Weekend plans

[The Xmas Furry]

I went for a hooligan hack with another livery, her boy is eminently sensible and they're both game for anything which always makes it fun! We had some really long (and bloody fast!) gallops along cliff tops and both horses enjoyed themselves. One of those days that reminds you why you bother when the weather is rubbish for the 100th day running .

That sounds my idea of heaven! Galloping along cliff tops
#envious

 

[DirectorFury]

That sounds my idea of heaven! Galloping along cliff tops
#envious

Let me know if you ever fancy horsey holidaying over here, I'm happy to act as a guide . We've got a 16 mile route that visits 4 beaches with less than 5 minutes of road work, plus a pub stop at lunch time .

 

[DabDab]

That sounds my idea of heaven! Galloping along cliff tops
#envious

Yep, ditto this.

Went out at first light with Arts, before it was time to package pebbles up for the show. Led her up the road as it was frosty and then half way round the loop I was doing in the forest the snow started up. ? The weather atm is a right pita.

Just before the snow


But never mind, we cracked on with getting Pebbles ready, I downed a couple of cups of tea and we headed off

Needn't have worried really as the snow mainly held off for the rest of the day and there was even some pleasant sunshine at the show ground. The show was actually really busy, with 5 rings running and a decent number in each class. Aaaannnnddd, baby pony was a star. She was relaxed and well behaved and just generally lovely all day. Waiting quietly on the lorry needs a little work as she took to stamping a bit after a time, but other than that she really couldn't have been better. Unusually for a horse of mine at a showing show, she came back with a couple of rosettes too. 3rd out of 9 in the first class and 5th out of 6 in the second class. Clever little pudding pony

Pics ?


Happy weekend all

 

[j1ffy]

DF your hacking sounds wonderful! We have miles of off-road hacking but only after a nasty gate - I’m a bit restricted unless I’m with someone who can get on from the ground as Danny is just too tall..!

Mostly hacked Danny this weekend minus a fair weather day of not riding yesterday - my dogs and I mostly stayed indoors and watched the rain ?. It was worth it to see Rachael B’s National success, OH and I both had wet eyes at that. We’re suckers for top sporting achievements...

Chilli now has his very own saddle! He was great for the saddler, who was running early so Chilli was dragged in, tacked up and I hopped on for a quick walk and trot. We had a less hurried ride today - I’d hoped to find someone to walk around the woods with us but no luck, so we did some walk work in the school then went on our own past the big school (where a lesson was going on) to the edge of the woods and back. He was very good while other horses went by and trusted me enough to go past flappy plastic, so very pleased as it’s only his fifth time under saddle after being turned away since November. He’s so relaxed to handle too that I keep forgetting he’s only just 4!

 

[Wishfilly]

Finished my weekend with a lovely hack in the sun. Blue has found hacking in company quite exciting, but today he was much more chilled, went in front, behind and beside, and coped well with the traffic we met.

 

[shortstuff99]

I had a nice period of sunshine and no wind, so I decided to get on the fatty Potato after her being on box rest for the best part of 3 weeks and only 2 half days in the field. This was me


She was very hot and jogged around a lot, but after a time we were able to walk around on a long rein. I didn't have any leaps or get bronced off so I took that as a win ?.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Let me know if you ever fancy horsey holidaying over here, I'm happy to act as a guide . We've got a 16 mile route that visits 4 beaches with less than 5 minutes of road work, plus a pub stop at lunch time .

OMG! That's would be fantabulous!
Once restrictions lift properly, I'll def sort something out!

TFF punches the air in glee ??

 

[GinaGeo]

Not very exciting for most. But it was for us!

We left the ground for the first time in months ? Solo had his shoes off last year and I’ve been waiting for him to grow a new hoof capsule as we’d started having some issues.

He was happy to be doing the job again and very game. Now we know he’s enjoying it again we’ll start making some plans.



After a saddle tweak and more field time Pod has knuckled back down and I’m starting to think about planning some outings for him. Rejoined a riding club to get him out and about in a group and planning to get out Cross Country Schooling next week. In preparation he’s had some boots on (I don’t routinely use them) and practised moon walking round the yard ?

Starting to make some plans - and it’s exciting!

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Tuning up in the snow yesterday....

Event report below courtesy of Katie.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[J&S]

Well done Katie and team. Good luck for next w/e.

 

[nikkimariet]

Let me know if you ever fancy horsey holidaying over here, I'm happy to act as a guide . We've got a 16 mile route that visits 4 beaches with less than 5 minutes of road work, plus a pub stop at lunch time .

I’m in! Sounds perfect!

 

[Roxylola]

Did some in hand stuff tonight, poles, shoulder in some reversing. Gave Charlie a bath this afternoon and trimmed a leg this evening. Got trodden on again for my trouble ? what was left of my nail is now more trashed and throbbing. Hes a toad, hes such a smart so and so, I do wish he'd work out that it doesn't stop me doing what I'm doing!

 

[LEC]

I managed not to fall off today. Very average on paper but this horse hasn’t evented for 2 years and only did 5 events then as a 6yo (she has been quite accident prone) so really pleased with how she came out mentally today in the 100. Lots to improve but that’s the fun bit, trying to get better. Needs a bit more mileage then will look to move her up to novice.

 

[nikicb]

I managed not to fall off today. Very average on paper but this horse hasn’t evented for 2 years and only did 5 events then as a 6yo (she has been quite accident prone) so really pleased with how she came out mentally today in the 100. Lots to improve but that’s the fun bit, trying to get better. Needs a bit more mileage then will look to move her up to novice.

Fab photos! She doesn't want to touch that jump does she?

 

[LEC]

Fab photos! She doesn't want to touch that jump does she?

I think it will get better with mileage. She is a bit ridiculous as finds it very easy but it causes issues as she eats distances so needs quite a lot of setting up and anchoring. If she learnt that it was ok to go on a long one the whole time then it will lead to issues. Just a bit more rideability needs to go in along with her learning not to keep expanding the stride. The pole she had sjing was on a 2 stride double. Just jumped in and expanded too much.

 

[nikicb]

I think it will get better with mileage. She is a bit ridiculous as finds it very easy but it causes issues as she eats distances so needs quite a lot of setting up and anchoring. If she learnt that it was ok to go on a long one the whole time then it will lead to issues. Just a bit more rideability needs to go in along with her learning not to keep expanding the stride. The pole she had sjing was on a 2 stride double. Just jumped in and expanded too much.

I think you are being hard on yourselves! I meant it as a compliment. That's a great outing for the first time in 2 years.

 

[Accidental Eventer]

We got very, very wet at dressage! However we had a great test, Coolies first time back in an arena in 2 years. He certainly remembered what is was all about and as soon as he saw the cars he was marching and turned his twinkle toes on.

He did some really nice trot work, his stretchy walk and trot both scored really well which I was thrilled about as he doesn't like to stretch. The first canter was fine but in the second he thought it was all a bit boring with no jumps so decided to make the extended canter into a gallop. The 15m circle put paid to that idea and he finished up really well. The judge was a friend and we both had a laugh but she was impressed with the test for Coolie.

I was reminded why we show jump now, if we were to get too serious about eventing or dressage his antics would be frustrating but because it's just for fun I can laugh at him and his ridiculousness. Though it does go to show that he is improving, it was a super test... for him!

Today Henry has the vet, he is going to think today is the worst day ever because they both have the dentist first with a different vet!

 

[TheMule]

I've just had the weekend from hell. Lost my beloved old event mare on Friday to colic after owning her for 15 years, totally devastating as she was so fit and well. Then went eventing yesterday, had an improved dressage and decent SJ round but the horse totally abandoned her brain cell in the start box, lost her mind and it culminated in a horse fall on the flat when she just threw herself on the floor in front of fence 8 when napping about the concept of going in the opposite way to where she wanted to.
Pretty battered and bruised this morning and wondering what to do next with her as on Tuesday she was so professional and jumped an easy double clear feeling like she'd go up a level no problem and yesterday she reverted back to her very worst, and it's dangerous when she's like that, not to mention frustrating and embarrassing.

 

[Wishfilly]

I've just had the weekend from hell. Lost my beloved old event mare on Friday to colic after owning her for 15 years, totally devastating as she was so fit and well. Then went eventing yesterday, had an improved dressage and decent SJ round but the horse totally abandoned her brain cell in the start box, lost her mind and it culminated in a horse fall on the flat when she just threw herself on the floor in front of fence 8 when napping about the concept of going in the opposite way to where she wanted to.
Pretty battered and bruised this morning and wondering what to do next with her as on Tuesday she was so professional and jumped an easy double clear feeling like she'd go up a level no problem and yesterday she reverted back to her very worst, and it's dangerous when she's like that, not to mention frustrating and embarrassing.

So sorry to read about your old mare, and that sounds like a nasty fall on your younger one.

I hope you're feeling as ok as you can today, and you've got plenty of your alcoholic beverage of choice available!

 

[TPO]

Hope you're ok TheMule and have a speedy recovery.

Sorry again to hear about Moon.

Absolutely no advice about your mare as you will have forgotten more than I know. I'm not familiar with her whole story; is it only XC that she down tools and/or only at competitions?

 

[CanteringCarrot]

TheMule, I'm so sorry for your loss and the incident with your other mare. I wish you the best and send healing (physical and mental) vibes your way.

 

[Accidental Eventer]

So sorry to hear about your mare Mule. Thinking of you xx

 

[Roxylola]

So sorry for you loss Mule, what a rubbish weekend for you

 

[Squeak]

What a rubbish weekend Mule. So sorry for the loss of your mare and what terrible timing for your mare to play up too. I really hope it was just a temporary glitch with her.

Hope you can take it easy for a couple of days and be kind to yourself.

 

[TheMule]

Hope you're ok TheMule and have a speedy recovery.

Sorry again to hear about Moon.

Absolutely no advice about your mare as you will have forgotten more than I know. I'm not familiar with her whole story; is it only XC that she down tools and/or only at competitions?

She has done it 4 times now- twice in the SJ ring and twice on the xc. It has only ever happened in competitions but of course that's because of the extra pressure and in training and I would just work around it (and one trainer has suggested I need to face it head on, but I'm not that kind of rider and I don’t want to end up on the floor) It's never anything to do with the fence, it is always something else in the general environment but the fence is what I need to get to and can’t!

 

[ihatework]

What a weekend The Mule. I’m so sorry about Moon, she was such a legend.

As for the ginger lady, very very frustrating. Hope you aren’t too sore. Have you tried her on regumate?

 

[TheMule]

What a weekend The Mule. I’m so sorry about Moon, she was such a legend.

As for the ginger lady, very very frustrating. Hope you aren’t too sore. Have you tried her on regumate?

Someone else has suggested it could be hormonal so it's an interesting thing to consider. She never shows in season and she was very good the whole of the rest of the day, but it could be worth a try. She was a bit unsettled by Moon not being about but, again, she was totally on side in the other 2 phases

 

[DirectorFury]

So sorry for your loss Mule, I hope you're not too sore today and get to the bottom of the ginger ones behaviour .

 

[Jeni the dragon]

I'm so sorry for your sad loss Mule

 

[TPO]

She has done it 4 times now- twice in the SJ ring and twice on the xc. It has only ever happened in competitions but of course that's because of the extra pressure and in training and I would just work around it (and one trainer has suggested I need to face it head on, but I'm not that kind of rider and I don’t want to end up on the floor) It's never anything to do with the fence, it is always something else in the general environment but the fence is what I need to get to and can’t!

With the fall, did she fall because she was having a "tantrum" when napping and throw herself or did she lose her feet because her brain was elsewhere?

I had one that threw himself on the ground twice because he was a pig when I got him. First time was inhand when he decided not to load and when his resting carry on wasnt working he just threw himself down and lay there calm as you like. Second time was ridden and he didnt want to trot on so went backwards at 100mph. When that wasnt working he just threw himself on the ground and stayed there smug as you like.

Needless to say every possible physical check was done pre and post tantrums and returned a clean bill of health.

Just wondering if your mare maybe has that mentality?

Otherwise it's the old "pain" card but you're so thorough I cant imagine anything slipping through. Good shout by IHW about hormones.

Like you say its strange that it only really manifests jumping in competition. Is she ok doing non BE things? Had she done BS/unaffiliated and/or unaff xc? I know its ot the same as a BE atmosphere for horse or rider.

You're obviously a very talented and skilled rider but would it be worth having someone you trust ride her? An expensive experiment with BE right enough. If she knows you have the self preservation of a normal person she might be pushing boundaries? Not meaning to force or beat her round but if someone would take her in like the trainer advised would that help? If shes sensitive that doesnt come without a risk of upsetting her too.

She is saying something so in feel your frustration at not knowing what that is.

Chestnut mares...when they're good they're blinking awesome but sensitive doesnt even come close!