Please keep your arms and legs in the vehicle at all times...

Bernster

Bernster

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I posted these on my Facebook but felt I had to share these gems with the HHO world. Went to Quainton clear round yesterday, our first sj comp for a year, and Finnegan's second ever (we do clinics and course hire but we don't have much comp experience).

In true Wobbleberry style, I had a massive wobble about this, which included not being able to sleep the night before, my 'inner chimp' leaping about in my stomach the whole morning telling me I should be at home where it's warm and dry, rather than venturing out into a snow/rain shower, faffing about in the warm up so not actually warming up, and then nearly bottling the 80cm as we've never done a course at that height before and I had only planned on doing the 70cm.

Despite this, and despite riding like a complete and utter lemon, we made it round the 70 and 80 clear. It wasn't always pretty but hey, we did it and lived to tell the tale.

Not the best quality pics (weather was rotten) but I think you get the general idea 🙈

Look up, leg up, that's right isn't it?!
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All four limbs in action in this one, which I think is particularly impressive.
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Finnegan closes his eyes and hopes it will all be over soon.
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To show that we did make it over some jumps without looking like a complete fool.
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I *may* have entertained onlookers doing similar thelwell kicks during my (FLAT!) lessons in the past... You must also have rather flexible hips, Bernster. Apparently some people would be envious of that....! :D:D:D:D:biggrin3:
 
j1ffy said:
Brilliant, well done!! And you've done an 80 SJ course now so your halfway to an 80 ODE!
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Whoop. Thanks. I'd planned on getting to some 80s by early summer, so dead chuffed that we did it on our first venture out this year. Just need to keep at it. And perhaps try and ride with a little more style next time!
SpringArising said:
So funny. Congrats! At least you remembered how to ride and didn't freeze up!
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Hmm, well I def didn't freeze, although I think perhaps that would have been more appropriate!

9tails said:
Brilliant photos! The first two are Thelwell material. Well done! 80cm is nearly 3ft and that's very impressive.
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Thanks. I think they define the true Wobbleberry haha.
 
milliepops said:
:D :D :D :D :D love it!

Well done for getting out there and doing it.
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Bless you, I think that's probably the best that could be said for this attempt!

milliepops said:
I *may* have entertained onlookers doing similar thelwell kicks during my (FLAT!) lessons in the past... You must also have rather flexible hips, Bernster. Apparently some people would be envious of that....! :D:D:D:D:biggrin3:
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Which is odd, cos normally I ride really stiff. But chuck me in front of a fence and Bingo, instant flexible flappability.
 
Bernster said:
Bless you, I think that's probably the best that could be said for this attempt!
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no, come on, the last few pictures look positively brilliant.
It's good to be able to have a giggle especially when you start the day feeling a bit apprehensive ;) What's next on the cards for you guys?
 
milliepops said:
no, come on, the last few pictures look positively brilliant.
It's good to be able to have a giggle especially when you start the day feeling a bit apprehensive ;) What's next on the cards for you guys?
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Ahh thanks. I hope I won't be quite so nervous next time, does it ever pass??

When I saw those pics, I didn't half giggle!

BE taster day on Saturday at the new venue at Attington in Ox. I'd hoped to have done a bit more by now but having done this 80 should really help. We've not done any xc lately but it's an all weather track and hopefully will be inviting.

For training, continuing to work on getting the canter, then sitting stiller before the fence and NOT pony club kicking my way round! A lot of work needed on his balance on the left rein too, as we're struggling with that.
 
JennBags said:
This is what I've been telling her on FB, so hope she listens with all you lot saying it too!

Love your reports Bernster, seriously all you need now is some confidence x
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Hee, I did laugh at our performance both times but actually the video isn't that terrible! I need some self belief, that is def true, but luckily F doesn't seem to care and just gets on with it no matter what I think about things. He is such a trooper.
 
I've had a chat with Tinky, and she said there would be no need for Thelwell legs if you took her instead! She also asked me not to tell you that she was so busy gawping at stuff that she faceplanted in the middle of a line of raised poles yesterday!
 
Auslander said:
I've had a chat with Tinky, and she said there would be no need for Thelwell legs if you took her instead! She also asked me not to tell you that she was so busy gawping at stuff that she faceplanted in the middle of a line of raised poles yesterday!
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That's my girl!! I have a horrid feeling I used to do that with her too, perhaps less air time needed with the legs though, although she would actually listen and respond with a fresh burst of rocket power.
 
Brilliant pictures! Well done :) Last time I went to Quainton SJ I had a full scale meltdown in the arena and had to be talked into completing the course, so you definitely did better than me! xx
 
I spent the entirety of one of lessons last wee trying to get my legs to do that in a 'legs away' style so I'm a bit jealous of your hips!
 
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