Michen
Well-Known Member
It was yes, I knew I wouldn’t be on it a day or so ago ?
October :( weekend plans
- Thread starter milliepops
- Start date
It was yes, I knew I wouldn’t be on it a day or so ago ?
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
lorry passed test this morning so bring on the scrubbing brushes! New one is immaculate so that gives me something to aim for 
southerncomfort
Well-Known Member
Absolutely zilch due torrential rain and gales. Not sat on my boy since Sunday. ?
The wind has really spooked him so I've postponed tomorrow's lesson as it's just not worth forcing the issue and upsetting him at this stage.
Hugely frustrating as we were making good progress. Down side of living on a Yorkshire hill I guess!
Hope everyone has a good weekend despite the rotten weather.
The wind has really spooked him so I've postponed tomorrow's lesson as it's just not worth forcing the issue and upsetting him at this stage.
Hugely frustrating as we were making good progress. Down side of living on a Yorkshire hill I guess!
Hope everyone has a good weekend despite the rotten weather.
oldie48
Well-Known Member
AE, MP good luck with the lorry sales, I've sorned mine but I guess it will be for sale in the spring as I don't expect Rose to come back into work (sadly).
Michen, very jealous of your holiday.
I schooled Mr D this morning, he perked up when he saw the jumps in the arena but was disappointed as I focused on keeping him well away. Owner and daughter are up at Osberton with the youngster, currently got a top ten position after the dressage but scores are all very close, the jumps were a quick prep for the event! I took the opportunity to have a play at finding some more buttons, rein back is so easy so we did 10m circle in trot, halt and rein back, into 10m circle in walk, canter when we hit the track obviously with some work on the track too but it got me thinking about my position, weight aids etc and stopped Mr D thinking about the jumps and paying more attention to me, then we got wet! Being an older horse with an older rider, we are both lacking suppleness and it's actually quite tricky to do good 15m circles let alone 10m! Nothing else horsey until Monday and Wednesday, when I'll have a lesson one day and hack Miss F on the other.
Have fun everyone, keep safe and hopefully keep dry!
Michen, very jealous of your holiday.
I schooled Mr D this morning, he perked up when he saw the jumps in the arena but was disappointed as I focused on keeping him well away. Owner and daughter are up at Osberton with the youngster, currently got a top ten position after the dressage but scores are all very close, the jumps were a quick prep for the event! I took the opportunity to have a play at finding some more buttons, rein back is so easy so we did 10m circle in trot, halt and rein back, into 10m circle in walk, canter when we hit the track obviously with some work on the track too but it got me thinking about my position, weight aids etc and stopped Mr D thinking about the jumps and paying more attention to me, then we got wet! Being an older horse with an older rider, we are both lacking suppleness and it's actually quite tricky to do good 15m circles let alone 10m! Nothing else horsey until Monday and Wednesday, when I'll have a lesson one day and hack Miss F on the other.
Have fun everyone, keep safe and hopefully keep dry!
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
liking for the nice ride, not the news about Rose. still hoping she makes a miraculous recovery xx
j1ffy
Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry to see that about beautiful Rose
On the bright side Mr D and Miss F sound lovely and it's great to read your updates - it sounds like you've got your riding mojo back!
The Xmas Furry
🦄 🦄
What she said x
Bernster
Well-Known Member
Same. Really sorry to hear about Rosie. What a shame.
oldie48
Well-Known Member
Well she might but it's not looking hopeful really. She had a vacc this week and vet had a quick look, said he thought she was pain free but would probably have some mechanical lameness., her hock is pretty huge! She might hack but she doesn't really like big traffic and the lanes here are just getting busier and busier.
Pippity
Well-Known Member
I had Blue's hind shoes taken off on Thursday, and we're seeing how she does with that, with the possibility of taking her completely barefoot. She had her first hack today, mostly roadwork, and was far more surefooted than normal. We go over a couple of hump-backed bridges and she'll often slip a little coming down, even with roadnails, but she was completely steady this time.
I've just seen that we came joint last in our online dressage test! Thoroughly deserved - it was just the first attempt, to judge improvements against, but then I had to take my cat to the vet and never managed to record a proper one. I'm amazed we managed 59.77%, considering how completely NOT on board Blue was with the whole concept of dressage that day. We probably should have got a special prize for fastest test.
I've just seen that we came joint last in our online dressage test! Thoroughly deserved - it was just the first attempt, to judge improvements against, but then I had to take my cat to the vet and never managed to record a proper one. I'm amazed we managed 59.77%, considering how completely NOT on board Blue was with the whole concept of dressage that day. We probably should have got a special prize for fastest test.
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Really sorry Oldie48. That’s such a sad situation.
Season’s Bleatings
Well-Known Member
Fingers crossed for Rose, Oldie48 ?
We had a day out at hunter trials today, it was great fun. V early alarm - up at 4am to walk dog - left yard at 6 to get to the venue for about 8.30am. OH rode and one of the girls from the yard came with her pony so they tackled the course as a pair. Super run for both of them and very confidence giving for the big horse. A fairly straightforward course but on nice varied terrain, some tricky ditches/drops/water (river!) but he was nicely forward and all enjoyed it for a lovely clear round.
We had a day out at hunter trials today, it was great fun. V early alarm - up at 4am to walk dog - left yard at 6 to get to the venue for about 8.30am. OH rode and one of the girls from the yard came with her pony so they tackled the course as a pair. Super run for both of them and very confidence giving for the big horse. A fairly straightforward course but on nice varied terrain, some tricky ditches/drops/water (river!) but he was nicely forward and all enjoyed it for a lovely clear round.
palo1
Well-Known Member
Great weekend to pick up some schooling lol!! It was dry enough yesterday for me to school Alw in the field - it has been several weeks since we tried trotting in circles etc sooo I wasn't totally disheartened by her rather wild and wooden approach to the idea of 'supple and responsive' hahaha!! Leg yield is still there and feels nice on both sides when I ask properly. Trot is still needing plenty of working in to achieve anything that is clearly neither twalk nor canter but she is at least even on both reins where previously she has found it easier to fall out of the right shoulder. But eventually we had some reasonably rhythmic trot. Canter is great fun. For Alw. She has a lovely, huge canter which for me, feels like sitting on a gambolling baby bear - she can cover the ground far better in canter and is also rather more 'expressive' than in trot which clearly takes more concentration. I think our cows were entertained anyway...I introduced the idea of a 'proper' rein-back too which was interesting as Alw needs more help to remain straight but she can do a nice 3 strides of rein back before going wobbly which I am very pleased with. Halt has not lost anything over the last couple of months either. Dear Alw really quite surprised me too - we have had a clean turn on the forehand for some time as that is so easy to teach in hand, and so fundamental to everyday riding but yesterday I suggested we try turn on the haunches - initially just a quarter circle and bless her she got that straight-away and offered half turns very nicely. To be honest the playful stuff is much easier than the really essential work but it is also the 'spice' that makes the very essential work more motivating. I now have to find a way to school regularly through the winter. In a fit of unwarranted optimism that we may ever get out to do a test I ordered the BD set of novice tests. There can be no harm in reading them can there?!!
Senior horse had a few days off this week so was delighted to be out again today, even in the rain which he usually hates. In fact he was very keen and enjoyed a very brisk and hilly 12 miles and I was delighted to have gone out too. It is always a privelage to ride and this horse has an extraordinary 'brio' which really makes me smile in spite of his wicked ways!! I love riding a blood horse type and hope I always have something sharp and speedy to enjoy though bless him he doesn't especially enjoy schooling or jumping as he has the opinionated attitude of a Renaissance Prince as well as always thinking there is something more interesting and important to see elsewhere. We galloped across one windy, rainy hill in a way that would be difficult to enjoy on many horses but with this lovely horse there is a real elemental thrill to that speed and confidence. Bravo!!
Tomorrow Alw can go out and enjoy the scenery.
Senior horse had a few days off this week so was delighted to be out again today, even in the rain which he usually hates. In fact he was very keen and enjoyed a very brisk and hilly 12 miles and I was delighted to have gone out too. It is always a privelage to ride and this horse has an extraordinary 'brio' which really makes me smile in spite of his wicked ways!! I love riding a blood horse type and hope I always have something sharp and speedy to enjoy though bless him he doesn't especially enjoy schooling or jumping as he has the opinionated attitude of a Renaissance Prince as well as always thinking there is something more interesting and important to see elsewhere. We galloped across one windy, rainy hill in a way that would be difficult to enjoy on many horses but with this lovely horse there is a real elemental thrill to that speed and confidence. Bravo!!
Tomorrow Alw can go out and enjoy the scenery.
nikkimariet
Well-Known Member
I’m retiring for the weekend now!
This week has largely been a write off. I’ve caught the non covid plague and OH MY GOD it has floored me into 2050… I’ve not been so bad since I had flu and gastroenteritis a few Decembers ago!
I managed to drag my carcass out of bed to go XC (it seemed like a great idea at the time ok!) schooling with a friend on Weds. Rooni was HOT. And so I had my first fall! He slipped taking over round a corner, I knew it was coming but wasn’t quite quick enough to correct him. No blood or love lost both jumped up totally fine. He had a few dicky fit moments but once he was over himself he jumped AMAZINGLY! Like, super amazingly. To the point I am considering a small team chase!
I didn’t ride again until Fri and managed 40 mins in the school before I totally ran out of energy. And today Rooni went to a party in search of his last few regionals points.
I realised I’d been guilty of ticking off movements in our warm up at our last few outings and not truly getting after the suppleness and acceptance of my leg and also getting him taking me forward by the hand enough. So I barely did anything bar spirals and gear changes today - plus a few flying changes. He needs to get into the habit of doing them at shows now anyway BUT he loves them. Finds them super easy. And they get the canter more connected. Bizarrely if I do a few, he stops trying to throw them in (like he’s really pleased he’s been able to do his fatrick lol). So it works all round tbh.
70% M75 and 69% Med music. 1st out of 3 and 1st by default respectively. The weather was pants, I still felt utterly pants, but he tried very hard for me. I know where we dropped the marks in the music (the walk, as we had that test first and he just wasn’t relaxed enough so 2 x 5) but we are now getting 8’s for walk piris and extended walk otherwise so very chuffed with that improvement.
I am absolutely dead on my feet and managed to give the plague to Stuart who normally comes to shows with me (and hacks Fig with me) so I was on my tod. Very strange!
Looking forward to the pet plan nationals next week. That’ll be our last BD outing for 2021 as we are all qualified for the winter regionals and I’d like us both to have a month off too, nothing left to prove atm!
Figgy has had a few quiet weeks for no reason other than I’ve been so busy with working and then dying with this cold. He doesn’t mind and has been very busy growing his winter coat already! But he’s doing great and is super happy!
This week has largely been a write off. I’ve caught the non covid plague and OH MY GOD it has floored me into 2050… I’ve not been so bad since I had flu and gastroenteritis a few Decembers ago!
I managed to drag my carcass out of bed to go XC (it seemed like a great idea at the time ok!) schooling with a friend on Weds. Rooni was HOT. And so I had my first fall! He slipped taking over round a corner, I knew it was coming but wasn’t quite quick enough to correct him. No blood or love lost both jumped up totally fine. He had a few dicky fit moments but once he was over himself he jumped AMAZINGLY! Like, super amazingly. To the point I am considering a small team chase!
I didn’t ride again until Fri and managed 40 mins in the school before I totally ran out of energy. And today Rooni went to a party in search of his last few regionals points.
I realised I’d been guilty of ticking off movements in our warm up at our last few outings and not truly getting after the suppleness and acceptance of my leg and also getting him taking me forward by the hand enough. So I barely did anything bar spirals and gear changes today - plus a few flying changes. He needs to get into the habit of doing them at shows now anyway BUT he loves them. Finds them super easy. And they get the canter more connected. Bizarrely if I do a few, he stops trying to throw them in (like he’s really pleased he’s been able to do his fatrick lol). So it works all round tbh.
70% M75 and 69% Med music. 1st out of 3 and 1st by default respectively. The weather was pants, I still felt utterly pants, but he tried very hard for me. I know where we dropped the marks in the music (the walk, as we had that test first and he just wasn’t relaxed enough so 2 x 5) but we are now getting 8’s for walk piris and extended walk otherwise so very chuffed with that improvement.
I am absolutely dead on my feet and managed to give the plague to Stuart who normally comes to shows with me (and hacks Fig with me) so I was on my tod. Very strange!
Looking forward to the pet plan nationals next week. That’ll be our last BD outing for 2021 as we are all qualified for the winter regionals and I’d like us both to have a month off too, nothing left to prove atm!
Figgy has had a few quiet weeks for no reason other than I’ve been so busy with working and then dying with this cold. He doesn’t mind and has been very busy growing his winter coat already! But he’s doing great and is super happy!
ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
Your schedule exhausts me to read about even when you are well. I hope you feel back on top form soon, that sounds as if it was a bad bug.
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ycbm
Einstein would be proud of my Insanity...
Horrible weather, gave up on riding in favour of rug sorting and footie in favour of the Bond movie. Both very sound moves!
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nikkimariet
Well-Known Member
Haha! This year has been manic with having a shorter season (covid and where he was injured and off work). Hoping next year will be calmer!
Thank you, a nice quiet evening and Sunday for sure!
Ample Prosecco
Still wittering on
Dropped my son off at Uni today. House feels very odd without him. I am not sure how fIeel. A bit lost and sad, really. Though obviousy happy and excited for him too.
milliepops
Wears headscarf aggressively
Productive couple of days so far for us, Kira did loading practice with the new truck and massively surprised me by climbing straight on board, this is Kira the queen of terrible loading, apocalyptically bad loading... she was a bit anxious to start with but got on and off a few times until she relaxed to eat carrots and take in her new transport. Bless her fluffy white socks, she's a funny soul. Next time we'll go for a drive round the block.
It was torrential rain today, figured i couldn't get much wetter after morning stables so scrubbed old lorry inside and out. Didn't want to go back out after i went home to get warm and dry but I'm glad I did because we had a great short session indoors recapping the passage transitions which have made a big difference to her understanding. it no longer feels fragile which is just the best feeling, i can tinker about with what she's doing without her getting offended. It's been the hardest thing for both of us but was worth just plodding along with calmly because I think we've finally come out the other side A very useful learning point there, about holding your nerve and just inching along. Sometimes time and practice is all you need.
Feel very lucky to have such a fun pony, she's dreadful but amazing
Frankie lost his wobbly tooth today, finally, so he can start school again soon.
It was torrential rain today, figured i couldn't get much wetter after morning stables so scrubbed old lorry inside and out. Didn't want to go back out after i went home to get warm and dry but I'm glad I did because we had a great short session indoors recapping the passage transitions which have made a big difference to her understanding. it no longer feels fragile which is just the best feeling, i can tinker about with what she's doing without her getting offended. It's been the hardest thing for both of us but was worth just plodding along with calmly because I think we've finally come out the other side
A very useful learning point there, about holding your nerve and just inching along. Sometimes time and practice is all you need.Feel very lucky to have such a fun pony, she's dreadful but amazing
Frankie lost his wobbly tooth today, finally, so he can start school again soon.
oldie48
Well-Known Member
Don't worry, he'll be fine. It's our job to have children then send them out into the world to become competent adults but unfortunately, we never "quite" stop worrying about them!
teapot
Well-Known Member
Lesson was fabulous Positive, fun, ended up riding shoulder in in canter for the first time. Was like a drunk spider on ice with everything everywhere but did it! Didn't know horse at all, nor coach bar name/face so good test of the noggin and confidence too.
Was the level of lesson I used to get and feel vindicated in making my feelings known now. Ache to buggery and def need some physio/chiro on my shoulders, but will take it as not ridden in four months and rode for the full hour!
Positive, fun, ended up riding shoulder in in canter for the first time. Was like a drunk spider on ice with everything everywhere but did it! Didn't know horse at all, nor coach bar name/face so good test of the noggin and confidence too.Was the level of lesson I used to get and feel vindicated in making my feelings known now. Ache to buggery and def need some physio/chiro on my shoulders, but will take it as not ridden in four months and rode for the full hour!
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SaddlePsych'D
Well-Known Member
That's great to hear teapot, nothing like good lesson like that
I went in the school with friend's horse the other day, instead of hacking. Our first time in the school together and just for 10 mins or so pootling in walk and trot over a couple of poles. It was really fun although I know I was riding a bit tentatively, I usually do whenever I get on a new horse at the RS so not that unusual. Hopefully we'll do a bit more and perhaps have a lesson at some stage. He's so good as he'll plod along but is also responsive so when I sort myself out I know he will go very nicely!
Hack today with share horse with a couple of companions. She was an absolute angel and I was so pleased to have a little canter as a group as only done this once out with the RS and being a group I can get nervous after a couple of experiences that hit my confidence a bit with previous share.
Slightly concerned either my head or my hat has randomly changed shape as had a headache when we'd been out for a while. Also considering physio as towards the end of the ride really noticed myself continually adjusting myself in the saddle (crooked towards the right, feeling my left seat bone more than the right). I'm sure I'm not totally symmetrical anyway but maybe there is something about the saddle (treeless, endurance style) making it more noticeable or simply from riding for a longer period of time than usual. Share horse is getting a check from the physio this week so maybe a good time for me to get checked too!
I went in the school with friend's horse the other day, instead of hacking. Our first time in the school together and just for 10 mins or so pootling in walk and trot over a couple of poles. It was really fun although I know I was riding a bit tentatively, I usually do whenever I get on a new horse at the RS so not that unusual. Hopefully we'll do a bit more and perhaps have a lesson at some stage. He's so good as he'll plod along but is also responsive so when I sort myself out I know he will go very nicely!
Hack today with share horse with a couple of companions. She was an absolute angel and I was so pleased to have a little canter as a group as only done this once out with the RS and being a group I can get nervous after a couple of experiences that hit my confidence a bit with previous share.
Slightly concerned either my head or my hat has randomly changed shape as had a headache when we'd been out for a while. Also considering physio as towards the end of the ride really noticed myself continually adjusting myself in the saddle (crooked towards the right, feeling my left seat bone more than the right). I'm sure I'm not totally symmetrical anyway but maybe there is something about the saddle (treeless, endurance style) making it more noticeable or simply from riding for a longer period of time than usual. Share horse is getting a check from the physio this week so maybe a good time for me to get checked too!
The Xmas Furry
🦄 🦄
A wet day yesterday for dressage training in the morning and v wet for sj in the afternoon, then a grey start today for the fun ride but the sun came out half way round. B was v v good on the fun ride and gave the other 2 leads over some fences, ground quite soggy in places. Thoroughly enjoyed a good rattling gallop up a very steep hill, spanking the other 2 lol and home by 1pm.
She's having a few well earned days off now.
Hope those competing did at least ok x
She's having a few well earned days off now.
Hope those competing did at least ok x
mavandkaz
Well-Known Member
Had a good lesson with Shambles on Wednesday. We have been doing some work on our flying changes and it's all gone to his head. There was much launching about, running sideways and just generally barginess. With instructors help managed to calm him down and get him thinking, did highlight how sensitive he is to my aids and especially through my seat, as would offer the change if I shifted my weight eg to ask for a half pass. We will shelve the changes for a bit and focus on the medium stuff ready for a comp in a couple of weeks. Been out for a couple of lovely hacks too. The ground has softened up so been able to do some canter work which he has loved. He's always been such a polite horse but has actually gotten a little bit strong!
Belle has had a quiet weekend for a change, just a couple of hacks in between rain, and in in the rain.
And spent some time untangling this mess....silly mini
Belle has had a quiet weekend for a change, just a couple of hacks in between rain, and in in the rain.
And spent some time untangling this mess....silly mini
iknowmyvalue
Well-Known Member
Schooled H yesterday and hacked him today. He was ace. He’s off to his new home tomorrow so it’s been nice to enjoy some time with him this weekend.
Pepsi had his first clip today while I still have H as a handy and unflappable babysitter. He was mostly ok for his body as long as I didn’t turn the clippers off (because apparently they’re scarier if you turn them off and then turn them on again). Just took it super slowly, lots of taking them away when he stood still etc. Was still not at all keen on head and got a bit fidgety with legs, but I’ll see if I can finish them off with the little trimmers tomorrow. My big clippers are not the most horse friendly since they’re so noisy, big and vibratey.
Pepsi had his first clip today while I still have H as a handy and unflappable babysitter. He was mostly ok for his body as long as I didn’t turn the clippers off (because apparently they’re scarier if you turn them off and then turn them on again). Just took it super slowly, lots of taking them away when he stood still etc. Was still not at all keen on head and got a bit fidgety with legs, but I’ll see if I can finish them off with the little trimmers tomorrow. My big clippers are not the most horse friendly since they’re so noisy, big and vibratey.
Season’s Bleatings
Well-Known Member
Just got results back from yesterday’s hunter trials, OH & our wee pal won so they are delighted! Planning another run next week at a different venue to round off the season ?
scats
Well-Known Member
GinaGeo
Well-Known Member
Soggy day at Osberton spectating yesterday.
Meant to ride today. But they all looked like teddy bears. So I ended up getting the clippers out, and whilst I was dressed for it and already fluffy figured I might as well keep clipping.
But that’s all four clipped out now. Hopefully get away with just one more clipping session in November ?
Properly feels like winter now. All clipped, winter tidy done and rugged.
Hopefully I’ll manage to get on a horse next weekend ?
Meant to ride today. But they all looked like teddy bears. So I ended up getting the clippers out, and whilst I was dressed for it and already fluffy figured I might as well keep clipping.
But that’s all four clipped out now. Hopefully get away with just one more clipping session in November ?
Properly feels like winter now. All clipped, winter tidy done and rugged.
Hopefully I’ll manage to get on a horse next weekend ?
smiggy
Well-Known Member
Well we did our “introlim “ , hopeful prelim, and we got all of one of the canters, yay. Came last but that’s fine, super proud of her for just holding it together, first test in a new place and we did more canter than we have ever done in the school at home. Photo evidence ! 
Bob notacob
Well-Known Member
Looking good there