Spring forward weekend plans

[Cloball]

Rode back to the summer fields and confirmed to myself why I will probably continue to hack in company until I can move somewhere with off-road hacking and stop beating myself up about it we encountered a van with large bouncing rattling trailer try to pass us at speed not sure how we avoided it but somehow ended up leading her down the middle of the road until we could get to a driveway undoing all my good trailer practise, chased by loose sheep on the road who were in turn running away from a tractor and trailer. Plus friends 4yo full of the spring and doing bunny hops and leaps... Utter carnage. D was very good but if I'd come across the van and trailer by myself must stop catastrophising.

Lesson this weekend and the mothers day in the Lakes with my mum. Hopefully people have more interesting plans.

 

[humblepie]

Rode back to the summer fields and confirmed to myself why I will probably continue to hack in company until I can move somewhere with off-road hacking and stop beating myself up about it we encountered a van with large bouncing rattling trailer try to pass us at speed not sure how we avoided it but somehow ended up leading her down the middle of the road until we could get to a driveway undoing all my good trailer practise, chased by loose sheep on the road who were in turn running away from a tractor and trailer. Plus friends 4yo full of the spring and doing bunny hops and leaps... Utter carnage. D was very good but if I'd come across the van and trailer by myself must stop catastrophising.

Lesson this weekend and the mothers day in the Lakes with my mum. Hopefully people have more interesting plans.

Aargh that doesn't sound fun. Early hack with current ex racehorse we came back along a disused roadway (old military base) and they had put up sheep pens and corraled sheep up to load into wagons. The wagons were also parked on the roadway with about a two foot gap between the baa-ing and the lorries. At least were off road and they were stationary but definitely a different one. Fortunately had more experienced horse with us as well and he just marched through it all going - I am a white fluffly thing (grey horse), those small white fluffy things are like me. Enjoy the lesson and the lakes.

 

[Red-1]

Poor Big H has been a very busy horse indeed!

3 weekends ago he was beach riding, 2 weekends ago he was at camp, last weekend he was indoor XC...

Today he was show jumping, just in a lesson. I made huge errors but he cantered round a course up to 1m.

I'm still having trouble convincing people that, since my husband died, I have no wish for stress. I love lessons, but just want to go do a little, then finish.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7486457500833811734

I think people think the horse is wasted and we are not making 'progress' but I know we are. Besides, as we cantered to the grid, my inner child was squeeling, "wheeeeeee!!" and I was thinking how much fun it was!

No further plans at the moment. My boyfriend is busy tomorrow and H could do with the day off, so I may look at clothes shops. Rigs is feeling very fresh so he may feature in some riding too.

Oh, the physio came to see the dogs and horses. Rigs was pronounced strong as an ox, which is surprising as she remarked that his conformation isn't ideal but he just seems to be one of those old horses who goes on and on. I've bought him a western bridle as a result of reading a thread on here. It is simply a headpiece and one ear loop. I was sad seeing my boyfriend wrestling his ears and huge forelock through a normal bridle. This one has no straps to undo or do up, just drop it on and go, easy peasy!



Big H had some treatment and Loooooooved it! There was nothing drastic but he had some adjustment and massage.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7486517019827817750

He really is the sweetest horse. He's never so much as laid his ears back at me or scowled.

Old-man Hector loved his physio too.



He's around 17 years old and is discovering walking longer than going to the pub and back.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Lesson tomorrow on potential new loan horse. I've managed to freak myself out about the buying a horse thing already this week so the loan is probably a good idea! Not cheap but from what I gather it's essentially a full livery, full loan. I've been enjoying the window shopping on HQ though and researching some dealers. My new job I think has some kind of flexible working so I do need to find that out to see if I can do a late start and finish a day a week, otherwise looking ahead to winter I think I'd struggle to get any riding in Mon-Thur because of the distance to the yard.

Sunday I'm writing for dressage at Oxstalls. Weather is looking good for it

 

[Cloball]

Sounds ideal @SaddlePsych'D what rough sort of area are you in, I know a few dealers with a decent rep I enjoyed viewing with. I found it much easier than private viewings actually, less 'oh what do you mean you want me to ride first, he's never done that before surprises'.
@Red-1 both utter dudes, I love the bridle.
@humblepie she didn't used to have a problem with trailers but one gave us a fright passing too fast close from behind whilst we negotiated a steep hill also with sheep and a shouty dog. Some lovely local farmers have inadvertently been helping us by stopping and letting us pass and investigate the inside sheep and we've been almost unflinchable until today

 

[Red-1]

Lesson tomorrow on potential new loan horse. I've managed to freak myself out about the buying a horse thing already this week so the loan is probably a good idea! Not cheap but from what I gather it's essentially a full livery, full loan. I've been enjoying the window shopping on HQ though and researching some dealers. My new job I think has some kind of flexible working so I do need to find that out to see if I can do a late start and finish a day a week, otherwise looking ahead to winter I think I'd struggle to get any riding in Mon-Thur because of the distance to the yard.

Sunday I'm writing for dressage at Oxstalls. Weather is looking good for it

Full loan horse sounds fabulous!

I'm still sad you're not close enough to ride Rigs tho!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Sounds ideal @SaddlePsych'D what rough sort of area are you in, I know a few dealers with a decent rep I enjoyed viewing with. I found it much easier than private viewings actually, less 'oh what do you mean you want me to ride first, he's never done that before surprises'.
@Red-1 both utter dudes, I love the bridle.
@humblepie she didn't used to have a problem with trailers but one gave us a fright passing too fast close from behind whilst we negotiated a steep hill also with sheep and a shouty dog. Some lovely local farmers have inadvertently been helping us by stopping and letting us pass and investigate the inside sheep and we've been almost unflinchable until today

Wiltshire but I know I may need to travel so open to suggestions

Full loan horse sounds fabulous!

I'm still sad you're not close enough to ride Rigs tho!

Rigs just sounds like such a cool dude!

 

[millitiger]

I'm making little steps with the 2 x 4yros, both ready to start working on mounting which is exciting.

As the weather is SO amazing, I'm also going to extend their track system to the bottom of the field which is usually too wet in March but the ground at the moment is beautful.

Then on Sunday I have a long round trip to pick up new member of the family, Frank!
Half of me is excited, the other half is wondering what on earth we need a puppy for right now

 

[AppyLover1996]

I'll be donning the waterproofs and bathing to within an inch of my life as both my lads are absolutely filthy at the moment!

Rabbit my 2 year old is covered in poo stains so he deffo needs cleaning (never met a horse who lives with his poop as a pillow - despite having a 14 x 14 stable with full rubber matting, tons of bedding and toys hanging around - he just seems to love to sleep in the one spot, looking half dead and freaking out the poor new liveries with his superb acting skills ) , and my retired lad Baggs needs a bath anyway as it's been nearly 2 years since he had one.......

Dependant on how the above goes, I will either be having a bath myself along with them or I'll be needing flippers, as the entire yard could very well be under water by the time I'm done!

I'm also hoping to do some more bridle training with Rabbit - he's a funny character - if I try and bridle him with the noseband, he'll full on refuse to allow it anywhere near him, however if I take the noseband piece off and bridle him that way, he's more than happy to take the bit and let me bridle him. I do wonder why he is like that - but to be fair as long as he's happy with the bridle going on, if I have to take the noseband off, I'm not too fussed - means less tack to clean aha!

@millitiger - puppies are awesome! Frank looks adorable - what are your plans with him?

​

 

[smolmaus]

Planning a hack on Saturday! Our stable-neighbour has just started bringing her mare back into work so I will finally have an adult hacking buddy I was hacking with the Yard Teens but with my confidence in shambles atm I am very glad I won't have to be the Only Adult Present, no matter how good they are.

Our lesson last night had to be abandoned due to rapid onset pony meltdown (wind, rain, someone trying the horse + wheelbarrow efficiency combo failed big time and freaked everybody out) so it will be a weekend of taking the easy wins I think!

I'm also hoping to do some more bridle training with Rabbit

A horse named Rabbit is making me so happy

 

[Red-1]

Late night dog walk, featuring Hector (black dog) aged 17, Crackers (yellow dog) aged 14, boyfriend, Riggers (aged 10) and BH, a spritely rising 8!

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7486597673190001942

 

[AppyLover1996]

Planning a hack on Saturday! Our stable-neighbour has just started bringing her mare back into work so I will finally have an adult hacking buddy I was hacking with the Yard Teens but with my confidence in shambles atm I am very glad I won't have to be the Only Adult Present, no matter how good they are.

Our lesson last night had to be abandoned due to rapid onset pony meltdown (wind, rain, someone trying the horse + wheelbarrow efficiency combo failed big time and freaked everybody out) so it will be a weekend of taking the easy wins I think!

A horse named Rabbit is making me so happy

His temperament, name and generally chilled outlook on life is what made me fall in love with him and buy him x He was named Rabbit as he was born on National Bugs Bunny day which is the day that Buggs Bunny first appeared on tv in a cartoon (that's what his breeder told me ) - but the fact he is a total goofball and down for pretty much anything means he suits his name even more x

 

[MuddyMonster]

I've not got very exciting horsey plans this weekend.

Just a short hack on Saturday as having a non-horsey day out with OH. Then Sunday, I'm filming my entry for an arena Trec online competition - beginning to wish I'd filmed it earlier on in the month as weather looks lovely & would rather be hacking

Have a great weekend all

 

[dorsetladette]

We have a local fun show tomorrow. first one with me driving so wanted something low key and fun. Taking Robin as he travels well and just isn't really fazed by anything - I think he has the opinion that I'm just an inconvenience and he'd do a much better job on his own .

Reggie has lots of homework ready for his next session - I'm just going with what I'm told as freelancer is confident and calm which is giving me and him great confidence.

Had the vet for jabs yesterday. She'd had a rubbish morning and was feeling a little low, Ben stood with/near her calmly for her whole visit more or less. When it was his turn she wrapped her arms around him and had a little moment with him. It was quite an emotional thing for everyone as he is a nervous boy and very wary of new or unfamiliar people, but he knew she needed a hug. He's such a lovely lad.

Enjoy the weekend everyone.

 

[Alibear]

It's a quiet one for us; Amber is still in season and feeling it, so we'll do what we can in our lesson tomorrow, and I might do some more liberty work on Sunday. It's a useful thing to have to fall back on to keep us entertained without putting any stress or strain on.

 

[SEL]

Quiet one for me. Invited the family over on Sunday and can no longer turn a blind eye to the hovel that is our house.

Plus we had a minor incident in the lorry last Sunday. A car decided it didn't want to be stuck behind us so pulled out right in front - might have been ok if they'd slammed their foot down on the accelerator but instead I had to brake sharply. I didn't quite stall us but we were on a hill so I ended up having to put the handbrake on and do a proper hill start. Poor hooligan cob was skittling around in the back with me watching him on the camera swearing and apologising. He's not lame but he also isn't feeling 100% under saddle and looks a bit tight behind. He's had bodywork, got k-tape on and we attempted a walk hack this morning (he wasn't on board with the walk bit) so I need to keep it quiet and see how he goes. My saddler was due out this week but she's poorly so that's a useful postponement.

After the vet said the Appy needed to do some more work to help the blubber I threw the long reins on her Wed morning and it was like we'd done it yesterday instead of X years ago. E-riders have a walk only test you can do on the long reins so perhaps next month we'll give it a go - although straight down the centre line will be the biggest challenge. We wiggle.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I did an unplanned canter!!!! (On purpose, I just wasn't really expecting to do that today )

I rode loan horse for my lesson. Felt super weird at first as I've mostly been riding a 17hh+ ID for the last year so it was a change to 15hh. I haven't tried to canter since I rode this horse last year and it didn't go so well because I was too tense so I think we just got fast trot. Today instructor said have a go because this horse benefits from a canter warm up. So I just did it without really thinking. Left rein much easier than right (for me and horse, my right side just does too much and gets tense).

As of 1st April I will have a loan horse I can't share a pic as he's not mine obviously, but he's a very pretty palomino veteran. Reliable and safe, with enough about him to teach me a lesson or two! I am so excited and just hope I can manage the travel time. It's certainly worth a good try

 

[Michen]

I am packing up to move out of Arizona and head back to the snowy cold Colorado which has yet to realise its spring. Keeping an eye on the weather as looks like snow is incoming for when I am driving which is not ideal/a goer so need to figure that out.

I am going to bed the heck out of the trailer and travel him loose this time. Other than that I'll be packing, hiking, saying goodbye to this special place and enjoying the 30 degrees weather before I'm back in heated gloves and gilets. It's been amazing to quite literally skip winter and just spend these last 3 months in the sun and warmth.

 

[cmkeventing]

My weekend involved taking my kittens to the vet to see if they can be spayed and castrated Reorganise my boyfriends room as Im finally moving in soon as I have found a new job meaning Im escaping my current toxic work environment! And need to go van shopping for said boyfriend for work. I wanted an easy weekend...

 

[Britestar]

Lesson tomorrow morning, should be fun.
Hacking Sunday and then Monday, friend coming over to longrein/ ride her youngster on one of our quiet hacks.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

If I can shift This sinus and ear infection pain for a couple of hours then Faran and I have a pole clinic tomorrow then hopefully a nice hack on Sunday I the weathers half decent and I’m not floored from the clinic

Getting fit for our first ride out on the 31/05

 

[SEL]

@SaddlePsych'D now that's really exciting!!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

@SaddlePsych'D now that's really exciting!!

It's less than a week to go but that feels a long way away; I am ridiculously excited about it and will be resisting the urge to go to the nearby fancy country store to buy things that he definitely does not need. Except maybe a headcollar. And some spray for his mane and tail. Or a saddle pad...

Sorry to hear about the dodgy moment in the lorry. I hope your horse is okay.

If I can shift This sinus and ear infection pain for a couple of hours then Faran and I have a pole clinic tomorrow then hopefully a nice hack on Sunday I the weathers half decent and I’m not floored from the clinic

Getting fit for our first ride out on the 31/05

Hope you are feeling better soon RC. Infection be gone!!

 

[millitiger]

@millitiger - puppies are awesome! Frank looks adorable - what are your plans with him?

No particular plans.
Just another whippet to add to our existing pair, to live the life of luxury, pootling around the yard and fields at home and sleeping.
My girl is a bit disabled after a big accident last year, so limited to shorter walks of less than 5 miles or so.
Once Frank is older he will take her place as my long walk buddy, as I like to go hiking in the hills on weekends and my baby girl struggles with the hills now.

 

[southerncomfort]

I did an unplanned canter!!!! (On purpose, I just wasn't really expecting to do that today )

I rode loan horse for my lesson. Felt super weird at first as I've mostly been riding a 17hh+ ID for the last year so it was a change to 15hh. I haven't tried to canter since I rode this horse last year and it didn't go so well because I was too tense so I think we just got fast trot. Today instructor said have a go because this horse benefits from a canter warm up. So I just did it without really thinking. Left rein much easier than right (for me and horse, my right side just does too much and gets tense).

As of 1st April I will have a loan horse I can't share a pic as he's not mine obviously, but he's a very pretty palomino veteran. Reliable and safe, with enough about him to teach me a lesson or two! I am so excited and just hope I can manage the travel time. It's certainly worth a good try

Really happy for you!

 

[MuddyMonster]

That's a great update @SaddlePsych'D

 

[blood_magik]

We hosted a flatwork clinic for one of the local riding clubs yesterday afternoon so took the opportunity to have a quick run-through of our test with Scott ahead of today’s outing.

Really pleased with how Jack felt given that he was very stuck in his neck at the beginning of the session.



My boy also arrived back from being away for rehab/re-schooling so we’re back to having a full house again.



We have two horses at BD locally today - Raz looking to pick up his final sheet for summer areas and Jack is just going to keep us both in the swing of things as we’ve not been out since Areas at the end of February.

Hope everyone has a good weekend

 

[Britestar]

Lesson as great. Probably only did about 30 mins work, but all great quality and homework too

 

[Cloball]

Fab lesson today showed off our smart halt/trot/halt transitions and our sideways. Practised out walk canter transitions which we haven't really attempted since last year. D got very excited about this, she likes new things out first attempt resulted in a fell pony style medium trot, second attempt almost there, third go right on the money, fourth we added some extra shapes in anticipation
I think she gets bored of trotting circles quite quickly and likes to learn new things but I'm a perfectionist. I do feel like I'm getting the hang of managing her brain so she doesn't boil over. Instructor was very pleased with us and says she's coming up in front much better and canter is looking more balanced and uphill (she used to do a good scrappy motorbike impression) all nice things to hear. I'm sure I've said this before but she has moments when she doesn't feel like a tiny hairy pony when she's positively light and with me and the energy feels amazing

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Wow my FB memory for today from a year ago was of me riding my now loan horse and that must have been the last time I tried to canter!

I'd posted a caption at the time about how LC was kicking my butt after the lesson so that's a reminder of just how far and how slowly things have had to move. I used to go to a lesson knowing it would make me feel unwell, but for once a fortnight it was worth it. I still get fatigue now but most times I can ride and feel okay after, and I can usually do more than walking only.