Mylo & Myka

Mega day for Myka!! Since saddle-gate I decided I am not doing any firsts again. Even Joe describes her as ‘a bit dramatic’ at times. So he can manage the drama, thanks!

I’ve been polishing up groundwork and going on lots of in-hand walks. But today was a Joe Day so I handed him the lead rope and said ‘crack on with whatever you think she could benefit from’.

He was happy with the ground work which was gratifying. She is smooth, relaxed & responsive. So he taught her to come to the mounting block which is a very useful party trick. Firstly by moving her with the flag while his hand is in the air.

D94C8A45-BB93-4183-8F5F-95C9B5EECEF2.jpeg
410C7839-9D64-4C70-A8EC-1C9E3878AAB8.jpeg

And then just with the hand in the air. Like you’re hailing a taxi. ‘Here Horsey, come and get me!’

93EBBC85-7F64-4281-8B07-3DC2E50CB4E0.jpeg

Once she understood that when a person raises their hand, then her job is to position herself alongside the mounting block, he just patted and rubbed hr all over, leaning over to reach the other side, rubbing her rump etc. Getting her totally used to The Human being visible in both eyes and touching her from all angles.

E07D07DF-8908-4FBC-96F5-CF1C63CB37C2.jpegACDBE0C3-4A68-4B19-8047-BAADA2741A7C.jpeg

Then suddenly his legs were dangling! She seemed un-bothered so he hopped up and leant over. Repeated all the rubbing etc. Him being up there was not an issue but she was a bit reactive to him pressing the opposite side to where he was, so he worked on that till she was totally chilled.

3FEAE66E-8468-4A64-A7D0-E1A7BB6EBD18.jpeg

Then finally he lay across her – sitting up is harder as suddenly he would appear above her and that could freak her out, but it’s good to get her used to pressure from above. She was a star. And he did pretty well too 😀

70681587-A0F2-4D8E-80A0-8D9448464DD6.jpegA22E831B-FFD1-4699-9B74-A21F92A0A205.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Myka training update.

The good news is Joe really likes her. And Sophie does too - she apparently has commented a few times about how nice she is. I'll take that!

BUT she is super sensitive and quirky. When she loses it she is explosive. In Joe's experience, these sharp warmblood types can sometimes channel all that into the job, once they understand it, and it makes them very good. But it also means she will need a more solid foundation if the likes of me are going to be able to ride her.

I am going down next week to see her in action.

Butter wouldn't melt.....

IMG_9375.PNG
 
I don't think so. She's a home-bred, 'full history known since birth' girl. And the FB feed of the owner checks out.

Plus when I bought her she knew nothing about anything - was clearly new to groundwork amd the tools of the trade.
 
Asha said:
Is she 4 this time ?
Just wondering if someone has attempted to back her and made a mistake before you got her ?
Click to expand...
I'd doubt that, the stud she came from is pretty laid back with their youngsters.
Bon is her half brother, and none of this is surprising to me...
He's a lovely nature, really trainable and keen to please, but certainly sensitive and when he reacts he's phenomenally quick.
 
Yep, I'm sure there is a saying about us breeding athletic, quick thinking horses and then being surprised when they are athletic and quick thinking in a way we weren't expecting!
I'm sure she'll be grand and you will get on great with her when she's back but you were right to send away as this type sometimes aren't for the faint hearted at this stage!

I'm umming and ahhing about whether my set up at home is right for starting my 18hh, very sensitive and very athletic boy.
I have a back up plan in place if needed but at the moment we'll keep tinkering along.
I've always broken my own and it's been fine but I'm nearly 40 and haven't done one for a few years - it just feels a bit foreign for someone else to do it rather than me.
 
Oh I am SOOO glad I sent her away. And that I chose someone as patient & calm and Joe, who believes all horses - however sharp - should be happy and relaxed in their work if they are well enough prepared for it.

I just miss her! But it will be well worth it in the end. 18HH - yikes! Thats a lot of lever if he catapults you :eek:
 
Roxylola said:
I'd doubt that, the stud she came from is pretty laid back with their youngsters.
Bon is her half brother, and none of this is surprising to me...
He's a lovely nature, really trainable and keen to please, but certainly sensitive and when he reacts he's phenomenally quick.
Click to expand...

Who is Bon ? Is he one of yours ?
 
She has Balou in her breeding? They are very sensitive and sharp. Ultimately they want that for modern sjing but it has its disadvantages.
 
Ambers Echo said:
But perhaps I ought to hang onto Felix for a bit longer after all..... my granny could ride him!
Click to expand...
I think he might be fun for you to produce yourself - the slow and steady ones are still fun at the beginning when everything is new and they are young and more energetic. Then you could sell on when he steadies up and you begin to find him boring.

I have always found it good to have a sweet one alongside the sharp ones. Helps you see what is you and what is them, keeps you fit enough to deal with the drama, keeps your confidence in yourself and your ability. Maybe produce him for a year and then look to sell on?
 
maya2008 said:
I think he might be fun for you to produce yourself - the slow and steady ones are still fun at the beginning when everything is new and they are young and more energetic. Then you could sell on when he steadies up and you begin to find him boring.
Click to expand...


I had one that went the other way! I backed him at 3 and for 2 years I threatened to sell him because he was quiet and boring. Yes, well I've still got the scar to prove that wasn't true at 5! He's was the most awesome bold horse, this was his first ever novice at 6. There was an easier alternative but I knew he'd fly it. Felix reminds me of him. Photo courtesy of PhotoJo.


.S1.jpg
 
Last edited:
Ahh HHO has a mini Legrande family!

Mylo is also by Legrande and he is a total sweetheart and showing none of the sharpness of Myka yet. He's seems a pretty chilled guy, but with the lovely Legrande movement.

Myka has a great brain and wants to please. Which is a good strating point. In some ways Joe's feedback is quite validating because I felt so so bad when she exploded with me in the saddle incident. But it sounds like an explosion about something or other was inevtisabe. So far with Joe its been saddles but also a hose and shavings! She was used to straw.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top