Weekend :)

[DressageCob]

I had the most fantastic lesson on my little cob today. He went the best he's ever gone. He was round and powerful and his sideways all went beautifully. Even the half passes came off. I was delighted. The big lad was also awesome, but it's extra special to me when the little lad is on form, considering I retired him more than 2 years ago before he decided to melt and eyeball and come sound ?

 

[nikicb]

I had the most fantastic lesson on my little cob today. He went the best he's ever gone. He was round and powerful and his sideways all went beautifully. Even the half passes came off. I was delighted. The big lad was also awesome, but it's extra special to me when the little lad is on form, considering I retired him more than 2 years ago before he decided to melt and eyeball and come sound ?

That's lovely DC - I think I remember your posts about his eye issues - great to hear he has made a comeback. xx

 

[Roxylola]

We had a much better lesson than last weekend, still not as good as it has been but more forward less stiff and shuffly, and while I did get on his case and take him on a bit resulting in a few bucks I could actually do that today - last week would have been flying lessons for me.
My trainer has lessons with Carl and she was very charged and enthused from her latest one. I'm shattered tonight ?
Glad your little cob is coming along nicely DC. Must be so rewarding after everything

 

[Cob Life]

Had an excellent schooling session with blue today but he was incredibly sweaty so clipping again tomorrow

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

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jumping lesson today was great. Just need to work on getting pony a bit more in front of my leg.

 

[iknowmyvalue]

Took Henry to the beach with a friend today! (we are in a work bubble together so no rules broken) Both ponies behaved beautifully (bar some minor spookage), beach was as amazing as ever and was nice to have someone to ride with for a change! Having horses and working full time is hard work, but every time I do something like today it makes it all worth it

 

[scats]

Hoping to get back on board today if I have time. I have thoroughly enjoyed nearly 3 weeks off and I definitely needed it. Plus I think the girls have appreciated a break and just some field time.
I’m hectic now til Christmas Eve. December is a dog groomers busiest month so today is my last day off for 14 days, then I have 1 day off til Christmas Eve. Not quite sure how I’ll fit riding in but I aim for a hack or two a week if possible until the Christmas break.

I have taken the time to do some desensitisation work with Polly and my quieter set of clippers... needless to say, after a week, she has a patch clipped off her shoulder and I need to ring the vet to get her sedated if I want to finish the job. She’s very nifty with those back legs and for a pony with hock arthritis and SI joint disease, she’s got some extremely gymnastic movements in that hind end when required!

 

[Scarlett]

Can I come and play? It's been a while since I've had a horse I was able to really ride so weekends are about doing stuff with him now!

Raisin is 5, retired from racing in Jan and came straight to me. I initially got on him and did some basic work, he proved to be forward going whilst a bit crooked and pulling himself forward on his massive shoulders. He's 17hh with a great big frame and was all gangly legs.

He had time off and we've been working on changing his way of going these last few months. The wheels fell off a bit - turns out I wasnt asking enough and he wasn't trying hard enough - but we seem to be getting through it and the penny has dropped with him that maybe what I'm asking isn't too hard. Yesterday I got on and walked, trotted and cantered round the arena. A simple thing for many but something we had lost the ability to do easily! He was fantastic, not perfect but so much better. He's also using himself better, is straighter and starting to take the contact out, instead of his natural btv. Just gotta get that nose out now, though we are seeing flashes of it already.




We also got him clipped and I took some pics of him to compare to before. We're really seeing a huge improvement in his muscle, especially over his hindquarters.

It's been frustrating but I think we're getting over the hump and will be able to crack on with him next year. Very excited to get him out for lessons and start jumping him, hopefully. I'm rusty as hell but on a mission to get fitter and ride better too.

 

[Northern]

It's been a hot and humid weekend! 35C on Saturday, then a proper stormy night to finish off the heat.
Managed to get a ride in between storms, was very moody (see picture, was 27C for all you winter hibernators). The grass is amazing, brushing my legs while on board!

Today had a nice ride out with a friend, practicing some lateral work because L needs to become much more supple. We'll get there!
Next weekend we are doing our first Novice tests, so some intense schooling this week after a week of hacking out last week. Also need to somehow get her tail cleaner...

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

 

[PurBee]

I know what that its like both of my Arabs are really fussy with new stuff I have to introduce things in tiny amounts and add mint essence or they won't eat it.

thats interesting....mine have wild water mint growing in the wetter parts of the fields which they dont ever eat...and i was surprised! They’d prefer to eat young rushes sprouts than mint!

 

[PurBee]

Took Henry to the beach with a friend today! (we are in a work bubble together so no rules broken) Both ponies behaved beautifully (bar some minor spookage), beach was as amazing as ever and was nice to have someone to ride with for a change! Having horses and working full time is hard work, but every time I do something like today it makes it all worth it

That looked like so much fun!

during a large break from horses, me and OH went on a pony trek in wales to ride along a beach. OH didnt ride so we said trot would be ok for him. Cue getting to the beach and a full on gallop! Not having ridden for years im focusing on balance and staying on while glancing back at OH to see he’s still on...amazingly! Lead rider way out infront....my pony is heading for the waves no matter which way i steer....end up in the waves with pony splashing to her hearts content...told she loves water. OH catches up and is somewhat wide-eyed yet still in the saddle...i was sooo impressed! Was a glorious surprising beach gallop...one day hope to do it again ?

 

[DirectorFury]

We managed to hack twice! Not going far as she’s not been in work for a few months and is currently very furry.
It’s been just perfect, I love her so much for everything she is.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Ouch. Landed on my arse and then head today. Better than the other way around! I think my brain is still functioning though which is always a bonus. He was going brilliantly till then too. But he jumped sideways into a jump wing. Turns out his saddle is really pinching him on one side and I think he was trying to get away from it. I am very annoyed as the saddle fitter came just last week. Grrr

 

[iknowmyvalue]

(Somehow managed to upload the previous one without music?!)

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Ouch. Landed on my arse and then head today. Better than the other way around! I think my brain is still functioning though which is always a bonus. He was going brilliantly till then too. But he jumped sideways into a jump wing. Turns out his saddle is really pinching him on one side and I think he was trying to get away from it. I am very annoyed as the saddle fitter came just last week. Grrr

Oh no! I hope you are not too sore, and annoying re: saddle pinching when you've just had it looked at.


I had my lesson with share horse today, third one we've had. Went for a short hack with instructor to warm up and that was really helpful for thinking about how to use what I'm learning in the school when I'm out and about. We also did some position exercises and I got some tips for riding downhill (which neither share horse or I particularly like I think!) In the school worked on transitions, not as snappy as last week - me being a bit overly cautious probably. Also did some canter pole work - sort of, we had canter on the way in and out but trot between the poles. Still really pleased though as can see progress from each week and nerves seem to keep coming at me so each time I get on and push out of my comfort zone it's an achievement!

 

[nikkimariet]

We have had some good frosts recently too!



Friday saw Figgle have his second hack of the year. He tried very hard to run off with me but also not run off with me in his first canter out and about lol. His head just disappeared but I trust him not to bronc!



Saturday I went for a lesson. I was ecstatic to have it confirmed that everything is indeed improving. Totally loving my training.




And today, 27 miles in 4.5 hours! He’s having a few well earned days off as am I!!

 

[Roxylola]

We had what was supposed to be a stretchy hack after our lesson yesterday. My owner came with her ride and drive shitland who cant walk fast enough for us but trots a bit fast for our walk, so we spent a fair bit of time either practising turn on the forehand while we waited or in a very collected trot playing at shoulder in and travers ?

One of the other liveries came with us, her horse was fine with the cart in front or upsides but had a mental breakdown when he was in front of it ?
And I clipped a bit, needs tidying but my battery is useless.

 

[Roxylola]

Oh, and I cleaned his sheath, which he enjoys so much it puts me off doing it ? stood grooming the door like mad while I did it ? Apparently, he kicked the pro last year when she did it ?‍

 

[racebuddy]

Finally a weekend off work made the most of the dry whetaher and boxed
Up for a hack with the pooch and even better no work until Tuesday ??

 

[J&S]

Nikkimariet, I am really impressed that you hack your dressage horse out so much.

 

[DressageCob]

We had what was supposed to be a stretchy hack after our lesson yesterday. My owner came with her ride and drive shitland who cant walk fast enough for us but trots a bit fast for our walk, so we spent a fair bit of time either practising turn on the forehand while we waited or in a very collected trot playing at shoulder in and travers ?
View attachment 60093
One of the other liveries came with us, her horse was fine with the cart in front or upsides but had a mental breakdown when he was in front of it ?
And I clipped a bit, needs tidying but my battery is useless.

I had no idea Shetlands were so strong as driving ponies. I've only ever seen them with one person in a little carriage, but that one has 3 or 4! They are so deceptive. I'd love to have a go at driving.

Mega cob looks freshly hogged there too! Very tidy

 

[Roxylola]

I had no idea Shetlands were so strong as driving ponies. I've only ever seen them with one person in a little carriage, but that one has 3 or 4! They are so deceptive. I'd love to have a go at driving.

Mega cob looks freshly hogged there too! Very tidy

Shes well used to it, and it's mostly flat no big hills or anything but shes phenomenal really - the kids are only lightweight, but she'll easily pull 2 adults.
He is indeed freshly hogged, it's not bad considering I get about 40 minutes out of my battery at best - fortunately I'm fast and hes a good boy so I can get neck, shoulders and hog on one charge. I came home and walked the dogs while it recharged and did his body, so I'll tidy legs and head tomorrow night now.

 

[Bernster]

Nikkimariet, I am really impressed that you hack your dressage horse out so much.

and that you have so much hacking too! would love to know what area you’re in that has so much hacking, jealous!

 

[j1ffy]

Our weekend was fairly productive! We had our dressage lesson in thick fog and 1 degree on Friday - which was fine when riding but I had to squeeze in a conf call from the yard and it was freezing. I ended up sitting in my lorry under my duvet with my coat and hat on (suffice to say I didn't turn on the video).

The lesson itself was great. I've been working on getting everything more engaged but I struggle to feel if Danny's engaged vs. pushing forward. Definitely work still to be done (isn't there always?!) but Justine said it's the best she's seen him go, so I must have done some of the homework right. I now need to sit more on my bum through the canter transitions and carry on working on on / back and flexions. I've booked to go to AMD for a lesson on 21 December so may see one or two HHOers there?

On Saturday, the yard apprentice got on Danny in the school. He's definitely not a dressage rider so it was helpful to see how Danny responded to someone different who's probably even less clear than I am! I'm pleased to say that he responded really well, staying relaxed and not getting worried about the fuzzy asks. Very helpful to see ahead of potential numpties trying him out in the spring

Nikicb - I'm looking forward to seeing you on Friday and hopefully meeting the beautiful Maddie!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

thats interesting....mine have wild water mint growing in the wetter parts of the fields which they dont ever eat...and i was surprised! They’d prefer to eat young rushes sprouts than mint!

They won't eat fresh mint leaves I have tried those as I have some in the garden, they love mint essence though they will eat most things if I add a few drops.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I know the weekend ship has sailed (boo!) but I'm looking forward to my first solo schooling session tomorrow with share horse. I'm going to keep it nice and short and very simple. Just to get my confidence up being in there without someone telling me what to do! Goal is to practice transitions and get the response first ask instead of nagging, and to work on our bend round corners (we've got a lot of corner cutting currently).

 

[PurBee]

They won't eat fresh mint leaves I have tried those as I have some in the garden, they love mint essence though they will eat most things if I add a few drops.

interesting...ive made hay and it has some mint strewn throughout from the fields, which they happily eat - and it makes the hay smell lovely.
There must be something in fresh mint that they are put off by, yet eat it dried and the essence.

 

[Cob Life]

I got his clip finished and loose schooled him over jumps. Jeez can he jump (for a cob).
then I got on the project for the first time today and she didn’t floor me, not even a hint of a buck! Didn’t do anything but a little walk but it’s huge progress

 

[nikkimariet]

Nikkimariet, I am really impressed that you hack your dressage horse out so much.

He absolutely loves it! It’s done our partnership the world of good in terms of trust and he’s so much more enthusiastic about everything for it too.

I do have to keep in mind to build the dressage fitness too but I think we’ve found a good balance.

 

[nikkimariet]

and that you have so much hacking too! would love to know what area you’re in that has so much hacking, jealous!

I’m Leics based but box up to hack! Our local roads are BAD. People use them as a rat run and I’ve had one too many near misses, with Rooni not being good in traffic (he’s getting so much better, didn’t even flinch with his Lady pony shaped buffer yest) I just can’t risk it.

The green belt between Rutland and market harborough way is fab for hacking. This was towards Southwell which isn’t too far from me either.

i’m going to Thetford, (back to) Sherwood and Gunthorpe next