The silly boy got himself into a tizz even before he got on the float. He decided that he would much rather stay home, so he gave me a little bit of a challenge when it came time to get organised. This challenge consisted of tearing around the yard he was in at a million miles per hour...big mistake considering how slippery it is at the moment! But I won, and he was caught – nice!! Mind you he was in a lather of sweat, which is no mean feat considering it must have been about 3 degrees outside in the wind, which was blowing a gale!
As always, he spent some time on the lunge, and it was even commented on how calm and almost lazy he was...wolf in sheep’s clothing? Towards the end of our little session on the lunge he did decide to show us how good he can be at getting his back legs in the air, but settled so quickly that at the time I didn’t even think twice about it.
Hopped on, and off we went. At times it really does seem that we are going over the same things over, and over, and over again, but I accept 100% that this is my doing. If I could get my brain to switch on, I know that I would be aware of what I have to do to get him into a nice working frame of mind. But happily I’m switching on a little quicker every lesson.
Canter really isn’t such a scary thing anymore, in fact it is wonderful. I love the transitions into canter. For the most part they are smooth, gentle and just something I could sit to all day. He is also getting stronger and stronger, which means we can actually think about other things, like my stupid right leg!!! (Yep, I have a dumb lower leg with a mind of its own...it’s a disagreeable thing too)
So off we are going in the canter on our right rein. Jacks right rein is his “stickier” rein, but again improving. I always seem to start our canter work on the right rein, knowing that our “finish on a good note” will be a lovely canter on our left rein. This is exactly what we were doing last Thursday...we came out of a pretty nice canter circle, and my instructor asked me to change rein, so I chose to take a short diagonal...so off we go...trot, trot, trot....ping, ping, ping!!!!! The pings were NOT fun. He just propped and went for it. I know I was probably cramping his style, and I kick myself at that, I really should have just let him trot out like I know he wants to.
Anyway, I think it was the third “ping” and I was off...but I was off with style!!!! Miraculously I landed on my feet!! I think I was just unconsciously not wanting to get arena surface on my breeches. Some people say that coming off a bigger horse means it gives you more time to think about the landing – I wasn’t thinking about the landing, but I did notice I had my watch on, and really didn’t want to bust my watch!! The things you think!!
I think all 3 of us, Jack, my instructor and I, were a little shocked. Jack just stood there and I could see his thoughts “Oh Mum...what happened???” My instructor was thrilled at me landing on my feet, and agreed that my new found love for martial arts training was doing wonders for my co-ordination and balance. And me, well I was just shocked that it didn’t happen sooner. I probably should have been spat off plenty of times before...a lot of luck happens in life sometimes.
Anyway, I grabbed hold of Jack, and at that point my instructor asked if I could get back on, and just trot a circle or two. She knows that I have a lack of confidence, and knows that sometimes little things can put me off, so she was a darling and just asking me to do something small and manageable for my silly brain. However....I wanted another canter, on the left rein J Back to our “finish on a good note”. At least that’s what I was hoping, and I got it. And I’m super proud that I did. My hands and legs were shaking when I was standing on the mounting block, but I was on, in control and more than happy to give it a whirl. As always...a lovely canter on our left rein. Hooray for me...I was so pleased!!
Sunday was Adult Riders Rally day, and it was one of the dirtiest days we’ve had in a while. The wind was horrid. It was one of those days that makes you feel uneasy about doing anything outside, let alone floating, then riding a horse. But once again, I overcame another of my demons...I did both. Go me!!
I’m not saying the riding was all that spectacular, in fact I was bad...really bad. I was tense, unsure of myself, I sadly had not much trust in Jack and that his reaction to things might be. I was so concerned that if something blew across the arena, or a small branch fell on the roof, then off he would go...but he didn’t, and it was only in my mind that it was possible for this to happen. He was wonderful. He was a little tense, but considering I was wound up like a coil on his back, I don’t blame him. Finally, after a fair old time, I just said to myself “OMG...just DO IT, you stupid, stupid woman”...and so I did. And guess what...we worked beautifully. He was able to use his amazingly flowing trot, our canter work was “da bomb”, and he was happy. The fact that he was happy made the day a success.
I really don’t give him enough credit, but sitting here thinking about it, he deserves such praise.
So what’s on for today?? **sigh** He has had an abscess come up over the past few days. I’m soooo not impressed, but what can I do? It’s winter. So I just treat him like royalty. Do what I can, and hope, cross my fingers & toes, rub my lucky rabbits foot, pray to the Anti-abscess Gods...anything I can to make him recover as quick as I can...we have to keep this good mojo going!!!!
]]>Of course to coincide with the germs has come plenty of rain...and of course mud (back on the mud theme...I really need to build a bridge and get over it! Now there’s a thought – bridges!!)
So while I’ve been laid up in bed/couch, my 3 darling equines have been having a little Winter break...well Jack has anyway, the other two have been on that break for a while.
However Jack is back at this later this afternoon, so I’ll report in. It could be interesting – almost 2 weeks off and a change of paddock....3 words come to mind. O.M.G!!! Actually there are more than 3 words, but this is family viewing ;)
Lunging is another of those words that pop into my head. But I know he will be good (she says with no conviction at all!)
One thing I have decided to do, with mixed emotions, is to try and find a rider for Moo. But of course it’s one thing saying that, and another thing doing it. The last time my farrier was over he was dumbfounded that we were pulling her shoes off because she hadn’t been ridden, and I can see his point. She is a wonderful horse for anyone, not just someone who wants to poke around the bush. I’ve had a couple of phone calls, but of course chatting to someone on the phone is a long way from actually letting her go. Can I do it? I know I should. It will give her something to do other than wander about the paddock, and of course one less mouth to feed is always a benefit, but I just don’t know. What I need is a crystal ball to see into the future, and ask it some questions. Will she be ok? Will she miss me? (I already know the answer to that and I think it would be a “no”, as long as she has a dinner bucket, she is happy), will her new carer care for her as I do? I’d like to answer no to that one, but all I really do with her lately is feed her breakfast, dinner, scratch her between the ears and tell her “Hey Moo” whenever I see her. I really feel she would prefer it if she had the chance to get out and about...or do I just hope I feel that way?? One thing I do know for certain though is that this will always be her home...no question about that!!!
For something a little different, last night Miss 9 and I braved the Melbourne weather and went into town to see a performance of “Cavalia”. Cavalia is described in the program as “a fresh mix of equestrian and performing arts, multimedia and special effects”, and it was just amazing. In fact I have very few words to describe just how wonderful it was. It was just breathtaking, exciting, beautiful...see, I’m lost for words!
Miss 9 and I treated ourselves to one of the VIP packages, so we did think we were a little special last night...bubbles, canapé’s, wonderful seats, an opportunity to have a program signed by two of the artists, and a tour of the stables after the show where there might have been a little kiss from the gorgeous little mini stallion named “Troubadour”.
There is always a little hesitation just before you hit “submit” on such a large credit card purchase when you are trying to keep a family/household/paddock full of horses going, but I’m so glad I did. Honestly if I could go again tonight, I’d be there. So my advice to you is if you get the chance, GO!!!!
I have a dear friend who went on opening night and her words were “sell a kidney”...I say sell not only the kidney, but take options on the second as well!!!!!
]]>
Where is my Jack-pony..who took him????
Well I don’t know who I was riding on Sunday at my riding club rally, but it sure as hell wasn’t Jack!!!! He certainly looked like Jack, and came out of my paddock, but nope, wasn’t him!!
My goodness, the horse I was riding, or trying to ride, was a piece of work. This horse, let’s call him “Butthead”, was an absolute monster.
Thankfully, the instructor for this rally was my usual instructor, it was such a comfort - super glad I booked her!!
Butthead wasn’t at all calm or attentive, instead he was boorish, had no concept at all of manners, wouldn’t listen, had no idea of any work I’d previously done and loved the feeling of having his back feet around his ears...to be honest, he worried me.
But he taught me so much
I learnt that I can keep calm.
I can apply the concepts that we had previously worked on.
I discovered that I can also really ask for a response and get one.
I understood, at long last, how important it is to have a soft, supple horse.
I learnt that I have a really sticky bum!! Some might call it good balance, but I think it was more the sticky bum
I learnt that sometimes the horse you get out of the float, isn’t the horse you are going to ride...somewhere in between horses are swapped.
I learnt that I can breathe, even though my jaw is clenched shut so tight, I wake up the next morning with an ache.
I learnt that I can actually be quiet during a lesson...never thought I could do that...I’m a chatterer!!!
I learnt that sometimes taking the horse out for a 2 hour trail ride in the pouring rain the day prior doesn’t actually mean a nice quiet horse will appear the next day.
I also learnt probably the most important lesson of all, and that is to never doubt not only what I’ve learnt over the years, but also my own abilities. I got through that hour, and even though I was at times incredibly unsure of what I was capable of, and also what my horse was capable of, I did it...I finished that lesson with a canter on both reins.
That doesn’t mean I didn’t get off pretty quickly at the end of the lesson, I was off like a shot, but I didn’t bail half way through, and that is a massive win for me.
Funnily enough, as soon as Butthead was rugged and popped into a yard, Jack suddenly appeared...like magic (bloody Black Magic!!!!)
So after Sunday’s event, I was a little hesitant to climb aboard on Tuesday. I know they all say that you must ride the horse that comes out of the paddock on the day, but that is sometimes a little easier said than done. There is always a little bit of trepidation. But I’m super glad I did “suck it up” and get on...what a dream horse!! It was a massive relief to get back on the horse I know, although there were some things I didn’t recognise this time, but they were very pleasant surprises...he was perfect from the start.
Geez he’s a superstar!!
]]>What an interesting week it has been! And in so many different ways!
I’ve come to conclusion that I am in fact doing something right. Jack is going amazingly well, even if we still do have our little “bumps” (or as I like to call them “learning bumps”)- I’m learning how to stay balanced and calm and not fall off!!
I’ve really made a concerted effort do go back to our groundwork sessions before each ride, and the results have been a real eye-opener. I had really taken for granted the importance of asking him for his flexions from the ground, and asking him to re-balance and extend his neck, but after one lesson where I was able to refresh my mind not only as to what to do, but also re-enforce in my own mind that I was doing them correctly, the results are speaking for themselves.
So I had a “groundwork” lesson a couple of weeks ago, then in the week following I worked on the techniques at home before a ride, but then when I came to last weeks lesson it was almost like I had a different horse. We were almost able to get a full lap of the arena in a lovely, soft and long frame – at the trot. Jack was just swinging along nicely, and it was an absolute pleasure to ride to. Our canter also benefitted, which is no surprise. I even shocked myself!! I remember sitting there, and thinking “Oh my lordy, lordy loo!!! Look at me!!!!”...at least I thought I was thinking it, in fact I was saying it out loud...thankfully my instructor agreed that it was pretty good!!
When I think back 18 months ago, and I remember the new, very green horse that arrived at home, I’m really amazed at his transformation. He was a typical “teenage boy”, he was so disagreeable...if he was human it would be like taking the X Box off him, but now he is really becoming a young man. He is starting to fill out in the places he needed it, his legs don’t look as gangly as they were and he looks just ace...if I wasn’t so biased I’d say he is one of the most handsome beasts going around. Considering that last year he really didn’t have the chance to get regular work due to my illness, I think he has really proven what a good boy he is...most of the time ;)
I’d love to find the courage to take him out somewhere into a more challenging environment, and I know I will one day, but I still have those moments where I think about it, and then feel my heart starting to beat just a little harder. Funnily, it has nothing at all to do with what I think his reaction might be...I’m more than happy to admit that it is all me, my insecurities. On the surface I come across as someone who is very confident, but underneath? Hmmm, maybe not so much. It’s all bravado.
Perhaps I should mix some “bravado” up with some “Dutch courage” into a cocktail shaker and see what happens...that’s gotta be a good cocktail!!!
Also over this past week, I have seen a few things which make me terribly sad and even a little angry. It seems as though this season is really proving to be a very difficult season for the oldies and even those younger horses to cope with, especially if they don’t have anyone in their lives to care for them...they are owned by someone, but not cared for...not by anyone’s standards!!! We all know there is a shortage of hay at the moment, it seems to be the topic of conversation in every feed store and every saddlery store in my area, but the thing is, that there are options for those who are having trouble sourcing hay. I know that sometimes it means that there is a little bit of wheeling and dealing and running around, but there are options and I just wish that people would explore those options before they decide to shut their eyes and pretend their horse doesn’t exist. There are just too many bones poking through dull coats on horses with sad eyes at the moment, and like I mentioned, it makes me terribly sad and angry.
We chose to bring these creatures into our lives, they didn’t ask for it, so I just believe that we should do all we can to keep them comfortable. I’m not saying that every single horse owner needs to get silly with the care of their steed, I just think that the steed needs to be respected, and of course a part of that is to provide it with the basics...water, adequate feed, shelter. Surely that isn’t too much to ask?
So what am I doing to help those in my area who seem to be struggling? Well, I’ve decided to make myself visible to the owners, even if I may not actually see them. By that I mean, I do something to hopefully make the owner take notice. Last week I put my farriers business card into a snap lock bag, and tied it to the gate at a paddock where a lovely old grey gelding lives. He is in a really terrible state, and for a long time I’ve felt for him. He just looks so unloved. So I tied the card to the gate, left and just hoped that someone would pay attention to it. I drove past two days later, and noticed that the business card was gone. I knew it was impossible for it to have blown away, so I just hoped the owner saw it and collected it. I’m seeing my farrier tomorrow, so I’m hoping we can chat about his “new client” and the old grey gelding!
I’m not saying that we need to become busy bodies and poke our noses into other people’s business; I just want to see all horses treated with dignity, and if that means I need to drop a hint every now and again, then I’m ok with that.
Canter, canter, tango, canter
My goodness it has been a busy couple of weeks, both in and
out of the paddock!
We’ve had sick kittens, hospital visits, naughty ponies and just plain old day
to day “stuff” going on...I’m exhausted!! (Kitten fixed, hospital visits
sorted, and “naughty pony plan” in place, so all’s good there!)
In between all the “stuff” Jack has been going splendidly
well. We seem to have found some real energy (sometimes a little too much
energy for Mother), but I’m learning how to really embrace that energy as I
mentioned in my last entry. And I’ve decided that I just love canter, a lot
more than trot or walk...trot and walk just means we have time to not only
think but also to see goblins hiding in corners. At the canter however, we
motor along at a lovely clip, and it is a canter I can ride all day.
It’s been a couple of weeks since my last lesson, but in that last lesson, it
was possibly the best canter work I have ever done with Jack.
We are still lunging before a ride, but that really seems to help him...it gets
his mind ready, his body ready and also gives me the chance to really focus on
what needs to be done. It also gives me the chance to gauge the mood he is in.
After some time on the lunge if we still have some legs in the air, we just go
around one more time...for luck!!
Although I admit that the other day there were still legs in the air, and I got
on anyway...that day we practised some wonderful sideways dance moves. Sort of
fun...sort of not! But even after the new dance steps, we are able to get our
minds back on the task at hand.
What I’d really love to work on in the next few weeks, is some in-hand work. With the Lightness “system” that I use, a lot of emphasis is put on the importance of in-hand work, but I admit that I have been a little slack. So hopefully today during my lesson, we can get “back to basics”.
Sadly, with all my attention on Jack at the moment, it means that dear Moo has been just left in the paddock. Thankfully she is just 100% OK with that. It’s me that feels bad. I know she is fine with it, because to be honest, what could be worse than being fed twice a day, rugged up all snugly warm and fed carrots. My God she has a fantastic life. I’ve always said that when I die I want to be re-incarnated as one of my own animals...talk about luxury. But I think that this weekend might be a good one to take her for a wander along a trail somewhere.
Little Munchie pony is just plain old naughty!!! Naughty, baby pony...and that is all! lol As I always say “lucky he is cute!!” I wish I was as cute as he is, that way I could get away with anything!!!!
On a more personal note, in the past few weeks I have had
the first anniversary of the day I was diagnosed pass by. I was actually
looking forward to that day, thinking that it would be a day to celebrate my
current health etc, but instead I had emotions that I can’t even describe. I’m
not sure what I would even call them. Of course I was happy that I’m still here
and annoying many people, but I was also feeling quite distressed inwardly that
there are still so many people struggling to overcome the insidious disease
that cancer is. And honestly I couldn’t express that to anyone, mainly because
I didn’t know if I what I was feeling was normal or not...still don’t know!
But I am more than glad I’m here, but I still hope with every ounce of my being
that those that are still dealing with diagnosis, struggling with treatment and
unsure of what the future holds for them are doing at least “ok” ...sometimes
“ok” is all there is.
Me? I’m doing just fine J
Well winter has well and truly hit, and it’s arrived in all its chilly glory! I often drive by paddocks filled with horses that have no rugs and think I should take them home, although I know full well they are happy in their paddock, and enjoying life with their herd. And to be honest, doing my own horses rugs twice a day can become a little repetitious as it is...imagine if I had 300 horses!!!
I often hear of people, especially “we” horse riders, that
they seem to be lacking motivation at this time of year, and I can really
understand that at 5:30 in the morning, in the dark and in the mud (again with
the mud!!). However, I’m a little pleased to say that for the most part, that
isn’t really me (except the 5:30 am stuff...bed is way too warm sometimes)
I seem to have found my mojo again – HOORAY!!!!
My lesson last week really helped, particularly as it was one of the few weeks
that Jack decided to be a little bit of a handful. I’m putting his “mood” down
to his clip, but who knows really...either way, I got a few points on the
board, which was nice.
Oddly enough, our canter work hasn’t really been a huge
issue this week. Jack is more than happy to just roll into his beautiful
canter, which I can ride all day. This week we have needed to concentrate on
trot...or to be honest, I’ve needed to concentrate on just letting him go, and
riding to his trot, not the trot I think he should have.
I guess I have always thought his trot should be a plodding, rambling along
trot, but truth be known it is actually a “mega-medium” trot, and I really need
to accept that and go with it.
It’s a very strange feeling doing that however. I sometimes forget that not
only is he a big, powerful boy, but he is also a boy that I really can trust to
do pretty much the right thing all the time. I need to listen to that side of
my mind that says “Wow, check out the motor in this baby...enjoy it”, however
most of the time the other side of the brain kicks in and I hear “OMG...no
way!!!!” Sometimes it feels as though the good devil is on one shoulder and he
good angel is on the other...still not too sure which one I should be listening
to however.
I guess that it all comes down to confidence, which as I may have mentioned before, is something we all struggle with from time to time. I do seem to be getting a little bit more, which I love. It means I really do go out and enjoy getting on the boy, rather than trying to find excuses not to.
Of course, greater understanding of how my mind works, and knowing exactly what I am capable of doing is a huge factor in this...as they say, a little self belief can go a long way. In fact I may have even had my finger hovering over the submit button of an email I was about to send to someone to book in for a rather special clinic with a rather special rider/trainer...but I chickened out!!! Sometimes I just want to slap myself lol
But instead, I’ll keep plugging away...getting better, learning more, understanding more and trying new things (almost!!)
]]>I don't think I've had a more frustrating week in a long time!!
It isn't often I go through things like this, but it really seems as though the
"horsie gods" don’t want me to get points on the board.
Thankfully all of my little herd are in tip top shape, so I can't blame my troubles on injuries or illness. Sadly, it is just my own mind that I'm battling against, and of course we all know how powerful our minds can be, especially when we get even the tiniest of negative thoughts in it. All of a sudden that teeny, weenie little problem becomes a problem that you really should be broadcast over the evening news "Good evening, and welcome to Ten's News At 5...first up tonight, Reen's struggle against the odds". Of course Mal Walden will go on to explain that "the odds" are something as traumatic as not being able to help Jack out when he disunites during canter work...the rest of the news watching public will be shocked and dismayed, and shake their heads and "tut tut" under their breath...but they will be with me in my struggle.
Hmmm, maybe not....instead, I sit here and wonder where the bloody
hell I went wrong last week.
Part of the issue is that Jack is still lacking a little bit of strength and
fitness when it comes to canter work, so what we do is small bursts broken up
by quality trot work, then back into a bit of canter. But this week, I just
couldn't seem to get there! Our canter has been going so well - smooth, lovely
strides that you can really ride all day...but all it has taken was a
"mini-meltdown" on my part, and I know that it was my mind playing
awful tricks. Honestly, I'm sure my life would be simpler if I didn't have a
brain!! Just call me Tinman...no wait...Scarecrow!!! That’s a little funny...I
couldn't even get that right (Reen makes a mental note to sit down and watch
The Wizard of Oz tonight!!)
When I sit here and analyze the issue, I know exactly what I need to do, but when I'm out there, on the odd occasion, something in my brain flicks and I just lose it...I forget what to do, even though I know what I should do!! Talk about frustrating!!!! Of course this is where that old vicious cycle begins...the self-doubt! I don't know how many times I've said to myself " Just stop, don't do anything, you'll only mess things up". In actual fact, what I should be saying to myself is "Oi...woman!!! What are ya doing??!! Do it properly!!" I know if those words went through my head, then all would be fine and dandy...in fact they are probably the same, exact words my instructor would say to me!! Perhaps I should ask her to record some insightful words of encouragement/bum kicking. Or perhaps I should just have a little more faith in my own abilities?
I sometimes wonder if these little "hiccups" are a result of pressure we put on ourselves...I know I had given myself a little bit of a challenge and had penciled a competition into my diary...I'm still trying to decide if it's a bad idea going...I'm pretty sure I'll make an absolute meal of that. I know I'm not the only one out there who has a little moment where we truly believe we suck.
What I do know is that all will be fine for the next ride. I will approach things with an open mind, I will not allow what happened last ride dictate what I do this ride, I will have confidence, I will listen to the good side of my brain, and not the devil sitting on my shoulder, and I will totally have a fantastic ride with the equine dude I have chosen to be my partner and friend
]]>So Winter has arrived which means rain, mud, cold, mud, soggy toes if your boots spring a leak, mud, clipped coats, mud, constant worry about rugging, mud, short days and mud!!!
I went for my first "muddy skid" through the paddock over the weekend...again watched by many who were more than happy to have a laugh at my expense...they'll keep ;)
I've decided I'm mud phobic - I loathe the stuff, every single thing about it!! But of course I can't get away from it, no matter how hard I try. My boots are actually out on the front step and I'm sure they weigh 3 kilos more than they did before they were caked with the sticky stuff, surely lugging those things around on the end of my legs will mean I end up with a killer pair of calves at the end of Winter... Won't I??
There are actually some things I do enjoy about Winter, and on top of that list is being ouitside in the morning, just before the sun begins to rise, especially if there is a misty rain falling. I stand out at the stable with my cup of tea, and just listen to Jack chomping away on his breakfast. Every now and again he also stops to listen to the pre-dawn noises, but not often...the boy does love his breakfast.
Jack is back in a paddock on his own, so away from Moo and Munchie and he is loving being the King of his own paddock again. Remember the Daffy Duck cartoon where he was in Aladdins cave and he was surrounded by all the jewels saying "mine, mine...all mine"? Well that's Jack right now...everything in the paddock belongs to him!! He is in on his own because he is another mud-phobic soul...the poor boy would just stand in the one non-muddy spot in the paddock all day and look miserable. 3 horses in one paddock means a fair bit of mud is made and pretty quickly too, so to make him a little happier, he was moved. That probably sounds quite silly, but I really did feel he was unhappy. He is also a bigger horse, and a lot of the time not so sure of where his own body is...there were many, many skid marks made by him and he hasn't even been blowing off steam by running around. Jack is certainly a lot happier now...which means a happy, harmonious life for all!!
The other 2 are literally like pigs in mud!!!! It is just horrible! Munchie certainly isn't as bad as Moo, she is filthy, and that won't change until Spring.
Dear Jack has been going amazingly well...I say "amazingly"
because it seems that every time I get on him he improves in so many ways!
Last lesson, for example, we had a wonderful canter happen. I will admit it was
a little bit of an accident, but I was glad to go with it. Mind you, that
wonderful canter came after probably 40 minutes of asking him to listen, but we
got there in the end.
I'm so thankful I have a wonderful instructor who has an uncanny ability to
read not only the horse, but also the rider. There have been many times over
the past year or so that I might not have had my mind on the job, but with a
gentleness that is almost imperceptible, she is able to get my mind working on
the task at hand. I will admit I do have an issue with concentrating, and she
gets that now...thank goodness!!
The one single thing that I absolutely adore about my lesson on a Thursday
afternoon, is the amount of confidence I have in myself, and my abilities when
I leave that arena. There are some days I think I can do anything, and it
certainly isn't because my instructor has told me what I want to hear...she
actually makes me do it, so that I can see for myself what I am capable of.
Sometimes I'm hesitant, sometimes I say to myself "NO WAY!!!", but do
it anyway, and then I'm actually doing it.
I would consider my instructor not only to be a great riding instructor, but also a personal trainer and psychotherapist...and all that is rolled into one awesome, knowledgeable package! So I think I'm pretty lucky to have an instructor who will guide me, train me and put up with me lol
]]>Dear Moo has been doing some miles out on the trails. Once again I'm lucky
enough to have many trails in the area. The Warburton Trail, once the rail line
from Melbourne to Warburton, is only a very short ride down the road, and just
perfect for getting out there and running the km's up on the clock. I know I
always go on about how good this horse is, but out on the trail she is a gem -
nothing worries her at all (not even the "city cyclists'who wizz by) One
of the great things about the "Warby Trail" is that it is a perfect
place for everyone to ride, it seems that you can see a little bit of
everything at one stage or another, so it really is a great place for riders to
take young horses.
Last weekend Moo was a "helping hand" for a young baby horse. This
young man was heading out on his first ride out on the trail, and he did
wonderfully well! I actually think I was more concerned than anyone else, but I
can be a worrier. Of course we decided to ride out on a Sunday afternoon, and any
local will tell you that Sunday afternoon is NOT the time to take a horse on
the trail, but we did lol. Young "Jim" just took it all in his
stride, he encountered cyclists, an echidna (which made me go all
"nawwwww"), some deer, the odd dog here and there and a selection of
odd older people who like to walk with sticks they have picked up off the
ground. I've always wondered why they do that, but who am I to judge!! Our ride
kept us out on the trail for a couple of hours as we really wanted Jim to feel comfortable
with everything he saw. This young man is going to be an absolute superstar of
a horse for his rider, they will be a great team.
Jack has also been doing some trail riding miles, although his miles have
been a little bouncy...in fact everything about Jack over the past week has been
bouncy. I suspect he is also enjoying the weather...sometimes a little too
much. I'm afraid that I did use the ejector seat over the weekend, it was
simply a case of he went one way, which was left, and I went another way, which
was up, then down...with a thud!! Being as big as he is, there is time to think
about your fall, but sadly there isn't enough time to call for a mattress to
land on, and I really wish there was because the ground is HARD!!!!! Once on
the ground there are a few things that flash through your mind of course
"where is the horse (I let go of the reins)...can I feel everything?...was
anyone watching and are they laughing?" Last question was answered when I
noticed my dear daughter standing by the fence in stitches...hmmm, she'll
keep,. And of course I could feel everything and in the days after I could feel
every single bone in my body, and they weren't happy! I didn't pack Jack away after the tumble, I got back on, a little tentatively, and off we went again, and we
had the best ride at home ever! I certainly won't be making a habit of tumbling
in order to get good work from him however; I'll leave that to the trick
riders. It's at this bouncy time of year
that I'm glad Jack is a great horse on the lunge...I think we will play on that
for a few minutes before I climb aboard.
But as wonderful as these gorgeous Autumn days are, they'll soon end and we will have Winter here...Winter and its cold, wet, muddy days that just don't seem to end and horses that look like yaks direct from Tibet, so I'm going to continue to make hay while the sun shines and cross my fingers that Autumn stays around for a little while longer. Please Autumn stay!!
]]>At the moment, I have both big horses back in work and the little pony, so if you combine that with working, and trying to be a good Mum and trying to keep a tidy house, there just arent enough hours in the day (truth be known that one of those things gets pretty much ignored...hence the prehistoric dust bunnies hiding in the corners of almost every room in my house!) so I've become very good at juggling. Throw cold Autumn mornings and early sunsets, and there are some days where I just don't know where to begin!
Bringing Jack back into work after his 6 week break as a result of cellulitis has been the highlight of my past couple of weeks. He has come back so kindly that he has not only surprised me, but also made me realise what a wonderful horse he really is.
The poor boy was lunged once in the two weeks prior to me taking him back
to lessons, and after a very quick lunge before my lesson began last Thursday,
I was back on and feeling fantastic..as was he!
I was most surprised as to how willing he was. He can at the best of times be the "difficult teenager" - we see a little bit of head tossing every now and again, but this day there was nothing!! Those big Clydie X ears were listening and attentive the whole time...big sigh of relief!
I mentioned to my instructor how surprised I was, and she pointed out that there wasn't really anything to be surprised about...the training we have put in over the past year is paying off...there wasn't any need to remind him of the basics of "lightness", off he went like he had never missed a day. If you haven't picked it up before now, I'm a rider who follows the training set out by Philippe Karl...yes, yes yes, you can roll your eyes now ;)
On reflection, I can absolutely see that it is the result of the training we have put in..he has never been "forced" to work in a "proper" frame, he has always been asked, shown how to and as a result agreed. There are still of course many things we can work on, but training as we do, doesn't give instant results, they are results that take time, patience and understanding, all of which I have plenty.
I have also booked us in to a clinic that is happening in November...but I really wish November would hurry up and arrive...I'm busting to learn!!! And he looks just amazing right now too...there is something to be said for a month and a half of pampering and no work!!! I really wished that I looked as good after being fed, groomed and lounging about in the paddock!
Moo has been going along swimmingly as well. We haven't had much of an opportunity to fine tune any of our jumping "skills" ("skills" lol!!). Her flat work is also going well...she is another horse that has the ability to pick up from where she left off. Moo has managed to gain herself another fan however; a young girl has been popping by every now and again to help out a little bit around the property and has fallen head over heels in love with Moo. This young girl is sadly indicative of many young girls these days; she has body issues, a lack of confidence, some family troubles. The first day she came, she looked just miserable...but after a short while I asked if she would like to give Moo a brush for me. The change in her after half an hour brushing Moo was amazing! I finally got to see a smile, and not a forced grimace. Since that day, she has come with a real purpose, and you can tell that she wants to be here. She is learning a lot too...hopefully the love of horses can help her find her way through the fog which seems to be her life at the moment.
Little Munchie is still believing his own hype....I've lost count of how many people have said "ohhhh he is just too cute!!". That line is usually followed by me saying "Yeah, too cute for our own good!!!!" He is still as cheeky as they come...but that’s the way we love him!! (Most of the time anyway).
All in all, things are going well...I know I have happy, healthy horses, and to me as an owner that is all that I can ask for.
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Luckily Moo is a horse that is so cool, calm and collected and she handles change really well...as long as there is food I think I could get her to skip along a tightrope. Munchie has been happy to go with what she does. He looks to her as though she is his Mummy...very cute, but I think in his mind, if it is ok in Moo’s eyes then it really is ok!
Jack is a little different. I wouldn’t have ever called him a loner, but he is certainly a horse that seems as though he isn’t fussed about anything either way. He can eat or not, be caught or not (grrrrr), be ridden or not, and socialise or not. He has his place in the corner of the paddock under a big river gum, and at times it seems as though he is oblivious to what’s happening, and will rarely leave that corner.
This was especially the case early on in the shared paddock scenario. He wouldn’t even look at what the other two were up to; I’m not sure if it was just a case of “I’m not looking at you, so you’re not there”, or if he just didn’t care. This sort of thing went on for almost a week...he was always by himself, but slowly things started to change. He started following the other two around a little more, not too close, but closer than he had been. Then last week, he was a real horse!!!! He and Moo were actually grooming each other...something I had never seen Jack doing (Moo loves a good mutual scratch). They went on for maybe 10 minutes before Moo felt she needed to squeal and make a fuss...old bag!!
Now we are at the point where Jack is really one of the “normal” horses lol I’m not saying he was abnormal, he was just...different, but the change within 2 weeks has been huge...living in a mini-herd has really helped him, and me! He is now happy to be caught, which is a huge thing as many people will tell you (I couldn’t count on my fingers and toes how many times I gone into the paddock and been unable to get a hold of the bugger!!), and he is even happy for me to give him a scratch in a special itchy spot, again that’s something I have never been able to do.
Jack has been with me now for just over a year, and unfortunately that year has been a little up and down. We started out going great guns...we were motoring, however then I got sick – too sick to ride and the wheels fell off. I was still able to go out and feed and rug him through winter, but that is pretty much it. One thing I was adamant about was being the one to actually take care of him...I really needed to do it...be with him one on one, so those nights after a long day of treatment, there I was, out in the paddock, in the cold/rain/mud tending to Jack. I annoyed a lot of people...my in-laws especially (but I am the daughter in-law so I like to think that goes with the territory) But now I can really begin to see the benefits of pushing myself like I did. He will come up to me when called, and will stand nicely for a pat...carrots help by the way ;)
Another huge change has been under saddle...all of a sudden we are getting somewhere. Our walk is almost perfect, our trot is rockin’ and we are getting there with our canter (all IMHO of course;))There has been a definite change in trust between the both of us...I don’t know if he appreciated the change I made within the paddock or if we have both gotten our “stuff” together (I suspect the latter), but the part of my mind which would like to humanise the mind of the horse would like to think he just loves me more.
In fact, I think we have gotten our “stuff” together so much that it might be time for an outing...yep a real, live outing...WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!!!!