Two tests done, Henry tried really hard for me. Both had a few mistakes, he wasn’t in front of my legs and not round enough but I was happy. It was really hot, we aren’t used to it and have been making some changes which I think was reflected in our work. I’m very pleased overall though!
I was indoors yesterday for our final outing of 2024. He coped remarkably with the noise and cold. We made some big mistakes but he warmed up well and was pretty rideable.
I need to spend all winter working on our halts apparently standing still is for losers!
Weather played ball today but park was obviously a zoo, so only Hermosa went out. Fin is a pain when the park is busy.
As I navigated around a family, a kid obliviously picked up a huge stick, almost hitting us with it, and chucked it into the loch. He could not have been closer to the horse. Hermosa just kind of looked at him and I said, “For f6)’s sake.” Kid may have learned a new word today. I shouldn’t be allowed around kids. Horse is fine.
Probably could have ridden in the school today as it was only 50mph gusts but I'm absolutely cream crackers for no reason so we just went for a wander and gave her a good scratch and a brush. No power at the yard and mine keeps going off and on every 20.mins which is quite annoying when you're in the shower.
Winds weren't too bad here (I'm in the fens it's always windy ). Poured it down though! However, my trainer from Portugal was over and I was determined to have my lesson! Slowly getting there and getting glimpses of her quality. My waterproofs were ace and I didn't get wet underneath at all (Ariat for the win)!
We managed a lunge yesterday (first time lunging one at all, first time for me for the other two) which resulted in two honing their jumping skills and one learning the basics of going round me in a circle!
Today everyone hacked - carefully, down lanes and paths with hedges but no trees. The one bit of open field on top of a hill was impressively gusty! Ponies were brilliant, calm and sane.
Last-minute outing yesterday to try to get those final regionals points.
First test went pear-shaped as soon as we turned off the first centre line. he threw in a massive spook at a mark on the boards and tanked off and then I struggled to keep him together enough to claw back the marks. 66.88% and 2nd overall, so 0 points as didn’t get the minimum % required (67).
Back in for the 2nd test. I was ready for him this time and managed to keep a lid on Jack, who was still in dragon-mode
Really pleased with how the test went as a whole, and was delighted that the judge agreed - a new PB of 72% and 1st overall
Aiming to have a go at elementary in a couple of weeks just to see what sort of score we get and then I’ll make a plan for next season