Bit behind, will post pics of 'interesting' soggy white heels I took on Friday morning tomorrow.
Just wanted to post that yay, today Kadey got to try out his new winter turnout night rug. It's a Weatherbeata Orican Freestyle in medium weight - after breaking his Axiom rug after one wear I was looking for durability!
I don't have any photos as I didn't take my camera and it was pitch black, aside from the lights off the tackroom/office. I know when I see him tomorrow it'll be dirty and muddy as he'll invariably roll in it, but I'll take a pic anyway for posterity.
Another agistee suggested copper deficiency for his hoof and windsucking issues, so I'm going to look into it. I also need to return the call of the lady from County Herbs, so hopefully she can give me some pointers.
The agistment owner said the farrier took too much off the hoof and also made it so he's walking on his sole, which isn't cool. So I'm going to get another farrier out for a second opinion. I don't want to get into the second guessing game - as they say, opinions are like..... and everyone has one; but in this instance I've only had info from one person (my trainer goes to that farrier so she was just saying what he said) and Kadey is STILL lame and the agistment owner said it doesn't look like seedy toe. Argh, I just want a sound horse.
At the same time I'm trying not to focus on competing as I'll go insane; so instead I'm thinking about enjoying building a relationship with Kadey and having fun with him :)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Farrier update: Wait it out, sunshine
The long awaited farrier visit happened yesterday morning. His message was essentially - it's normal for this region and weather, suck it up and realise you're not going to get to ride a lot until it dries out'.
He was brilliant, he gave me a great lesson on the anatomy of the hoof and how to treat his issue, which is essentially a fungus problem.
He explained that the fungus existing in Kadey's hoof actually should exist in the hoof, just not where it is which is why he cut it out. He gave me an antimicrobial treatment to put on the affected areas once every 2 days and the rest of the hoof once a month or so for maintenance.
He cut off the broken and chipped parts from Kadey’s hooves and cut out the black areas of fungus, which he called ‘Fungus poo’ (his words, not mine). He said Kadey’s hoof shape was actually pretty good so whoever had been doing them had done a good job. I’ll book him again for 4 weeks time and until then hope for the best.
As per our phone call, he suggested walking/riding on hard and rough surfaces, with loose rocks the best and bitumen the next after that.
So… hopefully Kadey is a bit sound this weekend and I can ride him a little. I’ll take along all three saddles and show my trainer, who I’m hoping can come out at some point, so we can work out which fits him best. Knowing my luck it’ll be the jumping saddle!
It was hilarious all through the farrier’s visit as while he was giving me a very serious lesson in hoof care, Kadey was growing progressively bored and so getting up to mischief, including pulling the guys hat off, nudging his shoulder, picking up the (plastic) hoof stand and throwing it about and when facing into the wash bay, stole a few people’s items (brushes, sponges etc) and throwing them about in addition to pulling on the ceiling mounted washbay hose.
So very cute but SO VERY DISTRACTING!
The farrier also has some interesting rules – he trains in natural horsemanship and so works off body language; during the session Kadey wears a rope halter and is the farrier’s horse; I’m not allowed to interact with him in any way. Instead, my job is to be a post to give the horse a sense of security but still allowing him to feel that he (Kadey) is holding himself rather than being tied up. When moving around the horse I had to keep an open body and to make him step back use hip motions. I might look to do some natural horsemanship with Kadey some time soon as he’s a nice horse and I want to develop a better feel for him and a great relationship and bond :)
He was brilliant, he gave me a great lesson on the anatomy of the hoof and how to treat his issue, which is essentially a fungus problem.
He explained that the fungus existing in Kadey's hoof actually should exist in the hoof, just not where it is which is why he cut it out. He gave me an antimicrobial treatment to put on the affected areas once every 2 days and the rest of the hoof once a month or so for maintenance.
He cut off the broken and chipped parts from Kadey’s hooves and cut out the black areas of fungus, which he called ‘Fungus poo’ (his words, not mine). He said Kadey’s hoof shape was actually pretty good so whoever had been doing them had done a good job. I’ll book him again for 4 weeks time and until then hope for the best.
As per our phone call, he suggested walking/riding on hard and rough surfaces, with loose rocks the best and bitumen the next after that.
So… hopefully Kadey is a bit sound this weekend and I can ride him a little. I’ll take along all three saddles and show my trainer, who I’m hoping can come out at some point, so we can work out which fits him best. Knowing my luck it’ll be the jumping saddle!
It was hilarious all through the farrier’s visit as while he was giving me a very serious lesson in hoof care, Kadey was growing progressively bored and so getting up to mischief, including pulling the guys hat off, nudging his shoulder, picking up the (plastic) hoof stand and throwing it about and when facing into the wash bay, stole a few people’s items (brushes, sponges etc) and throwing them about in addition to pulling on the ceiling mounted washbay hose.
So very cute but SO VERY DISTRACTING!
The farrier also has some interesting rules – he trains in natural horsemanship and so works off body language; during the session Kadey wears a rope halter and is the farrier’s horse; I’m not allowed to interact with him in any way. Instead, my job is to be a post to give the horse a sense of security but still allowing him to feel that he (Kadey) is holding himself rather than being tied up. When moving around the horse I had to keep an open body and to make him step back use hip motions. I might look to do some natural horsemanship with Kadey some time soon as he’s a nice horse and I want to develop a better feel for him and a great relationship and bond :)
Monday, April 25, 2011
The weather is messing with me!
It's raining. But in annoying little bursts of super heavy rain. So just as I think 'it's over, drive over to see Kadey..' BAM. Rain.
My boyfriend said 'look honey, it's only spitting' (it was pouring at the time).... moments later it turned torrential.
I told him he made this happen ;)
Looks like my last day of holiday will be decidedly ponytime-less :(
Boo-urns.
Going to clean my dressage saddle instead. Sigh.
My boyfriend said 'look honey, it's only spitting' (it was pouring at the time).... moments later it turned torrential.
I told him he made this happen ;)
Looks like my last day of holiday will be decidedly ponytime-less :(
Boo-urns.
Going to clean my dressage saddle instead. Sigh.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Bonding time: Mum meets Kadey
Today was such a good day!!
I took my Mum out to meet Kadey - we used to ride together a lot when I was younger; and my lovely patient Mum schlepped me to every show, competition and riding lesson I ever went to.
She likes him and he was a perfect gentleman :)
It's so great - every day he opens up a little more of his personality to me as he becomes more comfortable and we build more of a relationship. The thing with his mouth where I thought he was going to bite me was actually him just sort of 'mouthing' my fingers - he grabs your hand and sort of 'gums' your hand gently with his lips and teeth. At first I thought he was getting snatchy for a snack or treat but it looks like it's just his thing, he's mouthy and likes to play. We even had a cute game of tug'o'war with his lead rope as I offered it to him as an alternative to chewing on the wood of the hitching rail and potentially wind sucking.
We groomed him for a bit and then I lunged him. He was really well behaved, we're understanding each other a lot better now :)
We also had fun playing the 'got your nose' game - I still can't work out does he really hate it (which he probably should?) or if he enjoys the game and the attention. As Mum pointed out, he is attuned to me now and follows me with his head whenever I walk away.
I've also found his weakness - liquorice! He'll happily guzzle piece after piece. I'm happy that he trusts me enough to take treats and also that I've found what he likes. That said, I'm going to try giving him an apple again in case it was just that he didn't trust me before.
In all, it was great - we all bonded and Kadey was on his best behaviour. Every day brings new and exciting things, and even though I was down yesterday about his lameness I'm hopeful and looking forward to being able to ride and also enjoying our increased bond.
Yay!
I took my Mum out to meet Kadey - we used to ride together a lot when I was younger; and my lovely patient Mum schlepped me to every show, competition and riding lesson I ever went to.
She likes him and he was a perfect gentleman :)
It's so great - every day he opens up a little more of his personality to me as he becomes more comfortable and we build more of a relationship. The thing with his mouth where I thought he was going to bite me was actually him just sort of 'mouthing' my fingers - he grabs your hand and sort of 'gums' your hand gently with his lips and teeth. At first I thought he was getting snatchy for a snack or treat but it looks like it's just his thing, he's mouthy and likes to play. We even had a cute game of tug'o'war with his lead rope as I offered it to him as an alternative to chewing on the wood of the hitching rail and potentially wind sucking.
We groomed him for a bit and then I lunged him. He was really well behaved, we're understanding each other a lot better now :)
We also had fun playing the 'got your nose' game - I still can't work out does he really hate it (which he probably should?) or if he enjoys the game and the attention. As Mum pointed out, he is attuned to me now and follows me with his head whenever I walk away.
I've also found his weakness - liquorice! He'll happily guzzle piece after piece. I'm happy that he trusts me enough to take treats and also that I've found what he likes. That said, I'm going to try giving him an apple again in case it was just that he didn't trust me before.
In all, it was great - we all bonded and Kadey was on his best behaviour. Every day brings new and exciting things, and even though I was down yesterday about his lameness I'm hopeful and looking forward to being able to ride and also enjoying our increased bond.
Yay!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Natural supplements
Interesting.... just read that windsucking is less about boredom and more to do with high acidity in the gut leading to ulcers - apparently the air helps the horse to manage the discomfort.
I've ordered some rose hips and brewer yeast to add to Kadey's feed. Let's see how it goes :)
I've ordered some rose hips and brewer yeast to add to Kadey's feed. Let's see how it goes :)
Lame pony is STILL lame and I'm emo
I'm pretty emo right now - Kadey is definitely out now. He was a little stiff when I walked him in hand but I went to ride him as per the farrier's suggestion. But as soon as he was led under saddle he started to rear and grunt. He calmed down so I got on but as soon as I did he bunched up and started to kick out. He was so jumpy, he ran off a little when i got off.
I'm putting it all down to him being sore; that he's just princessy about having a sore hoof and doesn't want to walk under saddle as it hurts, which is fair enough.
It also sucked because he was windsucking a bit and so rather than building a bond with him I had to keep repremanding him, pretty much undoing all of the bonding we've done over the last week.
So I'm pretty disappointed at the moment and worried about the following:
What if...
1. He is lame and will always be lame OR highly prone to being lame. Ergo, expensive lawn ornament.
2. This is going to cost $$$$ in farriers, vets, equissage and who knows what else to sort out.
3. What if he's always going to rear and buck when I try to work him?
I'm trying to view things in a businesslike manner - ie at worst if he's lame for life I sell him/give him away and save up for the next horse. Not ideal but just means I need to save dollars. Doesn't mean my riding career is doomed, just delayed.
I also don't want to be scared to ride my horse.
This is all just. not. optimal. :(
I'm putting it all down to him being sore; that he's just princessy about having a sore hoof and doesn't want to walk under saddle as it hurts, which is fair enough.
It also sucked because he was windsucking a bit and so rather than building a bond with him I had to keep repremanding him, pretty much undoing all of the bonding we've done over the last week.
So I'm pretty disappointed at the moment and worried about the following:
What if...
1. He is lame and will always be lame OR highly prone to being lame. Ergo, expensive lawn ornament.
2. This is going to cost $$$$ in farriers, vets, equissage and who knows what else to sort out.
3. What if he's always going to rear and buck when I try to work him?
I'm trying to view things in a businesslike manner - ie at worst if he's lame for life I sell him/give him away and save up for the next horse. Not ideal but just means I need to save dollars. Doesn't mean my riding career is doomed, just delayed.
I also don't want to be scared to ride my horse.
This is all just. not. optimal. :(
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Lame pony is lame :( BUT he likes me!
The good news:
Kadey has calmed down and is turning into a marshmallow - easy to handle and enjoys hiding his head in the crook of my arm. Awwwww!
The bad news:
He's lame. The limping I noticed when I free lunged him this week is because his off side for hoof wall is separating. I had my trainer out there and she had a look and recommended a really knowledgable guy who specialises in barefoot tirmming, who I've booked for Wednesday morning after the Easter holiday. Dammit, was hoping he'd come out while I'm on holiday!! Will have to beg the boss to let me start late that day :(
The guy said the best thing is lots of movement and as he's able to walk freely I'm going to start taking him for trail rides this week just to get some saddle time and to stop both Kadey and I going ca-ray-zee. I'm hoping by trail riding it'll keep us out of the boggy arena and into some hopefully harder ground that'll firm his hoof up.
My trainer advised that the trimmer may make some suggestions that'd be great in an ideal world but in reality would be hard, particularly given how strict my agistment place is. For example putting down rocks so they have something hard to stand on.
Apparently due to all the floods plus the acidic soil in the area where Kadey is agisted has led to a number of horses having fungal issues lately. I just want him to be ok and for this to not turn into a million dollar experience. Eeek!! His comfort and safety comes first, I just need some time to save up so I have a buffer again to cover me for any emergency expenses like this.
Kadey has calmed down and is turning into a marshmallow - easy to handle and enjoys hiding his head in the crook of my arm. Awwwww!
The bad news:
He's lame. The limping I noticed when I free lunged him this week is because his off side for hoof wall is separating. I had my trainer out there and she had a look and recommended a really knowledgable guy who specialises in barefoot tirmming, who I've booked for Wednesday morning after the Easter holiday. Dammit, was hoping he'd come out while I'm on holiday!! Will have to beg the boss to let me start late that day :(
The guy said the best thing is lots of movement and as he's able to walk freely I'm going to start taking him for trail rides this week just to get some saddle time and to stop both Kadey and I going ca-ray-zee. I'm hoping by trail riding it'll keep us out of the boggy arena and into some hopefully harder ground that'll firm his hoof up.
My trainer advised that the trimmer may make some suggestions that'd be great in an ideal world but in reality would be hard, particularly given how strict my agistment place is. For example putting down rocks so they have something hard to stand on.
Apparently due to all the floods plus the acidic soil in the area where Kadey is agisted has led to a number of horses having fungal issues lately. I just want him to be ok and for this to not turn into a million dollar experience. Eeek!! His comfort and safety comes first, I just need some time to save up so I have a buffer again to cover me for any emergency expenses like this.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Progress!
HE LICKED MY HAND, THEN TOOK A PIECE OF SUGAR!!!
Ok so he spat the sugar out a minute later, but whatever. He took a treat from my hand.
YAY!
END: So, it looks like perhaps he's more of a salty horse than a sweet treats one? I'll add a salt block to his paddock (picking one up tonight) and will also try a few savourvy treats with him in future.
But really, I'm just so happy that he now trusts me enough to interact with me in that way. Having him lick my hand was one of the nicest things to happen to me all week :)
Ok so he spat the sugar out a minute later, but whatever. He took a treat from my hand.
YAY!
END: So, it looks like perhaps he's more of a salty horse than a sweet treats one? I'll add a salt block to his paddock (picking one up tonight) and will also try a few savourvy treats with him in future.
But really, I'm just so happy that he now trusts me enough to interact with me in that way. Having him lick my hand was one of the nicest things to happen to me all week :)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Weather update
It's not rainng! Ok it's overcast and gloomy but whatever, there are no rain drops! Fongers crossed that it holds off until AFTER I ride tonight AND that my horse is less crazy than he was on Sunday. Eep, I don't want to be afraid of my horse!
EDIT: I spoke too soon, it's raining now. I think I brought it on myself!
EDIT: I spoke too soon, it's raining now. I think I brought it on myself!
Mitavite Xtra Cool
Fortunately he's still eating his way through the feed he came with so my indecisiveness hasn't affected him in any way :)
Rain, rain, go away...
Today was rainy and horrible and by the time I got out to Kadey they'd already rugged him (in his winter rug already!) and fed him. So even though I took out some sugar cubes, I wasn't interesting to him at all as he was mid chew on Weight lifter. It was interesting - my current theory is that he hasn't learnt to take treats from someone's hand so no matter what he won't take what I give. OR he just doesn't trust me yet.
I'm pretty emo about the fact that he isn't falling over himself to be nice to me - but I'm thinking that he's one of those horses who it's really hard to build a relationship with but once you do, they're loyal.
I'm pretty emo about the fact that he isn't falling over himself to be nice to me - but I'm thinking that he's one of those horses who it's really hard to build a relationship with but once you do, they're loyal.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Progress Photo: Day 2
Photo Update - Day 2 of owning Verkade. I plan to make update photo posts each month to track his progress physically - and possibly even with videos of him under saddle once i have a trainer sorted.
This last one is just for fun - after his first bath :)
This last one is just for fun - after his first bath :)
First ride... needs work!
Today was my first ride on KD as ‘my horse’. It…. Wasn’t the best. I luged him first as he was just too jumpy on the ground. I didn’t want to lunge straight after a spell but he’s just too much of a nutbar not to.
I started out with a grooming session – he was super sore on a spot near his wither, I think perhaps his rug is rubbing? He doesn’t have a bridle path or his withers trimmed at all so I’ll take scissors over and do that tomorrow and see if that helps. Otherwise I’ll move him to a different rug.
I lunged him first – I haven’t figured out what his command for ‘stop’ is but by the end of the session we’d established slowing down between paces. I’m pretty sure he knows how and what, he just has different commands that I’m obviously not using. The way I’ve done it in the past is to move forward so I block the horse’s line of vision – either with my body or an arm. But with KD, moving in front of him just makes him rush, then panic and buck and/or take off. So I’ll do some research to look into it. He also goes into canter with a buck/pigroot in my general direction so I need to work that out – he’s always weird with his canter transitions so I want to get to the bottom of it.
After that I rode him – I wimped out and rode him in the roundyard where I’d lunged him. As I led him down there, he went really weird like he was in pain or being bitten somewhere on or near his offside hindquarters. It was weird and he kind of grunted a bit and ran a circle around me. He did it twice, then once more once I got on him. I think maybe the saddle was too far back which would also have contributed to issues under saddle.
above: the saddle moved back during the ride :(
We walked for a bit then I asked for trot but he started to raise his back up and pigroot a little. I thought I’d leave it at walk for today, I just focused on walk/halt transitions and finished with a really basic turn on the forehand, which went really well. Yay!
From here I think I’ll try him in the arena tomorrow – pending how crazy he is. It’ll be after work so I won’t have a lot of daylight. I might try him in the arena at a walk and see if he calms into it? I’m also going to try to rebook Susan Marshall for another confidence-boosting lesson. I know she can’t do much with me given he’s coming back from a spell but I think I’m just after someone to hold my hand. I’m comforted by the fact that one of my best horses in the past was impossible when I got her, but we grew together and by the time I sold her she was an angel and we wont everything we entered. So I know a difficult horse isn’t the end of the world – KD is just edgy about being in a new place with a new rider. In time we’ll be fine, so I’m working to not get discouraged or frightened by this enormous scary animal that is completely unpredictable.
After the ride I washed him - I'm not a fan of overwashing a horse, but he was so greasy and gross that it had to be done. I'm sure he'll be a fluffmoster when I get there tomorrow.
Fun facts
1. Kadey has an even shorter attention span than I do – two seconds of being tied up and he’s pawing at the ground, untying his leadrope and generally getting into trouble then panicking – ie he somehow looped the lead rope around the hitching rail and then panicked. Luckily he didn’t hit his head and calmed down enough for me to untie him. But yes – getting into mischief = Kadey’s favourite hobby.
2. My horse doesn't love me. Yet. He also doesn't like any of the treats I have for him. I'm going to try sugarcubes, carrotes and bread with jam tomorrow to see how I go. I'm struggling with not being able to feed him, it's making the bonding process VERY slow. I know it's only day 2 but it was weird, after I took him back to his paddock he wanted nothing to do with me once he realised I had no food for him and even walked away when I walked towards him.
I'm worried I've taught him to disrespect me - he was naughty at the trot so we just walked and now this. I need to build a relationship and assert our roles (ie - I'm lead horse!) ASAP!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Welcome Verkade!
I have a horse! I'm a bit shocked by the whole thing - I gave him a hug goodbye tonight and had to think 'this is actually my horse!'.
He's filthy (and OMG the tack he came with...) and a bit edgy about being in a new place with new people. I also forgot that like any relationship, it needs to be built over time. My memories of my past horses are all of them once we had built that bond and loved each other. So it was weird to be with 'my' horse but have him be a bit off and nervous with me. So we certainly need to build that relationship - and to be fair he was a bit freaked out by being put in a new place after living at the same one for that last 2 years.
He came with an extensive wardrobe as the previous owner moved overseas. But OMG, it took me 2 hours to work through it and it'll take me another 4 - 5 hours to clean it all! The leather is either mouldy or just outright FILTHY, with grime, sweat, hair and dirt caked on everything. To be honest I'm looking forward to doing it, it's just a matter of finding time. I might clean the stuff I'll be riding in first then start working my way through the rest. It was such a weird collection - parts of at least 5 bridles, including a weymouth and some random pony bits. And 5 packs of lintex dressing. And various bottles with labels so faded I just tossed it out. And everything is purple. His float boots, rugs, saddlecloths, work boots, random towels.... everything. I'm not really a purple person, but for the next few weeks/months I'll be rocking the purple look. Thankfully I have some of my own stuff in storage so I'll bring it out to break up the purple parade.
I had a bit of drama collecting him but we eventually got on the road at about 1.30 and he was at the agistment place by 2.30pm. He floated really well, stable and calm. He was a bit bored at the start, pawing at the floor; but settled and travelled really well. Once they got him there (I was another 10 minutes behind thanks to a GPS issue) he sat in the roundyard while I unpacked and filled out the paperwork. His paddock is in a STUNNING location and his nearest friend is across a laneway. The fence is electric - when I went up to say goodbye after unpacking he was a bit wary of the fence so I think he got a zap while I was going through his gear.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow - riding him as 'my horse' for the first time. I'll also spend a good amount of time grooming him and probably will give him a solid bath just to get that greasy, dirty coat under control. Hopefully he's settled in and our ride goes well :)
He's filthy (and OMG the tack he came with...) and a bit edgy about being in a new place with new people. I also forgot that like any relationship, it needs to be built over time. My memories of my past horses are all of them once we had built that bond and loved each other. So it was weird to be with 'my' horse but have him be a bit off and nervous with me. So we certainly need to build that relationship - and to be fair he was a bit freaked out by being put in a new place after living at the same one for that last 2 years.
He came with an extensive wardrobe as the previous owner moved overseas. But OMG, it took me 2 hours to work through it and it'll take me another 4 - 5 hours to clean it all! The leather is either mouldy or just outright FILTHY, with grime, sweat, hair and dirt caked on everything. To be honest I'm looking forward to doing it, it's just a matter of finding time. I might clean the stuff I'll be riding in first then start working my way through the rest. It was such a weird collection - parts of at least 5 bridles, including a weymouth and some random pony bits. And 5 packs of lintex dressing. And various bottles with labels so faded I just tossed it out. And everything is purple. His float boots, rugs, saddlecloths, work boots, random towels.... everything. I'm not really a purple person, but for the next few weeks/months I'll be rocking the purple look. Thankfully I have some of my own stuff in storage so I'll bring it out to break up the purple parade.
I had a bit of drama collecting him but we eventually got on the road at about 1.30 and he was at the agistment place by 2.30pm. He floated really well, stable and calm. He was a bit bored at the start, pawing at the floor; but settled and travelled really well. Once they got him there (I was another 10 minutes behind thanks to a GPS issue) he sat in the roundyard while I unpacked and filled out the paperwork. His paddock is in a STUNNING location and his nearest friend is across a laneway. The fence is electric - when I went up to say goodbye after unpacking he was a bit wary of the fence so I think he got a zap while I was going through his gear.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow - riding him as 'my horse' for the first time. I'll also spend a good amount of time grooming him and probably will give him a solid bath just to get that greasy, dirty coat under control. Hopefully he's settled in and our ride goes well :)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Came home with the intention of cleaning the house so I could spend a guilt-free weekend with KD.... but instead got sucked into obsessively comparing horse feeds in XLFeed.com.
The site is amazing and totally worth the $15 monthly fee but OMG, where did the last 2 hours go?!
KD is currently on Weight Lifter (Calm I think), Maxisoy pellets and lucerne. I'm thinking I'll move him to just the Calm, wheaten chaff and grassy hay; plus a salt and mineral lick for the paddock.
The site is amazing and totally worth the $15 monthly fee but OMG, where did the last 2 hours go?!
KD is currently on Weight Lifter (Calm I think), Maxisoy pellets and lucerne. I'm thinking I'll move him to just the Calm, wheaten chaff and grassy hay; plus a salt and mineral lick for the paddock.
Developing KD's dressage training schedule
Oh yes, look at me go. I'm so into my horse's new name that I'm even calling him by his stable name already. Wooh!
I realised last night that since I've such a long lead up to picking up my new pony, I've been putting off a number of tasks for various reasons, such as 'don't bother buying extra tack til you know your new horse's colour/size'. One other thing was a training schedule for the first week back. But... well.. I'm picking him up on Saturday morning. And it's thursday afternoon. And I'm working for the next 2 days and have things planned for both nights.... oops.
So I spent my lunch break today frantically googling training schedules. I had spoken to a few pony people about it recently but hadn't taken it much further. I found a great resource today by Michael Hillman and plan to use it when drawing up my plan for the next wek. But it also includes a number of other useful tips to consider for the long term, such as:
Hillman's article is available from - I'll be keeping an eye out for more from this writer/rider!
http://www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/articles/horses/training_schedule.htm
I realised last night that since I've such a long lead up to picking up my new pony, I've been putting off a number of tasks for various reasons, such as 'don't bother buying extra tack til you know your new horse's colour/size'. One other thing was a training schedule for the first week back. But... well.. I'm picking him up on Saturday morning. And it's thursday afternoon. And I'm working for the next 2 days and have things planned for both nights.... oops.
So I spent my lunch break today frantically googling training schedules. I had spoken to a few pony people about it recently but hadn't taken it much further. I found a great resource today by Michael Hillman and plan to use it when drawing up my plan for the next wek. But it also includes a number of other useful tips to consider for the long term, such as:
- spend time building goodwill with your horse - for example spend a lot of time grooming. Who doesn't love a good massage?!
- Have a plan but be ready tp adjust it for conditions, your headspace or your horse's mood
- Using hacking out as a good time to practice dressage movements as generally horses love hacking out and so are moving forward and relaxed.
- Remembering to take a step back and change things up if it's not working. Hillman points out the old axiom: 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting something different. If its not working, change something'. This is something I need to remember as too often I get bogged down in trying to do something rather than taking a breath and trying a new approach.
Hillman's article is available from - I'll be keeping an eye out for more from this writer/rider!
http://www.emmitsburg.net/archive_list/articles/horses/training_schedule.htm
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Q&A: how much contact when coming back into work?
A few posts back I mentioned finding a great blog that covered, among other things, how to bring a horse back into work. I asked the blogger a question and they kindly answered - see below:
Stride for Perfection said...
Thanks, this is brilliant. I have a quick question though - assuming you don't ask for collection during these first weeks back, what should I be asking for in these first few weeks? Everything on a loose rein or a little contact?
April 09, 2011
Grey Horse Matters said...
Hi Stride for Perfection,
That's a great question. We tend to reserve loose rein riding for relax time or as a brief reward after more intensive work. The rest of the time the horses are generally ridden on a light contact, usually in a long, relaxed frame during these first weeks back. that gives them a good foundation for later as we gradually add more collection.
Good to know - thanks Grey Horse Matters!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Stride for Perfection said...
Thanks, this is brilliant. I have a quick question though - assuming you don't ask for collection during these first weeks back, what should I be asking for in these first few weeks? Everything on a loose rein or a little contact?
April 09, 2011
Grey Horse Matters said...
Hi Stride for Perfection,
That's a great question. We tend to reserve loose rein riding for relax time or as a brief reward after more intensive work. The rest of the time the horses are generally ridden on a light contact, usually in a long, relaxed frame during these first weeks back. that gives them a good foundation for later as we gradually add more collection.
Good to know - thanks Grey Horse Matters!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, April 11, 2011
And the winning name is....... *i think*
I think... drumroll..... I'm going to call him Verkade!
Kade or Kadey (said as in K.D.) for his stable name.
I'm say 90% sure.
I need to work on this!
Verkade, Verkade, Verkade!
Kade or Kadey (said as in K.D.) for his stable name.
I'm say 90% sure.
I need to work on this!
Verkade, Verkade, Verkade!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Fail: My horse is a bay, not brown. Whoops!
Uhh.... whoops. For some reason, I thought my new horse was brown, when in fact he's mahogany bay. It just hit me when I looked at a photo from my first visit.
I think the confusion came about because on my first visit to see him it was pouring so I only saw him dry for a moment then he became a soaking wet seal brown, almost black.
Anyhoo, ha ha whoops. Owner fail. Here's a better pic of his colouring:
versus the colour I had in my head:
I think the confusion came about because on my first visit to see him it was pouring so I only saw him dry for a moment then he became a soaking wet seal brown, almost black.
Anyhoo, ha ha whoops. Owner fail. Here's a better pic of his colouring:
versus the colour I had in my head:
EDIT: But wait, there's more. In these pics he almost looks black. Ugh! Can't win!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Focused: First dressage t competition 12th June
I know it all depends on how we go together, but in order to keep me focused on training and moving ahead (rather than, as someone I read recently put it, riding a few circles, getting bored and going for a trail ride instead) I've identified a dressage day in June that I'm going to enter.
I'm only going to ride prelim (hey, gotta start somewhere) but I'm really looking forward to getting back into the swing of competing (and OMG braiding my horse up, his mane is so thick right now!!).
So 12th June is now a big day in my calendar! There is also a hacking day on the 26th, while Dressage is my thing I'm probably going to enter that one too for the experience, as long as I have my gear in order for the day!
Both days require a hacking/dressage jacket, so I need to get on top of that ASAP!!
Also need to get onto making pony cupcakes. You know, essential to success in the dressage ring, right?
Maybe just for bribing judges, sigh.
Bringing a horse back into work
I've been looking for tips to bring my new, as yet unnamed, OTTB horse back into work. He's had 2, nearly 3 months off and I have no idea how much work he was in prior to that.
There are so many tips and schedules out there! I'm going to take the bits I like from each, including not lunging on a circle or working in sand for the first few weeks until the horse is a little fitter and his muscles and tendons are stronger.
I posted a query on a horse forum I follow and someone recommended following the BHS guide - I'm assuming they mean the Complete Manual of Horse and Stable Management book. I put my googlefu to the test and found a blog that covered the steps mentioned in the book (in plain font), with their own interpretation on top (italics). All text taken from the Grey Horse Matters blog:
There are so many tips and schedules out there! I'm going to take the bits I like from each, including not lunging on a circle or working in sand for the first few weeks until the horse is a little fitter and his muscles and tendons are stronger.
I posted a query on a horse forum I follow and someone recommended following the BHS guide - I'm assuming they mean the Complete Manual of Horse and Stable Management book. I put my googlefu to the test and found a blog that covered the steps mentioned in the book (in plain font), with their own interpretation on top (italics). All text taken from the Grey Horse Matters blog:
1st WEEK
Walking exercise on the level. Half an hour on the first day, increasing to one hour by the end of the first week.
Translation:
10-15 minutes total walking on the longe line in a level ring, increasing to 30 minutes total by the end of the week.
2nd WEEK
Increase walking up to 1 hour by the end of the week.
Translation:
2o-30 minutes total walking interspersed with limited trotting.
3rd WEEK
Slow trotting, starting on the level, together with walking up and down hills.
Translation:
Increase gradually to ½ hour total walking and trotting alternately. This is also generally when we begin to add the tack to get them used to saddles and bridles again, though at this time we do not use any training devices attached to the bit.
4th WEEK
As third week.
Translation:
We agree and do the same. At this time, we also begin to get on the horses and walk them under tack on alternate days as described in “1st Week” above, increasing the walking up to an hour by the end of the week.
5th WEEK
1 ½ hours exercise a day, to include some trotting up hills and short, slow cantering on good, level ground.
Translation:
We’re not big fans of longeing a horse for more than ½ an hour because of the stress continual circling can place on the legs, so we work 15 minutes in each direction of walking, trotting and slow cantering, alternating every other day with light ridden work (walk and easy trot) as in “3rd Week” above up to 1 hour. When working on the longe, now would be the appropriate time to add training aids such as a loosely fitted chambon (we don’t ever recommend side reins or balancing reins like the Pessoa system...) while longeing; however, they should only be used at walk and trot.
6th-8th WEEKS
1 ½ hours exercise a day, to include trotting up hills and longer cantering periods. School work may include jumping and canter circles.
Translation:
Basically as above; 1 hour+ a day - or every other day if continuing on the longe - to include the usual walk, trot, canter with some mild hill-work, ground poles and/or cavalletti added in. Toward the end of the last week we may begin jumping or adding more collected work for those horses who are able. Don’t forget: if you are careful and have good control of your horse, you may longe over cavalletti and jumps as well! It is also not a bad idea to follow a day of more intensive work with an easy day to give the horse a chance to recover and keep him from getting sour.
I'll keep looking for tips and thinking about how to go.
I pick him up next weekend, until then I'll just obsessively think about it look forward to being able to visit him once I own him!
EDIT: Oh this one is great too! Found on Yahoo Answer by Ang:
I'll probably skip the bit about lunging though, as mentioned above:
When I'm starting back on a horse like this, I like to spend 2-3 days just lunging them first. It helps to not only build up their strength, but gets them used to working and having to listen to you again. If the horse is ornery on the lunge line, I'll spend extra time on lungeing until the horse settles and respects me before I start riding.
When you start riding, start out slow. Don't ask for anything too complicated, but expect obedience. Start out at the walk, but don't just accept any old walk. Ask him to walk nice and forward, stretching into a long contact on your reins. Make him keep a consistent rhythm, taking long regular strides. Ponies like to take short & quick strides, so you want him to relax over his topline and start to take longer but slower strides. Use your legs to drive him forward to take longer strides, and use you seat and reins (minimal on the reins) to slow the rhythm. Don't let him get bored with the walk- practice circles, turns, patterns, bending, halting, walking over poles, etc.
Once he is relaxed and obedient in the walk, then ask for trot. You need to be just as picky about the trot as you were the walk. Wait for a good moment in the walk when he is relaxed and obedient, then just close your legs and he should lift right into trot. Don't make a big deal about it and he won't get so excited. Again, ride circles and patterns to work on bending, suppling, and obedience. Also practice a lot of transitions- from halt to walk, walk to trot, trot to walk, etc.
I love using trotting poles to help a horse with rhythm and cadence. Used correctly, they will do a lot of the work for you as far as developing your horse's strength and balance. You can get creative with the poles too. I like to put 4 of them on a 20m circle at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, & 9:00. You can practice shortening and lengthening your horse's strides by going over the middle of the poles, the inside of the poles (has to shorten stride) or the outside edge of the poles (lengthen stride).
EDIT: Oh this one is great too! Found on Yahoo Answer by Ang:
I'll probably skip the bit about lunging though, as mentioned above:
When I'm starting back on a horse like this, I like to spend 2-3 days just lunging them first. It helps to not only build up their strength, but gets them used to working and having to listen to you again. If the horse is ornery on the lunge line, I'll spend extra time on lungeing until the horse settles and respects me before I start riding.
When you start riding, start out slow. Don't ask for anything too complicated, but expect obedience. Start out at the walk, but don't just accept any old walk. Ask him to walk nice and forward, stretching into a long contact on your reins. Make him keep a consistent rhythm, taking long regular strides. Ponies like to take short & quick strides, so you want him to relax over his topline and start to take longer but slower strides. Use your legs to drive him forward to take longer strides, and use you seat and reins (minimal on the reins) to slow the rhythm. Don't let him get bored with the walk- practice circles, turns, patterns, bending, halting, walking over poles, etc.
Once he is relaxed and obedient in the walk, then ask for trot. You need to be just as picky about the trot as you were the walk. Wait for a good moment in the walk when he is relaxed and obedient, then just close your legs and he should lift right into trot. Don't make a big deal about it and he won't get so excited. Again, ride circles and patterns to work on bending, suppling, and obedience. Also practice a lot of transitions- from halt to walk, walk to trot, trot to walk, etc.
I love using trotting poles to help a horse with rhythm and cadence. Used correctly, they will do a lot of the work for you as far as developing your horse's strength and balance. You can get creative with the poles too. I like to put 4 of them on a 20m circle at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, & 9:00. You can practice shortening and lengthening your horse's strides by going over the middle of the poles, the inside of the poles (has to shorten stride) or the outside edge of the poles (lengthen stride).
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
OMG! I bought a horse!!
I JUST BOUGHT A HORSE!!!
WHEEEEE!!!!!!
I heard back from the owner 45 agonising minutes later. I am now the proud owner of a 9 y/o OTTB gelding. W00t!
I'm a little blown away and.... so many different things. OMG! I bought a horse! Eeep!
YAYYYYYY!!!!
It's been 12 months of dreaming, wishing, planning, scrimping and saving. And it's actually happening! I have my lovely boyfriend to thank for it all. Not only is he loaning me $$ while I wait for my leave to be paid out from my last job, he was the one who asked 'why not start riding again, it makes you so happy' after hearing me talk about how much I loved my days of riding.
So, step 1 of dream is underway. I own a horse!
WHEEEEE!!!!!!
I heard back from the owner 45 agonising minutes later. I am now the proud owner of a 9 y/o OTTB gelding. W00t!
I'm a little blown away and.... so many different things. OMG! I bought a horse! Eeep!
YAYYYYYY!!!!
It's been 12 months of dreaming, wishing, planning, scrimping and saving. And it's actually happening! I have my lovely boyfriend to thank for it all. Not only is he loaning me $$ while I wait for my leave to be paid out from my last job, he was the one who asked 'why not start riding again, it makes you so happy' after hearing me talk about how much I loved my days of riding.
So, step 1 of dream is underway. I own a horse!
Update: Waiting.....
Update: I just put in an offer, now I'm anxiously waiting and obsessively checking my phone for replies. ARGH!
Prepurchase vet check: Pass!
Woo hoo!
I just spoke with the vet following my potential pony (who needs to be renamed ASAP!) undergoing a pre-purchase check.
He passed!
She did say that he does have a weak spot over his loins, which could explain the stiffness; and that as a result he was quite on the forehand. However with work I can look to develop muscle in the area to improve things.
She also pointed out that his teeth BADLY need floating particularly on one side, which would have made him very one-sided to ride. So I'm glad that his severe issues with working to the right might be resolved after a simple dental visit!
Now on to the tricky bit... Haggling.
I'm not looking forward to this :(
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I just spoke with the vet following my potential pony (who needs to be renamed ASAP!) undergoing a pre-purchase check.
He passed!
She did say that he does have a weak spot over his loins, which could explain the stiffness; and that as a result he was quite on the forehand. However with work I can look to develop muscle in the area to improve things.
She also pointed out that his teeth BADLY need floating particularly on one side, which would have made him very one-sided to ride. So I'm glad that his severe issues with working to the right might be resolved after a simple dental visit!
Now on to the tricky bit... Haggling.
I'm not looking forward to this :(
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, April 4, 2011
First lesson: Susan Marshall
image source: Crown Lodge Equestrian
Yesterday I covered off my second ride on Mister E, the lovely OTTB I'm looking to buy (pending vet check for some stiffness issues).
What I didn't really go into was the lovely instructor I booked to go with me for a second opinion.
The owner's representative had booked a local instructor to ride the horse for me (she appears in the YouTube video a few posts down). And apparently the owner's rep is also a (retired) instructor. So in all, I had three instructors watching me ride on the day. I'm not sure if I felt pampered or pressured!
Even with both the owner's rep and the instructor she booked, I wanted to take along an impartial second opinion to assess the horse, the stiffness I saw in his movement, our suitability and to give me a mini-lesson to help work out if this is the horse for me.
After doing some research on an Australia forum - www.dressageit.com - I booked Susan Marshall, who is located close to the where the horse is agisted.
And... she was LOVELY. Honestly, the confidence boost I received after a quick 20 minute lesson with her was invaluable - even if I don't end up with this horse, how she made me feel and the confidence she instilled was amazing. As it turns out, this particularl horse is quite well trained (up to a certain level) but only responds to the EXACT command he was taught for that movement. So an issue I'd had with asking him to canter during my short and very wet first ride was quickly resolved when she pointed out that I was leaning forward a little at departure. As soon as I adjusted my weight to sit back in the saddle, he rolled into one of the most beautifully balanced, smooth canters I've ever ridden. Gorgeous.
Another thing she pointed out (that I noticed after my first ride) was that I let my reins run too long. So again I need to work on keeping on top of that. This horse comes with a few bits of equipment, including a bridle with continental web reins with little leather billets every 4 inches for grip. If I do get him I might ride with those reins for the first few weeks as an easy way to watch that my grip isn't slipping. It might also help me in managing his desire to go well behind the bit and leaaannnnnnn until his nose is virtually running through the sand of the arena!
She really focused on building my confidence back up. She knew that my last canter experience with him didn't go well, so she had me do three in either direction (asking if I felt ok to) so that I no longer cling to that memory. She explained that most people will grip to the bad experiences and forget the good ones, so the point of the exercise was to remove that bad memory. It seems so silly to have an issue with a simple canter transition but I think I'm a little doubtful of my skill, fitness and strength to stay on a horse that decides to throw in a bucking fit. So I've been a little on edge, and Susan really resolved that for me.
She did a really extensive consultation with me to work out what I'd done, what I wanted to do and where my riding and confidence were at right now. She went through the horse's experiences, conformation and temperament to ensure we matched up. On top of that she gave great advice and was open and honest about both the horse's faults and benefits. Anyone seeking support, advice, a confidence boost or just riding instruction to improve their skills I ABSOLUTELY recommend Susan. She can be contacted via her website - www.crownlodge.com.au. Thank you Susan!
Lesson Points to remember:
1. Keep the reins shorter/correct length
2. Don't lean forward when asking for/during canter
3. Keep him moving forward as a means of encouraging him to not go behind the bit or lean
4. To encourage him to soften, squeeze with the inside rein in a squeeze, squeeze (she described it as gently squeezing a sponge with the bottom finger in the rein until he gives, then immediately reward him by softening .
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Pony updates on the go!
In exciting news, I worked out how to add this blog to my iPhone so I can post on the go.
This will come in very handy once I have my future horse in work as I can make workout updates while I'm catching the train to work or on my lunch break. Yay!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This will come in very handy once I have my future horse in work as I can make workout updates while I'm catching the train to work or on my lunch break. Yay!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Soft halt: Creating softness
Found this great tip for creating a 'soft halt' and encouraging softness in general. I found this one while looking for tips to manage a horse leaning on the bit.
Riding & creating softness.
Start with creating a soft halt.
As you stand still, pick up a light contact and just hold it.
Wait.
Your horse might do nothing, might pull against you, might up their head, etc to get out of it. Don’t increase the contract, don’t move your hands, again just hold it and wait for softness. When your horse gives his head a little, and you feel the strain gone from the reins, immediately loosen them a little as a reward.
Do this often enough and when you hop on, and pick up the reins, your horse will automatically soften his mouth. The idea is now your horse is balanced – he could just as easily take a step forwards or take a step backwards, whatever you choose to do. A lot of horses, when you sit up and take alight contact, they immediately push their weight forward, so you’re not at the 50/50 forwards / backwards balance, you’re about 80% forwards, 20% backwards, and so not balanced and not really ready for all manouvres.
Once the soft halt was establish, do this again from halt to backup. Once this is established, then it is time to start doing it in a walk. Looking for one step of softness first.
Walk around. Pick up a light contact. Hold it and wait. Your horse might pull against you, ignore you, etc. Just wait. When you get that moment of softness, relax the contact a little. Eg. On Saturday your horse might be up to doing this for three steps in a row in walk, and on Sunday it might have built up to five or more steps of softness together in walk.
Homework would be to continue this in walk, slowly in increasing the steps required with softness. When you’ve a solid walk, then the next step would be to go through all of this again in trot, etc.
Source: http://irishnhsociety.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=usefulinformation&action=display&thread=406
Riding & creating softness.
Start with creating a soft halt.
As you stand still, pick up a light contact and just hold it.
Wait.
Your horse might do nothing, might pull against you, might up their head, etc to get out of it. Don’t increase the contract, don’t move your hands, again just hold it and wait for softness. When your horse gives his head a little, and you feel the strain gone from the reins, immediately loosen them a little as a reward.
Do this often enough and when you hop on, and pick up the reins, your horse will automatically soften his mouth. The idea is now your horse is balanced – he could just as easily take a step forwards or take a step backwards, whatever you choose to do. A lot of horses, when you sit up and take alight contact, they immediately push their weight forward, so you’re not at the 50/50 forwards / backwards balance, you’re about 80% forwards, 20% backwards, and so not balanced and not really ready for all manouvres.
Once the soft halt was establish, do this again from halt to backup. Once this is established, then it is time to start doing it in a walk. Looking for one step of softness first.
Walk around. Pick up a light contact. Hold it and wait. Your horse might pull against you, ignore you, etc. Just wait. When you get that moment of softness, relax the contact a little. Eg. On Saturday your horse might be up to doing this for three steps in a row in walk, and on Sunday it might have built up to five or more steps of softness together in walk.
Homework would be to continue this in walk, slowly in increasing the steps required with softness. When you’ve a solid walk, then the next step would be to go through all of this again in trot, etc.
Source: http://irishnhsociety.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=usefulinformation&action=display&thread=406
Vet Check - fingers crossed :)
Things are heating up - I just spoke with the vet to organise a pre-purchase vet check for my potential new pony.
She has rave reviews online and from both instructors who were attending today (one rode the horse for the vendor, the other was there for me as a second opinion), so I'm happy to work with her.
As I have to be at work on Wednesday when the vet is coming out so she's kindly offered her offsider to trot the horse out in my absence. She said she'd draw up the paperwork and be back to me by Friday. So.... whee!
I spoke with the owner, who was happy for the vet to come out without me.
Provided the vet check goes well, I've found my new pony :)
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Round two with Mister E
Update on the horse I trialled on Friday - I went again today in better conditions. I don't have a video this time but he was still stiff in the hind. I took a friend's trainer with me (mine is away) and we agreed that he's lovely with a forgiving and very willing and trainable temperament. After all, he worked in that disgusting rain without too much fuss.
He has a few training issues but these can all be resolved with gymnastisizing exercises, lateral work, bending etc and improved fitness. One issue is that he's quite one-sided, but he did race until he was 7 so I'm not really surprised. Others include leaning on the bit, going behind the bit and being heavily on the forehand. But these can all be improved with training.
At the same time, he has lovely movement, often tracks up nicely and has a beautifully smooth canter.
I said I'd buy him pending a vet check, with a particular focus on the stiffness in the hind. He was sweaty after a 10 minute ride (including lathered between his hind legs) so I just want to make sure that the lather is from being unfit after a 10 week spell and not from his being in pain from whatever is going on in the hind.
In all, I'm really looking forward to hopefully taking him home in a few weeks. Fingers crossed! It may be that the stiffness is something that is workable given that I'm not exactly going to ride Grand Prix with this horse; if I get to a point where my skills require a different horse in future I'd deal with it then. At the same time if he's going to break down once in full work then no deal. But I'm hoping for the former. I just want to make sure he's comfortable.
I'm quite excited about it all though - he has more training than I realised and a lovely temperament!
Mister E: Dancing with you in the summer rain :-/
I kicked off my between-jobs four day weekend with a viewing of two prospective ponies, which became one prospective pony and a scan through a stockfeed place and a saddlery store as the other pony was lame. Not figuratively lame, but literally lame - he cut his leg playing with another pony. The stockfeed place was amazing - all the smells and sights of my riding years crammed into one enormous building :)
Anyhoo, the second horse left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, he had great conformation and appeared to have a nice temperament. On the other, he looked a tad stiff and/or lame in the hind and when I rode him there was major canter drama. HOWEVER both could be attributed to the APPALLING weather. It was pouring rain and while the footing was good, there was still a sheet of water on the ground and buckets of it coming down. The pony was lovely enough to soldier on regardless but seemed a little stiff. On top of that, I came to realise that my current trainer hasn't been correcting certain things, like my reins being too long. I had a feeling they were and wish now that I'd asked for more info; as a result I had some mixed results with this horse.It left me lacking confidence and wondering if I'm doing the right thing. When i rode him it seemed he was testing me out a bit, seeing how naughty he could be with me which also left me a bit freaked and/or less confident in my ability. Add to that someone rear-ended my car tonight, so it's sitting with a repairer and will be assessed on Monday. As Elvis put it, I'm all shook up.
Apologies for the sound, it was pouring rain. Turn your speakers down perhaps!
The horse in question is a 16.2hh 9y/o OTTB gelding. He's a dark brown, with his forequarters almost black/a deep dark chocolate and his hind end bay. He has a small star and no white socks - after having 2 horses with 4 white socks (so 8 white socks at any given time) and dealing with regular bouts of greasy heel, I'm thrilled! He raced until he was about 7 then spent the next 18 months with his current owner (who has moved overseas so I can't ask a number of questions) who used him for dressage and eventing, plus used him to deliver a few riding lessons. I'm hoping the latter means he was a decent rider and taught the horse some good things! The horse's name is Mister E (as in 'mystery') but I plan to rename him if I do buy him. A few of the names on my maybe list include Liquorish (Loki [aka God of Mischief] for his stable name), After Dark, Top Hat, Tuxedo, something with Jet as his front is jet black - maybe Jetset? or some kind of exotic name that hints at dark cocoa/chocolate. But let's see if he works out for me first!
So tomorrow, I'm meeting a trainer at the place where he is agisted and I've asked her to put us both through our paces to check if we're a good match. An 8.30am riding lesson 45 minutes away from my home? *cough cough wheeze* how early on a sunday? EEP!
Fingers crossed it all goes well!
Anyhoo, the second horse left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, he had great conformation and appeared to have a nice temperament. On the other, he looked a tad stiff and/or lame in the hind and when I rode him there was major canter drama. HOWEVER both could be attributed to the APPALLING weather. It was pouring rain and while the footing was good, there was still a sheet of water on the ground and buckets of it coming down. The pony was lovely enough to soldier on regardless but seemed a little stiff. On top of that, I came to realise that my current trainer hasn't been correcting certain things, like my reins being too long. I had a feeling they were and wish now that I'd asked for more info; as a result I had some mixed results with this horse.It left me lacking confidence and wondering if I'm doing the right thing. When i rode him it seemed he was testing me out a bit, seeing how naughty he could be with me which also left me a bit freaked and/or less confident in my ability. Add to that someone rear-ended my car tonight, so it's sitting with a repairer and will be assessed on Monday. As Elvis put it, I'm all shook up.
Apologies for the sound, it was pouring rain. Turn your speakers down perhaps!
The horse in question is a 16.2hh 9y/o OTTB gelding. He's a dark brown, with his forequarters almost black/a deep dark chocolate and his hind end bay. He has a small star and no white socks - after having 2 horses with 4 white socks (so 8 white socks at any given time) and dealing with regular bouts of greasy heel, I'm thrilled! He raced until he was about 7 then spent the next 18 months with his current owner (who has moved overseas so I can't ask a number of questions) who used him for dressage and eventing, plus used him to deliver a few riding lessons. I'm hoping the latter means he was a decent rider and taught the horse some good things! The horse's name is Mister E (as in 'mystery') but I plan to rename him if I do buy him. A few of the names on my maybe list include Liquorish (Loki [aka God of Mischief] for his stable name), After Dark, Top Hat, Tuxedo, something with Jet as his front is jet black - maybe Jetset? or some kind of exotic name that hints at dark cocoa/chocolate. But let's see if he works out for me first!
So tomorrow, I'm meeting a trainer at the place where he is agisted and I've asked her to put us both through our paces to check if we're a good match. An 8.30am riding lesson 45 minutes away from my home? *cough cough wheeze* how early on a sunday? EEP!
Fingers crossed it all goes well!
Welcome to Stride for Perfection
Welcome to Stride for Perfection, a blog dedicated to my journey of getting back into the saddle (literally) as I look for and eventually work with a horse of my own again after 8 years out of the saddle.
I've spent the last few months having weekly riding lessons to bring my riding fitness up to par but I need consistency to truly improve my skills to where they were before and then to continue improving beyond that point.
I hope to purchase a horse willing to deal with my having to re-learn everything who I can eventually compete on. I'm looking to compete in dressage, but will still jump and trail ride for variety and fun.
The name of the blog was something I came up with when I was younger and alludes to my drive to push myself to do it right every time, to train harder, to think more and to get out and make it happen :)
I've spent the last few months having weekly riding lessons to bring my riding fitness up to par but I need consistency to truly improve my skills to where they were before and then to continue improving beyond that point.
I hope to purchase a horse willing to deal with my having to re-learn everything who I can eventually compete on. I'm looking to compete in dressage, but will still jump and trail ride for variety and fun.
The name of the blog was something I came up with when I was younger and alludes to my drive to push myself to do it right every time, to train harder, to think more and to get out and make it happen :)
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