on cloud 9.....i rode Goof! Pics and vid :)

Prince33Sp4rkle

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They aren't the best pics or vids, but I am simply TOO excited not to share!

For those who don't follow us on FB, a potted update......following collarbonegate Alan worked Goof at home twice a week until he was at the point he felt getting on would be a none issue.....as we only have a 35 x 55 arena,no indoor and no roundpen (or safe way of constructing one) it was decided to send the young man off on an educational holiday to complete this step at Payne Performance Horses HQ.

He's been away nearly 4 weeks and I've been to see him twice a week but I speak to Sally most days for Goofy updates and to discuss bling(equally important in the western riding world as to us dressage divas!)

It's been a steep learning curve for both Goof and myself but I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome-Goof has learnt that broncing is NOT the way to show tension and I have hundreds more tools in my box, and have gained so much knowledge my head hurts.

Today was finally the day....a very carefully planned day to ensure maximum matching for the hybrid cow dressage pony and his 2 riders!

You will have to excuse my mad legs, sitting trot in a western saddle thats about 3 seat sizes too big is hard work,even with Goofy barely out of a trundle! Tomorrow sees the return of my Prestige and hopefully some pics of a less runaway lower leg!







VIDEO HERE :https://www.facebook.com/Diamondsin...438661516390/1203178163042434/?type=3&theater

He will return to Sparkle Towers early next week but his life as a hybrid cow dressage pony doesn't stop completely as there's a lot of work Alan and Sally do in clinics that will be applicable in the future :)
 
Fab, that must've felt sooooo good! Makes me feel so excited about starting our youngster next year! Looking forward to more updates as he progresses (he's looking cracking btw) :)
 
excellent, you both look very good. I do like the western riding approach as I think it makes it clear to the horse what they should do like moving away from pressure (still needs to be a good trainer of course). It also makes the horses very light in the mouth and very responsive to the aids.
 
I think your ability to look outside the box for answers and solutions is to be highly commended. Clearly you are a very talented rider and trainer yourself, but the greatest talent perhaps lies in the ability to recognise and appreciate where different styles might be beneficial. Many roads to Rome!

He looks great; very pleased for
You. Here's to Start of a fruitful and enjoyable career.
 
Thank you :)

I'm aware there was a degree of skeptisism (is that even a word?!) when he first went to Alan, not so much on here but IRL..... However the proof is in the pudding and after my initial 10 seconds of gulping and forgetting I CAN put my leg on... He's a very jolly little dude to ride and really fills you with confidence unlike some youngsters who never do anything but always feel they could.

He's actually coming home tomorrow and the plan is to have a lesson as soon as we land (with Alan) to instill the same work ethic at home. After that he will *work* for 20mins three times a week but will get sat on every day for the next couple of weeks just to really cement this in his head....on his days *off* it will literally be get on and walk for 5 mins just to remind how it feels once every 24hours until we feel he can move to alternate days and eventually just standard three 20min sessions per week.

He's a lovely kind boy and he won't be rushed but just initially my safety is most important so I need to get my butt in the saddle every day to solidify what Alan had taught him :)
 
he came home yesterday, straight off the lorry and in to school for a lesson with Alan.....................and despite Fig and Bruce neighing, new mirrors, flappy flags etc he did not once peep at anything, or neigh back or even raise his head to look :)

about 3mins on lunge then straight on and he was a total dude, more forward but relaxed forward and felt so secure and confident.

thrilled to bit, i cant reccomend Alan and Sally (Payne Performance Horses) enough. I have got back the exact horse i wanted-not pushed, not rushed, super confident and each step firmly cemented in place :)
 
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