(slight) Lockdown lifting weekend plans

I had a good day out with Kira ? such a relief to just be able to ride her rather than deal with the melodrama of home. She is just a different horse out and about.
Had a play with pivo again and just generally had a nice ride.
Just what the doctor ordered. She can have a day off tomorrow so it's back to work for Darcy ?

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We went to the beach with the intention of just going for a paddle. Mad had different ideas (mainly ‘gotta go fast’) so we did lots and lots of circling in trot, working on SI/SF/travers/renvers while on the circle.

She’s definitely happier in the contact in the NS (I.e. we have a contact rather than her hiding behind) but she’s becoming quite strong and leany at times so I can foresee the next problem already :rolleyes:. I shouldn’t complain really, I’d much rather have a leaning problem than a hiding behind problem at the former is easier to sort out!
 
Went for a hack yesterday, planning another online dressage today!
I was going to share a photo from hack, but HHO is turning it sideways ?

NI still in lockdown but have seen a local venue is organising a (3 per session) clinic this Thursday. Seems mad to me... they are claiming to be following Horse Sport Ireland advice, but their current stance relates only to the RoI, and they have said they are in consultation with the relevant governing bodies in NI as to how we should run. These venues seem to be ignoring that, despite a bit of a backlash on social media. Baffled ??‍♀️ I’d love to get out as much as anyone else, just seems a tad premature!
 
Sounds fun I wandered if it was like the superfast indoor western classes over bridges and logs with built in trees that I have seen in the YouTube

This is, I think, the very basis of what that is founded on. I have seen videos of what you are talking about and they are amazing. I love how the guys just sit so still and the horses know exactly where to go and how to do it. I hate the stuff they do in the arenas though.
 
Sheep said:
Went for a hack yesterday, planning another online dressage today!
I was going to share a photo from hack, but HHO is turning it sideways ?

NI still in lockdown but have seen a local venue is organising a (3 per session) clinic this Thursday. Seems mad to me... they are claiming to be following Horse Sport Ireland advice, but their current stance relates only to the RoI, and they have said they are in consultation with the relevant governing bodies in NI as to how we should run. These venues seem to be ignoring that, despite a bit of a backlash on social media. Baffled ??‍♀️ I’d love to get out as much as anyone else, just seems a tad premature!
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Yeah I saw that advertised. Loads of places opening for arena hire too. I think the guidance is a bit weak and places dont know whether they can open or not. One opens and they all follow suit.
 
Wheels said:
Yeah I saw that advertised. Loads of places opening for arena hire too. I think the guidance is a bit weak and places dont know whether they can open or not. One opens and they all follow suit.
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Yep! They’ve all more or less posted the exact same thing, word for word. Hopefully some clarity from someone official will follow soon..!
 
Cloball said:
Sounds fun I wandered if it was like the superfast indoor western classes over bridges and logs with built in trees that I have seen in the YouTube
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Extreme trail classes are like trail classes on steroids. They're epic. Personally I think there is - or ought to be - a market for them over here. Like Trec but fast-fast-fast and actually designed to be a proper challenge. Extreme cowboy classes are even better...

My local barrel racing group used to do Trail-like classes which were a bit more speed orientated than actual western Trail, and they were great fun, but they introduced a load of rules because of H&S issues with the venue / gear.
 
Really lovely to see pictures of you all out and about enjoying your horses again .
The show centre down the road from us has opened it school for hire it’s a massive school two can share but not more apparently the gallery and loos are closed off .
I have no need to go but some will want to.
 
It felt amazing to get back on board today! Danny was a good boy, very chilled out and the buttons still seem to be in place. The yard has eased restrictions from 3 visits a week to 4 times a week so I’ll be up again tomorrow for a pootle around the farm tracks. Shoes on on Wednesday so we’ll be able to get off the yard for some hacks and build fitness, can’t wait ?

Gratuitous photo of Danny not looking pleased to see me on my first post-lockdown visit on Wednesday (and Pocholo looking at me for treats!).

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ycbm said:
Oh my gidddy aunt . I can't believe the difference. Even before he left the stable he was quieter. To ride he was twiddling a little instead of full on chomping and flicking it round his mouth. And when I got off, twiddling gently instead of manically foal mouthing at it. Green slobber absolutely everywhere!

I've made it into an eggbutt now by using latex bandage stoppers top and bottom to prevent the loose ring sliding, and if he likes that even better I'll buy an eggbutt version.

I can't believe I've finally found a bit he will tolerate. It's his only weakness, he is a fantastic horse otherwise.

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I wish now that I had found this bit two years ago, and then I might not have as big an issue as I do now. Whilst he is far from perfect in it, it is incredibly different how he goes compared to what has been normal for him.

His mouth is quiet more often and for longer, and he is feeling as if he is pushing it forward instead of holding slightly back from it or trying to run through it waving his head around to get his balance.

The canter transitions in particular are stunningly improved.

I had it as an eggbutt today, but I think he very slightly preferred it as a loose ring, so I've cut the latex stoppers off and set it free. I can always put them back on. I've told the bit hire company to charge me for it because it's definitely staying!

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ycbm said:
I've booked a trainer for Monday. Trying a new one to see if we can have a little more fun and be a little less serious. Lockdown has made me realise I had the mix wrong, life's too short.

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Unfortunately had to cancel this session because she has no arena, and even a whisper of wind on my hilltop arena means I can't hear a word anyone says, no matter how much they shout. I'm going to see if I can get an indoor arena hire so we aren't weather dependent at all, but that will ramp up the cost and might rule it out.

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Liking for the non weather dependent idea not your missed session.
Have you tried a headset at all? Cheaper than hires long term especially if you bought your own
 
Roxylola said:
Liking for the non weather dependent idea not your missed session.
Have you tried a headset at all? Cheaper than hires long term especially if you bought your own
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I am such a fair weather rider ? I really need a lid in winter and I might as well start as I mean to go on.
 
Fantastic hack today on my young mare. She is really starting to feel confident taking the contact and we even had a few moments of 'on the bit'!! :p:p Not only that but we managed to 'jump' a log on the common. It is truly tiny but we approached at a trot and she genuinely jumped it. :) Hoooooraaaah!! Love this little mare :) :) She has enough 'Welsh' moments to make for an interesting and engaged ride but genuinely tries really hard and is just sooo sweet. Happy days. :)
 
Had 2 great sessions in the arena this weekend.

Had to go to tesco for the click and collect where OH spoiled me by putting a bottle of champagne on the order without me knowing. It's our wedding anniversary so enjoying a couple of glasses with some strawberries
 
Happy anniversary Wheels ?

Darcy got away with doing nothing again today, we started fencing at the retirement home at 10 and finished at 5.30. I couldn't be bothered to put my jods on after that let alone ride ?

Anyway, the holes in the hedge are horse proof, the sagging wire at the top is taut again , the awful tangled dumped scrap estate fencing has been extracted from the undergrowth and queuing up with the other junk waiting to be weighed in. that's the last bit that's been giving me nightmares all made safe ?
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MP, I rode bare back in gym leggings and trainers on friday night- after a 10 hour work day and about an hour trimming legs I couldn't face messing about with tack - easier on a barrel shaped pudding though ? although we had a narrow escape from a horse eating pigeon ?
 
Roxylola said:
MP, I rode bare back in gym leggings and trainers on friday night- after a 10 hour work day and about an hour trimming legs I couldn't face messing about with tack - easier on a barrel shaped pudding though ? although we had a narrow escape from a horse eating pigeon ?
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??????????
That's my face thinking about riding Darcy bareback
Sharkfin withers and super-spooker, no thanks ???
 
Went hacking, socially distant style with one of the liveries, and it was just super to be able to get out and about again! Topaz said there were too many hills, Skylla jogged the whole way and didn't seem to notice them lol!
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JFTDWS said:
Extreme trail classes are like trail classes on steroids. They're epic. Personally I think there is - or ought to be - a market for them over here. Like Trec but fast-fast-fast and actually designed to be a proper challenge. Extreme cowboy classes are even better...

My local barrel racing group used to do Trail-like classes which were a bit more speed orientated than actual western Trail, and they were great fun, but they introduced a load of rules because of H&S issues with the venue / gear.
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Sounds like it would be great fun and a useful thing to train for shame there isn't more about.
 
I did not get to hack on Sunday, the lady who was supposed to be coming with me had a nephew dropped on her at short notice and everyone else was just too busy, so a bit disappointed but the weather was foul so not devastated!

I did get to go meet some of the other rescues I haven't really met before instead and gave two of them a really good groom and a fuss. Ended the afternoon with me and the three older mares all standing at the paddock fence together very companionably watching Stan, the boy I was meant to be hacking, get very thoroughly put in his place by the Boss Man for being a high energy head melt. Does anyone know if ponies can have ADHD?
 
Looks like some of our restrictions in NI will be lifted this week. Outside activities with up to 6 people will now be allowed.

With my home situation as it is (living with a person who is shielding) I will not be rushing out but I am hopeful to get to the beach for a blast at some point soon! Might take an early morning trip next week or the following week and it should be quiet!
 
We are still in lockdown so still pottering at the yard. OH horse is back stronger than ever after a foot imbalance (took just under a year to sort). Breagha was in work but she seems to be tender on her back but cant get anyone out to give her a once over without vet permission.
 
Oi you lot, dont boast about it! The rest of us are still on lockdown! Easing next Friday apparently. Ive written off any competing this year at all, everythings been cancelled up here - all the agricultural shows (working hunter etc) are gone, all the BE things, and Blair Horse Trials which I spectate at every year has now cancelled. Nothing to get excited about now! Fed up.com!
 
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