ArklePig
Well-Known Member
Hello!
A progress report because a) he is handsome and any excuse for a picture b) I got great advice here and c) it might help me to look back (so trying to give an honest whole picture)
This was my first week of part-loaning Finbar without his owner as previously we were trialling.
Day 1- Lesson
Boy does he puff out when doing up his girth, but we got there.
Brought him out to the mounting block where he decided 'oh she has treats in her pocket I'll just keep going for them and refuse to stand still.' I wasn't having it, and let him know- previously I probably would have started sweating.
Then began our lesson. He absolutely was testing me. Probably because it was the first time I was properly in charge. After about a 10 minute warm up we both started to relax, and he went amazingly. Some lovely trots on both reins and a couple of short canters. I can only do short canters until my back gets stronger from my injury but I was happy with it, until we had a moment where I couldn't apply the brakes. I have a tendency to grip sometimes when I get nervous, so I was telling the poor boy to keep going while my mind was telling him to stop. When I did correctly ask him back into a trot he did so.
Turned him out for a bit after, while poor exhausted me set off to do his jobs. Luckily OH had come up for the spin and fresh air - turns out his shovel like hands make quick work of filling haynets. Took me FOREVER to muck out. Went and got him from the turnout then-What a hero, I called his name and he toddled over to me like a big dog and stuck his head out for his headcollar. Put him to bed, said night night ponies and went home. Slept like a baby too I might add.
Day 2- another lesson!
Arrived in plenty of time so filled his haynets before the lesson-will try to do this in future-still finding my routine. Did his feet which he picked up like a superstar with out any hassle-I've been told he can sometimes not be great at this but so far so good. Tacked him up, girth fastened without any drama (is it too much to claim I'm already gaining strength?). Mounting block, same as the day before but once he stands he stands like a rock. I just need to keep being firm with him. He was great then, listening to me from the second I got on. Did all the usual stuff. I asked the instructor if I could take my stirrups away as I could feel I was tensing up/getting stiff ankles and this usually fixes it. Some lovely sitting trot without stirrups. He's so comfortable! Cantered some circles (with stirrups) someone videod them for me and to be honest, I never video but it helped. I looked at it and thought 'oh I'm actually a better rider than I thought'. Mucked out his stable and made his dinner and breakfast! This all went much more smoothly- I'm definitely getting into the rhythm. Went home with the biggest smile on my face.
Day 3- tomorrow
I don't feel much like doing a lesson, and I don't want to get into a trap where I'm only used to riding him with instruction. I feel very comfortable and safe with him now so decided to take him on a short hack and chill out. I'm hoping to wash his tail too, I asked his owner if I could - more so because he can be sensitive skin wise-and she was like 'would I mind?? Please do!' so hopefully a nice day of playing ponies tomorrow and doing some fun stuff. Lessons resume next week!
Attached are some pictures of a handsome boy and a very happy ArklePig. And look we match! I've had that top for years ?
A progress report because a) he is handsome and any excuse for a picture b) I got great advice here and c) it might help me to look back (so trying to give an honest whole picture)
This was my first week of part-loaning Finbar without his owner as previously we were trialling.
Day 1- Lesson
Boy does he puff out when doing up his girth, but we got there.
Brought him out to the mounting block where he decided 'oh she has treats in her pocket I'll just keep going for them and refuse to stand still.' I wasn't having it, and let him know- previously I probably would have started sweating.
Then began our lesson. He absolutely was testing me. Probably because it was the first time I was properly in charge. After about a 10 minute warm up we both started to relax, and he went amazingly. Some lovely trots on both reins and a couple of short canters. I can only do short canters until my back gets stronger from my injury but I was happy with it, until we had a moment where I couldn't apply the brakes. I have a tendency to grip sometimes when I get nervous, so I was telling the poor boy to keep going while my mind was telling him to stop. When I did correctly ask him back into a trot he did so.
Turned him out for a bit after, while poor exhausted me set off to do his jobs. Luckily OH had come up for the spin and fresh air - turns out his shovel like hands make quick work of filling haynets. Took me FOREVER to muck out. Went and got him from the turnout then-What a hero, I called his name and he toddled over to me like a big dog and stuck his head out for his headcollar. Put him to bed, said night night ponies and went home. Slept like a baby too I might add.
Day 2- another lesson!
Arrived in plenty of time so filled his haynets before the lesson-will try to do this in future-still finding my routine. Did his feet which he picked up like a superstar with out any hassle-I've been told he can sometimes not be great at this but so far so good. Tacked him up, girth fastened without any drama (is it too much to claim I'm already gaining strength?). Mounting block, same as the day before but once he stands he stands like a rock. I just need to keep being firm with him. He was great then, listening to me from the second I got on. Did all the usual stuff. I asked the instructor if I could take my stirrups away as I could feel I was tensing up/getting stiff ankles and this usually fixes it. Some lovely sitting trot without stirrups. He's so comfortable! Cantered some circles (with stirrups) someone videod them for me and to be honest, I never video but it helped. I looked at it and thought 'oh I'm actually a better rider than I thought'. Mucked out his stable and made his dinner and breakfast! This all went much more smoothly- I'm definitely getting into the rhythm. Went home with the biggest smile on my face.
Day 3- tomorrow
I don't feel much like doing a lesson, and I don't want to get into a trap where I'm only used to riding him with instruction. I feel very comfortable and safe with him now so decided to take him on a short hack and chill out. I'm hoping to wash his tail too, I asked his owner if I could - more so because he can be sensitive skin wise-and she was like 'would I mind?? Please do!' so hopefully a nice day of playing ponies tomorrow and doing some fun stuff. Lessons resume next week!
Attached are some pictures of a handsome boy and a very happy ArklePig. And look we match! I've had that top for years ?
