Roxylola
Well-Known Member
Yeah, bit sooner than I'd have liked really but beggars can't be choosers. He'll be at the yard around 10 but I'm working til 4 ?
New Years Weekend Plans
- Thread starter CanteringCarrot
- Start date
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
I am very proud of lovely Lottie. And actually pretty proud of me! I am not the bravest when it comes to hacking but today I was out at first light with the yard's keenest, most adventurous hacker. (Well apart from the former elite endurance rider!). She sugggested 'the forest route'. Sounded tame enough. But OMG, this involved very steep rocky descents, crossing fast flowing rivers, steep rocky climbs with sheer drops on the right. Yikes. But honestly Lottie has taken to the life of Irish Trail Horse like a duck to water. She loved it. And I love her. Maybe the hacking life is for me after all. I found the hardest thing was letting Lottie pick a route and giving her the rein for balance. She often stayed a bit close to the edge for better ground. No pics today - I needed to pay attention. I need to get myself a hat cam x
RachelFerd
Well-Known Member
That sounds amazing! Our hacking is sooooo pedestrian - I need to get some proper fitness work in before event season starts.... is this somewhere that its possible to box to?
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Yes there are some places to park up. Google Gradbach Mill. Today we went past the scout hut and dropped down to the river then explored the other side for a while before looping back.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Most people probably think it was super tame but for me it was quite adventurous!! Some riders on the yard won’t do this loop.
Roxylola
Well-Known Member
Seems pretty chill
tda
Well-Known Member
You and me both ?
oldie48
Well-Known Member
I wish there was a button for "sorry that's crap!" I would have used it several times on this thread. Having spent 6 months trying to rehab Rose I understand how depressing it is but hopefully for everyone going through it, it will all come good for you.
Roxylola, your new spotty looks a nice type. MP, Happy Birthday for tomorrow. I was 73 on the 26th, it sounds so old, oh to be in my 50's again! However, good news! I hacked Miss F out this morning, first time in the saddle since breaking my wrist, I was fine, wore a splint and found I don't really need my little finger, which is still a bit "ouchy", so will have a lesson on Mr D on Monday and Wednesday. Yippee! Also, further good news as it looks as if they have decided not to sell Miss F, she's got a couple of quals at PSG, is going really nicely and they will hopefully sell another of their horses (that I don't ride). Fingers crossed. We did a bit of passage on the way home, such fun although I was bloomin hot, is it really the end of December??
Roxylola, your new spotty looks a nice type. MP, Happy Birthday for tomorrow. I was 73 on the 26th, it sounds so old, oh to be in my 50's again! However, good news! I hacked Miss F out this morning, first time in the saddle since breaking my wrist, I was fine, wore a splint and found I don't really need my little finger, which is still a bit "ouchy", so will have a lesson on Mr D on Monday and Wednesday. Yippee! Also, further good news as it looks as if they have decided not to sell Miss F, she's got a couple of quals at PSG, is going really nicely and they will hopefully sell another of their horses (that I don't ride). Fingers crossed. We did a bit of passage on the way home, such fun although I was bloomin hot, is it really the end of December??
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Pippity
Well-Known Member
Hacking, as much as I can with Blue feeling her feet a bit.
We were doing well with going barefoot, but I was away for a week so she wasn't getting her hoof-hardening spray. I was a bit sceptical about how effective it actually was but, after seeing the difference a week without it has made, I'm firmly on board.
That said, she was an angel today. Horribly unfit, which is generally when she starts getting a bit nappy, and hasn't been ridden for a week, but still happily striding out. She even passed a field of woolly assassins, aka horse-eating clouds, aka sheep, without tensing up and forgetting I existed.
We were doing well with going barefoot, but I was away for a week so she wasn't getting her hoof-hardening spray. I was a bit sceptical about how effective it actually was but, after seeing the difference a week without it has made, I'm firmly on board.
That said, she was an angel today. Horribly unfit, which is generally when she starts getting a bit nappy, and hasn't been ridden for a week, but still happily striding out. She even passed a field of woolly assassins, aka horse-eating clouds, aka sheep, without tensing up and forgetting I existed.
humblepie
Well-Known Member
Woolly assassins - love that. Can remember my old horse being hugely mystified by lambs doing that thing where about 20 of them zoom around at high speed leaping all over the place. Sounds like a good ride out.
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
one thing i really like about my nursery field is that the babies get to see lots of sheep, boar and deer... in theory they should at least be alright with small livestock 
I'll find out next year!
Had an attack of the 4am thoughts this morning so booked a phone call with my favourite vet about Frank's wound, she has given a bit of advice to tide us over the weekend until a planned visit next week so i feel a bit more positive. I feel very lucky that my patients are so well behaved, it's a big enough ask for 16yo Kira to stay in 24/7 let alone a 3yo TB. i think it bodes well for his attitude going forward.
Pic of his angelic self modelling his new present he's grown up a fair bit in the fortnight he's been on the yard though he still has a total babyface.
I'll find out next year!Had an attack of the 4am thoughts this morning so booked a phone call with my favourite vet about Frank's wound, she has given a bit of advice to tide us over the weekend until a planned visit next week so i feel a bit more positive. I feel very lucky that my patients are so well behaved, it's a big enough ask for 16yo Kira to stay in 24/7 let alone a 3yo TB. i think it bodes well for his attitude going forward.
Pic of his angelic self modelling his new present
he's grown up a fair bit in the fortnight he's been on the yard though he still has a total babyface.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
He’s gorgeous x
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
he has lost most of his gormlessness.... he's a pretty good looking fella esp for an unbroken TB. YO kept saying "he just doesn't look like a racehorse"... nope, that's because he escaped training and got time to be a baby horse. I do slightly wish he was a mare, but i doubt he would be as laid back and easy if he was so... swings and roundabouts innit. apart from his aptitude for getting into mishaps i couldn't fault him really.
SEL
Well-Known Member
This time last year I had 3 out of work with one still on post surgery box rest. With all the rain our hacking routes are bog and slurry but just to be able to get out for an hour is something I really, really appreciate given where I was 12 months ago. She might only be 13h and straight out of a Thelwell cartoon but she's an absolute superstar and I'm so glad I went ahead with the wind surgery - & having to go bitless just means I have to ride better!
Maybe I'll finally get around to doing an E-rider test next year. My fields will probably go from bog to concrete at some point ?
Maybe I'll finally get around to doing an E-rider test next year. My fields will probably go from bog to concrete at some point ?
southerncomfort
Well-Known Member
Which spray do you use Pippity?
I usually apply dry epsom salts to the sole of the foot, tape it up and leave overnight. Works unbelievably well but is a total faff. Would be very pleased to find a spray that could do the same job.
Pippity
Well-Known Member
The Red Horse Stronghorn. As I say, I was very sceptical, but it really does seem to have made a difference. Although, equally, it could be that a week off regular road work has contributed to her getting a bit footy. But it's not massively expensive and it's easy enough to spray on once a day.
Oh, and today she stopped and sniffed noses with a sheep! Perhaps the spray's also helped with that!
ihatework
Well-Known Member
You wouldn’t have got him had he been a mare ? He’s always been an utter sweetheart.
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
haha, he's a total softie. every time Kira goes off for her walkies he whickers after her... i hate to disappoint him, she isn't as sweet as she looks
nikkimariet
Well-Known Member
Not a NYE person, went to a friends for games and takeaway (I almost made it to midnight too lol!).
Otherwise, Rooni went to an arena hire to record our AM freestyle. Really pleased with how it rides, just messing about with music atm.
He was soooooo good!
Had a really good two rides at home as well, my hacking partner Stuart (rode bruce and fig) had a sit on him and I was thrilled with how Rooni responded.
And today was beach day! Went with a best mate and we had the best time.
Otherwise, Rooni went to an arena hire to record our AM freestyle. Really pleased with how it rides, just messing about with music atm.
He was soooooo good!
Had a really good two rides at home as well, my hacking partner Stuart (rode bruce and fig) had a sit on him and I was thrilled with how Rooni responded.
And today was beach day! Went with a best mate and we had the best time.
Accidental Eventer
Well-Known Member
Henry and I went for a jumping lesson yesterday. we worked very hard, building him back up again after his time off. We worked on getting him supple on the flat then keeping that feeling in the jumping, to help him work over his back properly.
Our jumping exercises were all about keeping him sitting on his hocks and coming in deep because he’s been taking a long spot because he’s a bit weak.
He really is a good boy and he tries hard. It feels like we have gone backwards but really we haven’t, we just have to get fit and strong again and we will be right back to where we were, and probably better!
Our jumping exercises were all about keeping him sitting on his hocks and coming in deep because he’s been taking a long spot because he’s a bit weak.
He really is a good boy and he tries hard. It feels like we have gone backwards but really we haven’t, we just have to get fit and strong again and we will be right back to where we were, and probably better!
southerncomfort
Well-Known Member
Thanks, I really rate Red Horse products. I'll get some ordered!
CanteringCarrot
Well-Known Member
Went on a hack with a friend and her potential new horse. Took turns leading and both were ace. So we were able to check a box on the potential purchase for my friend.
Low key school outdoors on Saturday, which was good. Handwalked with OH and the dog today (usual Sunday activity). Also let him run about a bit in the lunging school. So a good well rounded weekend for him before we're mostly back in the indoor school for a cold and wet week.
I am also failing to acknowledge that he's 10/will be 10 in May. How did he get so old ? double digits. I normally sell by now since I like working with and bringing along youngsters. So he's the oldest horse I've ever had. Sometimes I have a complex about it, tbh ?
Low key school outdoors on Saturday, which was good. Handwalked with OH and the dog today (usual Sunday activity). Also let him run about a bit in the lunging school. So a good well rounded weekend for him before we're mostly back in the indoor school for a cold and wet week.
I am also failing to acknowledge that he's 10/will be 10 in May. How did he get so old ? double digits. I normally sell by now since I like working with and bringing along youngsters. So he's the oldest horse I've ever had. Sometimes I have a complex about it, tbh ?
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scats
Well-Known Member
Out as soon as it was light enough this morning. Millie was quite full of herself and on the way back to the farm she amused (or terrified!) one of our neighbours when we went cantering sideways past her on the drive! Super hack though, I love it when she’s full of herself (provided the energy goes forwards and not up, like it occasionally does!)
MuddyMonster
Well-Known Member
10 is no age all, honestly.
CanteringCarrot
Well-Known Member
I know, but sometimes I feel so far behind. Or that I should start over again. I'm just itching to start a youngster again too. I just can't believe he's not the 5 year old just backed green bean I once bought. Where did the time go?!
Lyle
Well-Known Member
It was 38degrees Celcius here on NYE, the Other Half and I rode the horses in the evening then went to bed! I was up at midnight though when muppets in the area let off illegal fireworks- the animals were ok, some not so pleased. Stupid thing to do considering that it is tinder dry at the moment But if the last 2 years has taught me nothing else, it's that people are idiotic and self entitled.
We then got up early on NY Day, another scorcher of 38 Degrees. Rode early and finished off by swimming them in the dam, they loved it! Hope everyone enjoys the start to this fresh new year.
But if the last 2 years has taught me nothing else, it's that people are idiotic and self entitled. We then got up early on NY Day, another scorcher of 38 Degrees. Rode early and finished off by swimming them in the dam, they loved it! Hope everyone enjoys the start to this fresh new year.
humblepie
Well-Known Member
Lyle - that sounds amazing (not the fireworks but the rest of it).
We have done two nice long hacks, met one very impatient van driver today which made me a little grumpy, as in one of those who sits on your posterior whilst you are trotting on to the pull in to let them by. Other than that seems to have been cleaning - horse mane and tail wash, horse boots washed, fly rug washed, car washed.....
We have done two nice long hacks, met one very impatient van driver today which made me a little grumpy, as in one of those who sits on your posterior whilst you are trotting on to the pull in to let them by. Other than that seems to have been cleaning - horse mane and tail wash, horse boots washed, fly rug washed, car washed.....
iknowmyvalue
Well-Known Member
Took advantage of the bank holiday and nice weather for a beach trip! Might not have been my brightest idea given the wind and the fact he’s not been ridden in 5 days but he was great. It’s so nice to have to space to really let him go, and it’s so good for fitness too.
Did have a close call at one point though, as two riders came cantering up from behind and then past really close (probably about 20m which sounds a long way but really isn’t) while I was walking near the start. This is his worst nightmare as he struggles a bit with separation anxiety, and gets very worried about other horses leaving him behind. Ok, they weren’t to know that, bud I’d have thought it’s common sense not to come cantering past anyone that close, let alone someone on a lone horse who is just walking.
He was so incredibly stressed by the whole situation, but bless him, managed to keep it to jogging with a few sideways bunny hops. Luckily I was able to turn him round to go away from them so he didn’t have to see them leaving us, and about 5 minutes and a good canter to get the stress energy out he was back to his normal self. Maybe I’m overreacting but was absolutely fuming
Once composure was regained:
Did have a close call at one point though, as two riders came cantering up from behind and then past really close (probably about 20m which sounds a long way but really isn’t) while I was walking near the start. This is his worst nightmare as he struggles a bit with separation anxiety, and gets very worried about other horses leaving him behind. Ok, they weren’t to know that, bud I’d have thought it’s common sense not to come cantering past anyone that close, let alone someone on a lone horse who is just walking.
He was so incredibly stressed by the whole situation, but bless him, managed to keep it to jogging with a few sideways bunny hops. Luckily I was able to turn him round to go away from them so he didn’t have to see them leaving us, and about 5 minutes and a good canter to get the stress energy out he was back to his normal self. Maybe I’m overreacting but was absolutely fuming
Once composure was regained:
Pippity
Well-Known Member
Ugh. I completely abandoned schooling in favour of hacking over the Christmas/New Year break, and now I'm paying for it. I dragged her into the school this evening, and we're right back to turbo-trot-is-the-only-trot and right-banana-ing on the left rein. Worst thing is it's my own sodding fault for slobbing along on the buckle end when hacking, rather than actually working her!
teddy_
Well-Known Member
Your horses are divine ? ?!