Well we had a great weekend, rode both days, George however was playing spooky possums again, arh! But was getting that right canter lead every time, pity however the following day he wouldn't but will get him back onto Glucosemin as I'm sure that helped him alot. Shannon had a great ride on JimJim and we both did some jumping. Shannon also walked Rat around for me after I had finished my ride, he's also very spooky at the moment, so has to be the grass with it affecting both my boys. He was much better at getting a faster pace and I didn't have to sit there and push him on. So afterwards Shannon did my warm down and bending on him, was actually quite good to sit back and watch her on him. Sunday was pony club, and typical G realised we were in some sort of competition, decided to try and run through my hands, good exercise for him actually as I managed to get him back and didn't allow him to get away with it, but hey he never behaves when he's out in competition, he likes to try it on, so was good for both of us. However I have learnt I let the side down majorily due to nerves, any competition, doesn't matter what it is and I get nervous, bizarre! So something I really need to work on. Shannon and JimJim had a great day and in their unity competition came away with first prize! So she' now got a cup sitting at home for mum to clean. We had no problems yet again loadin, George has really decided he likes JimJim and cannot stand the thought of JimJim being alone in the float with the hay!
Weather for the next few days is not supposed to be great, so we'll have to play it by ear as to what were doing.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
20th November 2008
Windy night again, George had the wind up him as he kept believing that there were monsters in the trees coming to get him so hence he kept falling in, in certain parts, going past the trees, eyes out on stalks head bent ready to see the monsters, he calmed right down after a while, but didn't start out well when he got a fright at the dog and almost trampled me on the ground, luckily for some reason this time he decided over me wasn't the best action, I was rather thankful though that he didn't have shoes on as my toes were a bit worse for wear! Canter work wasn't bad, bad lead was terrible first time, falling in and rushing, second time was much more balanced, not rushing and really listening. His trot work is much better on his bad side now, he's not falling in so often and we're getting some really nice bend at times, its getting closer and closer to being the same as his good side, so that in itself is really pleasing as he's the master of the evade.
Shannon has per usual the little show off, had a fantastic ride on JimJim. Lovely outline at trot, really moving along nicely and then her canter work even though not in an outline is getting stronger, she really struggles with Jim wanting to go down a gait. But they're getting the right strike off every time now, and her canters are getting longer and longer. At the moment we're only working in half the paddock as Cheeky is being strip grazed currently in the other half, so not a particularly big area to be working the two with a shelter in the middle and jumps scattered around the outside.
Fingers crossed today will be okay, its looking pretty dark and miserable out there at the moment. I so want to ride tonight, were on a roll.
Shannon has per usual the little show off, had a fantastic ride on JimJim. Lovely outline at trot, really moving along nicely and then her canter work even though not in an outline is getting stronger, she really struggles with Jim wanting to go down a gait. But they're getting the right strike off every time now, and her canters are getting longer and longer. At the moment we're only working in half the paddock as Cheeky is being strip grazed currently in the other half, so not a particularly big area to be working the two with a shelter in the middle and jumps scattered around the outside.
Fingers crossed today will be okay, its looking pretty dark and miserable out there at the moment. I so want to ride tonight, were on a roll.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Dude with my sistic
This was taken last year, he's filled out more and grown somewhat more as well, hes now a very cocky 5 year old, however every time we've been out recently he's been the best behaved :) Now I know how to add photos I'm going to go mad!
Photos from 19/11/08 - Shan & Cheeky
Hopefully this works, photo of Shannon riding Cheeky tonight, except for first one taken February this year, she's grown a staggering amount this year and is now head and shoulders taller than me and catching up on her father. Shannons riding Jim and Cheeky on alternate days which means I don't have to try and keep 3 ticking over,k yeah for me! However, I didn't get a chance to ride tonight as I was so busy trying to use the useless little digital we have, thats why I love my SLR now however I need to upgrade to digital! I can also now understand why I never have photos of my lot, can't take photos if I'm on the horse!
Monday, November 17, 2008
17 November 2008
Well don't you just hate it when your kids do a better job riding than you do! Shannon has started riding Cheeky again and she rode for around 30-45 minutes last night, with dogs running around like loons in hay paddock and 12 ducks that decided to rest in the paddock next door to us, and our fellow grazer lunging their horse in the other paddock, who was having the occasional spat, Cheeky didn't put a foot wrong, lovely outline, good stop and go. Looked like a nice easy ride and its great for Shannon to be riding the two, it will so improve her riding. Cheeky is nice and settled and Shannons been working on the halt to walk, walk to trot, trot to walk, walk to halt and making sure she's getting a nice transition every time. Cheeky is enjoying her riding much better than me, as she appreciates the nice soft hands and doesn't like a strong contact. I also think the fact Shannon is a tad lighter than me helps, as she doesn't have this big heavy lump bouncing around on her back. After Shannon finished, I jumped on Rat who for some reason was quite worked up, so we started on our bending at a walk to settle, by the time he'd settled down and was listening the wind came up, then within 5 mins it was cold and the threatening clouds started to actually expell some of that water. By the time I jumped off, the heavens really opened and the rain was so hard it was actually hurting my back. Luckily Shannon had all her gear away so it was a matter of getting the gear off Rat and into the truck. So that was the extent of my ride last night. Aiming for a longer rider tonight :)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
17 November 2008
Well what a weekend. We had some lovely days and one really hot 32 degree day, man that was awful.
On Friday which was a pleasant 24 degrees we ambled off to Belfast Plantation for a ride. Had no problems loading George, first time since I've had the float he self loaded! Took the new truck for a run and towed beautifully, really really happy with that. We orginially were just going for a ride around the plantation but due to the fact there were two men going up and down on their 2 stroke motorbikes which had already upset my sisters horse so much he pulled back and broke his lead, we ended up pottering around the pony club while we waited for them to disappear or break their bikes. We got to do some work on banks, and finally had George going down with no issues, yee har! Will be going back in a couple of weeks to try again and if its all okay we'll move on to another pony club to try somewhere different. What a relief, as this is the only thing holding us back. He was loving it and really launching himself off the banks. Shannon did a few little jumps on JimJim and the bank and he behaved beautifully. As Tracy said, he's such a gentleman.
We then tottled around the plantation, however as we needed to keep clear of the men on the motorbikes, we ended up going an unusual route, which was reasonbly stoney in parts and George doesn't cope well with this at the best of time, however he's not got any shoes on currently so was very hobbly till we reached some nice sandy areas. Due to George's poor feeties, we mainly kept it to a walk but where we could we had a trot. Shannon and JimJim enjoyed themselves which was great for her first time there, and Tracy's horse Dude who can be a right sod, was a beautifully behaved, so the ride was enjoyed by all. 3 hours later we got back to the float and when it came time to load up, we loaded JimJim first, Tracy had to go in to do a quick release knot as Shannon just seems to struggle to do this, anyway, while I was doing the backbar while holding on to George I heard this steam roller coming up behind me, it was George the nob, in a huge hurry to get in so he didn't miss getting any of the hay. Just as well Tracy moves quickly, she could have been squished between the chest bar and the horse!
So thank you Tracy for your help with the banks, and keeping an eye on me and Shannon :)
Saturday was disgustingly hot, and only had a brief ride on Rat, however Shannon had her first ride back on Cheeky and I must say did a beautiful job. Cheeky loved it, and once Shannon made sure she got her stop and go they looked lovely, in fact I think she rides her much better than I do. She really does respond to a kind hand. So Shannon will be riding Cheeky and JimJim and therefore I can concentrate on my two, thank goodness.
Sunday, we ended up yet again only working two, due to getting home late in the day from Tracys. Shannon has JimJim in a lovely outline 90% of the time now, and just needs to start working on getting a nice transition to canter, she's allowing him to run on. But shes sorted out getting his right canter lead, so things are getting better and better. Good for Shannon.
So all in all a great weekend, we've got PC next weekend, and I believe we're doing Unity. Man if they ask me PC questions I'm pooped! However I can mount without a leg up, hopefully that goes in favour.
On Friday which was a pleasant 24 degrees we ambled off to Belfast Plantation for a ride. Had no problems loading George, first time since I've had the float he self loaded! Took the new truck for a run and towed beautifully, really really happy with that. We orginially were just going for a ride around the plantation but due to the fact there were two men going up and down on their 2 stroke motorbikes which had already upset my sisters horse so much he pulled back and broke his lead, we ended up pottering around the pony club while we waited for them to disappear or break their bikes. We got to do some work on banks, and finally had George going down with no issues, yee har! Will be going back in a couple of weeks to try again and if its all okay we'll move on to another pony club to try somewhere different. What a relief, as this is the only thing holding us back. He was loving it and really launching himself off the banks. Shannon did a few little jumps on JimJim and the bank and he behaved beautifully. As Tracy said, he's such a gentleman.
We then tottled around the plantation, however as we needed to keep clear of the men on the motorbikes, we ended up going an unusual route, which was reasonbly stoney in parts and George doesn't cope well with this at the best of time, however he's not got any shoes on currently so was very hobbly till we reached some nice sandy areas. Due to George's poor feeties, we mainly kept it to a walk but where we could we had a trot. Shannon and JimJim enjoyed themselves which was great for her first time there, and Tracy's horse Dude who can be a right sod, was a beautifully behaved, so the ride was enjoyed by all. 3 hours later we got back to the float and when it came time to load up, we loaded JimJim first, Tracy had to go in to do a quick release knot as Shannon just seems to struggle to do this, anyway, while I was doing the backbar while holding on to George I heard this steam roller coming up behind me, it was George the nob, in a huge hurry to get in so he didn't miss getting any of the hay. Just as well Tracy moves quickly, she could have been squished between the chest bar and the horse!
So thank you Tracy for your help with the banks, and keeping an eye on me and Shannon :)
Saturday was disgustingly hot, and only had a brief ride on Rat, however Shannon had her first ride back on Cheeky and I must say did a beautiful job. Cheeky loved it, and once Shannon made sure she got her stop and go they looked lovely, in fact I think she rides her much better than I do. She really does respond to a kind hand. So Shannon will be riding Cheeky and JimJim and therefore I can concentrate on my two, thank goodness.
Sunday, we ended up yet again only working two, due to getting home late in the day from Tracys. Shannon has JimJim in a lovely outline 90% of the time now, and just needs to start working on getting a nice transition to canter, she's allowing him to run on. But shes sorted out getting his right canter lead, so things are getting better and better. Good for Shannon.
So all in all a great weekend, we've got PC next weekend, and I believe we're doing Unity. Man if they ask me PC questions I'm pooped! However I can mount without a leg up, hopefully that goes in favour.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
12 November 2008
Well we rode last night thank goodness, I was getting withdrawals! Shannon is going amazingly on JimJim. He's working in an outline more often than not now, and even though she still keeps looks down, she's starting to sit up and stop hunching. They were really good to watch, and she can't stop smiling and JimJim is just trying so hard to please, they really are a great combination. Shannons jumping has improved too, she's now getting the confidence to let him go a little faster and they are really starting to flow. So nice to see Shannon getitng her confidence up, she's always been a bit of a nervous rider, probably her mothers fault, but I've relaxed since she's been on JimJim and think this has been the best thing for her.
Well I grabbed poor old G out of the paddock, only did a 20 min workout, mainly bending, walk and trot. He's got energy to burn at the moment, but was amazingly good when I did ask him to come back to me, and was listening the whole time, so not a bad work out for him and me.
I rode Rat briefly we we're mainly working on bend last night, he's very evasive one side, and some days he's good others not so good. I think he's getting annoyed now with his rider being demanding of him, but hey he's grown, he's not a baby anymore, the serious work has to start. We kept it to nice tight circles, decreasing and increasing at walk and just moved to a figure of eight to work on at trot.
Shannon is off for testing for high school tonight so no riding again, which means I'll have to try and ride the three on Thursday, arh! I need to win Lotto so I don't have to work, or find a really great paying part-time job, maybe hours of work 10-12, would be suitable :)
Right, will update again after the weekend, when I should at least have something interesting to add rather than all this boring tosh!
Well I grabbed poor old G out of the paddock, only did a 20 min workout, mainly bending, walk and trot. He's got energy to burn at the moment, but was amazingly good when I did ask him to come back to me, and was listening the whole time, so not a bad work out for him and me.
I rode Rat briefly we we're mainly working on bend last night, he's very evasive one side, and some days he's good others not so good. I think he's getting annoyed now with his rider being demanding of him, but hey he's grown, he's not a baby anymore, the serious work has to start. We kept it to nice tight circles, decreasing and increasing at walk and just moved to a figure of eight to work on at trot.
Shannon is off for testing for high school tonight so no riding again, which means I'll have to try and ride the three on Thursday, arh! I need to win Lotto so I don't have to work, or find a really great paying part-time job, maybe hours of work 10-12, would be suitable :)
Right, will update again after the weekend, when I should at least have something interesting to add rather than all this boring tosh!
Monday, November 10, 2008
11 November 2008
Well haven't been getting much riding done. Last weekend I was stewarding at the Ellesmere PC show, what a wonderful day for it. Then we had to rush out and get a new vehicle, makes it sound like we were going grocery shopping doesn't it, but I knew what I wanted and had narrowed the search, was a pretty easy job at the end of the day. Vehicle photo is down the bottom. Managed to give my lot a brush and pulled manes etc, Cheeky got a lunge, I love that pony, she's fantastic. She followed me around while I had to go get the dog, stood like a lamb, even moved her tail for me while I was pulling it. The more I deal with this girl the more I like her. I'm getting more and more tempted to keep her, however my brain says no, 3 horses are really 2 2 many but we'll just have to wait and see what happens. Yesterday was tidy up day, more mucking out, waters, covers all off due to heat, and picking up papers for truck, etc, horse feed, would have ridden but we'd get to the paddock so late was just ready to go home and sleep. Fingers crossed today I'll finally get back on the horse, it feels like its been soooo long. Hope everyone is enjoying the sunny weather and getting plenty of riding in.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Hi, update on Cheeky
Sorry I had no idea I hadn't put down what happened re Cheeky. Well it was a case of all going wrong at one time, but in a way, think it was a good thing. Had the lady come back out to see Cheeky, she was still a tad sore on her feets which didn't help and she was also a wee bit agitated being that she was in season and to top it all off the sudden flush of grass, so already felt like a bit of a disaster. However she still did a nice respectable workout for Kerry even if she wasn't competely happy with it.
However, after having behaved so well the first time the lady came out to see her she wasn't having a bar of the lady this time round. When Kerry told the lady to leave Cheeky's mouth alone and just soften Cheeky was a much happier girl, with having a very soft mouth and being very responsive you just don't want to be dragging on her mouth or see sawing . In the end the decision was easy, Cheeky wasn't having her, (mutual decision) she just wasn't the right rider for Cheeky. But the right person will come along, and they'll love her and she'll love them. I can't fault her and I fault everything, talk about being a perfect. If I didn't have to find the money for JimJim I wouldn't sell her, she's one of those horses that you just know you are going to have fun with. Well maybe by the time Christmas has been I won't have to, if I can talk Roly round to keeping her.
And might look at adding a western saddle to the list of things I need, I can see me doing barrel racing in the future, yee har!
However, after having behaved so well the first time the lady came out to see her she wasn't having a bar of the lady this time round. When Kerry told the lady to leave Cheeky's mouth alone and just soften Cheeky was a much happier girl, with having a very soft mouth and being very responsive you just don't want to be dragging on her mouth or see sawing . In the end the decision was easy, Cheeky wasn't having her, (mutual decision) she just wasn't the right rider for Cheeky. But the right person will come along, and they'll love her and she'll love them. I can't fault her and I fault everything, talk about being a perfect. If I didn't have to find the money for JimJim I wouldn't sell her, she's one of those horses that you just know you are going to have fun with. Well maybe by the time Christmas has been I won't have to, if I can talk Roly round to keeping her.
And might look at adding a western saddle to the list of things I need, I can see me doing barrel racing in the future, yee har!
Shannons Athletics
Sorry I should have added just cause I'm so proud, that Shannon competed at school athletics and she won the following:
60m
100m
Long Distance
Shotput
Discus
Long Jump
High Jump
Yes its true, she won everything. Wee smartie pants.
60m
100m
Long Distance
Shotput
Discus
Long Jump
High Jump
Yes its true, she won everything. Wee smartie pants.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Monday 3 November 08
Well we had a busy but fantastic weekend. Shannon is going great guns with JimJim and he's working a really lovely outline, she's very happy and he seems to be also. They're also jumping much better, because Shannon has gotten confident enough to do a few jumps at speed. Didn't mention to her my heart was in my mouth, I'm a terribly nervous mother, but Shan and JimJim were having soo much fun! Will try to take the camera down this week and get some decent photos.
Well I had a busy time, as I'm now riding three. Started off lunging Cheeky peeky and then riding her, she's a wee dream, she's loving her ride and even though I feel like I'm riding a barrel and my legs just don't meet her anywhere down the side, she and I are having fun. We've not done much, but walk and trot, walk is nicely on the bit but at the moment I am really struggling to ride her strides. So funny to watch, but so much fun.
George is going great guns on the flat, nicely on the bit, striding out and listening, I know! We have been jumping and he's going well, but tried to tank off on me yesterday so unfortunately he got a right jab in the mouth for that, afterwards we had some lovely jumping, no more pulling and tanking off, so hopefully we'll have some more of that tonight.
Ratbag, arh where to start with Rat, he's a happy man, however he really thought I'd done something mean to him yesterday. I jumped him. Yes its true, I faced him towards a jump and we popped over it, not just scrambling over it but a proper jump. He really didn't understand what had just happened. I took him around again and this time he wasn't keen to get up close and personal and tried to scoot out either side. So we walked up and 3-4 strides out started trotting and jumped it, so did this a few more times and left it at that. Will continue this exercise for a few more days before asking him to try another jump, he's not going to be an easy ride when it comes to jumping, George has that eat em up mentality, Rat is more laid back and less is more.
I managed to tidy up all my girls and boys, only one now with an unpulled tail is Rat, but he's got no tail so what hair he does have I'm loath to pull. They're all looking a million dollars. Will need to get Grant out again as they're feet are in need of doing shortly but they all seem to be coping well with the lack of shoes.
Signing off, have a lovely week.
Well I had a busy time, as I'm now riding three. Started off lunging Cheeky peeky and then riding her, she's a wee dream, she's loving her ride and even though I feel like I'm riding a barrel and my legs just don't meet her anywhere down the side, she and I are having fun. We've not done much, but walk and trot, walk is nicely on the bit but at the moment I am really struggling to ride her strides. So funny to watch, but so much fun.
George is going great guns on the flat, nicely on the bit, striding out and listening, I know! We have been jumping and he's going well, but tried to tank off on me yesterday so unfortunately he got a right jab in the mouth for that, afterwards we had some lovely jumping, no more pulling and tanking off, so hopefully we'll have some more of that tonight.
Ratbag, arh where to start with Rat, he's a happy man, however he really thought I'd done something mean to him yesterday. I jumped him. Yes its true, I faced him towards a jump and we popped over it, not just scrambling over it but a proper jump. He really didn't understand what had just happened. I took him around again and this time he wasn't keen to get up close and personal and tried to scoot out either side. So we walked up and 3-4 strides out started trotting and jumped it, so did this a few more times and left it at that. Will continue this exercise for a few more days before asking him to try another jump, he's not going to be an easy ride when it comes to jumping, George has that eat em up mentality, Rat is more laid back and less is more.
I managed to tidy up all my girls and boys, only one now with an unpulled tail is Rat, but he's got no tail so what hair he does have I'm loath to pull. They're all looking a million dollars. Will need to get Grant out again as they're feet are in need of doing shortly but they all seem to be coping well with the lack of shoes.
Signing off, have a lovely week.
Monday, October 20, 2008
21 October 2008 - Tuesday
Well its been a wee while since the farrier's been and I haven't been on the boys yet. Unfortunately I've been unwell, and with the boys having had their feet done it just hasn't happened yet. Rat is much happier now, and doesn't look so sore at trot/canter as he hoons around the paddock and George is coping very well. Shannon rode last night and JimJim looked fine. She's working on getting rid of JimJim's giraffe neck with Kerry's help and last night she and he did some beautiful trot on the bit. She was just soo happy with him.
Kerry has been riding Cheeky, unfortunately she was also a tad sore after the farrier visit, seems better now, but still not 100%. She's also in season and feeling the affects of the grass and wouldn't you know we've got someone coming to see her for a second time tonight, arh! But saying all that, Cheeky is still Cheeky and behaving, just not her normal easy ride, but she's been sooo smoochy and loves her cuddles and brushes. I do feel sorry for her as she's not number one horse, or number two horse, and really deserves to be number one in someones life. Just so hard as I do love her. So will be interesting to see how it all goes tonight as George has been a right little toad and destroyed the top wire on the fence between himself and Cheeky twice now in a month, he's obviously been a very naughty boy while I'm not there.
We have a couple of long weekends coming up so hoping to get a riding lesson in with Sandy at Rangiora if I can, want to work on banks, banks, banks, and then more banks. We're going to sort this issue out as I really want to be doing pre-training next year.
Kerry has been riding Cheeky, unfortunately she was also a tad sore after the farrier visit, seems better now, but still not 100%. She's also in season and feeling the affects of the grass and wouldn't you know we've got someone coming to see her for a second time tonight, arh! But saying all that, Cheeky is still Cheeky and behaving, just not her normal easy ride, but she's been sooo smoochy and loves her cuddles and brushes. I do feel sorry for her as she's not number one horse, or number two horse, and really deserves to be number one in someones life. Just so hard as I do love her. So will be interesting to see how it all goes tonight as George has been a right little toad and destroyed the top wire on the fence between himself and Cheeky twice now in a month, he's obviously been a very naughty boy while I'm not there.
We have a couple of long weekends coming up so hoping to get a riding lesson in with Sandy at Rangiora if I can, want to work on banks, banks, banks, and then more banks. We're going to sort this issue out as I really want to be doing pre-training next year.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday 13 October 08
Had our lovely farrier out on Monday and he took all the boys shoes off and trimmed them up. So we've given them all a few days off to let them get used to having naked feet again. Poor old Rat had a horrendous amount of seedy toe in one of his hoof's so he's probably going to require some extra time to recover as he's a tad sore now. Due to the wet conditions we had none of their feet look great but wasnt' much we could do about that.
I must say I was really pleased with my idiots, they were all running around like loons and kicking out, but old JimJim just stood there, not worrying about that young Rat racing past. They all behaved once caught, was just a few tricky moments when Rat managed to pull down the tape seperating the two groups, and I thought World War 3 was about start, luckily Rat isn't that bright and as it turns out nor are George and Cheeky, so the tape managed to go back up before they raced across.
Kerry's coming out on Wednesday to ride Cheeky, so will update you re that. Cheeky's been a wee dream, she's just as much of an idiot as the others running around the paddock and showing off, but she loves her brushes and would stand there for hours, she's none to happy when you walk away, very definately a girl as it is 'all about her' :) We did a bit of lunging last week, she kept nice and calm even though she pretended she wasn't really sure what was required and ignored my other lot who at that point were galloping around the paddock next door. At the moment whenever you see the horses they're all running at full speed.
I must say I was really pleased with my idiots, they were all running around like loons and kicking out, but old JimJim just stood there, not worrying about that young Rat racing past. They all behaved once caught, was just a few tricky moments when Rat managed to pull down the tape seperating the two groups, and I thought World War 3 was about start, luckily Rat isn't that bright and as it turns out nor are George and Cheeky, so the tape managed to go back up before they raced across.
Kerry's coming out on Wednesday to ride Cheeky, so will update you re that. Cheeky's been a wee dream, she's just as much of an idiot as the others running around the paddock and showing off, but she loves her brushes and would stand there for hours, she's none to happy when you walk away, very definately a girl as it is 'all about her' :) We did a bit of lunging last week, she kept nice and calm even though she pretended she wasn't really sure what was required and ignored my other lot who at that point were galloping around the paddock next door. At the moment whenever you see the horses they're all running at full speed.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
13 October 2008
Well all my boy's shoes are about to come flying off, luckily Grant is due tonight.
We had a great weekend. Worked Rat first on Saturday and we even did some canter work. He didn't run into from the trot, he just popped straight in and floated along, much easier to keep him going too, he actually responded when I asked for more, so yee har. His turn still isn't as good as I'd like but its improving all the time. Rode George, but unfortunately his shoes are really lose and he' just wasnt' a happy camper.
We went to PC on Sunday, I took Rat for his first outing in ages and he got a little agitated at the start but he soon settled down. We lost the turn completely and kept dropping his shoulder so he got a few nudges with my foot up around his shoulder, as I didn't use my dressage whip as he wasnt' sure what he wanted to do to begin with, race, buck or rear that lasted all of a minute (I actually felt like I had a racehorse for a while there). Was great to have eyes on the ground, he is over tracking, and really pinging up off the ground, so that trot that feels so slow and lazy isn't, so really need to get used to what is his natural gait and stop hassling. Really pleased with the wee boy, and they were perfect to load up on the float as well, well done boys.
I hardly saw Shannon at all at PC, but sounds like she had great fun. JimJim and her have really bonded. Saw the funniest and scariest thing on Saturday, she was jumping the double at home, and JimJim came in a tad deep and did this huge leap over, well Shannon went too, but went to the side, this horse almost in mid air went sideways and when they landed they landed together and then he straightened up and did the second element, never seen the likes of it before. They are the 'Girl and her pony' you read about in books, theres a special bond there already and its lovely to see.
We had a great weekend. Worked Rat first on Saturday and we even did some canter work. He didn't run into from the trot, he just popped straight in and floated along, much easier to keep him going too, he actually responded when I asked for more, so yee har. His turn still isn't as good as I'd like but its improving all the time. Rode George, but unfortunately his shoes are really lose and he' just wasnt' a happy camper.
We went to PC on Sunday, I took Rat for his first outing in ages and he got a little agitated at the start but he soon settled down. We lost the turn completely and kept dropping his shoulder so he got a few nudges with my foot up around his shoulder, as I didn't use my dressage whip as he wasnt' sure what he wanted to do to begin with, race, buck or rear that lasted all of a minute (I actually felt like I had a racehorse for a while there). Was great to have eyes on the ground, he is over tracking, and really pinging up off the ground, so that trot that feels so slow and lazy isn't, so really need to get used to what is his natural gait and stop hassling. Really pleased with the wee boy, and they were perfect to load up on the float as well, well done boys.
I hardly saw Shannon at all at PC, but sounds like she had great fun. JimJim and her have really bonded. Saw the funniest and scariest thing on Saturday, she was jumping the double at home, and JimJim came in a tad deep and did this huge leap over, well Shannon went too, but went to the side, this horse almost in mid air went sideways and when they landed they landed together and then he straightened up and did the second element, never seen the likes of it before. They are the 'Girl and her pony' you read about in books, theres a special bond there already and its lovely to see.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
10 October 2008
I love my horses. Left poor old George last night, just in case his eye was a tad sore after poking it on a branch and swelling right up, thank goodness its all good again now, was sooo worrying.
Shannon and I both rode. JimJim started out very slow, even his walk was pathetic, I've never seen a horse take so long to lift his back leg and take it through the air and place it down again LOL! Shannon gave him a boot in the guts and he decided he'd better move a little faster. He's such a dag. She was having a bit of difficulty getting a decent trot out of him but when I finished I gave her my dressage whip, as she'd managed to drop her's on the ground. He really has a lovely floaty trot and even though he was going faster than he wanted to, they both looked happy. They really are ideally suited. She'll have no problems taking him out next year and doing some pre-intro's I really think she'll have a blast on him.
I rode Rat again, we're certainly not falling into our downward transitions anymore, and I think he's realised the time for him to be a baby is over. His trot is getting much better, still hard work for me but we can get a decent trot now when we ask (problem is it just doesn't last). He's very soft and when that head comes down he becomes this floaty cloud, till he loses rhythem again but not bad really for his third ride after coming back into work. So pretty pleased so far. We've still got loads to work on at a walk and trot, left rein is hard for him, so thats going to take some time, keeping a rhythm and not relying on me to keep him going. This summer is going to be pretty full on for him, as I really want to get him ready for the Winter Dressage Series next year, so thats our goal. Will be interesting to look back and see how much progress we can make month by month.
Hoping to take Rat with JimJim this weekend to Pony Club, will play it by ear as to how much I do with Rat out there, as I really just want to be able to take him out and have him relaxed and not worried about other horses coming and going. So will keep you updated.
All the horses require their feet doing badly! Being sick and rushed off my feet hasn't helped as I'm not seeing the farrier till next week now, such a bad mother I am. Thank goodness when he says he's coming he is, and he does such a great job. Can I say I love my farrier without offending his wife :)
Shannon and I both rode. JimJim started out very slow, even his walk was pathetic, I've never seen a horse take so long to lift his back leg and take it through the air and place it down again LOL! Shannon gave him a boot in the guts and he decided he'd better move a little faster. He's such a dag. She was having a bit of difficulty getting a decent trot out of him but when I finished I gave her my dressage whip, as she'd managed to drop her's on the ground. He really has a lovely floaty trot and even though he was going faster than he wanted to, they both looked happy. They really are ideally suited. She'll have no problems taking him out next year and doing some pre-intro's I really think she'll have a blast on him.
I rode Rat again, we're certainly not falling into our downward transitions anymore, and I think he's realised the time for him to be a baby is over. His trot is getting much better, still hard work for me but we can get a decent trot now when we ask (problem is it just doesn't last). He's very soft and when that head comes down he becomes this floaty cloud, till he loses rhythem again but not bad really for his third ride after coming back into work. So pretty pleased so far. We've still got loads to work on at a walk and trot, left rein is hard for him, so thats going to take some time, keeping a rhythm and not relying on me to keep him going. This summer is going to be pretty full on for him, as I really want to get him ready for the Winter Dressage Series next year, so thats our goal. Will be interesting to look back and see how much progress we can make month by month.
Hoping to take Rat with JimJim this weekend to Pony Club, will play it by ear as to how much I do with Rat out there, as I really just want to be able to take him out and have him relaxed and not worried about other horses coming and going. So will keep you updated.
All the horses require their feet doing badly! Being sick and rushed off my feet hasn't helped as I'm not seeing the farrier till next week now, such a bad mother I am. Thank goodness when he says he's coming he is, and he does such a great job. Can I say I love my farrier without offending his wife :)
Monday, October 6, 2008
6 October 2008
I felt like a complete useless blob yesterday, so when I couldn't make up my mind whether to ride or not and then at the last moment I decided to, I was sure something was going to go wrong. For once I'm happy to say it didn't.
Day before we had found the bottom wire in George's paddock had been ripped down, we guess that Cheeky the slapper who is in season, has been spending a bit of time with George and George being the complete nob he is probably got rather frustrated or was just showing off and got his back leg caught in the wire and managed to rip it off the fence posts. Luckily he's just taken a little hair off his leg but no swelling. But due to this I decided that Rat was getting a ride and I'd give George another day.
It was pretty windy, and I was expecting to have a horse shooting off left and right but forgot I was on Rat LOL. We just started out with lots of walk and turn, he's still not great on the right rein but really working on that now, and then we moved on to trot, I know soooo brave. We didn't panic so much with getting a really strong gait as there were moments when I knew he was losing it due to the conditions, so we just kept if nice and settled and in the end we were working in a lovely outline either rein, and his trot to walk was no longer a dead stop, we actually had a proper downward transition Yee har! So lots of cuddles and pats for Rattybag.
Shannon managed to muck out the paddocks and while she was doing this I got loads of cuddles and kisses from JimJim (Sush, don't tell her), he is such a smooch!
Day before we had found the bottom wire in George's paddock had been ripped down, we guess that Cheeky the slapper who is in season, has been spending a bit of time with George and George being the complete nob he is probably got rather frustrated or was just showing off and got his back leg caught in the wire and managed to rip it off the fence posts. Luckily he's just taken a little hair off his leg but no swelling. But due to this I decided that Rat was getting a ride and I'd give George another day.
It was pretty windy, and I was expecting to have a horse shooting off left and right but forgot I was on Rat LOL. We just started out with lots of walk and turn, he's still not great on the right rein but really working on that now, and then we moved on to trot, I know soooo brave. We didn't panic so much with getting a really strong gait as there were moments when I knew he was losing it due to the conditions, so we just kept if nice and settled and in the end we were working in a lovely outline either rein, and his trot to walk was no longer a dead stop, we actually had a proper downward transition Yee har! So lots of cuddles and pats for Rattybag.
Shannon managed to muck out the paddocks and while she was doing this I got loads of cuddles and kisses from JimJim (Sush, don't tell her), he is such a smooch!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
2 October 2008
Arh, how long ago that last post seems!
Admittedly we've had a pretty shite year this year, but I had thought things were coming right, oh how life likes to play tricks on you!
Because of school holidays I took Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday off, well we rode Monday, albeit briefly, wasn't feeling particularly good by then so kept it brief, George was okay, but the 3 days off hadn't done him any favours, whereas I rode Rat and he was a wee pearler, tracking up nicely and really moving this time, so will just keep working on that so we get that consistently and we should be away and laughing. That was the end of my riding over the holidays, as on the Sunday I was generally feeling miserable with another sore throat and by Tuesday I was just feeling completely miserable. And wouldnt' you know it, i had organised a lesson (which took ages to jack up) and was going to go riding with some friends, thats not happening now either, arh! Last year it was the silly horse doing dumb things, this year its me, I need to have a big sign on my forehead, Bad Luck Central! And to top off my miserable three days, my car yet again wouldn't start, no not the battery..... Petrol Pump - apparently very important item if you want the car to go! I didn't want to ring Roly and tell him as this car is becoming the bane of our life, must say he took it all very well, after the 20 seconds of silence and no doubt some pain inflicted on his desk, he sounded reasonably calm, he did much better than me, I'm sure the builders were stunned mullets at the language coming out of my mouth. So car is now sitting in garage and I'm taking Roly's to work, poor long suffering Roly! I can see why he wants to get rid of the car, by the time I sell Cheeky, it will have only just paid for the repairs this year, so theres the money we had hoped to set aside for house money.... ARH!
Sorry this is so non horsie, but they you go for once. Roly and Shannon flew up to Auckland last night as he's got some work to do for a friend, so Shannons having her first ever trip to Auckland. They're not back again till Saturday night and that can't come round fast enough, its a very empty house! See if they were home I would have someone to moan too :)
Admittedly we've had a pretty shite year this year, but I had thought things were coming right, oh how life likes to play tricks on you!
Because of school holidays I took Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday off, well we rode Monday, albeit briefly, wasn't feeling particularly good by then so kept it brief, George was okay, but the 3 days off hadn't done him any favours, whereas I rode Rat and he was a wee pearler, tracking up nicely and really moving this time, so will just keep working on that so we get that consistently and we should be away and laughing. That was the end of my riding over the holidays, as on the Sunday I was generally feeling miserable with another sore throat and by Tuesday I was just feeling completely miserable. And wouldnt' you know it, i had organised a lesson (which took ages to jack up) and was going to go riding with some friends, thats not happening now either, arh! Last year it was the silly horse doing dumb things, this year its me, I need to have a big sign on my forehead, Bad Luck Central! And to top off my miserable three days, my car yet again wouldn't start, no not the battery..... Petrol Pump - apparently very important item if you want the car to go! I didn't want to ring Roly and tell him as this car is becoming the bane of our life, must say he took it all very well, after the 20 seconds of silence and no doubt some pain inflicted on his desk, he sounded reasonably calm, he did much better than me, I'm sure the builders were stunned mullets at the language coming out of my mouth. So car is now sitting in garage and I'm taking Roly's to work, poor long suffering Roly! I can see why he wants to get rid of the car, by the time I sell Cheeky, it will have only just paid for the repairs this year, so theres the money we had hoped to set aside for house money.... ARH!
Sorry this is so non horsie, but they you go for once. Roly and Shannon flew up to Auckland last night as he's got some work to do for a friend, so Shannons having her first ever trip to Auckland. They're not back again till Saturday night and that can't come round fast enough, its a very empty house! See if they were home I would have someone to moan too :)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
25 September 2008
Well back into riding full on, thank goodness the weather has come right. Grass is growing madly and even George is feeling the effects of a full belly.
Cheeky
We had someone come out and look at Cheeky and everyone who knows how my luck goes, the day before Cheeky was having a play in the paddock and lost her back end, she was a bit sore on her hind leg afterwards. She was a bit hoppy the next day on her downward transitions but otherwise behaved perfectly. Kerry did a fantastic job of showing her off, and the lady seemed very happy with her, shes keen to come back again, so will let her know when she's all a-okay again. She now seems fine trotting and cantering in the paddock so will get Kerry back out next week to have a look/ride and see whether we need to wait till Tommy's been back out. We've had some more interest, so will keep you updated as to what happens. She's also come into season so making a bit of a show for the boys, she just can't help hanging her butt over the fence, however luckily my lot aren't interested at all, so she's started giving up, the slapper.
Rat
Haven't really progressed much as till daylight savings comes along theres just not the time to ride two, so have been working with George. However Ratbag has had some more walk and tiny bit of trot work and a lunging session. This weekend will bring him into the riding paddock and start working at a trot and may start lunging him over some small jumps.
George
Well George is going great guns, he's feeling great and he's really striding out in his trot. We've just started to do some canter work and he's fantastic on his left lead, however we're taking around 3 attempts to get that right lead. Once we do get it, its much more balanced, so its coming slowly. Our new way of riding is really working with George, he much prefers the basic aids, wish I'd come to this a lot earlier as he's not resisting at all. I can now see us doing some lovely dressage tests, and as Kerry says, no reason this horse couldn't be doing some Novice tests, mmm rider! Can't fault this horse at all, so all in all happy horse happy rider. We even did a few tiny jumps yesterday, no taking off afterwards, so will do a bit more tonight, and will start doing some grid work shortly. Will aim to get him back into having regular jumping lessons and once Rat is doing a decent trot and canter will aim for dressage lessons with him.
JimJim
Well Shannon has been working hard at getting JimJim to lower that head, he's quite resistent, but he's getting there. I had a ride on him to see how he goes, he's not too bad at lowering that head carriage but boy is he slow, I doubt I could get him to trot :) Shannons been doing the last couple of days jumping and first day he just looped along, however last night there was certainly a bit more speed. They're having a blast and thats all I can ask, she's loving riding him, and he seems to be enjoying it too especially as he follows her around the paddock waiting for cuddles and scritches.
Will try to get some more photos of the boys this weekend, will aim for some jumping ones as well.
Cheeky
We had someone come out and look at Cheeky and everyone who knows how my luck goes, the day before Cheeky was having a play in the paddock and lost her back end, she was a bit sore on her hind leg afterwards. She was a bit hoppy the next day on her downward transitions but otherwise behaved perfectly. Kerry did a fantastic job of showing her off, and the lady seemed very happy with her, shes keen to come back again, so will let her know when she's all a-okay again. She now seems fine trotting and cantering in the paddock so will get Kerry back out next week to have a look/ride and see whether we need to wait till Tommy's been back out. We've had some more interest, so will keep you updated as to what happens. She's also come into season so making a bit of a show for the boys, she just can't help hanging her butt over the fence, however luckily my lot aren't interested at all, so she's started giving up, the slapper.
Rat
Haven't really progressed much as till daylight savings comes along theres just not the time to ride two, so have been working with George. However Ratbag has had some more walk and tiny bit of trot work and a lunging session. This weekend will bring him into the riding paddock and start working at a trot and may start lunging him over some small jumps.
George
Well George is going great guns, he's feeling great and he's really striding out in his trot. We've just started to do some canter work and he's fantastic on his left lead, however we're taking around 3 attempts to get that right lead. Once we do get it, its much more balanced, so its coming slowly. Our new way of riding is really working with George, he much prefers the basic aids, wish I'd come to this a lot earlier as he's not resisting at all. I can now see us doing some lovely dressage tests, and as Kerry says, no reason this horse couldn't be doing some Novice tests, mmm rider! Can't fault this horse at all, so all in all happy horse happy rider. We even did a few tiny jumps yesterday, no taking off afterwards, so will do a bit more tonight, and will start doing some grid work shortly. Will aim to get him back into having regular jumping lessons and once Rat is doing a decent trot and canter will aim for dressage lessons with him.
JimJim
Well Shannon has been working hard at getting JimJim to lower that head, he's quite resistent, but he's getting there. I had a ride on him to see how he goes, he's not too bad at lowering that head carriage but boy is he slow, I doubt I could get him to trot :) Shannons been doing the last couple of days jumping and first day he just looped along, however last night there was certainly a bit more speed. They're having a blast and thats all I can ask, she's loving riding him, and he seems to be enjoying it too especially as he follows her around the paddock waiting for cuddles and scritches.
Will try to get some more photos of the boys this weekend, will aim for some jumping ones as well.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
18 September 2008
Well with the weather we've been having soon we'll be riding again every day. Spring has certainly sprung with the grass all growing madly!
Monday I managed to get a ride on Rat, however my nice walk around was shattered by Kerry yelling at me while mounted on Cheeky telling me to pull finger. So Rat and I had to do some work, we got a nice walk and just worked on a nice low head carriage, he still feels like he's not moving forward but since Roly took some video footage of us trotting around the other day, I have realised due to his longer stride he feels like he's not moving but he's actually tracking up nicely, problem with me riding George and him, being two completely different horses. He's got a naturally low head carriage and really is a much easier ride than George, he's just got that mellow attitude. So will hopefully get him out and about a bit this year, will take him to the next PC Rally and see how it all goes.
Shannon had a hand from Kerry to work on getting JimJim to work in a outline as he has a giraffe neck, so that's her goal for the next week to work on, she'll keep him to a walk while working on getting that nice long and long walk. He's been quite resistant to the whole idea of bringing that head down but when he gets it (and Shannon) its a much nicer picture to behold.
I rode George last night and boy is he striding out, he's really feeling very good, and other than the spook at the dogs playing behind the Ute, he was nice and settled and working in a nice outline, our turns are coming along much better now, as there is not the resistance we had in the past, our new way of riding (Andrew McLean way) really suits George and he's loving it, he's not confused about what I'm wanting, as this is all so much simpler for him. I have high hopes for him at his next dressage outing which might be October as the September day was postponed, so if I can get him registered in time we'll toddle off to that and the November day. We even had our first little canter after coming back into work and it was lovely and slow and soft and on the right lead, which has always been his sticky leg.
Kerry rode Cheeky bareback (show off!) and was working on the bit and doing some leg yielding, pirouettes etc, Cheeky hadn't forgotten anything she'd learnt and you can tell she really enjoys having a thinking rider on board. Really happy with her progress and she's a much happier horse with having something to do. She's going to make a lovely dressage horse and with her shiny coat and bits of chrome could be a stunner in the show ring. I will be disappointed to sell her, but Shannon's just not at the level that I think Cheeky deserves, as you can see just how much potential she has with a good rider on board.
Raining her today so won't be riding tonight, so crossing fingers for tomorrow, as am really enjoying our rides and the lovely evenings we've been having, other than having to race home to feed old hungry guts, its been lovely and relaxing. Only fly in the ointment is having to go to work every day :)
Monday I managed to get a ride on Rat, however my nice walk around was shattered by Kerry yelling at me while mounted on Cheeky telling me to pull finger. So Rat and I had to do some work, we got a nice walk and just worked on a nice low head carriage, he still feels like he's not moving forward but since Roly took some video footage of us trotting around the other day, I have realised due to his longer stride he feels like he's not moving but he's actually tracking up nicely, problem with me riding George and him, being two completely different horses. He's got a naturally low head carriage and really is a much easier ride than George, he's just got that mellow attitude. So will hopefully get him out and about a bit this year, will take him to the next PC Rally and see how it all goes.
Shannon had a hand from Kerry to work on getting JimJim to work in a outline as he has a giraffe neck, so that's her goal for the next week to work on, she'll keep him to a walk while working on getting that nice long and long walk. He's been quite resistant to the whole idea of bringing that head down but when he gets it (and Shannon) its a much nicer picture to behold.
I rode George last night and boy is he striding out, he's really feeling very good, and other than the spook at the dogs playing behind the Ute, he was nice and settled and working in a nice outline, our turns are coming along much better now, as there is not the resistance we had in the past, our new way of riding (Andrew McLean way) really suits George and he's loving it, he's not confused about what I'm wanting, as this is all so much simpler for him. I have high hopes for him at his next dressage outing which might be October as the September day was postponed, so if I can get him registered in time we'll toddle off to that and the November day. We even had our first little canter after coming back into work and it was lovely and slow and soft and on the right lead, which has always been his sticky leg.
Kerry rode Cheeky bareback (show off!) and was working on the bit and doing some leg yielding, pirouettes etc, Cheeky hadn't forgotten anything she'd learnt and you can tell she really enjoys having a thinking rider on board. Really happy with her progress and she's a much happier horse with having something to do. She's going to make a lovely dressage horse and with her shiny coat and bits of chrome could be a stunner in the show ring. I will be disappointed to sell her, but Shannon's just not at the level that I think Cheeky deserves, as you can see just how much potential she has with a good rider on board.
Raining her today so won't be riding tonight, so crossing fingers for tomorrow, as am really enjoying our rides and the lovely evenings we've been having, other than having to race home to feed old hungry guts, its been lovely and relaxing. Only fly in the ointment is having to go to work every day :)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
14th September 08
Well where to start, the weather has been fantastic!!!! Shannon and I both rode on Saturday, however due to Skye being spayed we couldnt' stay long as we had to take over babysitting duties. I rode Georgie and he was actually a wee pearl again, wanting to work nice and long and low and not rushing off, Tommy's visit has done the trick and I have one happy horse.
Shannon asked for a lesson as some one other than her mother has mentioned to her about her leg position - why won't they listen to their mothers@!! Anyway, even though I was prepared to be yelled at like normal we actually had a really good lesson, Shannon was giggling most of the way round as I had to keep telling her to look up, thats her biggest fault at the moment, she looks down to see what's happening, she rolls her shoulders, leg lifts up as she's no longer putting weight through to her heels, so once we got her to stop looking down and sit tall the picture was much pleasanter! JimJim as per usual just cruised around the paddock but once Shannon got her position right, he started to lower that head and come into any outline. I actually got a thank you for helping her, I know! Poor old Rat got a brush and away we went, we were already an hour late getting home.
ELLESMERE PC - SUNDAY
We loaded up both the boys for PC (Yes I finally got to take my own horse), it was a sunny day and most of the way to PC we discussed how good Roly is, I know sickening isn't it. We got to PC and got into our groups, in mine was Dy with Max, Julie with Eric and I think her name was Alisha and her wee grey pony, yes we were all adults bar Alisha, as her pony required some understanding. Well Georgie was a wee dream, wasn't as soft as I would like, but wasn't worried about being in a strange venue, not interested in what other horses were doing, he really stretched out, and worked nicely on the bit, he showed the result of all our hard work in the paddock, just pity he doesn't always put it together in the arena! He still had plenty of go in him after the 2 hour work out, but was more than enough at the moment.
JimJim spent from what I saw some time on games, but as JimJim is such a good boy, I really don't have to watch Shannon like a hawke, he doesn't mind if she's completely in larlar land, he'll just carry on the same track till he's told otherwise :)
We, well Shannon had to flag the jumping as we'd promised Roly we'd be home by 3pm to relieve him of his babysitting duties. We finally timed our trip from Halswell to Ellesmere and with the float on doing 70km its 1/2 hour, however the wind had picked up and was buffeting the float, so slow poke here was only comfortable driving at 60km.
The boys will get a well deserved rest today and back into work tomorrow.
Shannon asked for a lesson as some one other than her mother has mentioned to her about her leg position - why won't they listen to their mothers@!! Anyway, even though I was prepared to be yelled at like normal we actually had a really good lesson, Shannon was giggling most of the way round as I had to keep telling her to look up, thats her biggest fault at the moment, she looks down to see what's happening, she rolls her shoulders, leg lifts up as she's no longer putting weight through to her heels, so once we got her to stop looking down and sit tall the picture was much pleasanter! JimJim as per usual just cruised around the paddock but once Shannon got her position right, he started to lower that head and come into any outline. I actually got a thank you for helping her, I know! Poor old Rat got a brush and away we went, we were already an hour late getting home.
ELLESMERE PC - SUNDAY
We loaded up both the boys for PC (Yes I finally got to take my own horse), it was a sunny day and most of the way to PC we discussed how good Roly is, I know sickening isn't it. We got to PC and got into our groups, in mine was Dy with Max, Julie with Eric and I think her name was Alisha and her wee grey pony, yes we were all adults bar Alisha, as her pony required some understanding. Well Georgie was a wee dream, wasn't as soft as I would like, but wasn't worried about being in a strange venue, not interested in what other horses were doing, he really stretched out, and worked nicely on the bit, he showed the result of all our hard work in the paddock, just pity he doesn't always put it together in the arena! He still had plenty of go in him after the 2 hour work out, but was more than enough at the moment.
JimJim spent from what I saw some time on games, but as JimJim is such a good boy, I really don't have to watch Shannon like a hawke, he doesn't mind if she's completely in larlar land, he'll just carry on the same track till he's told otherwise :)
We, well Shannon had to flag the jumping as we'd promised Roly we'd be home by 3pm to relieve him of his babysitting duties. We finally timed our trip from Halswell to Ellesmere and with the float on doing 70km its 1/2 hour, however the wind had picked up and was buffeting the float, so slow poke here was only comfortable driving at 60km.
The boys will get a well deserved rest today and back into work tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
6 September 2008
Well Shannon was finally able to get on to JimJim a few times during the week, after having a few months off due to weather and ground conditions the attitude hadn't changed any, he's still slow :)
Shannon went to Ricc/Fen PC on Saturday to be a guinea pig for an instructors training course. JimJim behaved perfectly. Not sure either of them enjoyed the day greatly, however I know she enjoyed the company. Due to the Sunday being Father's day we didn't do day two.
I had the Monday through to Wednesday off, so rode George and even Rat on Monday, it was cold but fine, and the ground wasn't too bad. George was George, and after a few arguments re whether his feet had to actually stay still when halting, we settled in well and we actually achieved something. Ratbag was, as always, relaxed and happy to just wander around at a walk, we even did a little trot, it wasnt' pretty but he stayed relaxed and didn't rush off. Pretty pleased as he's had close enough to 3 months off now.
On Tuesday I went for a ride with Tracy and Dude at Belfast PC through the forest. I'm a bit of a nervous driver when it comes to my babies on board, and wasn't helped as we had to stop on the way there for a train, at which time the float started swinging and I thought half my horse was going to be out the back door, luckily he settled down and we continued on. George was a wee dream when out, he really enjoyed doing something different, and didn't take long for his ears to get a little sweaty. I think we were out for around 2-2.5 hours on the boys, and George was definately relieved to have made it back to the float. Even though it was cold when out of the shelter of the trees, it was a great way to spend a drizzly day.
Ground is still a little slippery due to a bit more overnight drizzle, when will it stop. Dressage day has been cancelled on Sunday due to the strangles outbreak. So my boys will be under no pressure to come back into work in a hurry, we'll take our time.
Cheeky has an interested purchaser, so Kerry can start riding her again next week, and towards the end of the week we're hoping to have the lady out to see her. Hopefully it will be the right home for her and we'll find a match. I will be sad to see her go, but she needs someone who has time for her as with already having two I just can't do another one.
Shannon went to Ricc/Fen PC on Saturday to be a guinea pig for an instructors training course. JimJim behaved perfectly. Not sure either of them enjoyed the day greatly, however I know she enjoyed the company. Due to the Sunday being Father's day we didn't do day two.
I had the Monday through to Wednesday off, so rode George and even Rat on Monday, it was cold but fine, and the ground wasn't too bad. George was George, and after a few arguments re whether his feet had to actually stay still when halting, we settled in well and we actually achieved something. Ratbag was, as always, relaxed and happy to just wander around at a walk, we even did a little trot, it wasnt' pretty but he stayed relaxed and didn't rush off. Pretty pleased as he's had close enough to 3 months off now.
On Tuesday I went for a ride with Tracy and Dude at Belfast PC through the forest. I'm a bit of a nervous driver when it comes to my babies on board, and wasn't helped as we had to stop on the way there for a train, at which time the float started swinging and I thought half my horse was going to be out the back door, luckily he settled down and we continued on. George was a wee dream when out, he really enjoyed doing something different, and didn't take long for his ears to get a little sweaty. I think we were out for around 2-2.5 hours on the boys, and George was definately relieved to have made it back to the float. Even though it was cold when out of the shelter of the trees, it was a great way to spend a drizzly day.
Ground is still a little slippery due to a bit more overnight drizzle, when will it stop. Dressage day has been cancelled on Sunday due to the strangles outbreak. So my boys will be under no pressure to come back into work in a hurry, we'll take our time.
Cheeky has an interested purchaser, so Kerry can start riding her again next week, and towards the end of the week we're hoping to have the lady out to see her. Hopefully it will be the right home for her and we'll find a match. I will be sad to see her go, but she needs someone who has time for her as with already having two I just can't do another one.
Monday, August 25, 2008
23 August 08
Well finally I got on one of my horses, yes we had fine weather, cold but fine. Dragged poor old George out of his paddock for an amble round and discovered he'd managed to lose a new front shoe ARH! Well after a few false starts e.g. yelling at Skye who kept disappearing to annoy one of the grazers or going into the stream below, George and I managed to have an amble round. Couldn't do much more than walk as the ground is still incredibly slippery, so we did manage to have a 20 minute walk around till we both had enough and decided best to pack it in. Since Sunday we've now had rain rain rain and this is supposed to continue till Friday. We've entered the Dressage day at McLean's Island on the 14th September, but just not sure if this is going to happen as we really can't ride in the paddocks, Liz's arena is completely flooded again and the roadside is just as bad as our paddocks. Only good thing out of this is we're going to have no problems with grass growth when the warm weather hits, however I can see this in itself is going to cause major problems with Spring Nuttiness!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
16 August - Saturday
Well had some lovely weather on Saturday, however my time was spent mucking out for 5 hours!!! Ponies got their covers off, man were they pleased about that. Was good to see the paddocks had dried out and everything was starting to come away again. However after my marathon effort of mucking out I didn't feel like having an ride on any of my ponies, so off home I went, somewhat sore and tired. Sunday it had rained overnight and the ground was back to being slushy, didn't take much. So went went down and feed the ponies and finished mucking out JimJim's paddock. By this time I was seriously walking hunched over. We've got sleet forecast for Monday so just hoping this is the last of it.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Update 13 August 08
Well we finally got some nice weather on Sunday, unfortuantely the ground is far to slippery to ride so had to feed out and leave the poor boys alone. I can tell you that my knees are starting to seize up with lack of riding! We've had a great week so far, sun sun sun but typically the forecast for the weekend is, wait for it, RAIN! We're down to our last bale of hay, but I must admit the paddocks are starting to grow with Ratbag already feeling the affects, as he's certainly charging around the paddock kicking up his heels so Roly's been going along putting all the divets back in. It will be 6 weeks this weekend I think it is since I rode last, the weather has been horrid, but admittedly its not normally like this, and we had been extremely lucky as we've had an extremely mild winter. On a non horsie side, Shannon competed down in Dunedin last weekend, they only lost 4 of their 14 games and these loses were only by 1 point, talk about unlucky. She's off to Timaru this weekend, then the following weekend she's playing in Chch and then thats it for rep team. Well afraid its not much to report, hopefully I'll have something decent to report in the next couple of weeks.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Old Ponies
Shannons first pony was Star who was dropped off to my sisters friend by the meat man as he was really a lovely little boy just old. The vet thought he was around 30 when we got him and we had him for the next 5 years. He was a fine boned wee pony, around 11hh, Shannon could happily ride him around the paddock and had the occasional road ride with one of ladys from the paddock. If he didn't want to do something he'd throw in a wee buck, wasn't anything much, but she had to learn how to deal with that and also try to stop him taking her back to the gate when he'd had enough. Star was semi retired around 3 years ago, he occasionally had a friends daughter come out for a little ride around, but he enjoyed his semi retirement. He was a funny little man when he was getting hardfed, he'd buck and buck while his head was in the bucket. He got left on the roadside to tidy up the land owners verge, and we often had people stopping with their kids with an apple or two for Star, he was well known in the neighbourhood. Unfortunately as it got harder and harder to keep the weight on, and he just seemed to be struggling more and more with winter we had to make the decision to put him down. He's now buried out at field in Woodend a much more fitting end to this lovely little pony.
Smegal is a little Welshie we purchased from Joe in Otago. He'd actually gone to my sister on trial for her kids but her kids weren't really that interested. We took Smegal on trial and ended up spending a bit of money on him getting his attitude readjusted, he'd been used in a riding school for a time after being broken in and had developed some silly little habits that weren't appropriate around little kids. Smegal didn't like going round and round in circles as this was far to boring but loved jumping, going to the beach and doing anything differnet. Shannon took him to Eyreton Dressage and Jumping day and though he jumped out of the arena she was allowed to carry on and still got a very respectable score. She then did the handy pony where he stole one of the storks of corn out of the barrels and went round the rest of the course munching on it, we did end up with quite a crowd watching him as he was character plus. Unfortunately Shannon didn't last long on him as he was only 12.2hh but she had alot of fun while we had him. He was then sold to a Chch family with two little girls.
We purchased Pinky named Woodbine Champagne who had been SJ by a young rider in the hope she'd be suitable for Shannon but she was far to strong for Shan. She was a lovely mare though, awesome nature, she was in foal at the time, and had a lovely wee filly we called Princess, dam - Woodbine Champagne, Sire - Kahu Warrior. Must say this girl had her daddy's and mums great personality and if she had possibly looked like she might have gone over the 14.2hh mark we would have kept her but she was going to be far to small for what we wanted. She's now living in Eyreton with Jo and all her other ponies and currently being broken in. Pinky was sold to another Kylie in Ohoka and has a great life and is greatly loved, such a nice ending for her as she'd been been used as a broodmare in the last few years and really loved the attention and the riding she got.
Smegal is a little Welshie we purchased from Joe in Otago. He'd actually gone to my sister on trial for her kids but her kids weren't really that interested. We took Smegal on trial and ended up spending a bit of money on him getting his attitude readjusted, he'd been used in a riding school for a time after being broken in and had developed some silly little habits that weren't appropriate around little kids. Smegal didn't like going round and round in circles as this was far to boring but loved jumping, going to the beach and doing anything differnet. Shannon took him to Eyreton Dressage and Jumping day and though he jumped out of the arena she was allowed to carry on and still got a very respectable score. She then did the handy pony where he stole one of the storks of corn out of the barrels and went round the rest of the course munching on it, we did end up with quite a crowd watching him as he was character plus. Unfortunately Shannon didn't last long on him as he was only 12.2hh but she had alot of fun while we had him. He was then sold to a Chch family with two little girls.
We purchased Pinky named Woodbine Champagne who had been SJ by a young rider in the hope she'd be suitable for Shannon but she was far to strong for Shan. She was a lovely mare though, awesome nature, she was in foal at the time, and had a lovely wee filly we called Princess, dam - Woodbine Champagne, Sire - Kahu Warrior. Must say this girl had her daddy's and mums great personality and if she had possibly looked like she might have gone over the 14.2hh mark we would have kept her but she was going to be far to small for what we wanted. She's now living in Eyreton with Jo and all her other ponies and currently being broken in. Pinky was sold to another Kylie in Ohoka and has a great life and is greatly loved, such a nice ending for her as she'd been been used as a broodmare in the last few years and really loved the attention and the riding she got.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
First blog
Run down of the ponies we currently have, so pleased to have gotten down from 6 to 3 but then we went back up to 4 again, oh well thats life.
Bit of a run down on our ponies:
Cheeky which is/was Shannons pony is a 14.2hh approx QuarterhorseXTB mare, she's a solid paint which we purchased for Shannon to do pc and low level dressage/eventing. Shannons a very nervous rider and Cheeky suited her down to the ground as she just doesn't get stressed. Unfortunatley a year and a half into owning Cheeky Shannon has shot up and has had to move onto a 16.2hh horse and due to this we've had to put Cheeky up for sale. Other than an issue with a back problem due to an ill fitting saddle Cheeky has been a dream to own, so will be sad when we eventually part with her, but I know she'll make someone else very happy.
JimJim aka Jimmy the Tulip aka Black Knight is a 16.2hh 13yr old TB gelding that we have on lease from Amy Wilson. JimJim was recommended by friends and Dy who was Shannon's old PC instructor and happens to be Amy's mum, the wise woman! We've got JimJim on lease to see how it all works out before purchasing him as its a big step up for her to go from Cheeky to a full sized hack and Shannon being a nervous rider as it is, we werent' sure how it was all going to go. We understand JimJim has evented, hunted and generally been out and about. Shannons first ride on JimJim was at Dy's and Amy's place and she had a blast with Dy yelling instructions at her, she was jumping (and Shannon hardly ever jumps) within the hour. Next outing was a XC training day held at Ricc/Fen. JimJim behaved perfectly and Shannon was beaming from ear to ear, I however wasn't feeling quite so well, nervous mother syndrome! Petra (Amy's sister) even managed to show Shannon that you can fall off and still laugh about it - GO PETRA! We then got JimJim delivered to home and Shannons next outing was to PC for a Derby Day, this was her first ever time doing a XC course in a big open field on her own. JimJim behaved like the gentleman he is and just ambled along. They managed to score themselves a red ribbon and a silver platter for their efforts that day. The two of them are already firm friends with JimJim refusing to be led up the float by me, but following Shannon up no problems at all.
Ratbag or Short Circuit is 16.2hh has just turned 5 and raced under the name Lepalderat. I purchased Rat off my friend Kaz in late 2006. He's not had a lot of work as Kaz hadn't had him long when I purchased him and even though she'd done a great job to feeding him up, he was still a little weak and has taken some time to really fill out and look like a horse. In 2007 I took Rat out and did a green horse show and a green horse dressage day, he was amazingly behaved at these days, never putting a foot wrong. Due to Dad's illness and subsequent death in 08 we ended up spelling the horses for almost a year, so our next outing wasn't till mid 08 where we chose another green horse show to be our first outing, unfortunately while we were warming up outside the ring he got a fright at a horse galloping up behind and this wasn't helpped by his paddock mate loosing the plot as well. However, I did learn two things, I can bounce and my well behaved boy can buck :) I did manage to get back on and completed 3 of the 7 classes I had entered, however I had managed to injure myself and found my hip must have taken a bashing when I landed. In the classes we presented ourselves for we managed to get a last in best presented, mmm might have been the mud all over the saddle and the side of the horse where he fell over when he took off after we parted company. We got a 4th in best walking and a 3rd in best trotting. Unfortunately my nerves were shattered with horses going everywhere, I think in those 3 classes there were 4 people come off! I called it a day and was just pleased that other than getting a little nervous with the horses playing up in the ring, he managed to hold it together. Spring of 08 is when this boy is really going to start getting some decent work in the hope of having him ready for the next winter dressage series. He's now filled out and starting to get to know what his job is and whats expected of him. So come summer, well be heading on out for as much exposure as possible.
George or Killarney Star is my little old man, he's around 15.1-15.2hh and is 12 or 13 years old. He was raced under the name of Six Pack and is by Varikos. George was purchased from Rebecca Peter's as my old Intermediate Eventer was put down and I didn't have the money or time to really replace him. So for the first 3-4 years of having George we plodded around the paddock and had the occasional ride around the road. It was only about 2-3 years ago I got the itch to do something more, so George started jumping. He loved it, and even though by nature he's very stubborn this never comes out on the course, he might decide he's going straight while I'm trying to get him round a hill, but the minute he see's those flags he's off, funniest thing to ride, he literrally doesn't need me there at all! He's not so keen on dressage, think its a tad to boring for him, but saying that his scores have improved greatly so theres hope for the future. We've also done a Vaughan Jeffries course, which was in June this year, was so much fun, will certainly look at doing more of these and when I can afford them.
Bit of a run down on our ponies:
Cheeky which is/was Shannons pony is a 14.2hh approx QuarterhorseXTB mare, she's a solid paint which we purchased for Shannon to do pc and low level dressage/eventing. Shannons a very nervous rider and Cheeky suited her down to the ground as she just doesn't get stressed. Unfortunatley a year and a half into owning Cheeky Shannon has shot up and has had to move onto a 16.2hh horse and due to this we've had to put Cheeky up for sale. Other than an issue with a back problem due to an ill fitting saddle Cheeky has been a dream to own, so will be sad when we eventually part with her, but I know she'll make someone else very happy.
JimJim aka Jimmy the Tulip aka Black Knight is a 16.2hh 13yr old TB gelding that we have on lease from Amy Wilson. JimJim was recommended by friends and Dy who was Shannon's old PC instructor and happens to be Amy's mum, the wise woman! We've got JimJim on lease to see how it all works out before purchasing him as its a big step up for her to go from Cheeky to a full sized hack and Shannon being a nervous rider as it is, we werent' sure how it was all going to go. We understand JimJim has evented, hunted and generally been out and about. Shannons first ride on JimJim was at Dy's and Amy's place and she had a blast with Dy yelling instructions at her, she was jumping (and Shannon hardly ever jumps) within the hour. Next outing was a XC training day held at Ricc/Fen. JimJim behaved perfectly and Shannon was beaming from ear to ear, I however wasn't feeling quite so well, nervous mother syndrome! Petra (Amy's sister) even managed to show Shannon that you can fall off and still laugh about it - GO PETRA! We then got JimJim delivered to home and Shannons next outing was to PC for a Derby Day, this was her first ever time doing a XC course in a big open field on her own. JimJim behaved like the gentleman he is and just ambled along. They managed to score themselves a red ribbon and a silver platter for their efforts that day. The two of them are already firm friends with JimJim refusing to be led up the float by me, but following Shannon up no problems at all.
Ratbag or Short Circuit is 16.2hh has just turned 5 and raced under the name Lepalderat. I purchased Rat off my friend Kaz in late 2006. He's not had a lot of work as Kaz hadn't had him long when I purchased him and even though she'd done a great job to feeding him up, he was still a little weak and has taken some time to really fill out and look like a horse. In 2007 I took Rat out and did a green horse show and a green horse dressage day, he was amazingly behaved at these days, never putting a foot wrong. Due to Dad's illness and subsequent death in 08 we ended up spelling the horses for almost a year, so our next outing wasn't till mid 08 where we chose another green horse show to be our first outing, unfortunately while we were warming up outside the ring he got a fright at a horse galloping up behind and this wasn't helpped by his paddock mate loosing the plot as well. However, I did learn two things, I can bounce and my well behaved boy can buck :) I did manage to get back on and completed 3 of the 7 classes I had entered, however I had managed to injure myself and found my hip must have taken a bashing when I landed. In the classes we presented ourselves for we managed to get a last in best presented, mmm might have been the mud all over the saddle and the side of the horse where he fell over when he took off after we parted company. We got a 4th in best walking and a 3rd in best trotting. Unfortunately my nerves were shattered with horses going everywhere, I think in those 3 classes there were 4 people come off! I called it a day and was just pleased that other than getting a little nervous with the horses playing up in the ring, he managed to hold it together. Spring of 08 is when this boy is really going to start getting some decent work in the hope of having him ready for the next winter dressage series. He's now filled out and starting to get to know what his job is and whats expected of him. So come summer, well be heading on out for as much exposure as possible.
George or Killarney Star is my little old man, he's around 15.1-15.2hh and is 12 or 13 years old. He was raced under the name of Six Pack and is by Varikos. George was purchased from Rebecca Peter's as my old Intermediate Eventer was put down and I didn't have the money or time to really replace him. So for the first 3-4 years of having George we plodded around the paddock and had the occasional ride around the road. It was only about 2-3 years ago I got the itch to do something more, so George started jumping. He loved it, and even though by nature he's very stubborn this never comes out on the course, he might decide he's going straight while I'm trying to get him round a hill, but the minute he see's those flags he's off, funniest thing to ride, he literrally doesn't need me there at all! He's not so keen on dressage, think its a tad to boring for him, but saying that his scores have improved greatly so theres hope for the future. We've also done a Vaughan Jeffries course, which was in June this year, was so much fun, will certainly look at doing more of these and when I can afford them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)