Potential New Horse Thread - Vetting Today!

[Ratface]

That looks like one happy, relaxed horse. Well done!

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Just dropped in with a short post to say that on 1st January 2024 I set one goal for the year of going to a fun ride. It may not sound like much but at the time Dex wasn't even backed, I hadn't really ever backed a youngster on my own, he hadn't left the yard or been in a box since the day he arrived in May 2023 and I didn't have a 4x4 or a trailer and I had never towed.

I am pleased to say that on Sunday, objective was firmly achieved! We even went travelled/unloaded/stood on our own and met friend when onboard - plus in this canter spot you had to then walk back down the far side, which was an odd choice I thought on the organisers behalf as horses were galloping up 10m away up the middle, but Dex couldn't have cared less as you can see, on a long rein just chilling. Lots around us were having problems though.

(In the interests of honesty, this is the second one we have done but the first one's photos were a bit naff! Also I know roundings are unpopular, but I otherwise don't have brakes at all and can't be doing with double reins when I am trying to navigate gates and not get caught up - he's schooled in a snaffle, this is just for galloping)

He is really turning into a young adult now, and still tries so utterly hard for me - just when I think I can't be more smitten, I somehow love him even more! I have also lost 6st now, it's slowed but only 3st or so more to go, so I'm not in an all out rush.

 

[eahotson]

Just dropped in with a short post to say that on 1st January 2024 I set one goal for the year of going to a fun ride. It may not sound like much but at the time Dex wasn't even backed, I hadn't really ever backed a youngster on my own, he hadn't left the yard or been in a box since the day he arrived in May 2023 and I didn't have a 4x4 or a trailer and I had never towed.

I am pleased to say that on Sunday, objective was firmly achieved! We even went travelled/unloaded/stood on our own and met friend when onboard - plus in this canter spot you had to then walk back down the far side, which was an odd choice I thought on the organisers behalf as horses were galloping up 10m away up the middle, but Dex couldn't have cared less as you can see, on a long rein just chilling. Lots around us were having problems though.

(In the interests of honesty, this is the second one we have done but the first one's photos were a bit naff! Also I know roundings are unpopular, but I otherwise don't have brakes at all and can't be doing with double reins when I am trying to navigate gates and not get caught up - he's schooled in a snaffle, this is just for galloping)

He is really turning into a young adult now, and still tries so utterly hard for me - just when I think I can't be more smitten, I somehow love him even more! I have also lost 6st now, it's slowed but only 3st or so more to go, so I'm not in an all out rush.

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Well done both of you.

 

[Merrymoles]

In terms of roundings, it's whatever works for you! None of us know your horse,

But he looks lovely and having fun and so do you! Go for it!

 

[SEL]

He's really matured - looks great!

And no way would my cob think horses galloping nearby was OK. I'd be having leaps, spins and other nonsense, so great Dex is so chilled.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Thanks all - I can't believe how much he has changed in such a short period of time, even looking back at my post from May he looks a baby compared to those pics. That's why I am enjoying updating this thread from time to time as I can look back at how much he's changing.

He's really matured - looks great!

And no way would my cob think horses galloping nearby was OK. I'd be having leaps, spins and other nonsense, so great Dex is so chilled.

To be honest I think it helped that he'd just had a long gallop and was firmly out of puff, be he also is very much an old head on young shoulders - all that hacking in hand I think has done wonders, I would definitely make sure to do it if I got another!

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

He gorgeous, you’ve done a great job with him. Last and only time I tried to take my supposedly mature then 12yr old to a fun ride he broke through his leather collar whilst I was trying to do his girth up and galloped around the lorry park with his saddle under his belly. I then decided to go home, he was loose travelling because I had no headcollar as was in bits..

Also well done with the weight loss that’s a massive achievement.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

He gorgeous, you’ve done a great job with him. Last and only time I tried to take my supposedly mature then 12yr old to a fun ride he broke through his leather collar whilst I was trying to do his girth up and galloped around the lorry park with his saddle under his belly. I then decided to go home, he was loose travelling because I had no headcollar as was in bits..

Also well done with the weight loss that’s a massive achievement.

Thank you! That did give me a laugh as sometimes it is a case of 'today is not my day' and packing up and going home which is what I felt like doing - who says they get wiser as they get older?! Below is most of the Facebook post I wrote when I got home which gives you an idea of how the beginning of the day went!

 

[Red-1]

Wow, I just found this thread on the back of the other one. Dex looks GORGEOUS!!!

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Wow, I just found this thread on the back of the other one. Dex looks GORGEOUS!!!

Thank you! I am totally biased but can never quite believe how little old me managed to find a partner in crime like him.

 

[Bernster]

Well done on both counts !

 

[Birker2020]

Lovely boy, well done, what a smasher!

 

[Trouper]

That's so lovely to see. Well done - both of you!

 

[Zoeypxo]

I went to a fun ride last month and there was also a field you could canter through then turn around and walk back down right next to the canterers, bit strange but luckily my horse is older and sensible(ish) now.. when she was younger i wouldve had to hold on for dear life !

He is lovely, well done on the weight loss too!

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Thanks guys, I missed some of your comments somehow so it was lovely to read them just now!

I know it's not been very long, but I video'ed Dex and I having a play this PM just for my own personal viewing but there's a few moments that show his personality properly and I cannot stop laughing, so thought I would pop them in here in case anyone else wants a laugh.

The first video has just a few bits we do together - whistling to change direction, bit of lateral work and lining himself up to be mounted (necessary when they’re this big), long and low backing up, some play with a bit of baby collection and then back to play, direct transitions, moving the front independently from the back and vice versa and an immediate stop from any pace (which is useful if we’re in trouble in any way) - all of this has set him up to be confident, engaged, supple and balanced and has made our backing and riding away this year a delight. The second video is the out takes and is being silly, I really believe he is the cure for any ill! (also excuse the constant presence of his willy, I like to think it means he's having fun at least )

Also, I am totally biased but my god he is handsome!

 

[Baywonder]

Oh my heart melted Watching Dex on those videos!

 

[Sealine]

What a super chap he is. Very handsome and just my type. You've obviously been working hard in making him the lovely horse he is. Better not reveal your location or I'll come and steal him

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

What a super chap he is. Very handsome and just my type. You've obviously been working hard in making him the lovely horse he is. Better not reveal your location or I'll come and steal him

Thank you! I have put a lot of work in but he's made it great fun, he's honestly never had one session where he's not been willing to engage apart from the very beginning where he was simply scared from all the change, I think that's part of the reason I am a bit OTT about advocating for him.

The funny thing is even if you did he'd waltz onto your lorry with his ears forward wondering what the plan is for the day

 

[Sealine]

Thank you! I have put a lot of work in but he's made it great fun, he's honestly never had one session where he's not been willing to engage apart from the very beginning where he was simply scared from all the change, I think that's part of the reason I am a bit OTT about advocating for him.

The funny thing is even if you did he'd waltz onto your lorry with his ears forward wondering what the plan is for the day

Gosh that makes me feel quite emotional as it's exactly how I'd describe my horse. He's 22 now and out of work due to an injury which may result in his full retirement. Treasure every minute. The years fly by when you have a willing, fun horse.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Dex is maturing at a terrifying rate, and I'm not ready for it Lovely outing today and another positive experience under his belt, he was a super star! We came 6th out of *I think* 12 in the Novice Open class.
Please excuse my hideous plaits!

 

[Barton Bounty]

He does look very grown up well done and good boy Dex

 

[AutumnDays]

He is such a handsome, lovely boy! A credit to you, well done! Not at all envious that my youngster journey didn't work out like this just watched your videos upthread too, how did you teach the side step? I thought we'd cracked it, but I can't remember what I did and now we are both confused

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

He is such a handsome, lovely boy! A credit to you, well done! Not at all envious that my youngster journey didn't work out like this just watched your videos upthread too, how did you teach the side step? I thought we'd cracked it, but I can't remember what I did and now we are both confused

Thank you! I'm sorry to hear that you've not had the best time with your youngster! To be honest, I have worked hard with him over a long period, yes, but I was also dealt a big dose of luck that he has been as easy to back and ride away as he has been.

I first taught him with a dressage whip to move haunches, shoulders and then both away from me depending on where on his body I put the whip, then once that was cracked I did the same but from the other side and asked him to move toward me, then once that was more established I combined the whip queue with putting my hand up as I don't always carry a whip, then once he could do one step I walked back slightly and did it at further distances and at liberty. It probably took us 3 weeks to really have down.

 

[AutumnDays]

Thank you! I'm sorry to hear that you've not had the best time with your youngster! To be honest, I have worked hard with him over a long period, yes, but I was also dealt a big dose of luck that he has been as easy to back and ride away as he has been.

I first taught him with a dressage whip to move haunches, shoulders and then both away from me depending on where on his body I put the whip, then once that was cracked I did the same but from the other side and asked him to move toward me, then once that was more established I combined the whip queue with putting my hand up as I don't always carry a whip, then once he could do one step I walked back slightly and did it at further distances and at liberty. It probably took us 3 weeks to really have down.

Thank you for that! It looks very impressive! We've cracked the daft tricks like fist bumps, twirls and taking a bow, but this one refuses to stick I wish you both lots of happy adventures together! Thank you for sharing your journey, it's lovely to see

 

[Surbie]

Dex is maturing at a terrifying rate, and I'm not ready for it Lovely outing today and another positive experience under his belt, he was a super star! We came 6th out of *I think* 12 in the Novice Open class.
Please excuse my hideous plaits!

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He's an absolute stunner! I just caught up on your videos too, they are just lovely. Mine likes working in the field too (YO thankfully thinks I am harmlessly bonkers) and the side step looks like a good one to add in.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

He's an absolute stunner! I just caught up on your videos too, they are just lovely. Mine likes working in the field too (YO thankfully thinks I am harmlessly bonkers) and the side step looks like a good one to add in.

Thank you! I think some people at the yard think I'm bonkers too until they see him turn himself 180 degrees and sidestep toward the mounting block, then I get asked how I managed to get him to do it

I have intentionally kept it to mostly lateral/biomechanically beneficial movements rather than tricks, as I don't want him to think that bowing or pawing or similar is the answer I want as he'll then offer it at the most inopportune moments - he is Irish after all, and they will go to the ends of the earth for a Bailey's fibre nugget!!

 

[lme]

I absolutely love Dex - I imagine that he is very like my big Irish girl's TIH dam would have been. Mine (also grey and 17h+) is by a SJ bred WB but has that same sensible approach to life. I can hack her out after a week off and know she's not going to be an idiot.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

I absolutely love Dex - I imagine that he is very like my big Irish girl's TIH dam would have been. Mine (also grey and 17h+) is by a SJ bred WB but has that same sensible approach to life. I can hack her out after a week off and know she's not going to be an idiot.

Ahh thank you, I love hearing that other people love him too! I can imagine your girl is really something special if she's got the Irish cold blood brain with the WB's physical ability! I honestly would never own anything else other than an ID now, I know they're not all the same, but I am not a good enough rider to need any more athleticism, and having had a few pure WB's before this I am just enjoying the relative simplicity that is working with him.

 

[lme]

Ahh thank you, I love hearing that other people love him too! I can imagine your girl is really something special if she's got the Irish cold blood brain with the WB's physical ability! I honestly would never own anything else other than an ID now, I know they're not all the same, but I am not a good enough rider to need any more athleticism, and having had a few pure WB's before this I am just enjoying the relative simplicity that is working with him.

I don't need the athleticism (I fall v definitely into the 'older woman needing a safe hacking horse' camp) but its nice that she wouldn't dream of using it against me. I hadn't appreciated until I got her how the ID blood just makes everything so much easier.

 

[Surbie]

he is Irish after all, and they will go to the ends of the earth for a Bailey's fibre nugget!!

We think mine came over from Ireland too, though he isn't dainty like Dex. I used to be able to keep a small box of treats in his stable (I know, but I did it for years with zero issues!) and then I switched to Baileys fibre nuggets. Came in one morning to find one happy coblet busily rootling around and bits of smashed box all through the stable.