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.