly feel totally in control. Jeanette was however concerned for my safety so lesson learnt, slow down... Luckily we had the fabulous and super knowledgeable Jo Prestwich, photo_jo? taking photos and G looks like an oil painting! This is Jo's car, she draws pictures in the dirt!

Finally on weds we had a show jumping lesson with Jeanette. G was knackered by this point but he still tried his heart out and I learnt a lot. Mainly to just keep cantering, sit still and stop blocking with my elbows. I need to be more supple through the elbow to allow G to work better into a contact.

We had an amazing few days and something exciting potentially may happen from it but I won't say anything yet! We have a day clinic with Ruth Edge next week then Northallerton BE90 on the 23rd then the van is going in to be investigated. Finally I just want to sing the praises of the RoR for providing so much for us ex racer owners. The opportunities I have had in the past year and a half have been truly unbelievable and I am extremely grateful for their hard work. I had such an amazing time making new friends and enjoying watching these amazing horses in their new careers.

 

[rosiesowner]

Woo hoo, what an amazing update! From somebody last year who would never have had a TB, let alone an ex racer I am now fascinated by all of them and their stories. Thank you for sharing Mr G's with us. I think he is a wonderful example of an er enjoying their new career; he is incredibly lucky to have you as his mum!

All the best
Harriet and Chilli x

 

[silv]

Well done, what a fantastic time you are having together, he really is a super horse, love the updates!

 

[leflynn]

Love this thread for the updates, you're an amazing pair and I love Mr G's face xc

Agree the ROR are awesome (I got a place on the dressage to music course and its fab so far), they really help you get out and get in front of some great people - was trying to get down to a Louise Robson clinic, might have to make the extra effort after your recommendation!

 

[Lanky Loll]

Great update, Claire's fantastic on the showing side, and sounds like camp was amazing