Weekend Plans!

[Ample Prosecco]

Yes fence 3, jumped on the brow of a hill so horses aren't sure what's on the landing side. Was always a bogey fence even in the 70cm class but they have now put the 70cm jump into the 50 and turned the 80cm fence into a 70/80 fence instead. They can because the base is only 50cm with 20cm of brush. But it's a bit much putting what was one of the trickiest 70cm fences into a 50cm class. I don't really understand the thinking behind this new 50cm course tbh. Last year it was lovely and lots of young kids and nervous/novice riders did it and had a great time. This year it has those 2 fences in it that were not there last year which are unsuitable for young kids or nervous/novice riders or horses. But who else would do a 50? Very odd.

 

[Chippers1]

You know which other jump I just cannot get my head round, the drop fence in the 80 that last year was fence 3 (I think?) I just can't work out how you jump it coming from the other direction ? just looks like a big solid wall to me! I know it's just me being a bit stupid but if I can't get my head around it I have no idea how I'd get Buzz to jump it.

And yes I know everyone else can jump it fine but I just seem to have a massive mental block, it's putting me off jumping the 80 course this year ?

 

[Roxylola]

Where was that Chippers?

 

[Chippers1]

This one (it's at Eland):

All fine jumping it that way, I don't know why I can't figure it out the other way ? sure it's just like any other jump!

 

[Ample Prosecco]

This one: This one is a rider scarer. It rides fine and it's not one that sees a lot of refusals. It's just big but it;s like a steeple chase fence. Look up, kick on and it will be fine!

 

[Ample Prosecco]

X posted!

 

[Roxylola]

Ah yeah, spiky again - I think I was so obsessed with spikes by then I actually rode it ok as I wasnt thinking about it much at all

 

[Chippers1]

I'll just have to get the brave pants on and kick on, it looks bigger than Buzz when I'm walking next to it!

 

[ScampiBigMan]

Had a lovely day out at Cholmondeley Castle UA Horse Trials yesterday in the 100. It thoughtfully rained when I had a gap between Dressage and SJ, so worked out well. Would be great if this UA event could stay in future years. Was a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. Walked the XC course Sat (so we could lie in until 5:30(!) yesterday) and was great seeing so many ponies and children whizzing round the 80.

Much better dressage, really pleased with how rideable she was, 34.5, so approaching respectability. Having an arena is making quite a big difference as can practise what I want to practise when I want, rather than when the ground can cope.

SJ was really good, just breathed on a pole at the last fence for a v unfortunate 4 faults, felt v easy. XC, we had a lovely run round up and down hill over beautifully built fences for a clear 10sec inside the time. Reilee enjoyed me letting her run on a bit early on, use her stride and could practise on and back a bit more.

Should have set her up well for Llany 100 on the bank holiday weekend.

Some pics:

 

[HufflyPuffly]

Looking super ScampiBigMan, hope that tree didn't get you in the face like it looks to in the last photo lol!

I, for a change, did nothing horsey, didn't even ride the buggers! Had some much needed chill time with friends instead, you forget how isolated you can be during a pandemic and living alone .

 

[ScampiBigMan]

Is nice to have a break from the horses every now and again - q enjoy when they have a holiday at the end of the season. I enjoy and appreciate them more when ride again afterwards. Does them good too , although Nix gets bored after about 5 weeks! More than one way to have a good weekend...

No trees were harmed, depth not represented terribly well in video stills . Love Reilee's face all around SJ and XC - always smiling! She is a very kind and gentle horse, she is a relaxing companion on a day out; total pro when asked to do her thing and asleep /eating the rest of the time.

 

[ScampiBigMan]

Super day at the farm ride. Met up with a friend and her horse and we had a great afternoon. It’s 6 miles, many optional fences and 2 water splashes. Lots of space for a good trot and canter. Horses started off spooky and wired, there was a lot of spinning, reversing and general merriment but they settled down and we laughed from start to finish. The ride is at a yard a couple of miles from Chester zoo and is well worth a trip if anyone is from around this way. View attachment 53404View attachment 53405

Interested for potential future visit Scats - where is the farm ride? Would be quite an easy and close drive for us if near Chester Zoo?

 

[scats]

Interested for potential future visit Scats - where is the farm ride? Would be quite an easy and close drive for us if near Chester Zoo?

The farm ride is in Backford, which is about 2 miles from the zoo. Postcode is CH2 4DG.

 

[milliepops]

Ginger night-mare was good- jumped a nice double clear in the 100.
I had a slight difference of opinion with the dressage judge who awarded a perfectly ok test with a couple of blips (which I would normally predict to be about 38, 40 if a bit stingy) with a 47 ? When you pair a comment of 'Balanced square halt' with a mark of 5......
Luckily we go for double clears not rosettes!

View attachment 53493

fab pic TM.... but really the course builder could have given you a nice green tractor to set her colour off a bit better

I had a nice morning at the winter champs, 2 good classes to write for and lots of lovely horses and talented riders. also sort of reassuring as a bumbling amateur to see some people having the same sort of troubles I do, and make the same sorts of mistakes too!

 

[blood_magik]

Very late to the party but Blue and I are heading to our first post-Covid show tomorrow.

Aside from that, I’m horse shopping again and struggling to find what I’m looking for. I don’t think I’m asking for much ?

 

[DressageCob]

I'm also late to the party. My big cob made his BD Medium debut last week. I was very nervous and it was boiling hot so I was chuffed to get 62.5% and place 2nd. I also did a cheeky elementary on the cyclops and he won his class. They were very good boys.

 

[ScampiBigMan]

The farm ride is in Backford, which is about 2 miles from the zoo. Postcode is CH2 4DG.

Thanks very much - will bear in mind for future outings...

 

[blood_magik]

Blue was double clear and was sitting in 4th when we left. Results aren’t up yet so no idea if he stayed there or was bumped down the placings.

On the shopping front, I’ve seen a couple I like so phoning the stud tomorrow and I’ve got a viewing booked for Friday afternoon

hope everyone has a good week

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

Oooooh I am excited and you lot might appreciate it!!! I won a comp today for new boots ??? a local tack shop was running a competition to win some mountain horse boots, and muggins here won! I’m bloody delighted cos a) it’s my birthday tomorrow and b) I was literally just about to order boots. Whoop whoop!

 

[milliepops]

excellent timing, Sheep

 

[HufflyPuffly]

Very exciting Sheep!

As we're not yet to Thursday I'm sneaking a v. late outing in, impromptu trip to a local farm ride/ XC last night. Just went to give her some low key, easy pootling, so she doesn't always think XC is blood up galloping wildness!

She was super , got a bit daft right near the end but was otherwise super at being a babysitter for a novice horse and standing round being a target (novice horse is a wee bit nappy), I have no idea how I'm making eventing so hard when I have a horse who if I approach a fence slowly, give her time to process it and say jump it, Skylla says ok...

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=440183680272323

 

[ScampiBigMan]

Very exciting Sheep!

As we're not yet to Thursday I'm sneaking a v. late outing in, impromptu trip to a local farm ride/ XC last night. Just went to give her some low key, easy pootling, so she doesn't always think XC is blood up galloping wildness!

She was super , got a bit daft right near the end but was otherwise super at being a babysitter for a novice horse and standing round being a target (novice horse is a wee bit nappy), I have no idea how I'm making eventing so hard when I have a horse who if I approach a fence slowly, give her time to process it and say jump it, Skylla says ok...

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=440183680272323

I do think that keeping it fun for the horse and rider is often greatly underestimated in training and competing. When the horse enjoys what they are doing, they want to do more of it. Something it took me years to figure out properly!

She is lovely and does seem to enjoy XC - so look forward to it all coming together very soon

 

[HufflyPuffly]

I do think that keeping it fun for the horse and rider is often greatly underestimated in training and competing. When the horse enjoys what they are doing, they want to do more of it. Something it took me years to figure out properly!

She is lovely and does seem to enjoy XC - so look forward to it all coming together very soon

Yeah getting the horse to want to do it is really the ultimate goal, makes training/ competing so much easier!

I'm trying hard to be optimistic and that Skipton was just unlucky, we're off to a Tuffy clinic next weekend (sorry should I put that as a spoiler ), so I know she will give me honest feedback as to our ability and current level!

 

[Roxylola]

I have no idea how I'm making eventing so hard when I have a horse who if I approach a fence slowly, give her time to process it and say jump it, Skylla says ok

I appreciate this may be a rhetorical question, but honestly I think you're trying too hard to do well. Sure you have scope and ability but you also have years to get better. Stop fretting about penalties and scores. Get out there, have a nice day and come home safe. These are early days, you need mileage, the speed and clear round etc will come if you take your time and get confidence together. You wont get better at judging pace without a few time penalties here and there. You can't get better at clear rounds without having a pole sometimes. You learn from mistakes.
Slow down, skylla likes time to process give her that time and forget about times for now - they're called 80T because they're for training.
Eventing will be there next year and the year after and so on. You dont have to do it all this season

 

[HufflyPuffly]

I appreciate this may be a rhetorical question, but honestly I think you're trying too hard to do well. Sure you have scope and ability but you also have years to get better. Stop fretting about penalties and scores. Get out there, have a nice day and come home safe. These are early days, you need mileage, the speed and clear round etc will come if you take your time and get confidence together. You wont get better at judging pace without a few time penalties here and there. You can't get better at clear rounds without having a pole sometimes. You learn from mistakes.
Slow down, skylla likes time to process give her that time and forget about times for now - they're called 80T because they're for training.
Eventing will be there next year and the year after and so on. You dont have to do it all this season

Not fretting about doing well, but getting eliminated in the XC in both events is not to be ignored.

If we're not up for competitive XC on grass, then I need to take stock of it. I've been riding her for the past 5 years, backed her and know her inside out, we should be able to get round an 80 without being eliminated (not winning, on a DC inside the time on a 20 dressage score) I literally just mean not falling off and not stopping at lots of fences.

Lots of people manage to event (even ending on cricket scores) I just want to be one of them!

 

[milliepops]

Not fretting about doing well, but getting eliminated in the XC in both events is not to be ignored.

If we're not up for competitive XC on grass, then I need to take stock of it. I've been riding her for the past 5 years, backed her and know her inside out, we should be able to get round an 80 without being eliminated (not winning, on a DC inside the time on a 20 dressage score) I literally just mean not falling off and not stopping at lots of fences.

Lots of people manage to event (even ending on cricket scores) I just want to be one of them!

yes while I understand where Roxy is coming from I would be more your way of thinking HP.
especially because XC when your partnership is not cemented in a confident way of going *together* carries a higher risk to both you and the horse.
You're doing the right things I think the positive difference in her way of going is quite significant and you will get it together in all 3 phases but I think you're right to look at how to get it right-er rather than thinking "well we got round and we're still alive"

there's no feeling like getting it all right, it will be worth it

 

[Roxylola]

It's not to be ignored I agree, but if you're jumping happily round courses on grass then you've only done 2 competitions, give yourself a break, you'll get there. It seems - from what I've seen and know - that you're clearly capable and you will get there. Have you considered doing any of the hunt fun rides? They're only going in groups of 6 max at the moment, so it's not the wild experience it could be.
Or some low key team chasing or hunter trialling?

 

[ihatework]

You will get there HP, there are loads of really good unaff events out there, might be worth doing some of those too so you can remove the subtle, but likely there, ‘affiliated’ pressure

 

[ScampiBigMan]

Yeah getting the horse to want to do it is really the ultimate goal, makes training/ competing so much easier!

I'm trying hard to be optimistic and that Skipton was just unlucky, we're off to a Tuffy clinic next weekend (sorry should I put that as a spoiler ), so I know she will give me honest feedback as to our ability and current level!

Must admit I do alot less with mine now than have ever done to keep everything fun for them (and me!). I know that they love zero pressure hacking over the mountain and occasional run round an easy farm ride is very easy for them, helps them recharge and keeps their all round job fun (and me...). Jumping at home (at most once per week, an outing or competition would be instead of jumping at home but may do poles /cavaletti day or two before); I set up different exercises that test and improve different aspects so is a bit like circuit training for them and they love it. I have gathered the exercises mostly from training have had with a very wide range of SJ /eventing trainers.

Dressage training is the same, use exercises have collected from a variety of dressage trainers and Di always gives us fresh momentum as and when.

Also, I am far less reliant on the opinion and guidance of others than previously as have learnt for myself what works and what I think is right for my horses and me. I do seek input as and when I think we need other eyes on us that I trust but I am still responsible for deciding what we do or do not do as I am responsible for my horses being well and happy. I think this is particularly important with any jump training as (quite) often trainers get it wrong in what they ask horses to do - particularly in a group situation with horses and riders they do not know well and it can really knock confidence (rider and horse) for a long time.

You have plenty of experience yourself and you know and understand Skylla; so trust what you feel and think first and foremost, whilst taking into consideration the input of others that you trust. For example, aim for Llany for Skylla could be for her to be as happy and relaxed warming up and going round SJ and XC as she looks in that Mostyn video. Llany is a very relaxed atmosphere for all 3 phases and the people lovely so it should be a good environment for you both to just be as you are when you are doing your own thing at home /Mostyn etc.

 

[HufflyPuffly]

yes while I understand where Roxy is coming from I would be more your way of thinking HP.
especially because XC when your partnership is not cemented in a confident way of going *together* carries a higher risk to both you and the horse.
You're doing the right things I think the positive difference in her way of going is quite significant and you will get it together in all 3 phases but I think you're right to look at how to get it right-er rather than thinking "well we got round and we're still alive"

there's no feeling like getting it all right, it will be worth it

Haha I feel HHO is getting all philosophical this week!

I have a group of people around me, who I do trust, saying we're ready to event, Skylla is capable, I'm capable and yet when it's come to the crunch we haven't managed it. I am by nature a worrier and always blame myself for not being good enough and ruining my horse, this is now 'backed up' by both events lol, hence having a big ol' wobble.

We have done unaff hunter trials/ arena eventing/ farm rides (have a fun ride booked in), we've done the homework and yet I seem to still be 'missing' something. Now likely, it is just experience and I know from previous experience (none eventing experience) with horses you always need a hefty dose of luck on your side too.

This year has been made tricker with everything being cancelled and then re-opening so I've had to move fast to enter things just to try and get a run, ideally I would have done a couple of unaff ODE's first but there weren't any and now they're popping up after I've committed (and entered) BE ones. The most local one that I could have done was at Chomondley, that ScampiBigMan did, but actually on walking the BE I knew it would be big and bold track for Skylla so not an inviting low key one for her so didn't enter.

Must admit I do alot less with mine now than have ever done to keep everything fun for them (and me!). I know that they love zero pressure hacking over the mountain and occasional run round an easy farm ride is very easy for them, helps them recharge and keeps their all round job fun (and me...). Jumping at home (at most once per week, an outing or competition would be isntead of jumping at home but may do poles /cavaletti day or two before); I set up different exercises that test and improve different aspects so is a bit like circuit training for them and they love it. I have gathered the exercises mostly from training have had with a very wide range of SJ /eventing trainers.

Dressage training is the same, use exercises have collected from a variety of dressage trainers and Di always gives us fresh momentum as and when.

Also, I am far less reliant on the opinion and guidance of others than previously as have learnt for myself what works and what I think is right for my horses and me. I do seek input as and when I think we need other eyes on us that I trust but I am still responsible for deciding what we do or do not do as I am responsible for my horses being well and happy. I think this is particularly important with any jump training as (quite) often trainers get it wrong in what they ask horses to do - particularly in a group situation with horses and riders they do not know well and it can really knock confidence (rider and horse) for a long time.

You have plenty of experience yourself and you know and understand Skylla; so trust what you feel and think first and foremost, whilst taking into consideration the input of others that you trust. For example, aim for Llany for Skylla could be for her to be as happy and relaxed warming up and going round SJ and XC as she looks in that Mostyn video. Llany is a very relaxed atmosphere for all 3 phases and the people lovely so it should a good environment for you both to just be as you are when you are doing your own thing at home /Mostyn etc.

I think this in part might be my issue, I am not as experienced eventing so sought out lots of training, I then worked hard to do as I'm told, when actually in a couple of instances I really should have gone off my own instinct and rode slightly differently to a fence (letting her take a slightly longer one as its in her comfort zone than making her wait). However, this is how we learn and you guys unfortunately have to then listen to my whining when things don't go well .

By the same token it was the Tuffy clinic I did last year that actually got us jumping together as a partnership so I know her instruction should help us loads even in a group environment.

Good to hear about Llany! Frickley on reflection was quite buzzy for Skylla and the first XC fence took her by surprise so she was on the back foot. Skipton should have suited her perfectly but for bit issues and then deciding to roll off at the first fence . Knowing the events and courses does help so I guess the more I go out and know what the courses are like the better I will be at picking the best events to take her to.