tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81300959508892473592024-02-01T21:41:35.033-08:00Growing up with RioDay to day life with a 5 year old tricolour Welsh cross. Learning new things, and enjoying the small stuff! I've finally been able to realise my childhood dream of owning my own horse, and I want something to look back on, so join me on my journey xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-60747975691608058492016-01-30T10:45:00.000-08:002016-01-30T10:45:03.798-08:00News and New Stuff!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Well I have some happier news to report - and an explanation on why Sarah is riding Rio in this picture! We are pregnant, and will be 26 weeks tomorrow! Rio has been off work since my last post, for my peace of mind but it also came at a good time over Winter whilst I'm trying to balance his digestive system. Sarah kindly agreed to brave the saddle for me a few weeks ago just to see how he is getting on, and he was a little angel. He had started pulling his head down when I mounted, because he was getting uncomfortable, and there was none of that on this day. He usually takes 5 - 10 minutes of being a little more alert, on his toes and joggy before he settles in our friend's manege. Not this time - he was lovely and relaxed from the get-go. This may have been down to the groundwork and long-lining I did with him before, but this was the first time he has been under saddle in 3 months+ so he could have done anything. It was lovely to see him looking a happy chappy again. </div>
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I think he is looking well at the moment (and I think in this picture he does too!) He has had a follow-up visit with Donna since September and we saw great improvement. He has been less spooky, and thanks to the groundwork we even ventured out around the neighbouring field on long-lines on our own a few weeks back. It's been keeping me active having Rio - and although some days I've possibly done a little too much, it's great for keeping me going! </div>
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In other news, I have an exciting new venture in the planning stages! I've decided to take my maternity leave as a perfect opportunity to really sink my teeth into my photography, and launch myself into business. Please do add me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LauraFiddamanPhotography/" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurafiddaman/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> so you can keep up with my updates. I'm super excited to open a brand new chapter in my life - and not only that, a chapter that can tell other people's stories! There's plenty to plan, and lots to get sorted, but I can't wait to give this my best shot and see what's out there for me. Launching my business with my first child on the way is not complete madness, right? ... </div>
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I'll try to be a little more active again now, it's been a bumpy few months, but we're back on track! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-70239544555219823162015-09-30T11:55:00.001-07:002016-01-18T13:32:00.583-08:00Poorly pony <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Selfie with the hubby!</div>
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There's lots going on at the moment, and it's starting to get dark and dismal of an evening. I took the plunge and invested in a visit from <a href="http://www.donnablinman.co.uk/" target="_blank">Donna Blinman</a> for Rio last week. I had a niggling feeling that something wasn't quite right with him, as he's been getting more and more reactive in his spooks, and had been getting less attentive whilst playing on line. Boy was I glad I went for it!</div>
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So it turns out Rio has problems with his stomach. It could explain his spooking, and why he can't control his adrenaline and bring it back down when he does spook. It could also explain why he's been uncomfortable backing up, and brushes behind with his hind feet. It may be the reason that he's been stretching his head down to the ground when I've been mounting him to ride for the last few weeks. My poor guy was pretty sore - Donna was quite surprised we had been out riding, and spent most of his appointment working on his stomach. He's been such a trooper and barely showed me he was in pain, but I'm so glad I followed my gut instinct. </div>
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He's now on green clay, and out of ridden work for a few weeks to let him get more comfortable again. Fingers crossed it all starts to come good again soon!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-85944117294122330862015-09-15T11:53:00.003-07:002015-09-15T11:53:41.649-07:00Misty mornings and lush hacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Misty mornings are upon us, and the temperatures are starting to drop overnight. Rug season is here, and yes I rug my Welsh Cob!</div>
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We had a fantastic ride out at King's Forest a couple of weeks ago. 2 1/2 hours of unadulterated forestry and tracks, and the most awesome canters. Rio was a total superstar and really surprised me with his stamina. So much love for this boy!</div>
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He wasn't so impressed with his hair 'do' when I took his plait out though, teehee.</div>
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I also went to Burghley for the XC phase again this year. We were at the crossing when Andrew Hoy was unseated, but luckily didn't see any of the other tumbles! My lovely hubby came along for his first experience, and I think he almost enjoyed the day. </div>
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And to finish off - a bit of 3 way boy love after a pleasant hack out around the village with the girls whilst Franks and Sarah were away in the New Forest!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-72279016376184035722015-08-24T12:41:00.000-07:002015-08-24T12:41:05.943-07:00Catch-up on fast forward!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Stubble fields.</div>
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Boy love.</div>
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Overcoming scary objects on wheelbarrows. At liberty :)</div>
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Sunset stubble field hacks. The world's longest stubble field, and Rio actually tired himself out completely. We had the best canter, after I was initially not convinced. Both boys came off the trailer and were very antsy at the start of the hack, but by half way across the first field my worries were gone, and by the third, I was up out of the saddle able to give his back the freedom he needed! Franks with his long legs and better fitness motored off whilst we slowed to a leisurely trot and then walked to catch up with them - <b>what</b> a good boy!</div>
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Misty beautiful early mornings.</div>
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More boy love.</div>
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Observing at a Silke Vallentine Level 1-2 clinic on the weekend and taking away some interesting and useful hints and tips.</div>
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Not having my phone on the one day that Rio ends up brown and brown because he's caked himself in mud!</div>
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Treating us to new Le Mieux navy sports boots - to match the numnah of course.</div>
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Replacing the waterproof coat in the nick of time - today was a washout!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-39662099592072028172015-08-03T13:27:00.000-07:002015-08-03T13:27:01.814-07:00Blasting away the cobwebs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The cruise was fab. It was the perfect break that we needed at just the right time. If you ever get an opportunity to sail on a Clipper, absolutely go for it! </div>
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Back to real life, and I'm getting back in the swing of things with Rio. His confidence has taken a bit of a hit under saddle, and he's been a bit spooky, but on the plus side he's much improved in hand. Yesterday we went for a ride around the village with Millie and Bailey and finished with a little canter up the field which was interesting. It's been a while since he's had a proper leg stretching canter out on a track. The first half was very much a rocking horse gone mad, with his head between his knees! There was nothing malicious, but he was certainly happy to be out and moving some. </div>
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This evening we hit the track up the road for a proper blast to try and clear some cobwebs. The wind was pretty gusty, but I wasn't about to start down that "nervous in bad weather rider" road. We tacked up, mounted, and headed off. We were so busy chatting away that I barely even noticed the wind. The ride was pretty relaxed all the way, and we had a fantastic canter up the hill and across the fields including a little bit of a gallop across the top! He was very responsive, keen and I think we both had an absolutely fab time. He's a little star, and I'm so pleased to be enjoying him again. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-83195946175535251202015-07-09T11:04:00.002-07:002015-07-09T11:04:39.397-07:00Thinking time<div style="text-align: center;">
I am pleased to say that today I actually wanted to ride again. This afternoon Sarah and Franks accompanied us on a ride up the track, and we had a fab trot from the bottom up all three fields. Rio needed the leg stretch, and I needed the mind-clearing time. </div>
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I'm off on holiday for a week on Saturday - we are off on a cruise. I thought that as the grass is growing <b>so</b> fast at the moment, that I would bite the bullet and open up the super long (dying) grass in the front part of Rio's field. He now can choose whether to eat the short sweet stuff, or the longer bulkier stuff. I'm hoping that I will be riding again a little more so he can then maintain a reasonable weight. I was happy with him this evening as he didn't jog at all - possibly the first time I've ridden without him jogging around in months! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-58132214145024077682015-07-07T12:35:00.001-07:002015-07-07T12:35:48.930-07:00Keeping myself to myself<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll keep this short and sweet, and make it pretty with some pictures of Rio and I, developing our bond at the recent play day at the end of June. Sarah also kindly put him through his paces up the bank, which he loved. I am very proud of him, Parelli really seems to suit us both. Anyway - more on that another day.</div>
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This should have been a happy post, but sadly my husband and I have just been through a very difficult time. Last Tuesday we were expecting to announce the due date of our first child, but instead we found out that we lost her in the early weeks. </div>
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We are keeping busy. Rio has been a beautiful field ornament for the last week or so, but thanks to our groundwork, I'm confident that this shouldn't be too much of an issue as soon as my head is in the right place to get back in the saddle. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-17313370858489277522015-06-20T13:42:00.000-07:002015-06-20T13:42:00.266-07:00Head rubs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've been continuing our ground work and I am feeling very good about it. </div>
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We had a very rewarding session early on in the week where we worked on the circling game, and he was much more relaxed. He is rushing less, and maintaining better, which is lovely to see. He's getting a bit clever and trying to guess what I'm going to ask of him before I get to asking it, so it's a little tricky! I have to make sure I try and change up the game a little and keep him guessing. One of his favourite tricks is stopping with his front feet over any and every pole. I've had to work on this to make sure that he isn't doing things I'm not asking. To try and rectify it, I decided it was time to up the ante. It took a few minutes to get the result, but as you can see above, we managed to work out how to stop with left feet on one side and right feet on the other! </div>
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Mid week he was far more tense. He came up and was finding it hard to focus. Everything was a bit scary, and when he managed to zap his nose on the electric, that was the end of any fruitful work for the night. He managed some good circling in trot, but was by no means relaxed. </div>
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Yesterday I had a water issue to deal with! Not my favourite sight...</div>
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On Thursday it was lovely and quiet, and Rio was much calmer. I decided that I would change things up a little and ride. He was much more relaxed outside his stable, where he usually fidgets and stresses - this may have been because Franks was in his stable 3 doors down, but even when Sarah took him away to go back to his field, Rio wasn't spinning, calling or fidgeting like normal. I opted to take him out to the ramp to mount as that's where I used to get on before he moved stables, and I know he is more comfortable there. I wanted to keep it as stress free as possible. He stood beautifully, waited to be asked to move off, and listened when I told him it was OK to walk past the scary rubbish skip. </div>
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We stuck to walking, but focussed on getting an attentive, good quality walk, with a bit of roundness. It wasn't 100% but I was happy with his efforts. Especially considering he's not been asked to come down and round for some time, and that it had been a week since I'd been in the saddle again. He was fairly relaxed, and it didn't take too long for him to blow out, confirming he was more settled. </div>
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This evening we just had a small groundwork session in the field. We played some friendly game, including swinging the carrot stick around our heads, and although he took a few steps, I was able to disengage him very easily and continue. We moved on to the circling game, and it was the best he's done yet. He kept up a perfect rhythmical trot, and despite a few excitable frolicking strides of canter he was very well behaved. He even picked up a fantastic collected canter on the right rein, which he impressively maintained around me for a circle without losing his footing! This is progress. His balance appears to be much improved, which I'm hoping will also go towards building his confidence. </div>
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All in all, I couldn't be happier with my boy. He's my absolute superstar. To round it off, he's getting more comfortable with me rubbing his head between his eyes, which he has never ever been very comfortable with. Hopefully soon he will accept it as a form of affection instead of seeing it as a bad thing! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-54596343424302669892015-06-11T13:55:00.000-07:002015-06-11T13:55:30.371-07:00Treading new waters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm falling more and more in love with this boy. </div>
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On Tuesday evening in the wind we came up and did some groundwork. He was lovely and responsive and relaxed. His claustrophobia behind is developing, and he managed to back up over a pole much faster than the other day. We then worked on our circling game, where he relaxed faster, and ended up walking nicely with a good stretch on both reins. I was super excited when I managed to ask him to stand with both right feet one side of the pole, and both left feet the other side! He's really gotten the hang of stopping with his front feet over the pole, so I felt it was time to step it up. It wasn't easy, but after a bit of patience and perseverance we made it. </div>
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Today the weather was warm but with a cool breeze. Sarah kindly waited for me before getting Franks in to ride, so we saddled up and joined them for a gentle mooch up the track. It's the first time I've ridden in almost two weeks, Other than his usual habit of being a little joggy on the way back, he was good as gold. I just need him to relax a little more and not feel he needs to rush on the way back! It's hard, because I think it must be partly something I'm doing, but I just don't know what. I've been much more relaxed in my riding over the last few months, but perhaps I'm still overthinking it.</div>
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When we got back, with all of the jogging, he was very sweaty. He stood very nicely whilst I sponged him down (of course he rolled when we got back to his field!) and I was super pleased. When we got back down to the paddock, I decided to do a bit of ground work (mean mummy I know!)</div>
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We did some work on backing up from the first gate to the second. Then I asked him to circle - left rein, lovely. Straight out, nice and relaxed, and stopped when I asked him to. Right rein - well, it was far more lively. I'm not sure if I have a stronger send with my right hand because it's my dominant hand, but I found this evening that he responded better to no carrot stick being used on that rein. His disengage was much improved, which was a big positive. </div>
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All in all, I'm so pleased with my gorgeous boy. If I can really stick to my ground work, we are absolutely going to be rocking it in the future. And I will stick to it! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-26171351643380522922015-06-08T13:21:00.001-07:002015-06-08T13:21:35.359-07:00Growing trust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Riding has taken a very back seat at the moment, and we've been sticking more and more to ground work. I'm determined to get Rio more confident, as it has become clearer that he really is lacking in self assurance. </div>
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We went up for a play at our friend's again on the weekend, and got to collect our brand new Parelli rope! Now our mission is to get rid of that shiny bright white and get busy with it. We learned more about backing up with sideways adjustments this week. Due to his claustrophobia, we have been working around poles and trying to get him to back up to a single pole. The first time we tried, he was having none of it, so it was rewarding this time when after a few minutes of trying, he managed it. </div>
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There was a moment where he was clearly in two minds and was just staring straight ahead in concentration. My friend made it so easy to pick up and learn, and I value her time so much. As soon as he blinked, and was "back in the room", we continued. It was quite funny to see him resist to the point that his front feet were backed right up to his back feet before he finally got his hind feet backed over it. His little face once he made it was priceless. More work to be done on this!</div>
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We then did some work on learning the circling game. As we are not riding much at the moment, I wanted to learn how to do this so that I can at least get him moving and try and keep him fit. The other benefit is that it gives him responsibility to maintain his pace. He relies heavily on being micro managed. Rio is a clever boy, and I'm sure he can count. He started out by taking off at a canter, and stopping at the start point! He developed on to trot two rounds before stopping where he started. I soon got the hang of a stronger send when he was doing this, and we ended on a very nice 4 circles before I disengaged his hindquarters and allowed him to stand. </div>
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Rio was a very sweaty boy by the time we had finished. It takes a lot of brain power for him to achieve these things, as he thinks about everything so much. In some ways, he is a bit too clever at times! This is also a downfall for him, because he will often over think things, but that's why I'm so keen to work on our relationship on the ground. I'm truly looking forward to our future together.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-40495799583582253112015-05-28T08:55:00.000-07:002015-05-28T08:55:14.949-07:00Then and now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've finally gotten around to having a look at comparing my photos of Rio from last April to this year's shoot! He's grown up so much in 12 months, and I couldn't be prouder of where we have come from and where we are going.</div>
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I've been feeling very tired recently, so there have been some questions raised over the lack of riding I've been doing - I've taken preference to developing our groundwork and riding for a shorter length of time. I'm sure that some people think this is crazy, but I'm happy. Let's face it - Rio is an opinionated young man when he wants to be, and he's a half ton of horse to take on when he's got his mind set on something. If taking a step back is what I need to do at the moment, then so be it, and we will work on getting to know each other better! </div>
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The pole clinic went well. Speaking of attitude, Rio took some of that with him that day. After going to move him into a field away from the arena and him going to trot off around me, we took to playing on the ground. 40 minutes later, with lots of backing up, driving, playing with obstacles, and getting control of his feet over a pole on the ground, and we mounted up with a renewed understanding. </div>
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The morning session resulted in a light, forward going and responsive ride. The fear of the end of the arena was almost gone, until his brain was a little overloaded by the end of it, but I was absolutely chuffed with his efforts. </div>
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The afternoon wasn't quite the same story. Unfortunately I think he blew his mind and left his brain by the trailer for the most part. I ended up getting my instructor to ride him, and it was a pleasure to watch him in the end. He tried his little heart out, and although he totally lost it on a few occasions at the scary end of the school, he really made up for it in the end. </div>
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Onwards and upwards!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-58760588518113643502015-05-23T06:12:00.000-07:002015-05-23T06:12:24.256-07:00Sluggish start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Having spent all Winter complaining about the ground being wet, the wind being cold, and not being able to ride, I am now in prime riding season and feeling so tired I'm really not making the most of it!</div>
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That said, the little bits that we have done have been positive. Trying, but positive. The third time of going to walk Rio out of his field after our first session, and he's walking up to it with no issues. I'm still leaving him to graze in order to close the gate a few yards away, but the panic is not as set in as it was before. I am hopeful that a few more sessions will crack that. </div>
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I brought him up on Thursday evening and gave him a good brush down, before I hopped on and took him into the outdoor arena for some schooling. He was really not very attentive at all, and when my friend left the school with her horse, he was very tetchy. I decided to see if I could test his senses a little outside of our usual routine. Sylvia Loch has recently moved into the local area, and classical dressage is something that I would like to further explore with Rio. I think that with both done correctly, that CD and parelli will work nicely hand in hand. Both intend on creating a bond with the horse whereby a tiny movement or suggestion speaks volumes. </div>
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So I decided that I would try simply dropping my inside leg weight slightly more into the stirrup, and see what happened. Now, Rio is still quite young (yes I know he's six now!) and is quite attuned to weight distribution. Something that I'm keen to utilise and not lose. I was pleasantly surprised that whilst keeping my line of sight straight through his ears, not moving my hands and reins to steer, that he started to turn. A little more weight in the stirrup, and he turned a little sharper. What magic this is. The basics are there for us, I just need to learn how to develop them.</div>
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For now, we will stick to small tweaks, and we need to do a lot of bending to ensure those corners aren't taking at a 45 degree angle to the ground when we make it up into canter. Moving forward, these little things are what give me the belief that my boy really can do anything, if only I can help him to learn!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-73401647663552478952015-05-11T13:05:00.000-07:002015-05-11T13:05:04.989-07:00Rio the Parelli Pony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year again, I've got over 1,000 photos to choose from to edit. This year I had the pleasure of photographing Franks and two other horses as well as Rio! There are some beautiful shots, even though I do say so myself, so lots of playing to be done. </div>
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Over the last few weeks, probably even getting on for months I have kept saying that I need to get back to doing some groundwork with Rio. As it goes, whenever the weather has played ball, of course I have ended up riding. This is leading to small problems that are developing, and him pushing a little more every time. I've not been picking him up on it, and allowing him to get away with it, so I will now be taking it very seriously. Yesterday we went to visit our friend with Sarah and Franks, with a view to schooling in the arena. I wanted to speak to Wendy about some confidence exercises to do with Rio on the ground, and we had a fab Parelli session.</div>
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It turns out that Rio is actually very claustrophobic behind. Once he listens, and focusses on me, he is very good at backing up. As soon as we put a pole behind him, however, his whole facial expression changed and he was genuinely worried. This was a ground breaking discovery for me, and has given me a whole new perspective. We played the squeeze game, going between the fence and two upright barrels, going through a standing hoop, working up to going over two half barrels in the hoop, and finally stepping over the two barrels laid on their sides. </div>
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After all that thinking, he was positively sweaty, but after a bit of a break and a brush down, we saddled up and took to the arena. It took me at least 5 minutes to mount from the block in the corner of the school, but I remained persistent. I was so very close to giving in. A deep breath, and walk of a circle, and he finally stood still in the right place and we were off. Within minutes, he was blowing out, and was the most relaxed he has ever been in the arena there. </div>
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I didn't push him too far as he was clearly hot already, and we've not been doing so much these last couple of weeks. After some lovely trot work, I squeezed him into a canter - and we cantered a full lap of the arena. It was just like cantering any other horse, and felt much more natural than we've had previously. He still motorbiked the second end, but the first bend was much smoother. Not only that, but we did a full lap of the arena on the other rein too! Yee Ha!</div>
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This evening, as it was pretty warm, I took to the field with parelli halter, carrot stick and 12 foot rope. I will give Rio confidence, and he will learn to respect me and trust me. We practised some backing up, before I took him toward the gate. Where he stopped, is where I started the driving game. He started trotting in a panic when I drove him towards the gate. As soon as he gave me a more relaxed response to my question, it was important to let him rest, and reward him. It took some time, but mixing this in with backing up, by the end of our session, Rio was standing outside the gate in the spot that he usually freaks at. I was over the moon. We will do this!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-56395590676685991622015-04-22T13:40:00.000-07:002015-04-22T13:40:08.833-07:00Schooling success<div style="text-align: center;">
We made a trip to Water Farm on Monday evening after work to do some schooling, with Sarah and Franks. It was a thank you for us helping out at the second dressage clinic last weekend. Can't ask for better payment than free use of a lovely indoor arena! It was made all the more interesting when Nancy joined us. This is Nancy:</div>
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She is very opinionated, and was not interested in the slightest in leaving us to it. Luckily Rio wasn't too worried about her, although he did avoid her for a couple of rounds. We did some lovely demi-volts along the opposite side of the school, and then set back to it, and he was fine. </div>
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We had some fab movement and work in the trot, and he's really starting to work better from behind now - which followed through into tonight's session at the yard! I was a little disappointed with the canter work (or lack thereof!) at Water Farm, after we hacked out twice at the weekend and did none at all. I thought he'd be itching to get going. </div>
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Tonight I was very pleased with everything he did, on the ground and in the saddle. He stretched down and forward beautifully by the end of the session, and we managed our longest canter in our grass arena yet - <b>and</b> he didn't drop out of it on his own, I asked him forward to trot! As a little bonus my friend was having her horse schooled by a mutual friend who teaches, and as we were trotting around at the end, he gave me some pointers on getting Rio working more effectively from behind and pushing down and forward. I was absolutely beaming by the end, but shattered! </div>
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<i>Absolutely brilliant discovery - take feet out of stirrups, and let them drop down, and Rio stops dead in a perfect square halt</i>. </div>
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Not so good when I eventually come to wanting to work without stirrups, but interesting nonetheless. I ride quite short, so it must feel very odd to him when my legs stretch down! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1d0jWEao1TfGnfsXj_zI7gvukrcSy8VjGSVhfI59DfKG6gXXcJ8TlZVnzaFaSmfEN5b5-S7OyoOAc6iUxEM2YoJO68MkPjPLhYliZdusENFI0FFjbrTVYAGPGpaQOGude1tPOT_IYXNoK/s1600/2015-04-22+18.40.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1d0jWEao1TfGnfsXj_zI7gvukrcSy8VjGSVhfI59DfKG6gXXcJ8TlZVnzaFaSmfEN5b5-S7OyoOAc6iUxEM2YoJO68MkPjPLhYliZdusENFI0FFjbrTVYAGPGpaQOGude1tPOT_IYXNoK/s1600/2015-04-22+18.40.41.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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After Franks had a bit of a meltdown on our casual walk out on Saturday, courtesy of the two practising trial bikes I inadvertently took us past, I decided to take Rio out for a casual walk up the road on Sunday morning. I was determined to clock up another solo ride, and this one was a bit of a challenge that I ended up being proud of. </div>
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We crossed the road, where he took offence to something (still no idea what!) and promptly spun to the right, and took off up the 3 foot grass bank. Onto the farmer's field. Not good! I used my recently learned trick of lifting my right rein to bend him and disengage his hind, and brought him back quickly, before too much damage could be done to the crop... I whisked him straight back off at the corner of the field, where he still put up an argument about proceeding up the road. After a moment of discussion, with a couple looking on from their car across the road, he eventually got on with it, and we marched on our way. </div>
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The ride was made up of little victories; sitting the spook, not turning back and making him listen to me, not turning around at the top of the road because my nerves were shot, and having a great trot across the two fields. The trip back down the hill was relatively uneventful, which was lovely. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-70939024669524052612015-04-18T01:18:00.001-07:002015-04-18T01:18:32.095-07:00Our first go at dressage!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zmWBDTr25eU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zmWBDTr25eU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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As promised, here is the video footage of our first ever dressage test.</div>
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Even though it was amongst friends, and intended as a bit of fun, I was still SO nervous beforehand! Those four little letters are just terrifying - t.e.s.t ...</div>
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You will notice that my reins are a bit loopy - this was intentional, and intended to assist me keep them a consistent length. I have a habit of playing with my reins, letting them slip through my fingers, collecting them, and the circle continues. We weren't after collection here, just relaxation and a nice rhythm. I hope you'll agree that the rhythm side turned out pretty well. </div>
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Comments on our sheet were as follows:</div>
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1. Nicely on centre line</div>
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2. Lovely fluid and free flowing trot</div>
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4. Good trot</div>
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7. Needs to show more stretch (he was supposed to walk out on free rein on the half 20m circle left rein, and I was quite surprised when he didn't stretch down as he's usually very good at it!)</div>
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9. Energetic transition (yep... we nearly took the judges out with us going into canter on that bottom corner haha)</div>
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10. A little forward (I was pleased he went up into the canter and maintained it, so I didn't try and tweak anything this time - that's something we will work on)</div>
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14. Broke early (didn't quite make the whole of the second shape, but again I was super pleased with his effort and he did drop into a lovely trot, so I decided to stick with it)</div>
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15. Good centre line</div>
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16. Lovely square halt</div>
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General comments:</div>
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Delightful youngster! Good paces, very forward. This could be controlled better going forward by better rein contact. Quietly ridden. When you both have more experience this looks promising!</div>
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63.2%</div>
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Happy mummy. Happy Rio - look at his little face, he's adorable!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-61293535783262862412015-04-16T12:45:00.001-07:002015-04-16T12:52:22.436-07:00Positively Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The pole clinic went well! This is our first time over the new poles at Wendy's. Having done coloured poles before, it never struck me to take him over them before we started working with them. His beautiful bascule was from a trot, as he tried to keep us both safe from the blue and black pole monster! (Hubby says the poles are white and gold...!) When I took him back around to walk over it, he didn't want to go anywhere near it, but after 5 or 6 small figures of eight over the poles, we were all good. </div>
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I definitely need to take Rio out off the yard for a hack this weekend, as we schooled on Monday night and this morning before the farrier visited. He worked very well both times, and has started to settle more in our outdoor arena. Or maybe that's me. We are working more consistently together, and I have been trying to work more on my breathing to enhance my communication with him. Bringing him down from trot to walk with a sigh along with my aids has proved to work well, but walk to halt still takes a little more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62K4q6e1lAC7NNYyKitneC20OcJFPz9EzuSZFOO8E5S1d1WizfWzzCjcT8LwvUuM76pbXSSsoVVZPLRAoOGfH1_UBngH1tqt-0kfpEksaSOw8IzfNaYXbd_8OA9Wis2IZ52cHyjRsEiM9/s1600/20150406_101119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62K4q6e1lAC7NNYyKitneC20OcJFPz9EzuSZFOO8E5S1d1WizfWzzCjcT8LwvUuM76pbXSSsoVVZPLRAoOGfH1_UBngH1tqt-0kfpEksaSOw8IzfNaYXbd_8OA9Wis2IZ52cHyjRsEiM9/s1600/20150406_101119.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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Today we did some canter work, and although the left rein was a little touch and go, his balance on the right rein was much better. We had a lovely rhythmic 3 beat canter from A, doing a 20m circle, and back up the long side, where I asked him back to trot before the corner. It was the first time I've felt able to ask him to collect a little, as opposed to getting him into the canter and letting him settle into the pace he wants to keep him in the canter! He is also responding much better to my carrying a schooling whip. It is only there for when he pushes through his shoulder, as he's lovely and forward anyway. He's really getting the hang of it now, and as soon as I touch it to his shoulder, he instantly straightens up and moves over. We even managed a bit of leg yield on both reins today (and once in trot too!)</div>
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Last night (much to Rio's dismay) was bath time as the temperatures had shot up. He was a bit of a fidget bum, but once he realised that the hose stayed on him no matter where he moved to, he eventually gave in. Well, for a couple of minutes anyway. Then he had to test it again. I did feel a bit bad, as by the end he was shivering as the temperature did seem to dip off all of a sudden. 10 minutes with his waffle rug did the trick to warm him back up again though, and he's lovely and soft today! </div>
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I now have a copy of our dressage test, which I will be editing and uploading soon - super excited, you can see our super speedy dressage cantering antics!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-50691224168915262342015-03-31T12:39:00.000-07:002015-03-31T12:46:27.167-07:00Turbulence!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrLPqjxVwhWyvpZdBjQsga_Xykwpkd2VDe_keamAE47ACrakARnA7cT581HWTinXyGE10FZI6SYoq5LN33yZNGLP0mNyERrPac1WV9z4B4MgfUnm0ecGTll36DT_7lSKLhQQ0HvZIjSGD/s1600/IMG_20150330_222530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrLPqjxVwhWyvpZdBjQsga_Xykwpkd2VDe_keamAE47ACrakARnA7cT581HWTinXyGE10FZI6SYoq5LN33yZNGLP0mNyERrPac1WV9z4B4MgfUnm0ecGTll36DT_7lSKLhQQ0HvZIjSGD/s1600/IMG_20150330_222530.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Life has it's<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: lime;">UPS</span> </span>and<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">downs</span>.</span></b></div>
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You will never fully <b><span style="color: purple;">appreciate</span></b> the ups</div>
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unless you have some <b><u><span style="color: blue;">downs</span></u></b></div>
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It has been a turbulent few weeks since my last post, packed full of riding, not riding, and plenty of peaks and troughs. </div>
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<b><u>Peak</u></b></div>
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The dressage clinic. Wonderful. Rio behaved impeccably, despite being absolutely shattered by the end of the lesson in the morning and refusing to go up into canter. He redeemed himself immensely when performing the test in the afternoon - 63.2% in our first test ever! Even though he dropped out a little early from the canter on the second rein. His trot was fab, he's got a lovely rhythmical trot which suits dressage very nicely it would seem. The day wasn't without it's drama however, as a friend's horse slipped whilst cantering a 20m circle, and went over, smashing her big toe. Luckily no broken ankle or leg, but it was horrifying to watch unfold (seemingly in slow-mo!)</div>
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I think he was pretty pleased with it.</div>
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<b><u>Trough</u></b></div>
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Clipping was not such a fun experience. Despite having had a nice relaxed leg stretch after the fun at the clinic, and him practically falling asleep on the spot when we got back, those clippers still instil the fear in him. I may have to resort to him needing mild sedation to get this done moving forward, and save us all some stress. He is back to his handsome ways now though, and has undergone a full clip this time!</div>
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<b><u>Peak</u></b></div>
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After a few days off, we had a lovely ride out in the countryside with a couple of friends. My gosh was it windy, but all four boys were very well behaved - even on the big hills where things <i>might</i> have gotten messy. Last Friday, after a few more days of doing nothing, Rio came in and we did some schooling. We are focussing not so much on a full contact, I am looking more for him to seek the bit out for himself, and working a little longer and a little lower. We will be working up and in from there. He did very well, and was wonderfully relaxed. As a treat, he had his whole field for the night, so he could enjoy some proper green grass!</div>
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<b><u>Trough</u></b></div>
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Too much proper green grass!</div>
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The fun returned on Saturday morning, including (but not limited to) </div>
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spooking at <b>anything</b> and <i>everything</i> possible</div>
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freaking out when I turned him around outside the gate to close it</div>
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running back into the field</div>
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<b>twice</b></div>
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being on his toes walking up - cue him being sent out around me in a circle for a few minutes</div>
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fidgeting every time I went to pick up a foot</div>
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standing on my foot</div>
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being a spooky sweetheart on the way back down to the field, with freshly picked feet, and his rug changed</div>
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When we walked back down, I imposed some in hand schooling to keep him busy. We stopped, started, walked, jogged, stepped back, and he did it all foot perfect. He's so lucky I love him to pieces! </div>
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Last night, with carrot stick in hand, I made my way to the field to retrieve the boy - "I'm taking no prisoners tonight" was my text to Sarah! Of course, he didn't bat an eyelid at the gate, didn't dance about, and barely fidgeted whilst I got him ready and tacked up. Just another day... He got lots of cuddles and strokes. We went for a windy wander with Sarah and Franks around the field next door, and after a silly spook from Rio in the corner, where I sat tight - I took us off around the village for a proper leg stretch. It was trying to drizzle, but it wasn't too bad, and I felt much better for having taken him out.</div>
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Even better - we are having a pole clinic with a friend on Easter Monday, and I'm really looking forward to it. Watch this space! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-43169676274719931212015-03-27T13:37:00.000-07:002015-03-27T13:37:30.699-07:00Foto Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-25190288264545765812015-03-09T15:11:00.000-07:002015-03-09T15:11:11.361-07:00Stop, drop and roll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a perfect weekend. I had a play with this lovely boy yesterday, and a tumble after a trip followed by a flying stirrup leather meant saving my seat was an absolute no-no. You'd be forgiven for thinking this would be a crippling setback in my recent progress. In actual fact, it didn't phase me at all, and I got back on and schooled him a little more afterwards. He was very sweet and spun away from me when I was down, and it was actually one of the most gentle and graceful falls I've had yet. Just stop, drop and roll! Despite the ground seeming hard, I'm pleased to report that the only damage I seem to have sustained is a slight pull in my shoulder where I tried to hang on to his reins. I'm getting good at this falling malarky... It's more a shame that he had just started to relax when he stumbled! </div>
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On Saturday, Rio and I braved the wind all on our own and went for a hack up the lane. We encountered tractors, got blown around a bit, and I still managed to get lots of sense from him. The ground was quite hard in places, and very pitted, so we mainly walked. We managed a trot and canter up the track, and he was beautifully relaxed and listening to me all the way. He got a bit antsy coming back down to cross the road outside the yard, but I turned him in a circle, and he waited better the second time. Such a fidget bum.</div>
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We are on countdown to the dressage clinic next Sunday, so I could really do with getting a session or two in between now and then. I'm hoping to get a quick one in tomorrow evening. I've been advised that the test we are riding is prelim 12, which is a little daunting, given that we've never done one before. However, we will take it all as good experience, and not worry if we can't maintain the canter throughout! If he takes the attitude he had on Wednesday with him, then I'll be happy whatever the outcome. If not, we could be in for a challenge! Haha.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-34321471473129462902015-03-07T00:45:00.000-08:002015-03-07T00:46:54.024-08:00Redressing the balance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorry for the silence from the Eastern front here, it's been a busy couple of weeks, and a bit of a tough time last week also. No fear, things are most certainly looking up, and don't worry - Rio is fine! I've just had to make some changes to my own routine, as it appears that the yard was <i>slightly</i> taking over my life. </div>
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There has finally been a little bit of riding going on, in amongst all of this though! We had the farrier out last week, and he's said that if we are going to be doing more road work than we already are, that Rio will need to have back shoes on. I'm not so keen on that, so fingers crossed now that the nights are drawing out and the weather has been drier, we will be able to do some schooling and cut down on the roads! Although the school is also quite hard at the moment, with the sudden stop in rain. We just can't win haha.</div>
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We had a fab ride out the weekend before last, we found a new trail which involved everlasting rolling hills. The boys <b>loved</b> it. No sooner had we hit the bottom of the first hill, Rio threw in an all-four-feet-off-the-ground jump because he was so excited! Luckily it seems my seat has developed since the last time he did this, and with a few strides of walk, we were off again. I'm not a fan of going down hills, but a few more goes on this route, and I'm sure that fear will soon be gone. What was even better, was that he wasn't too hot and sweaty when we got back, and despite his sweaty face and eyebrows, his chest and shoulders barely broke a sheen. (With all those hills, it's no wonder! It was all push, push, push!)</div>
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He had 9-10 days off after that weekend, as it was hubster's birthday last Sunday, so he was left to chill out in his field. Sarah brought him up for me on Wednesday evening, as I need to do some schooling with him before the dressage clinic next weekend. If he can take the attitude he had on Wednesday to the clinic, I will be ecstatic. He was going off the leg beautifully, was responsive to my weight aids (however clumsy they are currently...) and we had a couple of nice canters. He still drops out of the canter, but they're gradually getting longer. This may be a bit of an issue on Sunday however, as the test we are riding is prelim 12, which involves cantering the long side, circling in the middle, and cantering around to change the rein across the diagonal. Hm. He even was coming into a lovely natural outline for a few strides at a time in walk. Needless to say, I felt much better after that session. Especially when he spooked 90 degrees off the track, and my bum stayed right where it was! Haha. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-34297165854825553682015-02-21T14:53:00.000-08:002015-02-21T14:53:01.258-08:00Spring has sprung<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rio learned a new trick after our ride this afternoon. We were chatting away, feet out of stirrups whilst the boys had some boy love and the next thing I saw was Monty's bridle over one ear! Such a naughty boy. Perhaps there is hope yet for Rio to be friends with him. </div>
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I've finally reached a point where I've decreased Rio's daily hay allowance. He's stuck to a good weight all winter, but coming into Spring now, I don't want him to start expanding. Sarah got him in for me on Friday evening so that I could have my first post-work ride of 2015, and had a bit of a fight with his girth. I was expecting to ride out with Millie but she was just getting back when I pulled up, which left me only one option: ride out alone!</div>
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Given that he was tacked up when I got there, I could hardly say no, so I changed into my jods, got my boots on, grabbed my schooling whip (just in case!) and hopped on. I had no time to doubt myself or him and we marched out in a race against the light together. It's been a bit wet here, so I expected that it would be a simple walk up and walk down job, so I was very pleased when the ground was good enough for a trot, and even a beautiful steady canter before we headed back. </div>
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We'll see how the ground is tomorrow - maybe if it's firm we will give this schooling lark another try.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-43578181508717753502015-02-16T13:40:00.000-08:002015-02-16T13:40:42.112-08:00That feeling of inadequacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We managed some schooling last weekend, after a fab ride out on Saturday (see video below!) I felt pretty good about it. Making it into the school, me not worrying. Rio being a bit of a prat and me still not worrying, trying to get a feel with him again... All until I put together my video. He fought and fought with me, and despite him coming in a bit, despite me desperately trying to get him moving forward into a contact; all that happened was me holding him together, and it didn't flow at all. </div>
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I've booked us in on a dressage clinic next month, and I'm just dying to get in there to try and work this out. It's come to that point where I feel like we need to step it up or I just feel like I'm not enough for him. This weekend's frustration was my lack of ability to just sit to the trot. I'm not kidding now, this is really starting to eat at me. By now, I should be past the point of getting excited about sitting to three strides before I lose it again. Right? </div>
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Wrong. I need to remember not to run before I can walk. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't so long ago that I was terrified of that school and of Rio being stupid in there. </div>
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It wasn't so long ago that on a hack I would have been a sprung ball of tension at the slightest trip or spook. </div>
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It wasn't so long ago, that if another horse had come sprinting past causing Rio to rush off in pursuit, that I probably might have lost my seat (maybe a stirrup or two) and bailed out in a big sprawling mess. </div>
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Not any more.</div>
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These are the things I need to remember, and when the inevitable downs of horse ownership and riding come into play, these are the things I need to draw on. How many times have you been through these patches? How did you get yourself through them? I don't want to feel like I'm letting his potential be lost because I'm not a capable enough rider. I want to learn, and I want to be able to teach Rio, and for him to learn with me. It's time to start saving to try and get a trainer in every few weeks. 6 weeks and counting until the clocks go forward. <b>I cannot wait</b>.</div>
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On a more cheerful note - here's our hacking video! </div>
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If anyone has any tips they would care to share, I would be more than grateful.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-24042410266357647662015-02-02T15:05:00.000-08:002015-02-02T15:05:41.107-08:00Stuck like glue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have had a smattering of snow over the course of this last week, but whilst the snowfall has looked impressive at times, it's not lasted long! This was on Thursday afternoon - I was lucky enough to be granted a late request for a half day's holiday at work. I took Rio out around the village with one of the girls whose 4 year old TB can be a bit of a crazy boy, and Rio was a bit fresh. I intended on changing his numnah back to his woolly white one, but ran short on time with the weather threatening. His new one has been rubbing a bit at the back of the saddle, so I had temporarily padded it out with the half pad which seemed to fit much better too. I think he may be changing shape again a little. It could have been the numnah that caused him to do a speedy stomp around the village, or maybe he just knew the snow was coming! </div>
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I finally got around to putting my photos in my frame! Such a gorgeous boy, and now I get to admire him all of the time. </div>
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Today we went out in the trailer with Sarah and Franks, and Rio got to try out his big boy pants and take the lead! We had an interesting start, to the point that I thought his saddle must really be causing him aggravation. Whenever I asked anything of him, and again in between, he was skipping around being a bit silly. We gave him the benefit of the doubt, and took the boys up the canter hill for a leg stretching trot and it seemed to do the trick. Franks was being super good, so Rio and I took the lead, to give him something to think about, and test his brave pants!<br />
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He did have a couple of moments, as you can see in the video haha. It was a fab ride. We still have plenty to work on, but it was just great. Sadly the SD card was full before we finished our hack, so we didn't get footage of the uphill gallop at the end of our ride. My seat has improved so much, as has my confidence and trust in Rio. Not long ago, if he had taken off up the hill at the rate he did, I would have been genuinely scared, and pulling him up. Not only that, but he ducked abruptly to the right once we hit the track at the top - straight into a low hanging branch. I've no clue how I stayed on, as I had to duck down over his left shoulder to avoid getting smacked in the face, and of course that's the way my balance was thrown by him jumping across to the right. A quick glance at the floor reminded me that's not where I wanted to be, so I looked straight ahead and we carried on!<br />
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This month is looking to be an expensive one on Rio's part! Just as well I'm accustomed to being poor on his behalf hey. I'm running desperately short on hay, and have somehow got to try and make it last until Saturday. I've managed to make up a haynet from some of the fresher stuff around his bale for the morning, and I'm just going to have to hope the rest is enough... (I do have a backup offer from Sarah should this fail! I can't let my poor baby go hungry in this horrible cold weather)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-13897871853651333962015-01-25T08:10:00.000-08:002015-01-25T08:10:03.596-08:00Going off piste<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>We're not going down there are we mum? </i>Yes. Yes we are. </div>
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<i>Um, I'm not so sure. Bailey doesn't want to go in there, and Monty is hanging back, so I don't think it's safe.</i> Really? How about you give it a look, and then if you really don't want to, we can discuss it sensibly? GET ON! </div>
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<i>Mum. No. I'm not going in there. Look, my head is under the roof, and I'm telling you - it's SCARY. I'm turning around. </i>No you're not. Look, have a second, that's fine, but you're <b>not</b> turning and running away from it. You're better than that. Come ON. </div>
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<i>AAAHHH ok mum we're in, it's... it's not so bad actually... I just need to check the others are following! </i>Good boy, I told you it would be fine! Of course they're following, you've just shown them it's not scary, you ninny. You funny boys.</div>
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We've had a mixed bag this week. Rio came up for a little play on Thursday evening, and there were three horses in for the night. Do you think he would go into his stable and stay whilst I closed the door? Not a chance. He ended up being driven backwards the length of the barn because he was being so rude. We went into the indoor school to work on manners, where we experienced difficulty in getting him to stay on the right rein in walk or trot. We made it in the end, and ended up with some nice movement once he was actually listening. He joined up, and was happy to follow me at liberty in the school in various shapes and over a small raised pole. He went into his stable (still with a little fuss) and had dinner afterwards, so I still managed to have my own way on that front! </div>
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Yesterday we went on a little mission around the local village, and ended up doing a<b>lot</b> of road work. It was probably around 1hr 45mins with minimal time of that being off road, so although we had taken it steady and it was a walking hack for 98% of the ride, I was still a little worried about his splint and hind (unshod) feet. All was well though, and there was no sign of heat or swelling today, and his splint is no different. In the picture above, we are all lined up on Amy's drive (not pictured, but Monty is the one I'm holding!) </div>
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We certainly drew a lot of attention, as there aren't usually horses on the roads we trekked. There are probably a few people with photos and videos of us now... Amazingly none of the boys pooed on the drive, but we did stop at Tesco on the way back to get a coke, where Bailey decided the pavement was a great place to let one go. That didn't go down so well, despite Mils trying to kick it off on to the road - the cashier wasn't impressed. Hey ho. Won't be going in there for a while! (The reason we were on the pavement was because it's on quite a busy road, and we were less in the way on the pavement than milling around in the road... I know we're not technically meant to be up there - just sods law!)</div>
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So we come back to today's ride, where we conquered the scary underpass! Rio was lovely and relaxed, other than the little fight to get him to trust me that he wouldn't get eaten down there. When we got back I decided we would spend a little while in the outdoor school again, whilst I was feeling comfortable and confident in the saddle. He would not move past the other boys as they were stopping to be untacked. Amy kindly grabbed her riding crop, and we were off. We had some lovely movement, and he even took up a bit of a contact with a bit of work from me. Perfect. Here's a video Amy took on our second run (can't beat a good bit of desensitising!) - I couldn't leave without going back again to get photos haha.</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEsqdJUoICyqmDWixk8cBlgF7v9KestiCBCgblXAVkrv_pVHtIwT-M4UotZka2gDy2RQECPCexqnPGSTf30raWZuGpt3BaV-u-nw_GQECSb_oJvGqH5UsCRIW4GYpcpEjlZBEAJlR8AA7/s0/VID-20150125-WA0000.mp4" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6108311667525019266?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8130095950889247359.post-20660086066087008022015-01-17T13:23:00.001-08:002015-01-17T13:38:33.173-08:00Cool day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love a good girly lunch. Me and Sharon were the only ones who would have our photo though so here we are. After we stood in the falling snow for a moment (it lasted probably no more than 10 minutes, but it tried!) we'd all done our yard chores for the morning, and set off for a delicious fry up down the road. </div>
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I couldn't believe the ice that I pulled off the top of Rio's water in his bucket this morning. This was around 10am as well, it was <b>so cold</b>. Amazingly, there was next to no frost... All very strange. Rio soon tucked into his breakfast and I was far too excited about spreading his hay into more than two piles. I'm loving this drop in the wind speeds again. </div>
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We spent today's hack (there were 5 of us today) practising not sticking to the horse in front's bottom, and standing to wait when asked. The first time I asked him, he just kept walking, in super collected fashion, and popping in little side steps. Not to mention the one attempt at a little mini plant and rear - he didn't get that far though as I gave him a quick kick to remind him who was in charge. As soon as he stood still for one second, I allowed him to move on, and we upped the ante from there. By the end of the hack, he was standing, and not moving a muscle until I asked him for as long as I tried to leave him. </div>
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The improved response was with him in 3rd position though, and not fourth where we were on the first attempt. It's progress anyway. I'm not sure he will ever be a last horse kind of boy. As long as I can have an acceptable level of control over him wherever we are in a group, then I'm happy. If we can be in a more comfortable place for him, then all the better for it. </div>
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When we got back to the yard I felt comfortable enough to sit and stretch out my legs without my stirrups for a few minutes, which is a relatively new thing for me to enjoy. I dismounted, and popped him into his stable for a bit. <b>So proud</b>. I just tried not to make a big deal of him being in there, other than to make sure he knew where I was so he didn't panic. </div>
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I walked in and out of the stable again a couple of times whilst tidying things away, and getting his rug in to put on him. He listened very well, and didn't even have any haynet to keep him occupied. He did try to walk through me once, so I backed him up and made him wait. When it came time to walk out of the stable, I motioned him around and he came and waited behind me for me to clip the lead rope on. He walked out quite calmly, and I loved every second of it. </div>
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Ride / play safe x</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06749331305786809580noreply@blogger.com0