Re backed my baby today, big smiles, had to share!!

[nikkiportia]

Totally self indulgent post!!! But I'm so pleased with us both!
Apollo was lightly backed last year, and we literally just walked around a little and practiced steering. Then I turned him away again for a year to mature some more. He will be 4 this year.
Over the last few weeks, I've been taking him back through the breaking process with no problems, and so finally today, I did this!
He's been a total star, love him to bits!

Feels so good,

 

[eva]

woo hooo! love your matchy matchymatchy! he looks proud of himself

 

[neeny5]

awww beautiful

 

[Jade&Syrah]

Well done He looks like he's taking it in his stride

 

[kirinsam]

Ooooooh , Be Nice halter under the bridle , what a v v good idea. I use a Be Nice when required and it really has the respect of my two lads. Will be copying when we back the little person.

 

[Snowysadude]

Well done he looks lovely and very chilled

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

That's great news, you look super proud in the pictures too

 

[JoBird]

Lovely photos! I think you two will be a great team - well done! x

 

[babymare]

what beautiful pictures of a chilled out horse taking everything in his stride - woooo to you for turning away - so so lets them mature - your pictures just made me smile thank you and good luck for you and your lucky horse to have a thoughtful owner xx

 

[babymare]

ps youre smile just says it all - proud mum xx

 

[Trish C]

You look great together, and well done. You obviously have a great relationship and he trusts you loads... and a nice looking boy as well! Very best of luck with everything

 

[nikkiportia]

What lovely comments, thank you guys
We do have a great bond, as I have had him for over 2 years, and have really formed an understanding in that time. I just hope it continues in the ridden work, lol!

The be nice halter actually works really well with him, and I don't want to ruin his mouth. TBH I was considering using it with reins, as well as having a bridle with reins, so that I have extra control if needed without having to pull on his mouth. Anyone ever done this?

 

[Munchkin]

He's lovely and I love the pics in your sig too. Very chilled out young man, how old is he?

 

[Sarah Sum1]

Brilliant! You both look very relaxed

 

[roshah]

gorgeous horse - you really look chuffed to bits! best of luck with the rest of his training!

 

[nikkiportia]

Thanks. He is quite photogenic
He will be 4 this year, but he was a late foal, so I am in no hurry to get him doing much work yet, just taking things slowly really.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

What a lovely boy, he looks very relaxed about it all. I'm sure you'll both have a lovely summer together. Don't worry about ruining his mouth, the only way you'll do that is by riding with consistantly heavy hands.I personally wouldn't ride with reins attached to the be-nice headcollar. The studs on the poll are quite severe, that could cause more problems than an emergency brake with the reins on the bit. Ride quietly, keep everything simple and if he has an exciting moment, be firm and decisive, then carry on again as though nothing has happened.He looks a good sort.

 

[nikkiportia]

What a lovely boy, he looks very relaxed about it all. I'm sure you'll both have a lovely summer together. Don't worry about ruining his mouth, the only way you'll do that is by riding with consistantly heavy hands.I personally wouldn't ride with reins attached to the be-nice headcollar. The studs on the poll are quite severe, that could cause more problems than an emergency brake with the reins on the bit. Ride quietly, keep everything simple and if he has an exciting moment, be firm and decisive, then carry on again as though nothing has happened.He looks a good sort.

Thanks hr. It's not something I've ever done in the past tbh, but this boy just seems to be so responsive to it, just an idea I had really. Should stick to the old faithful way

 

[4x4]

Good pics! Must be something in the air, I just started bringing my 4 y o back in today, long reined and lunged him.