pennyturner
Well-Known Member
Not a rosette, or a dressage test. Something much more meaningful.
Four years ago we bought a yearling from Beaulieu, who was the most messed up little thing I've ever encountered. In the beginning he reared and went over in an attempt to get away from us, and took weeks to get close enough to touch.
My daughter, aged 11, took him on as a project. For a year he was turned out on the lawn during the day, so he could get used to being near to us, and she could bring him in each night and win his trust. She broke him (with a little help), and has brought him on since.
For a long time after he rode quietly he still panicked when he was about to be mounted, and she has dealt with this and other quirks quietly and carefully.
I decided to try him today (to general protests from the kids as he's only 12.3!). All I can say is wow. He's a little strong, but relaxed, responsive, and so polite. He stood like a rock to be mounted - despite me being a couple of stone too heavy for him really - and accepted being held back to nanny my youngest when everyone else cantered off.
I'd happily put anyone on him. Such a lovely result, for both of them.
Four years ago we bought a yearling from Beaulieu, who was the most messed up little thing I've ever encountered. In the beginning he reared and went over in an attempt to get away from us, and took weeks to get close enough to touch.
My daughter, aged 11, took him on as a project. For a year he was turned out on the lawn during the day, so he could get used to being near to us, and she could bring him in each night and win his trust. She broke him (with a little help), and has brought him on since.
For a long time after he rode quietly he still panicked when he was about to be mounted, and she has dealt with this and other quirks quietly and carefully.
I decided to try him today (to general protests from the kids as he's only 12.3!). All I can say is wow. He's a little strong, but relaxed, responsive, and so polite. He stood like a rock to be mounted - despite me being a couple of stone too heavy for him really - and accepted being held back to nanny my youngest when everyone else cantered off.
I'd happily put anyone on him. Such a lovely result, for both of them.
