abbijay
Well-Known Member
I don't think I've posted much about my Loan "pony" other than he came to me last September from Cumbrian Heavy Horses, is a shire gelding (although has had foals as a youngster) and is a bit green* for an 8 year old.
(* - understatement of the week. He came to me backed and hacked out in company so in 13 months I've taught him all he knows with the help of a couple of excellent instructors). I've schooled him up myself and it's the first time I've done something like this - my retired horse had been under saddle for 3 years before I had him so knew a thing or 2. We are far from perfect but we're having a great time and on Saturday we headed out for his second attempt at BD (3rd if you include the TQ we did a few weeks previously) this time on 2 qualifier tests.
Our first test (P17a) was a bit dodgy but somehow we managed 61% so that was a point. And I'm chuffed to bits with the photo!
Then we went off to the other arena to do P13. This time he was just so much more attentive to my aids and, although far from a perfect test, he listened to me throughout and it was an error free test. There were big pats for him at the end and I had to buy a packet of polos from the cafe because he deserved a treat! He pulled a 67% which I am delighted with and it feels like there is loads more to come yet!
Now we have 4 months to perfect our right canter transitions in time for the Area Festivals!
(* - understatement of the week. He came to me backed and hacked out in company so in 13 months I've taught him all he knows with the help of a couple of excellent instructors). I've schooled him up myself and it's the first time I've done something like this - my retired horse had been under saddle for 3 years before I had him so knew a thing or 2. We are far from perfect but we're having a great time and on Saturday we headed out for his second attempt at BD (3rd if you include the TQ we did a few weeks previously) this time on 2 qualifier tests.
Our first test (P17a) was a bit dodgy but somehow we managed 61% so that was a point. And I'm chuffed to bits with the photo!
Then we went off to the other arena to do P13. This time he was just so much more attentive to my aids and, although far from a perfect test, he listened to me throughout and it was an error free test. There were big pats for him at the end and I had to buy a packet of polos from the cafe because he deserved a treat! He pulled a 67% which I am delighted with and it feels like there is loads more to come yet!
Now we have 4 months to perfect our right canter transitions in time for the Area Festivals!
