JenJ
Well-Known Member
This post makes me so happy
Mylo & Myka
- Thread starter Ample Prosecco
- Start date
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Just coz I'm pretty....
IrishMilo
Well-Known Member
What a lovely set of pics. It's extremely trying and frustrating when it feels like it's always 1 step forward and 2 back - Miles was much the same and it was the biggest reason I sold him in the end. He was a pony who needed to be doing every single day or he'd come out like he was starting right from the beginning, and I couldn't commit to that which wasn't fair on him. Keep on keeping on!
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Yep – the “two steps forward, three steps back” routine! Very familiar. It’s so easy to feel like we’re inching endlessly towards... well, not very much. But maybe that’s just the nature of a foundational approach. Not a lot looks like it’s happening when you’re building solid foundations – but hopefully, they will prove their worth later on, when I want to build other things more easily on top.
Plus, I’m learning loads. Mostly how to stay properly present and observant, and to just make decisions moment by moment. Some days it feels like we’ve got absolutely nowhere – I’ve got a young horse I don’t quite dare ride a lot of the time, and I wonder how I will ever get her to a place where she feels more solid. Then other days I remember: she’s done loads! In-hand showing, two camps, she’s under saddle. The ridden work just seems so far behind all the general life experience. People get their horses back from being backed and they’re doing walk, trot, canter and popping little fences – and we feel a million miles from that.
But then... she knows a lot about a lot of other things – travelling, staying away, groundwork. She’s so connected on the ground now. So fast forward a few months and maybe we’ll have some of that confidence under saddle too. I think we’re doing okay, really.
When she came back from camp, the Felix reunion was sweet – if slightly over-the-top. The neighing, the calling, the full-on melodrama every time I led her out to work. They’re on rested grass miles away now, but were still somehow managing to project piercing whinnies at each other across the countryside. Right next to my ear – literally painful!
But then yesterday – it was as though they both finally twigged: she goes away, and then – shock – she comes back again. And maybe it doesn’t need to be such a full production every single time. No shouting, no fuss – and best of all, her brain was properly switched on. She felt so settled and with me that I rode solo. SOLO solo! No one else in the arena, just a few people somewhere nearby in case of emergency, but not actually watching. Huge milestone!
And today we had a lesson with Trainer B – we did quite a bit of trot work. She’s still got the handbrake on a lot of the time, but now and again she properly swings through and opens up and – wow. Feels absolutely amazing when she does that. It’s all in there – just takes a bit of coaxing out at the moment. But I’ll take Zen Myka over theatrical Myka any day.
Pics of the loved up couple and a clip of the reunion!
Plus Myka being ridden today.
Plus, I’m learning loads. Mostly how to stay properly present and observant, and to just make decisions moment by moment. Some days it feels like we’ve got absolutely nowhere – I’ve got a young horse I don’t quite dare ride a lot of the time, and I wonder how I will ever get her to a place where she feels more solid. Then other days I remember: she’s done loads! In-hand showing, two camps, she’s under saddle. The ridden work just seems so far behind all the general life experience. People get their horses back from being backed and they’re doing walk, trot, canter and popping little fences – and we feel a million miles from that.
But then... she knows a lot about a lot of other things – travelling, staying away, groundwork. She’s so connected on the ground now. So fast forward a few months and maybe we’ll have some of that confidence under saddle too. I think we’re doing okay, really.
When she came back from camp, the Felix reunion was sweet – if slightly over-the-top. The neighing, the calling, the full-on melodrama every time I led her out to work. They’re on rested grass miles away now, but were still somehow managing to project piercing whinnies at each other across the countryside. Right next to my ear – literally painful!
But then yesterday – it was as though they both finally twigged: she goes away, and then – shock – she comes back again. And maybe it doesn’t need to be such a full production every single time. No shouting, no fuss – and best of all, her brain was properly switched on. She felt so settled and with me that I rode solo. SOLO solo! No one else in the arena, just a few people somewhere nearby in case of emergency, but not actually watching. Huge milestone!
And today we had a lesson with Trainer B – we did quite a bit of trot work. She’s still got the handbrake on a lot of the time, but now and again she properly swings through and opens up and – wow. Feels absolutely amazing when she does that. It’s all in there – just takes a bit of coaxing out at the moment. But I’ll take Zen Myka over theatrical Myka any day.
Pics of the loved up couple and a clip of the reunion!
Plus Myka being ridden today.
LadyGascoyne
Still Fig-uring it out...
I have to say I'm quite in awe of you, and the skills you must be developing. It must be so rewarding, albeit scary, to actually produce a horse like Myka yourself. She's such a beauty too.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Well that’s very kind of you to say LG, but I don’t feel like I’m doing ANY of this myself! I’m getting lots of support and just doing homework in between. X
Asha
Well-Known Member
Don’t be so hard on yourself ! You are doing a great job , she’s clearly not an easy horse . So to have progressed to lessons on her is a massive step forward
Stop worrying what others are doing that only leads to disappointment.
ETA, the handbrake will come off the more she does and the more confident she gets
Stop worrying what others are doing that only leads to disappointment.
ETA, the handbrake will come off the more she does and the more confident she gets
palo1
Well-Known Member
This is so interesting in relation to the idea of trying to avoid those horrible 'holes' in early training which can rear their heads later on, when we realise we have failed to notice, usually in a subtle way, that we neglected to really solidify some key confidences and understanding.
I'm often amazed by the things people are doing with newly backed/started horses too but have found that we catch up before too long (usually but not always!). I very clearly remember my senior horse, who is now rising 18, at 4 and being utterly stumped as to how we would ever manage any kind of sensible, safe canter. I genuinely had a conversation with myself about how I might have a horse that could only walk and trot under saddle
. Of course the work we did then means that he has a wonderful canter, canter transitions and rather a lot of confidence and he went on to compete happily and successfully. But at the time....I couldn't see past the holes, the lack of solidity in the initial work etc.I am addressing some holes with my younger horse too, who was so generous and so willing when started that I genuinely thought we had done the work. I know now that this wasn't the case - because of her intelligence and temperament she was joining the dots herself...we ended up with very different interpretations of some things which I am now revisiting with her! Ideally one avoids this kind of snakes and ladders in the training of horses
. Myka is lucky to have this early thoroughness; I am sure it will have dividends for both of you.
ycbm
Overwhelmed
Excuse me? Just who's on her back in those photos?
You're doing fab with a very sharp mare.
.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
@palo1 Thank you. I really do hope that we are avoiding holes! I intellectually believe in the concept of solid foundations for all disciplines. The ideal is that she becomes soft, light, responsive and willing when ridden and handled, no matter what we are doing, both mentally and physically. But time will tell whether this approach does achieve that.
She’ll always be hot. But hopefully will have enough understanding and experience to hold it together most of the time anyway.
She’ll always be hot. But hopefully will have enough understanding and experience to hold it together most of the time anyway.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Thank you
. I’m looking forward to the day I don’t have to take a deep breath and make myself commit every time I get on. I’ve got a Somerford camp with very good trainer in October and I think there’s more chance Felix will be ready for a play on the 80 acres than Myka 
ycbm
Overwhelmed
Thank you
I'll put it in my diary to pop along and see all of you.
.
HufflyPuffly
Well-Known Member
You’ll definitely get there and have a much stronger partnership for it!
I can remember backing Skylla and thinking we will never get there, the 6 months she refused to walk as a five year was a particularly challenging phase, jog, tranter or actual canter only applied. I can remember going back to my trainer after lock down and the first thing she said was ‘amazing you’ve taught her how to walk’
.
You’ve done super already and have picked up way more skills than most.
I can remember backing Skylla and thinking we will never get there, the 6 months she refused to walk as a five year was a particularly challenging phase, jog, tranter or actual canter only applied. I can remember going back to my trainer after lock down and the first thing she said was ‘amazing you’ve taught her how to walk’
. You’ve done super already and have picked up way more skills than most.
palo1
Well-Known Member
Hot doesn't have to result in fearful or reactive but it's harder to be really consistent in training I think which is why hot horses can be seen as difficult. Hot, with confidence and clear,fair horsemanship is an awesome combination but harder work in terms of our own emotional regulation and control. But really, all horses, hot or not deserve that from us so...that work is key in any case!
I'm Dun
Well-Known Member
And dont forget if she had gone away for the 6 weeks standard breaking she would almost certainly have come back a pro ride and sharp as hell and thats if her brains didnt blow in the process.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Well it’s a very steep learning curve that’s for sure. Lessons in emotional regulation, emotional control and patience!
Thanks everyone for reassuring tales and encouragement. I’m hearing a bit of ‘just send her to x and get her to get on with it/ stop faffing with all this groundwork’ etc. Well meaning but not helpful as I just don’t want to go down that route. But it’s hard to defend that position when I’m so inexperienced. I keep being told about ‘fantastic breakers’ who would ‘sort her out’.
Nice to have very experienced HHOers supporting a slower more focused approach.
Thanks everyone for reassuring tales and encouragement. I’m hearing a bit of ‘just send her to x and get her to get on with it/ stop faffing with all this groundwork’ etc. Well meaning but not helpful as I just don’t want to go down that route. But it’s hard to defend that position when I’m so inexperienced. I keep being told about ‘fantastic breakers’ who would ‘sort her out’.
Nice to have very experienced HHOers supporting a slower more focused approach.
Lucky Snowball
Well-Known Member
Only just caught up with this, what a fantastic story / turn of circumstances. Lovely horses, well done.
wills_91
Well-Known Member
Doesn't look to me like she needs "sorted out". You are in this for the long haul so might as well do it right the first time which is exactly what you're doing 
tda
Well-Known Member
Keep on at your own speed, don't forget to have regular breaks. You're doing fab, she is only 4 isn't she?
HufflyPuffly
Well-Known Member
It’s why I didn’t send Skylla to anyone, I was so afraid someone would just ‘push through’ or ‘crack on’ or ‘just show her who’s boss’…
Never a good plan with the sensitive, sharp types in my book.
Never a good plan with the sensitive, sharp types in my book.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
She’s 4 in June x
maya2008
Well-Known Member
The steady ones help you find your way with the sharper ones. They give you the confidence in yourself to see what is you and what is the horse, and to keep on going. Myka will take as long as she takes; in the meantime Felix will hold your hand and give you the chance to have fun and resist rushing his ‘little sister’ who needs more time. If he is ready and she isn’t, then take him.Thank you
My kids have a ‘safe’ and a ‘project’ pony and I have always had something sane to anchor me when I am working with projects. My son’s super special mare is now rock solid out hacking but will we compete her this year? No. I honestly think it would blow her mind. We need another year of arena hires and hacking first. Does that matter? Not at all. Better to take her out when she is ready and have positive experiences. She was backed at 6 and is now 7. My cob cross arrived a nervous wreck last summer and likewise isn’t ready to compete this year - and she is 9! In contrast I have two rising 4yos who are absolutely solid enough and ready for first ridden showing shows, plus a 5yo and 6yo who will do some low level jumping this year. Every one in their own time and space.
Boulty
Well-Known Member
You will absolutely reap the rewards of the approach you’re taking in years to come.
Don’t beat yourself up about where she “should” be right now. Every horse is unique and is ready for different things at different times.
What you are doing is working and is going to get you where you want to go without either blowing her brains or risking your neck.
She does not sound an easy horse but further down the line that sharpness and sensitivity that you’re probably rueing right now will give her the potential to respond to a whisper / a thought /a slight shifting of weight but hopefully in a calm, focused manner cos you’ve given her the skills to emotionally regulate and keep you both safe.
Oh and think how much better equipped you’re going to be / how much more confident when it comes time to back the boys!
PS I would not be brave enough to do what you’re doing so please have a massive well done & pat on the back
Don’t beat yourself up about where she “should” be right now. Every horse is unique and is ready for different things at different times.
What you are doing is working and is going to get you where you want to go without either blowing her brains or risking your neck.
She does not sound an easy horse but further down the line that sharpness and sensitivity that you’re probably rueing right now will give her the potential to respond to a whisper / a thought /a slight shifting of weight but hopefully in a calm, focused manner cos you’ve given her the skills to emotionally regulate and keep you both safe.
Oh and think how much better equipped you’re going to be / how much more confident when it comes time to back the boys!
PS I would not be brave enough to do what you’re doing so please have a massive well done & pat on the back
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Thank you. I do keep thinking surely Mylo will be a lot easier. As for Felix - he’s the most laid back easygoing horse I’ve ever known! So at least I have some balance in my herd x
Titchy Reindeer
Well-Known Member
I think it's so easy to fall into the trap of only seeing what we haven't yet achieved, rather than all the progress already made. I've been guilty of that with Enormosaurus, who does have huge gaps in her education. Myka is lucky you are taking your time setting her up for life and building a good working relationship with her. No one did that for Enormosaurus, leaving me with a very quirky horse and trying to patch the gaps one by one.
Keep doing things your way, with the team you've gathered around you and you will end up with one super little mare. And by the way Myka and Felix are just so cute together.
Keep doing things your way, with the team you've gathered around you and you will end up with one super little mare. And by the way Myka and Felix are just so cute together.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Mylo was collected today and has moved much closer so I can see him more regularly. He travelled like a dream and strolled off the lorry like he’s done it all his life. Then ambled about a bit before giving himself a shake and starting to graze. He seems very chilled about life. He needs to give his big sister some lessons.
Things with Myka are going well too at the moment. She’s finding forward gear a bit more often and the treat training has made a huge difference to her attitude to the saddle. Hurray!
Things with Myka are going well too at the moment. She’s finding forward gear a bit more often and the treat training has made a huge difference to her attitude to the saddle. Hurray!
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Myka has been home for 6 weeks. At times I have felt 'OMG what have I done'. But on the whole she's been fab. We have been out and about a lot - in-hand showing and 2 camps, and a lot of work at home.
I'm taking her to camp at Somerford again this weekend and hoping to feel brave enough (and for her to be calm enough) to ride. Little cheeky pootle on the 80 acres or farm ride......
I've compiled a few clips of her journey so far under saddle. It covers the last 2 months and it's reassuring to see the progression over time.
Ignore my dodgy ridibg - focus on the beautiful girl beneath me!
I'm taking her to camp at Somerford again this weekend and hoping to feel brave enough (and for her to be calm enough) to ride. Little cheeky pootle on the 80 acres or farm ride......
I've compiled a few clips of her journey so far under saddle. It covers the last 2 months and it's reassuring to see the progression over time.
Ignore my dodgy ridibg - focus on the beautiful girl beneath me!
Marigold4
Well-Known Member
I have one of those types - it's exhausting. If I leave him for a few days, he claims it's all new to him. He's now 9!
SEL
Well-Known Member
She's striding out nicely now - you must be pleased with how far she's come
Jayzee
Well-Known Member
Ive just caught up on your whole journey with Myka. Firstly she is stunning, secondly what a wonderful job you are doing with her!