The past three weeks have been very educational, I have learnt a little more about myself and about my horses.
Three weeks ago, on getting ready to go out on a nice quiet hack with Tim, I got on Rocky and something happened, the lad exploded, throwing me off. Unfortunately I got mangled up under his legs. The result was some grazes and a bruises as well as a broken left fibula.
On leaving A&E and being told no riding for three weeks, Tim said he could see I was plotting. In the 30mins it took to get home, I had already sent a text to Patrick and Corinne Murphy to see if Patrick would jump Harry at Hickstead the following Sunday. Text to Jess to ask her if she could help with horses. Called work and said, all being well will be in on Tuesday.
Monday was spent resting and making more phone calls to various specialists... none of whom would say "yes of course you can ride". However, Physio, Paul Massey (Physio for several Olympic athletes, said give it 10 days of rest, then start swimming, probably be able to ride in 14 or so days..I#d already told him of the regionals in three weeks..
Five days later I had a little sit on Harry, 7 days later I was slowly walking around Hickstead - cheering Patrick and Harry on - unfortunately 8 faults! 8 days later I took over the ground work which Fiona had started with Rocky, 10 days later I was sitting on Rocky.. not riding just sitting. 22 days later I was hacking and easy schooling with Harry and Rocky. 21 days later we competed at the Regionals at Keysoe. Ok it really wasn't our best performance - but we made it.... three weeks from the day of breaking my fibular, competing in the Novice Open section.. we did it.
23 days later my Physio gave me the go a head that I could start to ride again! I was honest and did admit to having started riding, raised eyebrows.. and I was allowed to go.. another physio check up in two weeks time...
As for Rocky - it was never his fault - a total misunderstanding and lack of confidence - something we are both learning. The Parrelli tools which Fiona has taught me and Rocky have become invaluable and something I will keep up. We have some plans to move things forward so that both Rocks and I feel happier about getting on in different situations, and we can then pick up where we left off.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Friday, 29 July 2011
Broken Bones and Day Time TV
Thing had been progressing really well with Rocky, saddling up was becoming alot more normal. We have our routine and I doubt it will ever change, so it came a massive shock on Sunday 24th July, to have tacked up and walked him about as per normal to then be dumped during massive rodeo display the moment I asked him to walk off from the mounting block.
I sat the first, but the second was not the case and I fell under his legs. Unfortunately in his panic to get away he managed to plant couple of hind hooves on me, one on my hip and butt, and the other on my the side of my left knee. I lay for a while whilst listening to Fiona, Tim and Jess sort out horses and get Rocky and Harry put away safely. Boy, this hurts. In true rider grit, I determindly got up, determined to get back on, but found myself feeling violently sick and sitting back down again.
After an amusing conversation with Tim who was determinded to clean my grazed elbow before anything else, Fiona made the decision that a visit to A&E was in order. So off we trundled ... several swearing episodes and we arrived at Ashford A&E.
Wheelchair and nurses out to help, all this fuss... then Tim kicks my foot, more swearing and cussing. Seen extremely quickly. Convinced that the xray would be a waste of time, I was totally shocked (more swearing and then the first tears) that it was confirmed my fibula was cracked clean through...
A great session was spent bartering with my consultant over how long before I could ride - Three weeks was the shortest time period we could get him down too, but he did say that basically as soon as it stopped hurting I could ride... well that is kind of what he said - my intrepretation.
Monday was spent watching some ghastly daytime TV, Jeremy Kyle and Loose Women - Ouch sorry but that stuff is seriously bad. Thankfully channel 280 had some top class (sarcastic tone) dressage from New Zealand - so I sat and judged that from the comfort of my bed. I also spent time arranging riders for Harry for Hickstead, changing dates for Regionals, talking to physio who do team GB and getting exercises and suggestions from them - all good stuff.
Tuesday, I went to work... I was allowed to drive as its my left leg and I have an automatic. Phew.
5 hours at work and totally knackered.... but since then have been at work to avoid day time TV. I also went to snuggle horses from Wednesday onwards - what joy.
So, now its planning what to do with Rocky and to re-establish his confidence...
I sat the first, but the second was not the case and I fell under his legs. Unfortunately in his panic to get away he managed to plant couple of hind hooves on me, one on my hip and butt, and the other on my the side of my left knee. I lay for a while whilst listening to Fiona, Tim and Jess sort out horses and get Rocky and Harry put away safely. Boy, this hurts. In true rider grit, I determindly got up, determined to get back on, but found myself feeling violently sick and sitting back down again.
After an amusing conversation with Tim who was determinded to clean my grazed elbow before anything else, Fiona made the decision that a visit to A&E was in order. So off we trundled ... several swearing episodes and we arrived at Ashford A&E.
Wheelchair and nurses out to help, all this fuss... then Tim kicks my foot, more swearing and cussing. Seen extremely quickly. Convinced that the xray would be a waste of time, I was totally shocked (more swearing and then the first tears) that it was confirmed my fibula was cracked clean through...
A great session was spent bartering with my consultant over how long before I could ride - Three weeks was the shortest time period we could get him down too, but he did say that basically as soon as it stopped hurting I could ride... well that is kind of what he said - my intrepretation.
Monday was spent watching some ghastly daytime TV, Jeremy Kyle and Loose Women - Ouch sorry but that stuff is seriously bad. Thankfully channel 280 had some top class (sarcastic tone) dressage from New Zealand - so I sat and judged that from the comfort of my bed. I also spent time arranging riders for Harry for Hickstead, changing dates for Regionals, talking to physio who do team GB and getting exercises and suggestions from them - all good stuff.
Tuesday, I went to work... I was allowed to drive as its my left leg and I have an automatic. Phew.
5 hours at work and totally knackered.... but since then have been at work to avoid day time TV. I also went to snuggle horses from Wednesday onwards - what joy.
So, now its planning what to do with Rocky and to re-establish his confidence...
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Busy Weekend
Well, the 16th July was the Team competition at Kent County - the weather was vile, but we went along and were the path finders around the course - a good course - lots of long stretches which I should have pushed on a bit more, but we came home with 4 faults and 3 time faults - so time was tight. Our team did well, finishing 7th overall.
On Sunday, we took Rocky up to Limes Farm for a very small unaffiliated SJ - entered the 70cm and did a clear, and then clear again in the jump off - finishing up 2nd.. what a star...
On Sunday, we took Rocky up to Limes Farm for a very small unaffiliated SJ - entered the 70cm and did a clear, and then clear again in the jump off - finishing up 2nd.. what a star...
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Saddles glore
Well, Rocky is now all grown up with his very own dressage and jumping saddle. No more does he need to beg, steal or borrow.
As a dressage saddle he has a Medium Wide Ideal Jessica, 17.5" in black, and as a jumping saddle he has a medium wide Black country GPJ. What a lucky boy. I love Black Country so am thrilled to have managed to get one to fit him as well (Harry has Black Country too).
As a dressage saddle he has a Medium Wide Ideal Jessica, 17.5" in black, and as a jumping saddle he has a medium wide Black country GPJ. What a lucky boy. I love Black Country so am thrilled to have managed to get one to fit him as well (Harry has Black Country too).
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Welcome Rocky Roberts
Its been a few weeks now since we lost Deli, and time hopefully will heal the pain I feel every night looking at her portrait besides the bed. I still keep thinking she will come back having been out on loan or something similar.
Anyway, a few weeks ago, a little (well may be not that little) bay gelding came to stay to see if he liked living at "Team Post House". Turns out he doesn't mind, and so he has come to stay permanently. His name is Rocky and he has done "proper" eventing up to Novice level. He is 8 years old by Welton Double Cracker out of an Advanced mare. He was bred by Ellie Hughes and she competed him to Novice, but with her workload and having some higher level horses, she wanted to find him a new home.. and he's found one.
So, Welcome ROCKY ROBERTS!
Anyway, a few weeks ago, a little (well may be not that little) bay gelding came to stay to see if he liked living at "Team Post House". Turns out he doesn't mind, and so he has come to stay permanently. His name is Rocky and he has done "proper" eventing up to Novice level. He is 8 years old by Welton Double Cracker out of an Advanced mare. He was bred by Ellie Hughes and she competed him to Novice, but with her workload and having some higher level horses, she wanted to find him a new home.. and he's found one.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
A Sad Day, and the end of a very special partnership
On Thursday 19th May, at just after midday, a very special horse was put down.Delikatesse, had been in my life for just over 16years... we had such good (and bad) times together, and it was my duty to ease her discomfort.
In February 1996, Gavin Scofield and I purchased a rather skinny and very orange bay mare. She started us both on such a long journey of discovery, not only about ourselves but about horses and how we both could help them. Deli was an extremely bright, electric at times, and an extremely expressive little mare. She was only just 15.3hh, but had the personality of a much larger horse.
I have many fond memories, some good, some bad...
spending many months too frightened to canter her in the arena due to the explosions which would ensue soon after the transition; our first affiliated elementary test, gaining a massive 42% and a comment from the judge of "what a madam"; to taking me not only once, but twice to Olympia; winning twice the London Riding Horse Supreme Championship in Hyde Park, the only horse to-date to have taken two Supreme titles but also Reserved Championship. Being kicked on the side of my knee during a quadrille rehearsal as she thought I was another horse daring to go near her whilst she was being tacked up! Her first year under side-saddle and at her second ever showing show, she came third, a fine achievement as this was at the Royal International Horse Show, if she had stood still for the judge, she would probably have won! We gained our top hat and tails and points in our first ever Advanced Dressage Class. We managed three Prix St George tests together and she so just loved doing Flying Changes.
We went hunting together and got sent home for bad behaviour at the East Kent Boxing Day Meet (oops). We scared the living pants off Ali Ferry by going around the cross country course at Chilham in our dressage saddle. We danced on the lawns at Leeds Castle, and in the arena's at Kent County. We travelled to Lincoln Show Ground for the BRC Medium Dressage Championships, qualified for the Areas Festivals and the Regional Championships... and got me safely to my wedding.
We decided in 2009 to retire her from competition as she was showing intermittent signs of lameness in her right fore. Although xrays were non-conclusive she was treated for navicular syndrome. With help from Gavin and good riding and regular schooling, we managed to keep her sound and in full work. She still worked through the PSG tests and was working well on piaffe and passage. She became the most wonderful schoolmistress for so many, especially young Jess Quaife-Buckle, who rode piaffe and changes on her. Winter evenings 2010/2011 caused us much amusement, watching Deli spook around the arena doing her utmost to upset Jess, but Deli would still give Jess the confidence to literally "hang on" and learn a good independent and balance seat.
On moving to Fiona and Calum's yard in late summer 2010, Deli worked her charm and helped Fiona regain her confidence which she had lost over the sudden loss of her own horse Bobby from a broken leg. Deli looked after Fiona in her well mannered way, but once she had realised Fiona could ride, the spooks and silliness reappeared out on hacks and in the school. Her last real good deed was to get Louise Simpson-Brown back in the saddle having broken her neck during a freak riding accident just before Christmas. Deli was put through her paces and I so enjoyed watching this partnership - flipping through sequence changes, half passes and finally gave Lou her first experience of sitting to piaffe steps.
On Monday 17th, Deli had a mild seizure in the field, she was on three legs and holding her neck very stiff and tense, at first we thought just a tweak, but then again in the stable she had a long and more difficult seizure. The vet came on Tuesday and we increased the amount of painkillers. Gavin came and treated her on Wednesday, but the seizures and pain continued. On Thursday morning, she had another which caused her pain and left her exhausted. I made the decision, and this very special mare left our world.
I am sure she is somewhere causing totally mayhem getting everyone in order and explaining the finer merits of a good flying change and how to catch a rider off guard with a wicked spook!
Sleep well little Deli... gone, but never to be forgotten.
In February 1996, Gavin Scofield and I purchased a rather skinny and very orange bay mare. She started us both on such a long journey of discovery, not only about ourselves but about horses and how we both could help them. Deli was an extremely bright, electric at times, and an extremely expressive little mare. She was only just 15.3hh, but had the personality of a much larger horse.
 | |
| Just before our first ever Advanced dressage test |
I have many fond memories, some good, some bad...
spending many months too frightened to canter her in the arena due to the explosions which would ensue soon after the transition; our first affiliated elementary test, gaining a massive 42% and a comment from the judge of "what a madam"; to taking me not only once, but twice to Olympia; winning twice the London Riding Horse Supreme Championship in Hyde Park, the only horse to-date to have taken two Supreme titles but also Reserved Championship. Being kicked on the side of my knee during a quadrille rehearsal as she thought I was another horse daring to go near her whilst she was being tacked up! Her first year under side-saddle and at her second ever showing show, she came third, a fine achievement as this was at the Royal International Horse Show, if she had stood still for the judge, she would probably have won! We gained our top hat and tails and points in our first ever Advanced Dressage Class. We managed three Prix St George tests together and she so just loved doing Flying Changes.
 |
| Kent County - BRC Demonstration |
We decided in 2009 to retire her from competition as she was showing intermittent signs of lameness in her right fore. Although xrays were non-conclusive she was treated for navicular syndrome. With help from Gavin and good riding and regular schooling, we managed to keep her sound and in full work. She still worked through the PSG tests and was working well on piaffe and passage. She became the most wonderful schoolmistress for so many, especially young Jess Quaife-Buckle, who rode piaffe and changes on her. Winter evenings 2010/2011 caused us much amusement, watching Deli spook around the arena doing her utmost to upset Jess, but Deli would still give Jess the confidence to literally "hang on" and learn a good independent and balance seat.
On moving to Fiona and Calum's yard in late summer 2010, Deli worked her charm and helped Fiona regain her confidence which she had lost over the sudden loss of her own horse Bobby from a broken leg. Deli looked after Fiona in her well mannered way, but once she had realised Fiona could ride, the spooks and silliness reappeared out on hacks and in the school. Her last real good deed was to get Louise Simpson-Brown back in the saddle having broken her neck during a freak riding accident just before Christmas. Deli was put through her paces and I so enjoyed watching this partnership - flipping through sequence changes, half passes and finally gave Lou her first experience of sitting to piaffe steps.
On Monday 17th, Deli had a mild seizure in the field, she was on three legs and holding her neck very stiff and tense, at first we thought just a tweak, but then again in the stable she had a long and more difficult seizure. The vet came on Tuesday and we increased the amount of painkillers. Gavin came and treated her on Wednesday, but the seizures and pain continued. On Thursday morning, she had another which caused her pain and left her exhausted. I made the decision, and this very special mare left our world.
I am sure she is somewhere causing totally mayhem getting everyone in order and explaining the finer merits of a good flying change and how to catch a rider off guard with a wicked spook!
Sleep well little Deli... gone, but never to be forgotten.
 |
| Advanced Medium Winter Regionals |
 |
| Supreme Champion, London Riding Horse Parade, Hyde Park |
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Holidays are for riding...
Four days off work, glorious weather, what more can you want than to spend that time with our horses.
Although I keep thinking that today is Sunday, I still have two more days off.. whoppee.
Friday, was a mix of teaching and working other clients horses and then a fun hack with Claire around the valleys and the canter fields... this time Harry was NOT going to let Magic get in front of him and promptly took off and kept up a good pace until the end of the fields.
Today, saw Deli having a very good bath and groom, and a short go at parelli work. Lunchtime saw our Faversham Riding Club cross country lesson with Ali Ferry at Chilham Park. A nice group of friends a nice first lesson of the season.
Harry was a star and we tackled some very nice large fences. He boy did well and I was really pleased with him. Tomorrow sees us having a class or two up at Limes at the BSJA show
Although I keep thinking that today is Sunday, I still have two more days off.. whoppee.
Friday, was a mix of teaching and working other clients horses and then a fun hack with Claire around the valleys and the canter fields... this time Harry was NOT going to let Magic get in front of him and promptly took off and kept up a good pace until the end of the fields.
Today, saw Deli having a very good bath and groom, and a short go at parelli work. Lunchtime saw our Faversham Riding Club cross country lesson with Ali Ferry at Chilham Park. A nice group of friends a nice first lesson of the season.
Harry was a star and we tackled some very nice large fences. He boy did well and I was really pleased with him. Tomorrow sees us having a class or two up at Limes at the BSJA show
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Whoa ho... Oats are kicking in...
Harry seems to be getting back to normal, recovering from his chill and with the help of vit B supplements and lots of oats, we certainly felt their effects on this evening hack. He powered up the hills and was very full of life. A quick canter on the verge didn't stop when the verge did! Thankfully a quiet lane!!
Things are good at the moment. My teaching is ticking along, but is not as manic as it was a few weeks ago and in someways it is nice to have a bit of a break from things and to spend time doing those jobs that are always on the back burner. Deli is looking rather well, having come through what has been a particularly harsh winter looking half her age. She seems to be enjoying her hacking with young Jess Buckle. Long may it continue.
Harry, is looking good, the oats and Vit B supplement seem to have helped pick him up, plus the change in his hacking, all a little faster and madder. Ditch jumping is a definite must when we are in the forest. I now have the Ride-Alert tags and hat patches which I think are a very good idea.
Pluto, is starting vet investigations to see what exactly is going on - this horse is such a wonderful creature, he brings tears to my eyes whenever I go and work him. He is just so keen to be worked and is loving all the small bits of parelli that I am capable of doing with him. The circling game seems to be coming along well, and whether I should or not, we often do this with him off the rope. This way I can watch and observe his movement when he is at liberty the most.
I also need to focus some of my attention on to Frankie - if I do not get in to the habit of it, then the shooting season will be upon us, and I will have done very little training of what could be a very special dog.
Things are good at the moment. My teaching is ticking along, but is not as manic as it was a few weeks ago and in someways it is nice to have a bit of a break from things and to spend time doing those jobs that are always on the back burner. Deli is looking rather well, having come through what has been a particularly harsh winter looking half her age. She seems to be enjoying her hacking with young Jess Buckle. Long may it continue.
Harry, is looking good, the oats and Vit B supplement seem to have helped pick him up, plus the change in his hacking, all a little faster and madder. Ditch jumping is a definite must when we are in the forest. I now have the Ride-Alert tags and hat patches which I think are a very good idea.
Pluto, is starting vet investigations to see what exactly is going on - this horse is such a wonderful creature, he brings tears to my eyes whenever I go and work him. He is just so keen to be worked and is loving all the small bits of parelli that I am capable of doing with him. The circling game seems to be coming along well, and whether I should or not, we often do this with him off the rope. This way I can watch and observe his movement when he is at liberty the most.
I also need to focus some of my attention on to Frankie - if I do not get in to the habit of it, then the shooting season will be upon us, and I will have done very little training of what could be a very special dog.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Of Cross Country and Holes
Well, the wonderful weather over the weekend helped to kick start me to think about some cross country practise with Harry. I had hoped to go on Saturday, but as Harry had been under the weather the week before, we opted to go Sunday.
Chilham is a lovely venue and enough open space that even if it is busy you can find a quiet spot to play. I was joined by my Blenheim team mate, Claire on her young connie pony, who was wonderful to watch as he had fun popping some sizeable fences.
Harry was great, no issues at the ditches - and even ventured in to the water with very little fuss. We did have an issue of him jumping a fence a stride or two before the water, but we resolved this after a little discussion. We also tackled some novices fences - boy these now look big... I am sure they have got bigger over the 20 or so years when I last tackled a Novice course!
It was a lovely day, and I achieved what I wanted which was to have a nice time and give Harry a nice run out.
Deli on the other hand has decided to come out in lumps...and then on Wednesday morning she had rubbed the top of the lump... thing is, it is right were the reins run, so she has managed to get herself off work for a few days until that heals!
Tim is away in Sunny Yorkshire, seeing farmers and selling machines... what a star!
Chilham is a lovely venue and enough open space that even if it is busy you can find a quiet spot to play. I was joined by my Blenheim team mate, Claire on her young connie pony, who was wonderful to watch as he had fun popping some sizeable fences.
Harry was great, no issues at the ditches - and even ventured in to the water with very little fuss. We did have an issue of him jumping a fence a stride or two before the water, but we resolved this after a little discussion. We also tackled some novices fences - boy these now look big... I am sure they have got bigger over the 20 or so years when I last tackled a Novice course!
It was a lovely day, and I achieved what I wanted which was to have a nice time and give Harry a nice run out.
Deli on the other hand has decided to come out in lumps...and then on Wednesday morning she had rubbed the top of the lump... thing is, it is right were the reins run, so she has managed to get herself off work for a few days until that heals!
Tim is away in Sunny Yorkshire, seeing farmers and selling machines... what a star!
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Vicks Vapour Rub
Well. the lethergy of Harry could be because he has a cold. He had a big runny nose on Tuesday, and just like a two year old boy, took delight in licking and trying to get as much of the snot on you as he could.
He has had a duvet day, watching the day time Telly, that you can only bear when you a poorly. Lemsip and Vicks seem to be doing the trick and he looks brighter.. honestly, he has been on vit B supplement and Horse Health air power cough mixture.
We will see what tomorrow brings...
He has had a duvet day, watching the day time Telly, that you can only bear when you a poorly. Lemsip and Vicks seem to be doing the trick and he looks brighter.. honestly, he has been on vit B supplement and Horse Health air power cough mixture.
We will see what tomorrow brings...
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Your lesson is with Ben!
Sometime ago I entered an on-line competitions for a free lesson at Bedgebury Park Equestrian Centre, as I never usually win anything, I was surprised to receive an email to say that I'd won a lesson. I chatted to the owner of the centre and agreed on a jumping lesson. So I got another email to confirm the time and date of the lesson and that it would be with their in-house trainer called Ben... but Ben who I cried... but I was never told.
To be honest I wasn't sure I wanted to bother to drive for an hour and a half for a lesson with someone called Ben, but decided that I might as well, I had nothing to loose. So we set off, the weather was glorious and we arrived at Bedgebury. I haven't been before, but had heard lots of good things. It is the new base for Sharon Hunt, and the facilities looked fab on the website. We got a little lost on arrival as we went up a back drive, but a quick call and we got rescued.
Ben came out and said hello and said he would meet us at the indoor arena. Harry was as chilled as ever, and we wandered down to the indoor arena.
The lesson was good, Ben was quick to work out Harry put as little effort in to things if that was an option and therefore I often tried too hard. So the flat work session to warm up for jumping was to do as little as possible and not to expect to much from Harry to start with. He got me to ride with shorter reins but hands a lot further forward than I am use to when in the jumping saddle. He wanted my lower leg more wrapped around and we did a lot of on to medium steps (even if only little ones) and also half steps to help Harry engage and bend his hocks. I really enjoyed this work. Next was on to some grid work and Harry then showed that he could jump, even taking off at the canter pole and clearing the whole lot and continue on down through the grid.
All in all I enjoyed the lesson, it was calm and worked Harry within his own balance. I found out that Ben did have a surname which is Cook, and we actually had a few mutual contacts. I certainly would consider another lesson... it has also got me fired up for some more jumping lessons, and to pull my finger out and sort out some faster fittening work for Harry.
We got back at 6pm, did the horses and then I went off to work Pluto - who again was super and tonight showed his owner what he could do off the lunge line. What a star.
To be honest I wasn't sure I wanted to bother to drive for an hour and a half for a lesson with someone called Ben, but decided that I might as well, I had nothing to loose. So we set off, the weather was glorious and we arrived at Bedgebury. I haven't been before, but had heard lots of good things. It is the new base for Sharon Hunt, and the facilities looked fab on the website. We got a little lost on arrival as we went up a back drive, but a quick call and we got rescued.
Ben came out and said hello and said he would meet us at the indoor arena. Harry was as chilled as ever, and we wandered down to the indoor arena.
The lesson was good, Ben was quick to work out Harry put as little effort in to things if that was an option and therefore I often tried too hard. So the flat work session to warm up for jumping was to do as little as possible and not to expect to much from Harry to start with. He got me to ride with shorter reins but hands a lot further forward than I am use to when in the jumping saddle. He wanted my lower leg more wrapped around and we did a lot of on to medium steps (even if only little ones) and also half steps to help Harry engage and bend his hocks. I really enjoyed this work. Next was on to some grid work and Harry then showed that he could jump, even taking off at the canter pole and clearing the whole lot and continue on down through the grid.
All in all I enjoyed the lesson, it was calm and worked Harry within his own balance. I found out that Ben did have a surname which is Cook, and we actually had a few mutual contacts. I certainly would consider another lesson... it has also got me fired up for some more jumping lessons, and to pull my finger out and sort out some faster fittening work for Harry.
We got back at 6pm, did the horses and then I went off to work Pluto - who again was super and tonight showed his owner what he could do off the lunge line. What a star.
Saturday, 26 March 2011
The Horse that makes me cry
His name is Pluto. He belongs to a friend's son who is currently in the USA. Pluto is a 17hh Danish x TB Gelding. He has competed Novice BE and a sensitive soul. He has had one of two little issues in his life, and one of them a physically problem is one reason why he has come in to my life. The other is that he hates travelling and has a tendency to panic in confined spaces.
In the last few weeks his physically issues have become worse and he is being seen by Gavin Scofield and soon will be having x-rays. Vets and Gavin's advice was to continue working but do more ground work. With the help of my friend Fiona, we started him with some parelli. Oh boy, today, whilst working on my own with him, I finished normal lunging which we are using to get him long and low and to open up his back, I finished the session by taking off all his tack, and walking with him around the arena, I then started the circling game with him, and he did everything I asked, stop, go, stop, walk, trot and canter... the way he turns and looks at you really does bring tears to your eyes. This horse has a look in his eyes that is so deep it hurts.
What an end to the day. Quite remarkable as Parelli really is very new to me, and I have only Fiona to thank for opening my eyes to this technique
In the last few weeks his physically issues have become worse and he is being seen by Gavin Scofield and soon will be having x-rays. Vets and Gavin's advice was to continue working but do more ground work. With the help of my friend Fiona, we started him with some parelli. Oh boy, today, whilst working on my own with him, I finished normal lunging which we are using to get him long and low and to open up his back, I finished the session by taking off all his tack, and walking with him around the arena, I then started the circling game with him, and he did everything I asked, stop, go, stop, walk, trot and canter... the way he turns and looks at you really does bring tears to your eyes. This horse has a look in his eyes that is so deep it hurts.
What an end to the day. Quite remarkable as Parelli really is very new to me, and I have only Fiona to thank for opening my eyes to this technique
Virgin Blogger
Oh boy, what I'm I doing... my first venture in to the world of Bloggers. Spurred on by friends, Rach and Alexis, I've bitten the bullet. Please bear with me as I learn about blogging, please ignore any spelling and punctuation mistakes... (sorry Alexis, I'm bound to make many!)
Today is going to be busy, so bye bye for know and we will report back later!
Today is going to be busy, so bye bye for know and we will report back later!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)