Weekend plans

[j1ffy]

Not much for me again (sounding like a broken record now!) horsebox is still in the garage, last I heard they were waiting for parts every year it's the same...at least the MOT next year won't be due until the end of the season . Buzz's eye is looking loads better so have been doing a couple of steady hacks, vet is back out on Monday to check it over.
Also on Sunday my boyfriend is doing a 'jousting experience' (that I bought for him ) they said that you didn't need to have any riding experience but as Buzz is stabled at a riding school I thought it would be a good idea for boyfriend to at least have sat on a horse before he went so he had a lesson on Tuesday - big mistake as he loved it!! He can't wait to have another lesson. Maybe one day we will be out hacking or competing together....

I went jousting at Knights of Middle England for my hen do. Of the 10 people there, only three of us could ride and the others had never been on a horse! They all absolutely loved it, were trotting around with the lance picking up rings and hitting shields by the end. It was a brilliant day, I'm sure your boyfriend will love it!

 

[Chippers1]

I went jousting at Knights of Middle England for my hen do. Of the 10 people there, only three of us could ride and the others had never been on a horse! They all absolutely loved it, were trotting around with the lance picking up rings and hitting shields by the end. It was a brilliant day, I'm sure your boyfriend will love it!

Oh brilliant! That's where we are going, unfortunately I was too poor to pay for us both so I will just be spectating - it sounds so fun though! He just about managed a small bit of rising trot in his lesson so hopefully that will help I'm a bit gutted they don't have any archery lessons on on Sunday or I would've booked myself onto one of them!

 

[Alibear]

We started the week with the good news that Pocholo's saddles fit Chilli - the VSD is perfect (I just need to stop using the half-pad) and the dressage needs re-flocking. The saddler also bought back the GP that he sold me in April so I ended up being paid by him instead of the other way around!

What? How? Should this not be on the BBC news? I didn't realise that was even possible! It's up there with winning actual cash at a competition! Well done.

Can you tell I have the saddle fitter booked next week, we all know I will not be able to match your incredible achievement J1ffy.
Nothing for me and Amber this weekend, I'm another with the grotty cold thing, now housebound waiting on test results to be safe.

 

[DabDab]

Haven't commented on this thread in a while as have just been in my own little bubble with things. In that time Arty and I have been out to a fair bit of jumping (only 80/90 stuff) and she has been mega. Hopefully will keep everything together and affiliate her next year if I'm still feeling the vibe . Was going to spend the autumn/winter doing a bit more flatwork again (jumping becomes a bit of a faff with the dark and wanting to hack at weekends), and have booked into a novice test tomorrow.

Then Wednesday she went and fell/crashed into some fencing while titting about in the field and looks to have tweaked her back. It's improved a lot since then but she still seems a bit sensitive and I've got her booked in for an accupuncture session with the vets, which will hopefully help.

In the meantime I had a ride round the test on Pebbles, just to see.....and, well, it wasn't a complete car crash. So tomorrow with be Pebbles' first competitive ridden outing, where we will Bob our way around novice 30 ?

Hope everyone has a good weekend

 

[DressageCob]

No plans for me. My big lad has been going phenomenally and has really improved with his sideways and general contact. He's now going to have a couple of weeks off.

I'm also keeping an eye open for another horse, although I keep changing my mind about whether I should or not! having been eyeing up foals, I'm now thinking about an unbacked 3 or 4 year old. But I'm having the age old debate of warmblood or cob ?

 

[KEK]

2nd place in the 60cm optimum time class yesterday at states, clever pony and beautifully ridden by his rider. Didnt like the look of the wall in the 70cm. First rosette

 

[Ample Prosecco]

No plans for me. My big lad has been going phenomenally and has really improved with his sideways and general contact. He's now going to have a couple of weeks off.

I'm also keeping an eye open for another horse, although I keep changing my mind about whether I should or not! having been eyeing up foals, I'm now thinking about an unbacked 3 or 4 year old. But I'm having the age old debate of warmblood or cob ?

Or Section D/Arab!!

 

[little_critter]

I feel I can comment on this thread again. Theo went lame mid September, mild arthritis in fetlocks found so he was medicated and has been on hacking rehab.
This weekend we are allowed back in the school to gently re-introduce schooling and a bit of canter.
I actually had our first school session a bit early, we were supposed to hack yesterday but work ran late and I ran out of daylight so I went in the school instead. 25 mins of mostly walk, any trot we did was only on the long sides. It all felt pretty good ?
We are back in the school tomorrow and I hope to do a very short test canter.
The vet is back out on Tuesday for a follow up.

 

[Northern]

Coming to you out(ish) of lockdown!

Well lessons are back, so that's something. Took the ponio out for a second lesson with a new instructor, she was super and a lovely friend took some videos! Really useful to see how much her canter has improved. Competitions are sparse currently, so the plan is to have as many lessons and clinics as I can fit in and hopefully go out at Elementary next time we compete. Eeep!

My young WB (B) is ready to come back into work as well. She's had a frustrating run with a chest injury and last week a painful hoof abscess. She's sound again now so I hopped on today and was quite pleased with what I had. Just a discussion about going through a scary creek crossing, but after getting off and crossing by hand a few times, I got back on and she was fine. Ended it on a good note there. We also saw a black snake, so we tackled the mud on the trail rather than walk through the tall grass... summer is coming

Picture of B because she's cute



Hope everyone has a great weekend!

 

[scats]

I’m struggling with my hatred of dark evenings (and the clocks haven’t even gone back yet- god help me!) but have managed a couple of hacks and a schooling session this week.
Will probably hack again this weekend as may be confined to the school in the week given how fast the evenings are drawing in.

 

[Michen]

Recovering from a crazy week in Wales so absolutely no horse plans. Went to pick up my dog last night from my friends, whose own dog I used to look after for many months as they travelled a lot over the last decade. She died and they are just so devastated, the kids get back for half term today and they all adore Pepper so I’ve left her there for another week. I think for the kids it’ll be nicer than them coming home to a totally empty house when the grief is so raw

so no dogs no riding.. no heating either at the moment- a weekend in bed with electric blanket on I think ?

 

[Bernster]

That’s a nice thing to do michen. Scats, I’m similar, it will be a long winter of riding in the school weekday evenings and then make the most of daylight at the weekend
but having to balance that with social stuff too.

I feel like I’m still in a bit of lockdown. I’m not really doing anything in the week other than working at home and visits the yard. Definitive hermit tendencies! It feels odd though that some parts of the world still have lockdowns. I’m assuming the UK won’t go into that again but the case rate isn’t good right now.

 

[Accidental Eventer]

Husband has had a successful first day judging yesterday and a successful day as horse show dad today before another day judging.

I had a very good day out today! 4th in the 70, and a pole in the 80 but a very nice round anyway. Very very happy with my horse! He’s had 3 rails all year

 

[J_sarahd]

Physio has just seen pony and it’s a bit of a mixed bag. He came out of the stable slightly off behind and trotted on the lunge slightly off behind. She also found a spot behind his saddle that was very painful. She said with the way he’s been ridden wise for me recently and the rest of the work up, she doesn’t think it’s anything to worry about and that it’s likely he’s slipped in the field, and the slight “lameness” is caused by the pain in his back. A week off followed by a week of ploddy hacks and then slowly bring him back into proper work and see what happens. And she will be back in 6 weeks.

I had an inkling something was wrong with him and this has reminded me yet again to always trust my gut. I just hope he feels better after this slight rehab session!

 

[iknowmyvalue]

Bit fitting session this morning was very interesting. I wad impressed as he explained everything very well and was with us for nearly 2.5hrs. Tried all sorts of bits, and while not perfect, we definitely got some ideas of preference.

Turns out the one I’ve been using (which has stopped the bruising) has done so because it’s too thick. We’ve got a few ideas to try.

First up is the HP lip relief loose ring, which he went very well in! The only slight question mark is over whether it will irritate the scar tissue in his mouth if I use it for long periods or when he’s pulling more (Aka. jumping). Unfortunately can’t get them on trial, but if it doesn’t works should be able to sell it on.

If we are still getting issues with the scar tissue, then might have to go the sprenger duo route as it’s non-metal so less likely to rub. Either full time or just for more exiting scenarios where he might pull.

Most interestingly he went best in walk in an eclipse lozenge bit, was mouthing it nicely which he doesn’t normally, but when we went into trot his balance was completely off. Bit fitter said he’s probably so used to being completely tense and someone holding him up he doesn’t know what to do with his body when it’s relaxed. Not 100% convinced by that, but would kind of make sense. Anyway, that’s another one we could try, but maybe later down the line when his balance/schooling is a bit more developed.

Overall very interesting, and definitely worthwhile. Didn’t feel pressured to buy as he doesn’t sell, and didn’t seem particularly tied to a specific brand. I must have tried nearly 10 different bits, ranging from expensive NS/Sprenger to bog standard, unbranded loose rings. Well worth £65 IMO!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

No riding for me today but I did go to visit share horse and meet instructor who will be giving me a lesson with share horse next week. I watched a couple of other liveries have lessons and now I'm suuuuper excited for mine next weekend! I think share horse is able to do various lateral movements I've not done before so that would be really interesting to learn, or we might do some pole work. Trying not to let myself get carried away with goals as obviously up to owner what share horse is doing, but still really looking forward to seeing what we will be doing next week and learning more about how to get share horse going nicely. OH is joining me on foot for a hack tomorrow and I can't wait.

 

[rara007]

2am alarm for 7am train tomorrow zzzz. Heading down to Pau ??

 

[Caol Ila]

Same sort of weekend as always. Brought babies in for grooming and giving Hermosa more feed. Took Foinavon on a long hack yesterday, then a short one today. He is becoming very solid and reliable at following OH. Little b*gger still not reliably catching for the yard staff.

 

[oldie48]

AE, I totally sympathise, my daughter decided she would stop riding before she went to uni and I dreaded it. We did so much together, the horses were kept at home, we hacked out together and every weekend there was something we went to together. She'd ridden very competitively (FEI pony trials etc), moved on to horses but although she was very certain that she didn't want to try to combine uni life with competitive riding she did want to continue to "A" levels and I selfishly encouraged her, she also played other sports at county level and her life was a whirlwind of activity. Sadly she didn't get the grades she needed to do medicine despite being offered places at every med school she applied to. I think I knew she was trying to do too much and it was a lesson well learned! She did go on to do medicine as a grad entry student so it all worked out OK but actually on a personal level, I've enjoyed my riding so much more now that the focus is on my development. I get the training, weekends are about what I want to do and I've expanded my horsey connections so I do things with other people (well I did until Rose went lame!) I think your daughter is showing incredible maturity. Sell Dolly to a lovely home for lots of money (that's what we did with the FEI pony) we kept in touch with him and went to see him giving other children a huge amount of confidence and pleasure. He had a lovely life and although originally sold to a family a long way away, he came back to our area and ended his life ridden by the daughter of one of the partners at our local equine hospital having been vetted there for us in 2000. fwiw he never came on the open market, was always sold by word of mouth and when he was older became the pc loan pony that every family wanted. Dolly will be fine and so will you. xx

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

I had a super afternoon out at a lesson with Mark Ruddock, although the weather wasn’t really on our side and we got totally soaked.

I love going out to lessons with good trainers, I have my regular instructor too but I always find clinics really good for picking up little snippets of new information, and I love how some of these folks have a really super ability to hone in on an area for improvement really quickly!

Mark was fantastic, really good fun and very quickly identified something to work on and gave me some very useful, practical advice on how to do things better. Big horse can get a bit crooked at times, probably not helped by numpty rider - I have a tendency to let him drift / flex too much and it just means we lose connection and energy. Made some great progress with that, felt much straighter and controlled! I think this pic sums it up - he doesn’t look quite so giant and lanky when he’s working properly lol. Bear in mind he’s a solid 17hh and I think I’m 5ft 2 ?



And a few more pics..

 

[DabDab]

Pebbles was so good at her little show. It was thoroughly throwing her in at the deep end and she went very green on me in the canter, which attracted a smattering of 4s (I actually don't think I rode the canter particularly well yesterday to help her out either), but her trot and walk was OK. And I was just so proud of her and all her loveliness. She really hasn't done much consistent school work at all and she just makes me smile every time I get on her.

Just shy of 62% and a default frilly, and lots of comments to work on

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Thanks so much oldie48. That’s a really lovely helpful post. X

 

[nikkimariet]

Lovely Saturday jumping Rooni. We did a cracking 80/85 with one annoying refusal (didn’t look at the fence everyone was falling off at though!). Little bit tired for 90/95 so played skittles but had lots of fun.



Lovely 12 miles out with both the boys this morning. Fig loves his new boots.



And now they’ve both got a month off. We’ve all done plenty this year so we all deserve some R&R

 

[mavandkaz]

Weekend actually turned out better then expected.
Work has been manic, seem to have spent more time running around dealing with issues then actually teaching, and still feeling down about the fact Shambles may need to be retired. I took him in the school mid week just to see how he felt, and well it really wasn't great.
Then some yard friends suggested I go with them to an evening dressage demo with a local trainer and Isobel Wessels on Thursday. I originally didn't want to as thought it would make me more depressed but decided to tag along. Was quite an enjoyable evening, although bloody cold! Although I do wish they would use 'normal' horses at these things.
On Saturday decided to take belle in the school as not in the mood for hacking and since she may have to fill in Shambles dressage shoes decided to see what she could do. Well she was a star. Great leg yield and shoulder in (knew these were already there) then our first attempts at Travers and shoulder in - need more suppleness but not bad. And just to see what happened asked for a flying change each way (attempted these during first lock down but never got anywhere), she only went and did clean changes first time of asking. Made up for our rubbish prelim last weekend.
Also tried schooling Shambles in the grass jump paddock, and actually felt pretty good including pulling out his big trot. So now wondering if the arena surface is throwing up or causing an issue

 

[iknowmyvalue]

Saddle fitting got rescheduled so we went to the beach instead! Much more fun! Thought it might blow his brains a little bit, but he was impeccable ? got some good GoPro footage too!

 

[Squeak]

Bit fitting session this morning was very interesting. I wad impressed as he explained everything very well and was with us for nearly 2.5hrs. Tried all sorts of bits, and while not perfect, we definitely got some ideas of preference.

Turns out the one I’ve been using (which has stopped the bruising) has done so because it’s too thick. We’ve got a few ideas to try.

First up is the HP lip relief loose ring, which he went very well in! The only slight question mark is over whether it will irritate the scar tissue in his mouth if I use it for long periods or when he’s pulling more (Aka. jumping). Unfortunately can’t get them on trial, but if it doesn’t works should be able to sell it on.

If we are still getting issues with the scar tissue, then might have to go the sprenger duo route as it’s non-metal so less likely to rub. Either full time or just for more exiting scenarios where he might pull.

Most interestingly he went best in walk in an eclipse lozenge bit, was mouthing it nicely which he doesn’t normally, but when we went into trot his balance was completely off. Bit fitter said he’s probably so used to being completely tense and someone holding him up he doesn’t know what to do with his body when it’s relaxed. Not 100% convinced by that, but would kind of make sense. Anyway, that’s another one we could try, but maybe later down the line when his balance/schooling is a bit more developed.

Overall very interesting, and definitely worthwhile. Didn’t feel pressured to buy as he doesn’t sell, and didn’t seem particularly tied to a specific brand. I must have tried nearly 10 different bits, ranging from expensive NS/Sprenger to bog standard, unbranded loose rings. Well worth £65 IMO!

Out of interest, who did you use? I’ve been tempted to try a bit fitter for a while but been put off by them only stocking a couple of brands of bits that they are selling. I might be completely the opposite end of the country to you though!

Sounds like some great weekends for most. Congratulations to all with achievements, rosettes, training and otherwise.

 

[iknowmyvalue]

Out of interest, who did you use? I’ve been tempted to try a bit fitter for a while but been put off by them only stocking a couple of brands of bits that they are selling. I might be completely the opposite end of the country to you though!

Sounds like some great weekends for most. Congratulations to all with achievements, rosettes, training and otherwise.

James Cooling. I’m not sure what area he covers, but I’m East Mids (Lincolnshire).

 

[Caol Ila]

I'm usually begging for people to do long rides with me, and then they're like buses; I get nothing, then multple offers in one day. Argggh. I hate choosing. But I went with the ride I'd planned stuff with last night, rather than the friend who texted this afternoon, because I hate being that flakey person who changes plans at the last minute because they get a better offer. I have friends like that, and it really pisses me off.

We had a great time. Out with a group of four, who wanted to go fast. Foinavon was impeccable. Very polite, never strong. Doesn't have a canter cue installed, so I was happy when I got him into canter following the thundering herd, rather than trotting at 100mph. But he was never strong or nutso. He's really sane in big, fast groups. I think I need to man up and trust him more.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

The clinic on Friday and Saturday was alright. Horse behaved himself very well and as usual traveled nicely. Mixed feelings about the actual clinic. I explained what I wanted to work on, which was our extensions, since they're a week point, and instead we focused on collection and a lot of rein pressure. More than what I usually ride with and the horse felt blocked to me and as a result I felt as though his flying changes weren't as good. Sure he collected on the spot and can essentially canter in place, but that's easier for is and not what I needed help with exactly ?

I also suppose it was a bit traditional German style dressage and maybe more suitable on a big heavy warmblood? Idk. I don't ride with a deep driving seat, short reins, heavy contact, and a lot of constant heavy leg pressure. I'm a bit lighter typically and this works for us. A few things to learn and take away from the clinic, but a few things that I felt a bit counter productive, but sometimes that's how it is ?‍ I felt like the last clinician really understood us and we clicked quite well. Hoping to ride with him again.

Anyway, walked with the dog yesterday, and hacking today. Then back to the school tomorrow.

 

[Chippers1]

Boyfriend loved the jousting day! I was very jealous watching from the sidelines... what a great set up they had and catering for everyone is really good. The horses were so well behaved, they knew exactly what they were doing!
Now i'm dropping hints for Christmas....