Pigeon
Well-Known Member
Since being treated for ulcers, Pip has just gone from strength to strength 
He was acting a little grouchy in december, so I decided to give him a 3 week holiday over Christmas. Just enough time to get fat and hairy 
He was brought gradually back into work, we've been doing lots of in-hand stuff which has been fun! Started schooling again and he's so much more cheerful and relaxed, it's lovely. I'm trying very hard not to overdo it because of his tum; we've cut back to only riding four or five days a week as opposed to a consistent six, will have to see if he stays fit enough but he's looking good so far.
He's feeling so much more powerful in his movement. Up until now we've just about been able to get round - but now there are moments of round and uphill which are so exciting! He's now much steadier in the contact, it's a slow process but we're getting there I got him the prolite version of the fairfax girth for christmas, and I definitely think he has more freedom in his shoulders, so well worth the price.
We had our first lesson of the year in an indoor arena, which he used to be completely phobic about. He was a star, here's a brief video and some pics;
https://youtu.be/VsQsNuwC2J8
So today was his first competition of the year. Been preparing all week and felt super ready. N.28 and 38. Of course nothing is ever that straightforward! He came in minus a front shoe!!
Our farrier is an absolute saint, and let us come over in the morning to get a shiny new shoe. Life saver! This did however mean a rather hefty drive across country to the venue for poor dobbin. I let him have a chill out and a feed and then we went for a brief warmup. He felt rather good, perhaps a little tired at times but still enthusiastic.
Test was fun! He was really rideable! And also I actually have the guts to ride him now in tests rather than just sitting there like a lemon. There are always things to improve, but overall really happy! (canter transitions could have been more uphill and Oh my GOD I need to do something about my position/fitness!)
Beautiful critter;
Went to see scores, and got flippin 75%!!! :O :O :O
Okay, the judge was clearly very generous, but it's affiliated so I'll take it!!
2nd place, so pleased with him. Worth all the early morning drama. We have told ourselves that once he gets a first at Novice, we will go Elem, no matter how crap we are and how humiliating the first few are 
Clever, clever Pippy!
He was acting a little grouchy in december, so I decided to give him a 3 week holiday over Christmas. Just enough time to get fat and hairy He was brought gradually back into work, we've been doing lots of in-hand stuff which has been fun! Started schooling again and he's so much more cheerful and relaxed, it's lovely. I'm trying very hard not to overdo it because of his tum; we've cut back to only riding four or five days a week as opposed to a consistent six, will have to see if he stays fit enough but he's looking good so far.
He's feeling so much more powerful in his movement. Up until now we've just about been able to get round - but now there are moments of round and uphill which are so exciting! He's now much steadier in the contact, it's a slow process but we're getting there
I got him the prolite version of the fairfax girth for christmas, and I definitely think he has more freedom in his shoulders, so well worth the price. We had our first lesson of the year in an indoor arena, which he used to be completely phobic about. He was a star, here's a brief video and some pics;
https://youtu.be/VsQsNuwC2J8
So today was his first competition of the year. Been preparing all week and felt super ready. N.28 and 38. Of course nothing is ever that straightforward! He came in minus a front shoe!!
Our farrier is an absolute saint, and let us come over in the morning to get a shiny new shoe. Life saver! This did however mean a rather hefty drive across country to the venue for poor dobbin. I let him have a chill out and a feed and then we went for a brief warmup. He felt rather good, perhaps a little tired at times but still enthusiastic.
Test was fun! He was really rideable! And also I actually have the guts to ride him now in tests rather than just sitting there like a lemon. There are always things to improve, but overall really happy! (canter transitions could have been more uphill and Oh my GOD I need to do something about my position/fitness!)
Beautiful critter;
Went to see scores, and got flippin 75%!!! :O :O :O
Okay, the judge was clearly very generous, but it's affiliated so I'll take it!!
2nd place, so pleased with him. Worth all the early morning drama. We have told ourselves that once he gets a first at Novice, we will go Elem, no matter how crap we are and how humiliating the first few are
Clever, clever Pippy!
