New owner/rider check in - update!

[Bernster]

I tried (unsuccessfully) to find the thread from a while back about goals and stuff but I did end up finding one I started last summer for new owners/riders. So I thought I’d come back to this one instead and see how folks are doing (whether you replied to the original thread or not). How are you getting on?

https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/new-owner-rider-check-in.808756/

It’s nice to know that I have progressed with my covid crisis purchase from May 2021 (Bertie) even if it’s till not as much in some areas as I’d have liked. The big improvements have been us getting to know each other much better. I used to freak out a bit and worry when he was a bit spooky or fresh but now I’m pretty comfortable in most situations. He’s much more settled and I think he trusts me. We’re doing really well with the flatwork, from not cantering in the school, we’re now getting decent high 60s/low 70s in our dressage outings (a few outings at prelim). The jumping is also much more settled and less wild. I need more consistent work but we’ve had some good moments.

We did have a blip at our first xc comp when I fell off. That set me back a lot but finally at camp in Oct this year I felt like I was ready to have a go back out on xc on grass so I’m hoping I can pick that up again when the weather improves, and continue with sj practice in the meantime.

I have pretty low goals and limited talent but I’m really enjoying riding him. I think I’m a better rider as a result. I love his character (he’s a really jolly happy sort) and enjoy just spending time with him. Next up, I’m hoping to consolidate our jumping and attempt a few more competitions.

 

[Ali27]

Oh brilliant! Sounds like you have made lots of progress? Keep on enjoying your lovely boy?

 

[J&S]

I think he is a pretty smart sort.

 

[Peglo]

Lovely update @Bernster. He is very very smart!

I bought my covid crisis in April 2021. We’ve done lots this year including learning to jump, shows, XC, lessons etc. (getting my bareback pad has been a highlight. I love it) Tali has just been amazing and taken everything in her stride. We’ve definitely gotten closer with all our outings and like Bernster I feel we have a lot of trust in each other. She just feels right when I ride her. But most of all, every day she puts a smile on my face. I took an enormous risk buying her unseen from Italy but she proves to be a cheeky but beautiful gem every day. I feel so blessed with her.

my favourite view

 

[Bernster]

She is stunning ! That mane !

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Great updates and really gorgeous pics! Fantastic to hear about the partnerships and trust developing with your horses.

2022 didn't bring me horse ownership still, but 2023 is being started with a new share horse which I am incredibly excited about. I had a lesson with him today to help us off to a good start and looking forward to our first hack next week. Although not my own I am looking forward to developing a partnership and trust with share boy, and seeing where that can take us

 

[smolmaus]

I think I missed both threads but we are at month 14 of first-horse-ownership.

Took until 4 months ago to actually start riding her BUT she's been easy, willing and lovely to back and I have done 95% of it myself. It hasn't been done perfectly or maybe even "well" but I'm happy, she is happy and that is all that will ever matter.

Highlights have been almost getting hit by a car and her absolute rock solid behaviour during said nightmare, 2nd in our first ever Intro test and pottering around our first XC hire like she had been doing it years.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Lovely to revisit that thread! So many new HHO horses and dogs. I’d forgotten all about it. Amber’s foal turned into Felix. Who is gorgeous and very amenable. And my unseen from Ireland punt turned out pretty well too.

 

[Cloball]

Hopefully I can join in for 2023 ?

 

[mariew]

I joined this club late this year and may have bitten off more than I can chew. Plan was to back and start riding, we are now just allowing her to settle and understand life somewhere else . Only time will tell if it works out!

 

[Bernster]

Smolmaus, I love her fluffy feather! Well done with her.

I have a very unreliable memory and I think I’ve forgotten a lot of my new horse nerves! I think that’s a good thing in the sense that we’re in a much better place now but it also means I don’t always appreciate what progress we’ve made as well!

Interestingly, I picked up my 2022 horse training diary and the last entry was the xc fall in April, then I stopped tracking anything. Hmm. Shame really as I then missed loads of good things that we did later in the year. It’s a funny old business this riding lark !