madhector
Well-Known Member
Wanted to school J this afternoon, but knew he wouldn't concentrate as it was p***ing it down and didn't have the energy for a battle. So decided to hack instead.
We have one bridleway near us that is on a lovely loop, with some great tracks for a canter. The only problem is half way along is a huge bank down to a stream and then up again. I have only met one horse that would happily attempt this and that was Hector. I have never even shown it to j as he is worried about water anyway and didn't want to scare him. I have been on the the bridleways association people about putting a decent bridge over it as for some reason there is only a stupid footpath bridge there, but so far nothing has been done, although they have promised they would do it.
Decided to go and have a look today and see if they had done anything yet, if they hadn't then was going to turn and come home again. J was in a stupid mood, spooking at everything and generally being an idiot, had a few tantrums and by the time we got to the water I was feeling very determined! Got there to find no work had been done, and the stream very high and fast. Really didn't want to turn him round in the mood he was in, so thought what the hell, might as well have a go!
He did one huge leap and spin round (my poor finger that was almost better is now broken again) but then one smack and he walked calmly down the bank and though the stream, back up the other bank. We went back through a few times till he was jumping in and out happily
Then had a lovely canter up the hill and walked very smugly home
Really don't want them to put a bridge in now as quite a handy water complex to have to practise over
He now has no excuse for his first event, and he has proved himself capable at starting at PN rather than Intro
Sorry very self indulgent post but never thought I would attempt this with J!
(and it was definitely worth the poorly finger
)
We have one bridleway near us that is on a lovely loop, with some great tracks for a canter. The only problem is half way along is a huge bank down to a stream and then up again. I have only met one horse that would happily attempt this and that was Hector. I have never even shown it to j as he is worried about water anyway and didn't want to scare him. I have been on the the bridleways association people about putting a decent bridge over it as for some reason there is only a stupid footpath bridge there, but so far nothing has been done, although they have promised they would do it.
Decided to go and have a look today and see if they had done anything yet, if they hadn't then was going to turn and come home again. J was in a stupid mood, spooking at everything and generally being an idiot, had a few tantrums and by the time we got to the water I was feeling very determined! Got there to find no work had been done, and the stream very high and fast. Really didn't want to turn him round in the mood he was in, so thought what the hell, might as well have a go!
He did one huge leap and spin round (my poor finger that was almost better is now broken again) but then one smack and he walked calmly down the bank and though the stream, back up the other bank. We went back through a few times till he was jumping in and out happily
Then had a lovely canter up the hill and walked very smugly home
Really don't want them to put a bridge in now as quite a handy water complex to have to practise over
He now has no excuse for his first event, and he has proved himself capable at starting at PN rather than Intro
Sorry very self indulgent post but never thought I would attempt this with J!
(and it was definitely worth the poorly finger
