FlyingCircus
Well-Known Member
People are suggesting to up the workload quite considerably in order to quieten him down. Especially at 4 years of age, this should not be the case.
we have a new plan and tactics for Royal Cornwall.
- Thread starter Queenbee
- Start date
People are suggesting to up the workload quite considerably in order to quieten him down. Especially at 4 years of age, this should not be the case.
AmyMay
Situation normal
There is a huge difference to increasing the workload to riding it in to the ground.
I suggested riding the sox of him - and quite frankly and hour or two of walking and some trot work is totally age appropriate for him.
millitiger
Well-Known Member
QR- I wouldn't be sat on a spiring/summer 4yro for 2 hour,s regardless of whether it was hacking, schooling or stood still in a yard but feel free to call me soft! 
I remember the last photos you put up of your boy and imo he does not look mature enough for 2 hours of hacking a day.
Hope you have a good day out at the show OP and remember we do it all for fun and not rosettes so just try and make sure you both enjoy the experience
I remember the last photos you put up of your boy and imo he does not look mature enough for 2 hours of hacking a day.
Hope you have a good day out at the show OP and remember we do it all for fun and not rosettes so just try and make sure you both enjoy the experience
FlyingCircus
Well-Known Member
I suppose when you use ambiguous statements such as "riding the sox off him" it's not surprising some people may get the wrong end of the stick.
I personally still think that suddenly upping his exercise for the purpose of one show is not the right thing to do, but each to their own.
Moomin1
Well-Known Member
Sorry AM but I completely agree with flying circus on this one. I don't think it's appropriate at all to work the socks off any 4 yr old, particularly one which hasn't done much up to now, and also still looks quite immature.
TuscanBunnyGirl
Well-Known Member
Where did QB ask for anyones opinion on her horse?!?! He's a lovely lad! He has cracking conformation and well marked but if he was a plain bay...would be just as lovely. When someone asks for your opinion on their horse fine...but why give it if it hasn't been asked for?! Do not get that about some people...
I agree with this, some horses strive on harder work, others don't. I know plenty of young horses in age classes doing absolutely great.
AmyMay
Situation normal
If you want to expend some of the energy, give it some work. And doing it for a couple of weeks won't do any harm.
It's simply a means to an end. But as it's now two days before the show - really a moot point.
I hope the OP hasn't been thoroughly put off going by most of the comments on here.
It's simply a means to an end. But as it's now two days before the show - really a moot point.
I hope the OP hasn't been thoroughly put off going by most of the comments on here.
AMW
Well-Known Member
see that's not so clever an idea for in hand horse, give it lots of work = fitness = let off steam = yeeha!.
I know what youre saying as in tire them out, but you want a bit of spark, nothing worse than a tired (or badly behaved ) horse in hand. And that's when the old mantra of practice practice practice comes in.
I know what youre saying as in tire them out, but you want a bit of spark, nothing worse than a tired (or badly behaved ) horse in hand. And that's when the old mantra of practice practice practice comes in.
ester
Not slacking multitasking
well as the OP only has tomorrow (and weds at the show pre class on thursday) I'm not sure that riding him more is going to make any difference before then. As I said earlier I would be surprised if anything made sufficient difference in that amount of time.
Holding
Well-Known Member
Have you tried a non-magnesium based calmer, OP? I know if they don't have a magnesium deficiency to begin with a mag based calmer can actually make them worse. Global Herbs do something called Thoroughbred Calmer which isn't magnesium based, but I have no idea how good it is.
Otherwise, just hold on tight and enjoy! Don't be put off by the comments here - he's your horse, you know him the best and I'm sure you'll have a fab time even if it doesn't go exactly according to plan.
Otherwise, just hold on tight and enjoy! Don't be put off by the comments here - he's your horse, you know him the best and I'm sure you'll have a fab time even if it doesn't go exactly according to plan.
justabob
Well-Known Member
What a lot of fuss about an in hand show! Work him, stable him, keep turned out jeez, not to mention the zillions of threads about whether the horse should go at all. Clearly it appears that the person showing him is bricking it and should not attempt such a big show. Having said that I don't really think the horse will know that it is the RC but the vibes oozing out of the handler will make him think that it is one hell of a big deal.
Yearlings, two year olds are shown in hunter youngstock classes and seem to manage fine with the right person on the end of the lead. They should be alert and have presence that is what catches the judges eye, along with good conformation.
As for the argument that he can not do 2 hours work a day being just a 4 year old is utter nonsense for a horse of that type. Crickey if he had come from Ireland he would have done a seasons hunting. Perhaps if he had we would not be having this discussion, it seems to me that it is about time he had some work.
Yearlings, two year olds are shown in hunter youngstock classes and seem to manage fine with the right person on the end of the lead. They should be alert and have presence that is what catches the judges eye, along with good conformation.
As for the argument that he can not do 2 hours work a day being just a 4 year old is utter nonsense for a horse of that type. Crickey if he had come from Ireland he would have done a seasons hunting. Perhaps if he had we would not be having this discussion, it seems to me that it is about time he had some work.
fatpiggy
Well-Known Member
Why not wait 6 weeks and take him to Stithians? Standard will be just as high as the RC and you will have had a bit of extra time to work on things.
horsesatemymoney
Well-Known Member
This is the point though- OP's horse, and she knows him much better than any of us, BUT she's also taking him to a big event and has a duty to do what she can to make sure he's controlled and his antics aren't going to cause an accident to person or horse. From the first local show, OP said that her horse escaped, tried to kick the box, lightly kicked her, had to be taken out of the ring and felt full of explosive energy that she just about kept a lid on.
What if OP takes Ben to the RC, it blows his brain and he bolts, OP can't 'hold tight' and he inures himself, OP or somebody else- worse case scenario and I really hope it doesn't happen, obviously, but that's the extreme of something not going 'exactly according to plan.' Of course, any horse can explode but you'd hope the balance of it not happening was in your favour, and a horse taking in well local shows or days out would be some indication that you at least had the balance of probability on your side. I think (and this is a general point, not just to OP) before you go to anything, or even take the horse off the yard, you need to make sure you have prepared it as best you can and can control it as best you can, for your own safety and everyone elses.
Holding
Well-Known Member
I hadn't actually read about the previous show so I didn't know this, but I think I stand by my comments. The first few times with a young horse are always going to be a bit hairy, and a big county show is likely to be more professionally run and have more safety measures in place if something does go very wrong. Besides which - she is taking one four year old, in-hand, to a show. I think all the naysaying and hand-wringing may be a little bit over the top.
On another note - OP, are you going alone, or do you have help? Another pair of hands might make it easier, and give you more confidence which will in turn give him more confidence.
charlie76
Well-Known Member
You see tuscanbunnygirl, you didn't read my thread, I said he was a nice horse, but, he is not a show horse. I am allowed my opinion, it is an open forum. Yes he has nice confirmation but he is not of show horse standard. Nor is he muscled to show standard, therefore op, stop worrying, stop trying to change what you have, stop trying to make him what he isn't and just enjoy your day with your horse
YasandCrystal
Well-Known Member
This has to be the most ironic comment yet.....
horsesatemymoney
Well-Known Member
Holding- of course, that's your prerogative. I've read it, and I stand by mine- naysaying and hand-wringing they may be, and I hope OP proves me wrong. You'll notice on another of OP's thread where a poster was rude about Ben I defended OP's decision to show him at county, as it may be a learning exercise even if he didn't win. All I'm saying is, if he was my horse, based .om what OP said, I wouldn't take him as I wouldn't think he was ready.
Queenbee
Well-Known Member
Hi all... Not ignoring the comments but only just finished work... Just having a sandwich then off to pound Ben into the ground
Will catch up properly when I get back
Will catch up properly when I get back
Holding
Well-Known Member
Fair enough. I have a very green 4 year old, and I can't say I would take him either, but then he is 17.2 and liable to grow to 18.2 at the slightest hint of excitement. I just feel for the OP, who is obviously very excited, and I think some of the comments (not yours in particular) have been rather unfair. I dread to think what would have been said if I had asked for advice, say, the day before I took three mares with foals at foot to a big grading/branding show. Oh, and if there's one thing that day taught me, OP, it's - if in doubt, keep walking. We had foals leaping everywhere and little TB ex-racer foster mares thinking they were back on the track, so we just walked round and round until they were too bored to argue. When I get my big 4 year old old and about for the first time, we will be using the same tactic.
Queenbee
Well-Known Member
Actually I will say this now as I really am stacked out so doubt I will be on here much. Until I get back...
Many are saying he doesn't sound ready... You only get 'ready' with experience, and for reasons already discussed I actually believe there is a good chance that this show could provide a better type of experience for him than unloading into a see of chaos and horses and riders at a local show.
For those commenting on whether or not he is 'show level' I couldn't care less, he and I have as much right to be there as any other, and there is no qualification for a county show.
I repeat... This is about gaining experience nothing more.
He will not be pounded into the ground, neither will he be entered into the ring or asked to do anything that I believe puts too much pressure on him.
Someone said its unfair to stable a horse who mainly lives out (eh?) he is in during the day anyway, and he is fine with being stabled for this period... Has been before, a couple of weeks ago he was stabled for 36hrs due to weather and walked out like a donkey at the end of it all.
Someone said take him off the grain... That someone clearly can't read... He is not on grain.
If a horse is not ready... You have to give it experience to get it ready.
Ben has been backed for 11 months with three months off, he has done enough work to be able to cope with a little extra hacking at the moment... On return from hacks he feels fresh as a daisy, and he is a horse that does need to feel like he has done something (see posts from last year)
Someone commented he looks immature, under muscled etc... He is four I'm not sure what you want to see from a four year old.
Someone else asked will I be going alone... God no, wouldn't dream of it, YO is coming along, as is a friend as an extra pair of hands.
He is out in the field 24/7 will be worked tonight, tomorrow, possibly for one hack before we go into lorry... An evening ride in. On Thursday we will ride before 8am when everyone arrives, then lunge or ride later before the class. We will go in if i think he is calm enough, if he isn't, we won't.
That is how it will be.
Thanks for all the positive comments, and yes the negatives too, many of which have helped me inform how I will do things, others have yes been read and discounted but still they are all welcome, everyone has and is entitled to their point of veil.
By the way, if my post seems short tempered its not... I'm just rushing... Since I've got to have Wednesday off, that means a lot of preparation today and tomorrow for work so have had to work late.
Many are saying he doesn't sound ready... You only get 'ready' with experience, and for reasons already discussed I actually believe there is a good chance that this show could provide a better type of experience for him than unloading into a see of chaos and horses and riders at a local show.
For those commenting on whether or not he is 'show level' I couldn't care less, he and I have as much right to be there as any other, and there is no qualification for a county show.
I repeat... This is about gaining experience nothing more.
He will not be pounded into the ground, neither will he be entered into the ring or asked to do anything that I believe puts too much pressure on him.
Someone said its unfair to stable a horse who mainly lives out (eh?) he is in during the day anyway, and he is fine with being stabled for this period... Has been before, a couple of weeks ago he was stabled for 36hrs due to weather and walked out like a donkey at the end of it all.
Someone said take him off the grain... That someone clearly can't read... He is not on grain.
If a horse is not ready... You have to give it experience to get it ready.
Ben has been backed for 11 months with three months off, he has done enough work to be able to cope with a little extra hacking at the moment... On return from hacks he feels fresh as a daisy, and he is a horse that does need to feel like he has done something (see posts from last year)
Someone commented he looks immature, under muscled etc... He is four I'm not sure what you want to see from a four year old.
Someone else asked will I be going alone... God no, wouldn't dream of it, YO is coming along, as is a friend as an extra pair of hands.
He is out in the field 24/7 will be worked tonight, tomorrow, possibly for one hack before we go into lorry... An evening ride in. On Thursday we will ride before 8am when everyone arrives, then lunge or ride later before the class. We will go in if i think he is calm enough, if he isn't, we won't.
That is how it will be.
Thanks for all the positive comments, and yes the negatives too, many of which have helped me inform how I will do things, others have yes been read and discounted but still they are all welcome, everyone has and is entitled to their point of veil.
By the way, if my post seems short tempered its not... I'm just rushing... Since I've got to have Wednesday off, that means a lot of preparation today and tomorrow for work so have had to work late.
charlie76
Well-Known Member
O. k. Fair enough. All I will say is if you don't want comments then its prob best not to put whole stories on here and if you don't care if he is not show quality no need for the panic. Who cares how he looks, goes or behaves. It's just experience
zizz
Well-Known Member
Have just gone and read your other post about the show and TBH I don't see what all the fuss is about, it doesn't sound to me like he was out of control, just a bit excitable which is completely understandale considering you didn't give yourself anywhere near enough time to settle him before your class (I would however be concerned about the kicking - I hope you told him off as that is never acceptable!).
My now 6yo did a fair amount of showing as a youngster - his first show was a county as a yearling I can assure you it hasn't ruined him in the slightest, so don't worry about taking him to local shows to get him over the atmosphere, I personally think the bigger shows are better run and safer as the youngsters are kept away from the kids!
At four he is more than capable of going out in the trailer three or four times a month (not just to shows, but do some clinics, go to a freinds for a hack, take him to the beach etc) and you will reap the rewards from getting him out and about at this stage.
I would advice riding before the class rather than lunging - you will have more control that way, but not if you are feeling nervous.
But, most importantly have fun and try and enjoy it - plaster a smile on your face and it will help you relax, and as someone else said just keep him moving forwards.
My now 6yo did a fair amount of showing as a youngster - his first show was a county as a yearling I can assure you it hasn't ruined him in the slightest, so don't worry about taking him to local shows to get him over the atmosphere, I personally think the bigger shows are better run and safer as the youngsters are kept away from the kids!
At four he is more than capable of going out in the trailer three or four times a month (not just to shows, but do some clinics, go to a freinds for a hack, take him to the beach etc) and you will reap the rewards from getting him out and about at this stage.
I would advice riding before the class rather than lunging - you will have more control that way, but not if you are feeling nervous.
But, most importantly have fun and try and enjoy it - plaster a smile on your face and it will help you relax, and as someone else said just keep him moving forwards.
Juni141
Well-Known Member
Poor QB has just said the exact opposite to that?! She said thank you for all the comments, both positive and negative.
I have read this thread with great amusement during the day, I am relatively new to this forum malarky and excuse the pun but it seems like everyone is all too happy to get on their high horses!!
Good luck QB I am sure you will do what is best by your horse... and if nothing else it looks like it will be good weather!
Hedgewitch13
Well-Known Member
For info I went past the show ground this morning and everything is already up, stables included. All the big tents are up too so there shouldn't be much going on on Weds. They seem to be very well prepared!
china
Well-Known Member
I havnt read all the replies so not sure what's been said! Good luck and enjoy it. My 6 year old has done two county shows already this season, first season affiliated and has qualified for royal international, baptism of fire for both of us!! Has been competing BD for the last year but its not the same atmosphere! You have no idea how they will react till they get there.
When walking him round just let him snort and huff and puff at things, lead him with a lunge line and if he decides to jump around like a loon let him as long as it away from people personal space. Hel soon get it out his system and realise you don't give a monkeys so it can't be that bad! If he is bad in the ring chances are you will be asked to leave anyway. Enjoy yourself and look forward to your report!
When walking him round just let him snort and huff and puff at things, lead him with a lunge line and if he decides to jump around like a loon let him as long as it away from people personal space. Hel soon get it out his system and realise you don't give a monkeys so it can't be that bad! If he is bad in the ring chances are you will be asked to leave anyway. Enjoy yourself and look forward to your report!
joeanne
Well-Known Member
IMO if you really must take him, get someone with experience to do the job for you.
Should something go wrong (like the sheep tent taking off last year), it could really do some confidence damage to both you and him.
Should something go wrong (like the sheep tent taking off last year), it could really do some confidence damage to both you and him.
SusieT
Well-Known Member
What is he getting fed and what is his routine? I'd be thinking more turnout (albeit on poor grazing) is going to solve your problems much quicker than changing his routine and stabling him (i.e giving him more rest and more energy..).
SusieT
Well-Known Member
Oh and not in a million miles would I consider working the socks of him. All you need is a couple of weeks hard hacking (is your hacking roads or grass?) to throw a couple of splints or give him sore muscles and you end up with a backward youngster or giving him the summer off. I would up him to an hours hacking but be aware of concussion.
Sparkles
Well-Known Member
No point riding him more than you are as he'll just get fitter and seeing as only have 2 days, not worth it. Keep everything the same and just treat it as a day out. I've not used So Kalm I'm afraid! [Sorry, meant to reply earlier but had nightmare day of welsh git ponies escaping!]
For those saying not taking him to a county, he will behave the same regardless. I'd much rather this be at a well organised and professionally set up County level show. There will be some good opportunies for help or tips from various people their and watch and learn yourself how the 'pros' go about it. Take your time and just treat it not as a show, but just a different change of scenery. It could be a friends yard for all I'd care and go about it Go with no expectations and just have a fun day with him and your friends and use it as a learning experience. It's an in-hand class and nothing more, so chill, breathe and just think of it as nothing more than leading him as normal in and out of his stable and general routine. Ignore bad behaviour, talk to him and reward.
Back at previous work, we always took them to County or similar shows for their first ones - again much more organised and well put together both on the ground management and warm up/rider related. Novice cobs first show was Windsor if I remember rightly [he fell asleep and needed boost shots lol...so opposite problem lol!]. And Splodgeys first show was national hunter at Addington - granted we never took him in his class in the end as he just wasn't ready compared to the other 4 year old novices - we'd literally subbed him the week previously as we lost our big HW hunter who was originally entered and was only offered a substitute, and baby Splodgey was the only candidate we had! So off he went, he'd been ridden about 5 weeks at that point after 8 months off from being originally backed.
Incidently, he behaved like a gem and couldn't have asked anything more of him - other than not wanting to load to go home!!!
Good luck, have fun - which is what it is about. If you get there and decide he is too on his toes, give the class a miss and just bring him with you everywhere all day, take him for a graze, putting him back in his stable to get used to going back and chilling to eat a haynet etc.
For those saying not taking him to a county, he will behave the same regardless. I'd much rather this be at a well organised and professionally set up County level show. There will be some good opportunies for help or tips from various people their and watch and learn yourself how the 'pros' go about it. Take your time and just treat it not as a show, but just a different change of scenery. It could be a friends yard for all I'd care and go about it
Go with no expectations and just have a fun day with him and your friends and use it as a learning experience. It's an in-hand class and nothing more, so chill, breathe and just think of it as nothing more than leading him as normal in and out of his stable and general routine. Ignore bad behaviour, talk to him and reward. Back at previous work, we always took them to County or similar shows for their first ones - again much more organised and well put together both on the ground management and warm up/rider related. Novice cobs first show was Windsor if I remember rightly [he fell asleep and needed boost shots lol...so opposite problem lol!]. And Splodgeys first show was national hunter at Addington - granted we never took him in his class in the end as he just wasn't ready compared to the other 4 year old novices - we'd literally subbed him the week previously as we lost our big HW hunter who was originally entered and was only offered a substitute, and baby Splodgey was the only candidate we had! So off he went, he'd been ridden about 5 weeks at that point after 8 months off from being originally backed.
Incidently, he behaved like a gem and couldn't have asked anything more of him - other than not wanting to load to go home!!!
Good luck, have fun - which is what it is about. If you get there and decide he is too on his toes, give the class a miss and just bring him with you everywhere all day, take him for a graze, putting him back in his stable to get used to going back and chilling to eat a haynet etc.
Queenbee
Well-Known Member
Have already said what his normal routine is, and that at one silly moment I did consider changing this to being in to cut out the grass for a couple of days, but then changed this to chucking him out 24/7.
Today it was like a switch was flipped and Ben was back for the first time in about a month, as a result, after the show he will be going back to being in at night and out at day as he was in the winter so that he has all day out before I ride him. Today he walked out, was chilled and focused. Worked well and in the end only needed one circuit because the work he was doing and the focus he put into it was more than enough. In addition to this we went to a new yard... Lots of horses and a couple of horse boxes opened up and being aired. He behaved really well and had his hooves trimmed for the first time in ages. Then we hacked back to our route and carried on around the circuit home. I was thrilled, I'm not saying I don't expect some issues at the show ground but it is very positive to see him like this again.
No point riding him more than you are as he'll just get fitter and seeing as only have 2 days, not worth it. Keep everything the same and just treat it as a day out. I've not used So Kalm I'm afraid! [Sorry, meant to reply earlier but had nightmare day of welsh git ponies escaping!]
For those saying not taking him to a county, he will behave the same regardless. I'd much rather this be at a well organised and professionally set up County level show. There will be some good opportunies for help or tips from various people their and watch and learn yourself how the 'pros' go about it. Take your time and just treat it not as a show, but just a different change of scenery. It could be a friends yard for all I'd care and go about it
Back at previous work, we always took them to County or similar shows for their first ones - again much more organised and well put together both on the ground management and warm up/rider related. Novice cobs first show was Windsor if I remember rightly [he fell asleep and needed boost shots lol...so opposite problem lol!]. And Splodgeys first show was national hunter at Addington - granted we never took him in his class in the end as he just wasn't ready compared to the other 4 year old novices - we'd literally subbed him the week previously as we lost our big HW hunter who was originally entered and was only offered a substitute, and baby Splodgey was the only candidate we had! So off he went, he'd been ridden about 5 weeks at that point after 8 months off from being originally backed.
Incidently, he behaved like a gem and couldn't have asked anything more of him - other than not wanting to load to go home!!!
Good luck, have fun - which is what it is about. If you get there and decide he is too on his toes, give the class a miss and just bring him with you everywhere all day, take him for a graze, putting him back in his stable to get used to going back and chilling to eat a haynet etc.
Thank you... All of the above is exactly how I intend to play it. I'm currently packing and getting everything ready to load tomorrow evening... I've written a list and everything
its huge!!! But I'm getting through it slowly and surely