Wintry Weekend Plans

[Ample Prosecco]

Exciting weekend for me. Joe Midgely on Saturday which I am very much looking forward to. He’s working with Lottie in the morning then we will go and have a play with Felix in the afternoon. And a XC clinic at Somerford on Sunday. Ice appears to be buggering off just in time. Glad it’s that way round as she’s not been ridden since Monday! So a session with Joe will get her brain back in her head before the excitement of XC.

 

[j1ffy]

Sounds like a great weekend AE!

Not too much planned as Chilli's incredibly footsore at the moment (has been since the wet weather came) and I can't work out why. Our amazing hoof guy is coming tomorrow and I'll get him to look before anything else, next step will probably be some x-rays if he can't see anything obvious. Good luck vibes are welcome!!

In the meantime, Indio's new sharer continues to adore him. He's barely worked for the last year and isn't on any hard feed or supplements and is happily stomping over any surface currently, typical!!

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Good luck with hoof guy appointment J! I hope he can help work out what's going on.

I am due to have my second lesson on share horse tomorrow, just hoping the arena is okay to ride in. I've ridden him a few times in the school by myself now and my confidence is certainly better already. Still only little canters on long sides but the trot feels more like he is carrying me not the other way around. Not consistent and needing more work but definitely better so I hope the lesson tomorrow will help me build on this further. We're also quite wonky so feel I need a lesson to work on this.

Hacking Sunday, feeling less confident with this as we have only been out once. OH will join me on foot again. I'm trying to work out how to break it down further if I need to for confidence building but will try the same loop as last time and hopefully won't need to as anything shorter won't be a loop (I'm not sure how much that matters for share horse, depends on the horse and owner's preference I guess)

 

[MuddyMonster]

Hoping the weather and ground conditions break enough so I can ride (or even play on the ground) ? But given that I've not ridden since Monday and it's still predicted - figures, I'm not holding my breath!

Enjoy your Joe Midgley clinic, I follow him on SM a bit and he seems like a great trainer.

Good luck for feet Jiffy ?

Hope you get to enjoy your rides SD

 

[Accidental Eventer]

It’s going to be hot, but Henry and I have a clinic early Saturday morning. First session is at 7 to beat the heat! Should be all done by 11 and home to the aircon!
Sunday I’ll have Henry and might jump Coolie for the first time with year.
Have fun all. I’ll sent some of our heat to you.

 

[SEL]

I managed to get both ponies out for a short hack on Wed afternoon and I'm glad I did because the ground was nasty yesterday and I'm not sure how much it will defrost this weekend.

Microcob didn't feel quite right and showed no interest in cantering along her usual stretch of bridlepath. They all had a blast round the field after the hunt had been last weekend so I'm wondering if she's tweaked something.

 

[millitiger]

I feel very lucky as our arena hasn't frozen once this winter.
Although that doesn't mean I've ridden all winter as the vile weather put me off, even if the arena was OK ?

We've been getting our practice in this week, as trying our first Medium test this weekend.
I feel slightly bonkers as he's actually only done 2 x Elementary tests and we haven't competed since September. However I really just want the test sheet to see where we are, in training, rather than expecting a big score.

Good luck everyone out and about.

 

[j1ffy]

I managed to get both ponies out for a short hack on Wed afternoon and I'm glad I did because the ground was nasty yesterday and I'm not sure how much it will defrost this weekend.

Microcob didn't feel quite right and showed no interest in cantering along her usual stretch of bridlepath. They all had a blast round the field after the hunt had been last weekend so I'm wondering if she's tweaked something.

I hope microcob feels better soon SEL

 

[Red-1]

Not much for this weekend specifically, but thanks to @Ambers Echo I have a lesson with Joe Midgley on Thursday, our first! I suspect it will be ground handling as we have some sticky spots where he will brace, that I have simply never attended to as he is such a polite chap so I have just ignored it. I'm talking preferring to walk one side of me than the other and a slight brace rather than an actual issue though.

Sounds like you are raring ahead @SaddlePsych'D hope your hack is blissful.

This weekend we will probably hack. We have a flooded bridleway, and last weekend were wading about 100yds through at up to 90cm. Rigs was horrified as it was up to his tummy, BH just a bit put out as his hoof boots got full of water. If it is defrosted and still flooded we may do some more. Saves washing Rigs' legs after he is clipped anyway ?

 

[blood_magik]

I’ve got a show on Sunday - Cas’s last outing before areas next month and I’m taking Jack so he doesn’t get out of the habit of loading. Cas also has a test and teach lesson booked with a list 1 judge on Monday so that should be interesting.

the baby is having a mini break until the saddler sees him as he’s not comfortable somewhere (suspect saddle but could also be his mouth as he had a cap removed the other day). Going to attempt to long-rein him over some raised poles to keep him thinking and so he doesn’t go totally feral ?

 

[Bernster]

Was due to take a friend to a jumping outing Saturday but that’s been cancelled. We may have lunch instead. My riding plans depend on the weather otherwise but not done much as I was away for work this week. I’m making plans though and have bought a calendar and riding diary to get me going again hopefully.

 

[Alibear]

I lunged Amber last night, which is the first work she's done since mid-December, so now it's bringing her back up to get going for this year. More in-hand work and then on Sunday my instructor is going to be first back on board, I'm sure she'll be fine, but since my surgery was only 2 weeks ago it seemed sensible to get someone else to do it.
There was no acrobatics or any high energy last night just the usual chilled-out polite little mare, so we should be good to go. She's 7 now so fully grown and she certainly acts like it.

 

[Michen]

I have my first jumping lesson today! It'll be the first time I've jumped since our last event in the UK in September. Excited for that.

Then on Monday I have a western saddle fitter coming out and am treating myself to a new saddle. The trail riding here is next level and i want to do some different stuff (learning to work cattle etc) with him, so we are going to embrace our new world with a new saddle (and probably shock the hunter jumper barn we are at ).

 

[RachelFerd]

Haven't managed to get much done riding wise this week, but hoping to have a quick sit on them both this evening ready for the weekend. Isaac is doing some BS again this week - just a British Novice and 95 class this time as it's a new venue for him (and an unlucky one for me)... and then I'll get them both hacked out on Sunday, plus Isaac has a quick attempt at an ele test in the yard dressage comp in the afternoon - will warm up on a hack and just go in and ride a test. It will be a bit rough and ready, but we're bored of the novice tests but not quite ready to go and do proper BD eles.

 

[Gloi]

I'm stewarding at the dressage tomorrow but bit worried what it will be like.
I certainly couldn't get mine to it.
My yard is a skating rink and poor pony has been stuck in for a couple of days. I braved the roads ? and went to him yesterday and couldn't get the car up the drive it was so icy. Fortunately he's on livery and seemed happy enough when he got his carrot but there's a couple of inches of frozen hard snow on top of ice. The ones in the American barn have been able to get in the school but the others are trapped.
Glad it's going to warm up soon.

 

[Marigold4]

Very icy still here and roads flooded in every direction, so not much chance of even a hack - frozen chalk is lethal! ? But chuffed my trimmer thought my horses feet looked excellent when he came yesterday - loads of horses have abcesses at the mo, apparently. So once the ice is gone we should be back on board again.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Fingers crossed for swift defrosting!

I've lesson reported already on other thread - walk and trot only due to still slightly frozen school but we made some great progress. I am feeling unbelievably lucky to have found a share horse who is the right combo of forward and safe, and to have access to some proper good quality coaching on him. I have known for ages that I have 'naughty knees' and not very effective with my leg aids (among many other things!), having someone bring it all back to basics and say what I need to do (instead of only what not to do) is so valuable and paying off immediately. We are still hacking Sunday but I can't wait to get into the school again and put this all into practice again. It's so exciting to think we can have time practicing between lessons then come back to the next lesson having improved from today and ready to push things forward again.

 

[Accidental Eventer]

We had 2 good lessons, but I am feeling so annoyed with myself! I have one fall (back in August!), and my self belief is non existent now. I just have so little faith in my ability. As much coach aptly said... "you can ride!". And I jolly well can too, and not too badly either. It is so frustrating.

Moving on... Henry came out to play today. Flat work at 7am, before the heat. He was all business, worked beautifully, really did me proud. Shoulder in check, travers check, renvers check. So easy to just do it today, soft, round and willing. Good counter canter too, again soft and willing. Just seems to have turned a massive corners recently and it's all there. So proud of him. Feels ready to do an elem test.

Jumping after a break and again he came out to work. He was foot perfect as we built up the grid, just needing me to keep my leg on to keep the impulsion. After mastering the grid we moved on to a course. First time round was ok, just needed to keep the forward through the turn into one oxer, so we just got a bit close and had the rail but got it right the second time. The course work felt so much better than it has done recently and I felt loads more confident. Then to finish we did the course again but finished with angling 2 jumps set as a double. I totally abandoned Henry and he rightly stopped and I nearly came off. Stuck it and came around again this time with my leg on and he made 2 good attempts after that. But thats my point of contention, I was riding well up until then and because it was different I stopped riding.

Anyway I'm very pleased with the day overall, lots of good positives and I feel that my stickability is making a comeback! Plus I didn't let my near miss affect my riding, I just got on with it, so thats a win too. Just feel frustrated that it happened in the first place.

 

[j1ffy]

Chilli update: as I feared, his hooves are in great shape and the issue is something internal. I’ve got the vet coming on Friday afternoon (he’s on holiday until then and I don’t want anyone else) to investigate. It’s the off fore and shows up when he’s on uneven ground, my money is on a collateral ligament but let’s see.

 

[TheMule]

Chilli update: as I feared, his hooves are in great shape and the issue is something internal. I’ve got the vet coming on Friday afternoon (he’s on holiday until then and I don’t want anyone else) to investigate. It’s the off fore and shows up when he’s on uneven ground, my money is on a collateral ligament but let’s see.

Oh bums, how frustrating. I hope you get to the bottom of it asap

 

[millitiger]

I feel very lucky as our arena hasn't frozen once this winter...
We've been getting our practice in this week, as trying our first Medium test this weekend...

Bumholes, dressage frozen off!
Gutted as really was ready for some feedback.
If anyone fancies a watch, here is my run through this week.
Yes, sometimes the balance isn't super on the tight turns and I never push the medium trot/ canter, at home, as I think you have a limited amount in a horse's lifetime!
However, I can see clear crossing in his half passes, his centre lines are straight and his move off from his first halt is much crisper than it has been.
I can also see if I ride him a bit more 'up and out' then he has the better balance and cadence but if I dip my head, so does he!

 

[nikkimariet]

We were at the winter regionals on Thursday. He was so good. Really pleased with how chilled he was. There was a bit of commotion in the warm up from another horse (reared got a leg over the dividing fence, pulled the whole lot down and round the warm up in a frenzy) but he barely reacted. Very good pony, we were just leaving the warm up to go to our first test so I had a momentary panic it would upset him but he seemed very unbothered.

First test AM silver just went a little tight through his neck and back. Did nothing wrong but lost the softness in the lateral work we normally have. 66.5 and 6/12 with just over 1% separating us from first place. Not bad!

Second test AM silver music he cruised round. Gave me a really easy ride. I was happy with the performance but delighted to hold the lead all the way to the end of the class to win on 70.5% out of 11



Day off fri then a jump this morning at home. Quick hack tomo.

Very excited to be back at hartpury for the champs in April!

 

[Gloi]

I did a few hours stewarding dressage. Blooming freezing.

 

[SEL]

I need that lottery win for an indoor arena! Freezing fog didn't lift yesterday and my weather ap is telling there's more of it outside with minus 8 to make my morning even more enjoyable ?

And they never grit the road to the yard.....

It'll be Spring soon ??

 

[southerncomfort]

Still under snow and ice here. Was supposed to warm up today but the wind is absolutely Arctic!.

 

[Gloi]

Still under snow and ice here. Was supposed to warm up today but the wind is absolutely Arctic!.

Same at my yard. So frustrating.

 

[mavandkaz]

Nothing happening here as everywhere is frozen solid. Was supposed to start thawing today, but that's now been pushed back to Tues/weds.

At least some of you are still able to get out and about with some fab results

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

For those who have been able to get out, hope you’ve enjoyed! For everyone else, hope it thaws soon.
After last weekend’s antics (and A&E trip), my OH took on walking duties. Unfortunately from Tuesday onwards, the yard was like an ice rink, which wasn’t ideal - in fact, we weren’t able to do any walking at all until yesterday. However, horse was in superb form and walked very sensibly which was great. We had been loosely aiming towards turning him out for the first time this weekend - only into a hardstanding pen - so with the aid of some sedalin, our big lad was able to go out and enjoy some freedom for the first time since May.
We did have some high spirits but I popped a Stubbs treat ball in with him and it provided an excellent distraction, so we tried that again today and he had a nice quiet mooch around.
Our rider also got on board again last night and he didn’t put a foot wrong. I think I’m going to have to start thinking about doing some of the sitting myself before it becomes too much of A Big Deal mentally for me. Eek
Anyway, I am just so pleased to have given him some sense of normality back. Although would prefer that the gymnastics stop ?

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

For those who have been able to get out, hope you’ve enjoyed! For everyone else, hope it thaws soon.
After last weekend’s antics (and A&E trip), my OH took on walking duties. Unfortunately from Tuesday onwards, the yard was like an ice rink, which wasn’t ideal - in fact, we weren’t able to do any walking at all until yesterday. However, horse was in superb form and walked very sensibly which was great. We had been loosely aiming towards turning him out for the first time this weekend - only into a hardstanding pen - so with the aid of some sedalin, our big lad was able to go out and enjoy some freedom for the first time since May.
We did have some high spirits but I popped a Stubbs treat ball in with him and it provided an excellent distraction, so we tried that again today and he had a nice quiet mooch around.
Our rider also got on board again last night and he didn’t put a foot wrong. I think I’m going to have to start thinking about doing some of the sitting myself before it becomes too much of A Big Deal mentally for me. Eek
Anyway, I am just so pleased to have given him some sense of normality back. Although would prefer that the gymnastics stop ?

View attachment 106543

Great pic, although hope things are a little calmer soon!

I am feeling similarly buzzed after my second hack on share horse today. I was sooo nervous beforehand, I really did not want to go and my brain was like 'here's a load of adrenaline you don't need' and I felt like I may be sick and/or poop my pants. Neither happened. I ignored the feeling in pursuit of my goal to enjoy hacking with share horse, which will not happen if I opt out completely. OH joined me on foot again. I planned a few 'outs' (i.e., safe spots on the route to turn around/decide to continue) and got on with it.

A shorter route this time which turned out to be a good choice anyway because of ice. I did get nervous at points but share horse was a good boy and did not break out of walk even with his homeward bound power walk! The lesson we had on Friday was in my mind and helped me focus on not 'holding' with my hands and counter-acting the urge to go a bit foetal position when nervous. All seemed to help us both. I enjoyed the vast majority of the ride, and share horse was nice and settled to the point I felt able to give him a bit of a longer rein to stretch for the last bit up to the yard. Hooray!

 

[Cloball]

Roads and the yard were pretty lethal and icey on Saturday so I didn't venture out in the end. OH came with me and we went for a walk today ? she marches out no bother at all takes reassurance, didn't spook at anything, all the cars we met were super polite so smiles all round. Not exactly thrilling competing or training but I think we are starting to trust each other. OH then spend a solid half an hour taking her picture in the field whilst I finished mucking out. He's a much better photographer than me.