Weekend Plans - 3rd weekend in July

[GinaGeo]

Hacking tomorrow.

And then we’re doing a Guest Rider slot at the Legerete Instructor Training on Sunday.

We’ll be travelling early, have a day stable booked and then traveling back in the evening. So hoping to avoid the worst of the heat.

 

[shortstuff99]

Was supposed to be official stewarding a BRC area qualifier on Sun but rescheduled due to the heat. Which was good as I have really bad conjunctivitis at the moment and can't see properly anyway.

 

[Caol Ila]

My pony went over some rocks. We lead a wild and crazy life.

 

[Michen]

Well Exmoor is BEAUTIFUL and was worth getting up at 6am to beat the heat!

The cottage we are in is insanely gorgeous as well.

[video]https://youtube.com/shorts/QdYVSr_6u2M?feature=share[\video]

 

[Reacher]

Well they are funny looking rocks.

My pony went over some rocks. We lead a wild and crazy life.

View attachment 95932

Sorry about your dog @Sheep


Got up earlyish to have dressage lesson and practice (by which I mean learn from scratch) next week’s test. Mr H was very good , his flatwork has really come on from the horse that preferred to go like a giraffe and would give rude bucks when he felt appropriate.

Him and retired mare are now snoring in the shade.

I should be either tidying up or doing gardening or something useful. But I CBA.

Have a good weekend all and mind the heat

 

[Peglo]

Dressage went well today. We’d gone for a hack last night and had a very fast gallop up a newly cut field so I think she was pretty tired. She was pretty sluggish trying to warm her up so I gave up (my legs were sore too ?) and just wandered around until we went in. She perked up once on the school and got a fright from the bell which is weird as she hasn’t before but she settled and gave me a lovely steady trot for the test so I could concentrate on where I wanted to place her. We got 4th/4 but the rest of the folk did well so not disappointed. Last time she was too fast and rushing so it was nice having a more consistent trot this time.

she is funny as I’m never 100% sure which version of her I’m going to get, steady neddy or speedy spooky but she is always fun to ride and never actually does anything silly.

@Michen beautiful views! Have a fab holiday.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Absolutely delighted with Lottie today at the Combined training at Kelsall. We entered the N24 and 80cm and the BE96 and 90cm. Bit odd that the 80cm class had the harder dressage test but I guess they were catering to both dressage riders and eventers.

N24 was a big ask for us as there’s a lot going on! Plus a 1/2 figure 8 with a lead change through trot, a lot of canter work, a stretchy circle in trot. Lottie was calm, obedient and listening for 62. Not a great score and I have no idea how I got pretty much all 6s with a couple of 7’s as some bits felt great and some felt ropey. I clearly have no idea what they are looking for! But I’m really happy with her attitude.

Then a confident round SJ with a careless 4.

Lottie was rushing more in the BE96. I think she thought ‘hang on, we’ve done drsssage and SJ. Surely it’s XC next!!!’ But similar dressage score then a lovely clear in the 90 which was by far the biggest track we’ve done. In fact I never jumped above 90 in competition with Amber so I can’t believe we are here already and super excited about the future.

Despite the weather she didn’t even break a sweat today - literally! She’s clearly very fit and she’s feeling great. Can’t wait to see the pics. In the meantime here’s a quick snap from my sister who came with me.

 

[Roxylola]

We had a super run at Somerford.
Dressage was OK for 70.6 (29.4) some downhill moments, but that's always anissue for him, he was rhythmic and rideable despite announcing his presence numerous times in the warm up. We also met Patterdale and her lovely dude in all our warm ups which was great.
Showjumping warmed up well, I chose the right moments to organise and sit him back for a clear with 5 time penalties. I need to be a bit brave cutting corners now for that.
Rode down to the xc and at some point on the way his mind went, sideways down the hill towards the working in, bouncing, shouting... couldn't stop for the tack check so we did that as we walked. There's nothing quite like having to announce I'm terribly sorry my rhino is malfunctioning and I think it might stand up if I stop ?
I still feel utterly safe tbf just it's a bit like riding a rhino. His yard buddy went just before him so by the time we were at the start box I was having to very diplomatically suggest we keep our feet moving to avoid waving to the crowds. He nearly got himself E'd by trying to canter in to the start box but luckily I squashed that just in time.
Shouted his way round the first part of the course, bizarrely settled better once his buddy went past on their way to the end.
Either way he had a whale of a time for a clear round. We'll over time but it was a hot day and we were riding for pleasure, so it was a lovely end to the day to finish on 6th and bring home a frilly

 

[Michen]

Awesome AE and RL!

 

[iknowmyvalue]

Congrats RL and AE!

Had a quiet week after pony camp last weekend, then work being mental the last few days. Today back to it with some flatwork.

Had a little play with starting to teach canter-walk-canter transitions. Got a bit tense (standard for him when you start something new) but actually did a very good job. We don’t need these for the level of dressage we do at the moment, but gives him something to think about, plus good for his strength.

He’s no dressage horse, and I’m no dressage rider, but I think for a first attempt it could have been worse!

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Awesome AE and RL!

Thanks I am honestly so happy with her! It was tougher than your average 90 SJ in an event but not as tough as a normal British Novice. But a big ask for us, for sure. And there were only 4 clears so super happy to be one of them. I really enjoyed it and will definitely do more combined training.

RL - Katie was videoing at Somerford all day. She's still there having been dropped off this morning at 8:30. Long old day.

 

[Michen]

Thanks I am honestly so happy with her! It was tougher than your average 90 SJ in an event but not as tough as a normal British Novice. But a big ask for us, for sure. And there were only 4 clears so super happy to be one of them. I really enjoyed it and will definitely do more combined training.

RL - Katie was videoing at Somerford all day. She's still there having been dropped off this morning at 8:30. Long old day.

So you should be! What a great feeling.

 

[Michen]

We had a super run at Somerford.
Dressage was OK for 70.6 (29.4) some downhill moments, but that's always anissue for him, he was rhythmic and rideable despite announcing his presence numerous times in the warm up. We also met Patterdale and her lovely dude in all our warm ups which was great.
Showjumping warmed up well, I chose the right moments to organise and sit him back for a clear with 5 time penalties. I need to be a bit brave cutting corners now for that.
Rode down to the xc and at some point on the way his mind went, sideways down the hill towards the working in, bouncing, shouting... couldn't stop for the tack check so we did that as we walked. There's nothing quite like having to announce I'm terribly sorry my rhino is malfunctioning and I think it might stand up if I stop ?
I still feel utterly safe tbf just it's a bit like riding a rhino. His yard buddy went just before him so by the time we were at the start box I was having to very diplomatically suggest we keep our feet moving to avoid waving to the crowds. He nearly got himself E'd by trying to canter in to the start box but luckily I squashed that just in time.
Shouted his way round the first part of the course, bizarrely settled better once his buddy went past on their way to the end.
Either way he had a whale of a time for a clear round. We'll over time but it was a hot day and we were riding for pleasure, so it was a lovely end to the day to finish on 6th and bring home a frilly

Sun 30 dressage is far better than OK- well done

 

[Roxylola]

Sun 30 dressage is far better than OK- well done

Oh thank you, I know there's more in him though, but eventing tests are a bit straightforward for him, novice and ele suit him better as he _has_ to sit up more

 

[oldie48]

Michen, you are in my favourite place, we used to own a small cottage there and it's how I started riding again, the hacking is just wonderful and there was a place at Raleigh's Cross with safe forward going horses (sadly no longer there!) that gave me confidence. I am envious!!
Hacked out on Friday and Mr D reminded me that he's still capable of being a bit silly over nothing despite his age! Nothing else planned until Monday morning but that depends on the weather, I'm afraid really warm weather knocks the stuffing out of me (being old and vulnerable!) so I might cancel.
Keep cool everyone!

 

[Michen]

I just can’t believe this place! I have hauled Bog all over the UK over the years for riding holidays and this by far tops them all.

I love eventing but this.. with my faithful pony.. nothing beats!!

 

[mavandkaz]

Not a lot happening here.
Coblet had vet on Wednesday, and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the stifle joint, so she is having a little bit of down time, before we crack on with the rehab and steroid injections.
And between that, late finishes at work, and the hot weather, Sham hasn't been ridden since Tuesday and won't be sat on again until Wednesday. A week off will probably do him the world of good.
Although they both need to go on a diet

 

[Red-1]

Big lad and I beat the heat with a little local 'stressless' jumping competition. We just did the clear round and were done and dusted for 10am. It means no show gear required (although some do) but we still get the atmosphere of a small show, the bing bong, the tannoy etc.

He is fine in the collecting ring despite the fact that I hate them.

He did a clear round; it is just his second show and I could really feel the difference. The first time we trotted a lot as he slows down when shy/worried. This time he kept the canter and it looked more like a round.

A couple of stills lifted off the video, although there was also a photographer.

 

[oldie48]

Meant Wheddon Cross, not Raleigh's Cross! Fab pics, recognise Tarr Steps, I used to do a day ride there with lunch at the Hotel, it's a lovely ride along the river. Even more envious!

 

[Michen]

Michen, you are in my favourite place, we used to own a small cottage there and it's how I started riding again, the hacking is just wonderful and there was a place at Raleigh's Cross with safe forward going horses (sadly no longer there!) that gave me confidence. I am envious!!
Hacked out on Friday and Mr D reminded me that he's still capable of being a bit silly over nothing despite his age! Nothing else planned until Monday morning but that depends on the weather, I'm afraid really warm weather knocks the stuffing out of me (being old and vulnerable!) so I might cancel.
Keep cool everyone!

I am jealous- what an amazing place to live. I intend on retiring here! It’s so unspoilt and wild. Blown away by it!

 

[milliepops]

it's boiling here but so much nicer than last week with the stupendous humidity. Had a nice ride this morning, very laid back but one of those watershed moment rides where you notice the progress you've made, which was pleasing Just working on trot to walk transitions which were completely impossible before because Quiz would get so tense and anxious, and just chomp the bit and jog. Bless his little overactive mind!
In the last few weeks we've uncovered a decent walk taking the contact forward and taking enough time for each step to maintain a proper rhythm. Today he achieved some proper transitions he's a talented and capable horse but those basics are hard won. anyway. a nice session for a hot day.

After that i went for a chat round the watercooler with the girls

 

[Michen]

Meant Wheddon Cross, not Raleigh's Cross! Fab pics, recognise Tarr Steps, I used to do a day ride there with lunch at the Hotel, it's a lovely ride along the river. Even more envious!

It was incredible. 4 hours from where we are near Dulverton. Did the punch bowl too. The dog is in heaven! The 5am leave time was worth it to take her before it got too hot.

 

[SEL]

@Michen those photos are awesome - totally jealous! There was a nice breeze this morning so the microcob did a short ride. I thought that part of road would be quiet on a hot Sunday but plenty of idiots not slowing down - I'm going to get a headcam

Baby cob got himself a gold star for walking away from the yard up the road on his own. That stretch has been a challenge since a car nearly hit him when he first came. We've done loads in hand and yesterday took my OH on foot with us - slowly getting there. He then promptly chucked his halo in a ditch when we came back down the little stretch of woody bridlepath. Spooked at a burdock thistle then spent the rest of the ride snorting and spinning with his ears up my nose ? Needs more work but ground like concrete. Rain soon please.

 

[oldie48]

I am jealous- what an amazing place to live. I intend on retiring here! It’s so unspoilt and wild. Blown away by it!

We go back regularly and I'm always amazed at how quiet it is. Most people seem to zoom down the motorway to the beaches of Devon and Cornwall so they don't know what they are missing. I prefer the northern part of Exmoor to the open moorland to be found further south. I hope you've seen lots of Exmoor ponies. We were there in May and saw lots, all looking a bit too well as it had been a wet mild winter.
edit to add, just noticed where you are staying, we always have a meal at Woods in Dulverton.

 

[Michen]

We go back regularly and I'm always amazed at how quiet it is. Most people seem to zoom down the motorway to the beaches of Devon and Cornwall so they don't know what they are missing. I prefer the northern part of Exmoor to the open moorland to be found further south. I hope you've seen lots of Exmoor ponies. We were there in May and saw lots, all looking a bit too well as it had been a wet mild winter.
edit to add, just noticed where you are staying, we always have a meal at Woods in Dulverton.

Yes Woods is on the list for a rainy day!! We are loving the moorland because it’s soft and squishy so we can get a move on everywhere.

Found lots of ponies though Boggle went a bit nuts and started spinning before I realised it was a stallion- clever Bog- takes a wannabe to know one.

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

Had a great morning - kicked off with an outdoor swim, then had a go on a friend’s horse - this one is a 6yo but quite green. Absolutely lovely little horse, compact and probably the size of horse I should be on rather than a 17hh giant ?



Michen, your holiday snaps are fabulous!!!

 

[nikkimariet]

Bit of a last minute run around. Comp canx Sunday but with weather looking ok for Sat I rerouted.

He had every reason to be a doughnut at this venue but he was incredible. Really impressed with how chilled he was, think the 2 month break has benefitted him immeasurably.

It was the best AM’s we’ve ever done together - one duff walk piri and a big spook at a moving car aside. The judge didn’t agree (needs more cadence…!!!) BUT we got regionals scores so all qual at AM and I remain delighted with my test videos and his behaviour.




Up at 4am today for a leg stretch up next doors farm. Perfect temperature and beautiful views.



Day off for everyone tomorrow and then I’ll be on for 4.30am Tuesday, which is pretty standard for me on the days I’m in the office anyway!

 

[nikkimariet]

I just can’t believe this place! I have hauled Bog all over the UK over the years for riding holidays and this by far tops them all.

I love eventing but this.. with my faithful pony.. nothing beats!!


View attachment 95978View attachment 95977View attachment 95976View attachment 95979View attachment 95980

Rooni would love to join if you go again, looks like heaven!

 

[millikins]

I have a driving Dales pony Absolutely delighted with her, she's taken to it beautifully. Coming home on Thurs then I need to save up for a cart and I'm going to treat myself to a brand new Bennington I think. Sorry no pics, took a little video but not sure how to post them.

 

[southerncomfort]

Stunning pics Michen and nikkimariet!

Managed 2 long hacks this week. The first one was over the moors in the Peak District National Park (its actually the site of an old quarry) with our hacking buddies. Bo absolutely loved it.

Second hack was longer but one we've done a fair bit recently, with OH joining us for a walk. Bo was absolutely full of it! Very well behaved until, for some unknown reason he took against a lone walker and started spinning and trying to run off. Ended up having to get off until the walker had passed us. Very odd, no idea why the poor walker caused such offence.

The this morning I gave up my Sunday morning lie in to have a ride in the school before it got too hot, just practicing what we did in our last lesson.

Two days off now I think. Wish I was disciplined enough to get up Very early for a hack!