Fools Motto
Well-Known Member
Just to remind you all:
Freddie is a 15.1 NF x CB rising 5. He came to me from living in a big field for all of his life second week of March. He had worn tack (apparently 5 times) and had been tied to the back of a cart pulled by his field mates, to 'experience' the lanes probably on those 5 times! He had rarely (if ever) had his feet seen too, never worn a rug or seen an arena/lunge pen/walker.
He saw the farrier for a much need trim on day 2, the vet for teeth and first jabs soon after. He was quite shy of being headcollar'd and bridled, and preferred it being done from the offside. His feet and leg touching needed much repetition, even grooming him was a little and often thing. He accepted his roller/saddle with no fuss, lunging in the round pen was ok, lunging in the arena was ''interesting''!! (he wanted to 'run' into all the open areas). He didn't like the stirrups being flapped about, and although didn't 'do' anything he was quite worried and tense. It took a solid week of leaping about him and leaning on him before he tolerated carrying a person leaning over the saddle. Once over that however, we haven't looked back!!
He has been amazing.
I first sat up on him and had a little wander around the yard on April 1st.... We've hacked out on the lanes many times since. He now lunges beautifully no matter where you are. He's easy to get on, stands at the block. Goes first or last. Easy to catch, easy to bridle, easy to pick up all four feet, even from the same side. Can groom him lose in the stable, and even trim his beard!
Well, we pushed the boundaries last night... and did a first group lesson. First time he's been ridden in the outdoor, first time he's been 'schooled' with company (and we were in open order too). And well, he even did poles - lots of poles.... like 10 in a row.... followed by a raised pole, and we got canter for the first time.
I'm still in a lot of shock. He had wobbly moments, but he really really exceeded everything. Gentle hack today and tomorrow. I suspect his super cool brain cell needs recharging! Bless him.
Over the poles, and at the end looking very pleased with himself, and so he should be.
Hope you are all enjoying reading our little stories, will keep you posted on our next adventures...
Freddie is a 15.1 NF x CB rising 5. He came to me from living in a big field for all of his life second week of March. He had worn tack (apparently 5 times) and had been tied to the back of a cart pulled by his field mates, to 'experience' the lanes probably on those 5 times! He had rarely (if ever) had his feet seen too, never worn a rug or seen an arena/lunge pen/walker.
He saw the farrier for a much need trim on day 2, the vet for teeth and first jabs soon after. He was quite shy of being headcollar'd and bridled, and preferred it being done from the offside. His feet and leg touching needed much repetition, even grooming him was a little and often thing. He accepted his roller/saddle with no fuss, lunging in the round pen was ok, lunging in the arena was ''interesting''!! (he wanted to 'run' into all the open areas). He didn't like the stirrups being flapped about, and although didn't 'do' anything he was quite worried and tense. It took a solid week of leaping about him and leaning on him before he tolerated carrying a person leaning over the saddle. Once over that however, we haven't looked back!!
He has been amazing.
I first sat up on him and had a little wander around the yard on April 1st.... We've hacked out on the lanes many times since. He now lunges beautifully no matter where you are. He's easy to get on, stands at the block. Goes first or last. Easy to catch, easy to bridle, easy to pick up all four feet, even from the same side. Can groom him lose in the stable, and even trim his beard!
Well, we pushed the boundaries last night... and did a first group lesson. First time he's been ridden in the outdoor, first time he's been 'schooled' with company (and we were in open order too). And well, he even did poles - lots of poles.... like 10 in a row.... followed by a raised pole, and we got canter for the first time.
I'm still in a lot of shock. He had wobbly moments, but he really really exceeded everything. Gentle hack today and tomorrow. I suspect his super cool brain cell needs recharging! Bless him.
Over the poles, and at the end looking very pleased with himself, and so he should be.
Hope you are all enjoying reading our little stories, will keep you posted on our next adventures...
