Once again it's been far too long since I updated this but we've been having a brilliant time :) After my last update she went lame for about 10 days due to the hard ground. I bit the bullet and had shoes put on her and it's done her the world of good. She really steps out more now and she's a lot less on the forehand which feels great.
June 13th Urmston
Not bad but not great. I was knackered and she needs me to be excited and lively to pass it on to her. I didn't agree with a few of the placings but she behaved, was a real credit.
June 20th Hargate Charity Show
Was a very hot day and the ground was rock solid. She was good, got some ok placings.
June 27th Dressage Regional Finals
She was a star to hack over there. It was her first time leading a hack that far and she didn't put a foot wrong. She worked in well and rode a really nice test for the intro. I was really pleased. We then did the prelim and she did very well but the other horses were all old-hands and the majority were also entering the novice. Got my result for the intro - we won!!! I was over the moon. Our first ridden red rosette :D It definitely suited her!
July 4th Hargate Show
Really crappy day out. She was great to hack there but just wasn't playing ball for the showing. We had our worst ever show and disgraced ourselves in the riding club horse class by jumping the tiny jump 4 feet at once and losing all stirrups/sense of pride. I decided then that we'd have a break from showing classes and do some working hunter to spice things up a bit.
July 11th Urmston
Brilliant day out :) We both felt recharged and under less pressure because we didn't have to rush around fitting into loads of classes. Did the WH clear round first and it took ages :) It was a really challenging course with a couple of solid jumps. We then went into the novice class and had 3 refusals but I was so pleased with her for trying her hardest. Plenty to improve on for next time! We had time to go in the riding club horse class then too which went brilliantly. She did a gorgeous gallop and popped the jump beautifully. I knew who'd win but we got 2nd!! AND, the best bit, the judge said it was extremely close!!! I was so pleased I almost cried :)
In between those shows we did 2 clear round evenings which were great. A short hack over to the farm then a really relaxed atmosphere to practise our jumping. She loved both times and did the 2ft6 course brilliantly :)
We've started having proper jumping lessons and she's really improving. I'm absolutely loving jumping her, it's so exhilerating. She really gets into it too which is great to feel. She jumped 3ft the other day! The kids kept putting the jump higher and higher to see what she could do :) I used to idolise people with their own horses when I was a kid, especially ones that could jump. Feels very weird to be that person now (not that they idolise me!!), although I absolutely love my situation.
Today in my lesson she did her first triple and then her first bounce, ending on a triple bounce, stride, 2ft 6 fence :D She was great once she realised what she had to do. I just need to remember to stay sat up so I don't unbalance her. My instructor also said it would be worth trying eventing with her!! I never thought she'd say that but I'm so excited to try. There's a small xc course nearby that I'm going to have a lesson on. All very exciting!
That's all for now. Got another show this Sunday, more working hunter classes!!
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Last month's update
Can't believe it's been a month since I updated this! Time is flying by. Soon my exams will be over and I'll have the whole summer to spend with ponyface :)
Sunday 2nd May - Mottram Show
We did the working hunter class in the morning, our first go! The course was on maaajorly uneven ground and it was quite slippy but she loved it. She was a star. Unfortunately we knocked one and they had 6 clears (was a huge class) so we didn't get through to the individual show bit but I was very pleased with her behaviour. God knows what happened to her but she went mental in the afternoon. I think it was just such a big show and it all got to her a bit much. We were the only ones in the in-hand spotted so we got a red rosette but I was a bit miffed really because I really wanted our first 1st to be deserved. She behaved like a right berk. Leaping into the air and trying to take off. The judge said she was 'really quite naughty'. No shit sherlock. I took her in the ridden coloured but she was still majorly on her toes so I pulled her out. She was really jumpy on the hack on the way back. I think it was all just too much for her. She was great in the morning though so I'm focusing on that :)
Sunday 9th May - Hargate Show
We hacked over in the morning and she was fab. Our first class was ridden coloured and there were 3 in there. We came 2nd and I agreed with the placing. She was a very good girl and was concentrating most of the time. Good start to the day.
2nd class was senior novice equitation. We came 2nd! I was soo pleased because there were about 8 in the class. She went really nicely, nicer than the one that came 1st in my opinion, so it must have been my riding that let us down. Still, very chuffed with her!
3rd class was in-hand spotted/pally/roan etc. She seems to get really excited in in-hand classes. Quite good though as long as she doesn't flip out. She stood up nicely for the judge and I ran as fast as I could. We won!! There were 4 in the class and I was expecting another one to win as it looked like a fancy little show pony. Yey for Saffy!
Final class was riding club pony. She did an amaaaazing show. Absolutely brilliant. She was really energetic so was lovely and forward going. I was so pleased :) We turned towards the jump, all ok, got to the jump (1ft 6 maximum) and she comes to a grinding halt. Grrrrr! She stepped over it and then jumped it fine from the other direction. There were about 7 in the class and nobody else refused it so I was expecting to come last but we ended up with 4th. The judge said we would have come first if she'd have jumped it properly. We'd have gotten a trophy too!! Never mind. At least I know what we need to work on!
Sunday 16th May - Urmston Show
First class was novice/green horse. She went quite well but I think in future I really need to warm up properly before doing any classes. We came 3rd. We were originally pulled in 5th because idiot here got the wrong leg and didn't notice but our individual show bumped us up. To be honest the winner didn't particularly seem novice or green but meh.
2nd class was senior equitation. It was on pretty uneven ground but she coped well with it. We came 2nd. Again I'm sure her show was better than the winner's but my riding probably ruined it. I really need to focus on keeping my heels down.
3rd class was riding club horse. I was determined not to let her refuse the jump again! She did a nice individual show and cleared the jump well. We came 4th, would've come 3rd if I'd have cantered her to the jump. Fair enough, I didn't want to risk it. Definitely something we're working on though.
Final class was ridden coloured. It was a bigger class than last time with some very nice looking coblets. The winner from last time was also there. We came 2nd!! I was probably the most pleased with that result as we beat the person who won last time and came 2nd only to a very well schooled traditional cob. Overall another very good day :)
So this weekend she has a weekend off from showing while I revise for exams. Next weekend we're going showjumping (mini ones!). Really looking forward to it. She really had her jumping head on today and was getting excited bless her :) The weekend after that she'll be having another quiet weekend because of exams then we have Urmston and Hargate charity show the 2 weeks after that. It's going to be a busy summer!
Sunday 2nd May - Mottram Show
We did the working hunter class in the morning, our first go! The course was on maaajorly uneven ground and it was quite slippy but she loved it. She was a star. Unfortunately we knocked one and they had 6 clears (was a huge class) so we didn't get through to the individual show bit but I was very pleased with her behaviour. God knows what happened to her but she went mental in the afternoon. I think it was just such a big show and it all got to her a bit much. We were the only ones in the in-hand spotted so we got a red rosette but I was a bit miffed really because I really wanted our first 1st to be deserved. She behaved like a right berk. Leaping into the air and trying to take off. The judge said she was 'really quite naughty'. No shit sherlock. I took her in the ridden coloured but she was still majorly on her toes so I pulled her out. She was really jumpy on the hack on the way back. I think it was all just too much for her. She was great in the morning though so I'm focusing on that :)
Sunday 9th May - Hargate Show
We hacked over in the morning and she was fab. Our first class was ridden coloured and there were 3 in there. We came 2nd and I agreed with the placing. She was a very good girl and was concentrating most of the time. Good start to the day.
2nd class was senior novice equitation. We came 2nd! I was soo pleased because there were about 8 in the class. She went really nicely, nicer than the one that came 1st in my opinion, so it must have been my riding that let us down. Still, very chuffed with her!
3rd class was in-hand spotted/pally/roan etc. She seems to get really excited in in-hand classes. Quite good though as long as she doesn't flip out. She stood up nicely for the judge and I ran as fast as I could. We won!! There were 4 in the class and I was expecting another one to win as it looked like a fancy little show pony. Yey for Saffy!
Final class was riding club pony. She did an amaaaazing show. Absolutely brilliant. She was really energetic so was lovely and forward going. I was so pleased :) We turned towards the jump, all ok, got to the jump (1ft 6 maximum) and she comes to a grinding halt. Grrrrr! She stepped over it and then jumped it fine from the other direction. There were about 7 in the class and nobody else refused it so I was expecting to come last but we ended up with 4th. The judge said we would have come first if she'd have jumped it properly. We'd have gotten a trophy too!! Never mind. At least I know what we need to work on!
Sunday 16th May - Urmston Show
First class was novice/green horse. She went quite well but I think in future I really need to warm up properly before doing any classes. We came 3rd. We were originally pulled in 5th because idiot here got the wrong leg and didn't notice but our individual show bumped us up. To be honest the winner didn't particularly seem novice or green but meh.
2nd class was senior equitation. It was on pretty uneven ground but she coped well with it. We came 2nd. Again I'm sure her show was better than the winner's but my riding probably ruined it. I really need to focus on keeping my heels down.
3rd class was riding club horse. I was determined not to let her refuse the jump again! She did a nice individual show and cleared the jump well. We came 4th, would've come 3rd if I'd have cantered her to the jump. Fair enough, I didn't want to risk it. Definitely something we're working on though.
Final class was ridden coloured. It was a bigger class than last time with some very nice looking coblets. The winner from last time was also there. We came 2nd!! I was probably the most pleased with that result as we beat the person who won last time and came 2nd only to a very well schooled traditional cob. Overall another very good day :)
So this weekend she has a weekend off from showing while I revise for exams. Next weekend we're going showjumping (mini ones!). Really looking forward to it. She really had her jumping head on today and was getting excited bless her :) The weekend after that she'll be having another quiet weekend because of exams then we have Urmston and Hargate charity show the 2 weeks after that. It's going to be a busy summer!
Sunday, 25 April 2010
April Update
Been quite a while since I posted anything. I've been stupidly busy with uni etc, it's all getting a bit stressful now. Anyway Saffy has been brilliant as usual :) We had Urmston show last Sunday and she excelled herself. I went with the goal of getting a 2nd place, we got 2!! We also got a 3rd. I was thrilled to bits with her and I thought she looked great. Only need a red rosette now and we have a full run!
In my lessons I've been working on my position and keeping my heels down so my legs down ride up. It sounds basic but I've gotten into a really bad habit of bringing my heels up and turning my toes out. I'm also working on getting her moving off my leg much quicker and not constantly nagging her with them. It's quite hard work but she's a pleasure to work with :)
We did our 2nd dressage test on Saturday and hacked over to Hargate. She was great on the hack and I felt pretty relaxed, new for me on hacks!! I just wish we could get to off-road hacking without having to go on so many roads. The drivers are generally great but there are so many things that are potentially scary in gardens etc. Meh, I'll get over it. Anyway she was a very good girl in the dressage, really did what I asked and worked a lot better than last time. We got 62.2% and came 3rd!! That's an improvement of 2.2% on last time so I'm pleased. I didn't see the tests that got 1st and 2nd.
Today I've bought her a 2nd hand western saddle for hacking. She was an angel when I was trying it on her and just stood there while I faffed about with it. It was very comfy so I'm looking forward to taking her out in it soon. I got her some hoof boots too which I'm going to use for hacks to stop her front feet wearing down.
We have Mottram show next Sunday then Hargate show the weekend after that. We then have a weekend off while I stress over exams followed by a jumping competition on my birthday weekend. Busy busy bees!!
In my lessons I've been working on my position and keeping my heels down so my legs down ride up. It sounds basic but I've gotten into a really bad habit of bringing my heels up and turning my toes out. I'm also working on getting her moving off my leg much quicker and not constantly nagging her with them. It's quite hard work but she's a pleasure to work with :)
We did our 2nd dressage test on Saturday and hacked over to Hargate. She was great on the hack and I felt pretty relaxed, new for me on hacks!! I just wish we could get to off-road hacking without having to go on so many roads. The drivers are generally great but there are so many things that are potentially scary in gardens etc. Meh, I'll get over it. Anyway she was a very good girl in the dressage, really did what I asked and worked a lot better than last time. We got 62.2% and came 3rd!! That's an improvement of 2.2% on last time so I'm pleased. I didn't see the tests that got 1st and 2nd.
Today I've bought her a 2nd hand western saddle for hacking. She was an angel when I was trying it on her and just stood there while I faffed about with it. It was very comfy so I'm looking forward to taking her out in it soon. I got her some hoof boots too which I'm going to use for hacks to stop her front feet wearing down.
We have Mottram show next Sunday then Hargate show the weekend after that. We then have a weekend off while I stress over exams followed by a jumping competition on my birthday weekend. Busy busy bees!!
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Saffy's first showjumping
What a brilliant day :D
I didn't sleep very well last night because I was so nervous. I was so sure we'd have a repeat of Thursday. I needn't have worried :) Got to the farm at 8:15 and she'd managed to get poo stains on her even though she was ninja-d up. It must just seep through the rug. I'm going to put her fleece on over the top next time. I need to modify the ninja thing for next weekend too. She hates it going on and off and I get all stressed because she panics. I'm just going to cut it under her neck and sew some velcro on. Should be a lot less traumatic for both of us!
Anyway I digress. Scrubbed the poo stains off her, tacked up and off we went. It was a beautiful day. I was sick with nerves though. She didn't put a foot wrong hacking either way, she was perfect. I was on edge as always but she put up with me :) When we got there I warmed her up a little bit and popped her over the little warm up jump. Once she was jumping it nicely I took her round the the arena for clear round. Went in and walked her around to have a look at the scary jumps. She hesitated slightly at the first (a filler with a ladder) but popped it and was fine from then until we got to the plank. She gawped at it for so long she got far too close and knocked it. She didn't refuse though so I wasn't bothered. I took her in again after a breather and she went round no problems. It was only 1ft6 but I was more bothered about her going around the course without any problems rather than clearing great heights.
The next class came around eventually and I went in 2nd. I kept it steady again and did half in trot and half in canter. It was 1ft9 and she managed it no prob. Went clear and got into the jump off. There was a hell of a lot of waiting around for the jump off and I was supposed to be going in 2nd but the person before me had disappeared so I ended up having to go in first. Having watched the video back I could've cut so much time off but I really wasn't pushing her too hard. I could've probably cut about 4 or 5 seconds off our time if I'd have been really going for it. She jumped clear and did brilliantly :) We came 5th and got a pink rosette and a medal. Dead chuffed :) She was loving the lap of honour too bless her.
I'm going to give the jumping a go at Urmston next weekend. Will start with the clear round (either sj or wh, not sure which yet) and then maybe do the novice if she's ok. If I get into a jump off I'm going to keep her in canter throughout and push her on in between fences. I need to get my turns a bit tighter too, will work on cantering small circles. Overall I'm so pleased with her. She out-performed every expectation and was an angel waiting around between classes. I couldn't have a more perfect horse. Very excited about my dad watching the show next weekend!
I didn't sleep very well last night because I was so nervous. I was so sure we'd have a repeat of Thursday. I needn't have worried :) Got to the farm at 8:15 and she'd managed to get poo stains on her even though she was ninja-d up. It must just seep through the rug. I'm going to put her fleece on over the top next time. I need to modify the ninja thing for next weekend too. She hates it going on and off and I get all stressed because she panics. I'm just going to cut it under her neck and sew some velcro on. Should be a lot less traumatic for both of us!
Anyway I digress. Scrubbed the poo stains off her, tacked up and off we went. It was a beautiful day. I was sick with nerves though. She didn't put a foot wrong hacking either way, she was perfect. I was on edge as always but she put up with me :) When we got there I warmed her up a little bit and popped her over the little warm up jump. Once she was jumping it nicely I took her round the the arena for clear round. Went in and walked her around to have a look at the scary jumps. She hesitated slightly at the first (a filler with a ladder) but popped it and was fine from then until we got to the plank. She gawped at it for so long she got far too close and knocked it. She didn't refuse though so I wasn't bothered. I took her in again after a breather and she went round no problems. It was only 1ft6 but I was more bothered about her going around the course without any problems rather than clearing great heights.
The next class came around eventually and I went in 2nd. I kept it steady again and did half in trot and half in canter. It was 1ft9 and she managed it no prob. Went clear and got into the jump off. There was a hell of a lot of waiting around for the jump off and I was supposed to be going in 2nd but the person before me had disappeared so I ended up having to go in first. Having watched the video back I could've cut so much time off but I really wasn't pushing her too hard. I could've probably cut about 4 or 5 seconds off our time if I'd have been really going for it. She jumped clear and did brilliantly :) We came 5th and got a pink rosette and a medal. Dead chuffed :) She was loving the lap of honour too bless her.
I'm going to give the jumping a go at Urmston next weekend. Will start with the clear round (either sj or wh, not sure which yet) and then maybe do the novice if she's ok. If I get into a jump off I'm going to keep her in canter throughout and push her on in between fences. I need to get my turns a bit tighter too, will work on cantering small circles. Overall I'm so pleased with her. She out-performed every expectation and was an angel waiting around between classes. I couldn't have a more perfect horse. Very excited about my dad watching the show next weekend!
Friday, 9 April 2010
Another one bites the dust
Ahh well it had to happen! I had my second fall off Saffy yesterday. Quite dramatic, ended up in A&E! Just for a check over because I hit my head quite hard. I'm ok though, just all achey this morning!
I had put up a double and a single fence. Warmed up and went over the single fence no problem. I took her upto the double and she refused so I gave her a tap and rode her back to it. She felt like she was going to run out but she was brave and did it. Thing is, she threw herself over it. Must've cleared it by 3ft!! That flung me into the air and as soon as she landed she shot to the left to run out of the 2nd jump, leaving me on the floor. She trotted to the corner of the school and stood there looking scared. I shook myself down, made sure all limbs were still attached, put the jumps down a bit and got back on. She was genuinely scared of the jump. After 2 goes she jumped it from the other direction but was really wary of going over it the way she did when I fell off. I eventually got her over it twice and left it at that. I wasn't angry with her and I don't think she's going to try the cat-leaping and legging it method again!
By the time I was going to bed I was scared. I had been convincing myself I had done the right thing getting back on and trying it again with her, which I know I did. Whenever I thought about the show on Sunday though I started to panic. What happens if we get to the double and she does it again? And I end up falling off in front of loads of people and bash my head again? Arghh.
I woke up this morning feeling a lot more confident. Not sure what changed over night but I want to get back on and try again. Today I'm going to put up a little double and get her lunging over it properly. That way she can figure it out for herself with minimal injury to me!
I had put up a double and a single fence. Warmed up and went over the single fence no problem. I took her upto the double and she refused so I gave her a tap and rode her back to it. She felt like she was going to run out but she was brave and did it. Thing is, she threw herself over it. Must've cleared it by 3ft!! That flung me into the air and as soon as she landed she shot to the left to run out of the 2nd jump, leaving me on the floor. She trotted to the corner of the school and stood there looking scared. I shook myself down, made sure all limbs were still attached, put the jumps down a bit and got back on. She was genuinely scared of the jump. After 2 goes she jumped it from the other direction but was really wary of going over it the way she did when I fell off. I eventually got her over it twice and left it at that. I wasn't angry with her and I don't think she's going to try the cat-leaping and legging it method again!
By the time I was going to bed I was scared. I had been convincing myself I had done the right thing getting back on and trying it again with her, which I know I did. Whenever I thought about the show on Sunday though I started to panic. What happens if we get to the double and she does it again? And I end up falling off in front of loads of people and bash my head again? Arghh.
I woke up this morning feeling a lot more confident. Not sure what changed over night but I want to get back on and try again. Today I'm going to put up a little double and get her lunging over it properly. That way she can figure it out for herself with minimal injury to me!
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Tuesday's lesson
Just a quick update. Had another great lesson on Tuesday. Cara's really impressed with how she's working now. She says we need to focus more on getting her moving forward now, which is quite a job! I need to ride every stride and be lighter but quicker with my leg. She said to do 2 beats to every stride, something I definitely need to work on! We're going to do some no-stirrup work soon so that should help strengthen my core muscles.
She's had the day off today while I focus on my dissertation. Farrier's coming tomorrow to have a look at her feet and see what he thinks about me getting some hoof boots for her because her front feet are wearing down quite a bit. Hopefully I'll be alright getting boots. I'd prefer to keep her without shoes. As long as she's alright after having her feet trimmed I'm going to do some jumping in the afternoon. Will do a double and make a scary looking jump in preparation for Sunday.
She's had the day off today while I focus on my dissertation. Farrier's coming tomorrow to have a look at her feet and see what he thinks about me getting some hoof boots for her because her front feet are wearing down quite a bit. Hopefully I'll be alright getting boots. I'd prefer to keep her without shoes. As long as she's alright after having her feet trimmed I'm going to do some jumping in the afternoon. Will do a double and make a scary looking jump in preparation for Sunday.
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Boing boing boing
Had a jumping lesson on Tuesday which was great. Cara says I need to fizz Saffy up a lot when we're jumping and count the strides loudly. I'm also not to put the jumps over 2ft until she's getting it right and her back end is stronger. That's fine with me, I'm not in a rush! She had the chiropractor out then (who said she looked like a completely different horse!) so she had Wednesday and Thursday off.
On Friday I took her in the school and she was really good. Quite distracted as it was windy and she hasn't been in the big field for quite a while now. She was great though, not spooky or daft. She's working in an outline in walk most of the time now and does it when asked in trot but doesn't hold it. That'll come with time though. I even asked her to lower in canter and she seemed to understand. I didn't ask for more than a couple of strides but bless her she was doing well :) When we finished I took her over to Ben's. She was good but felt a little bit on her toes. Didn't do anything daft but I didn't feel very relaxed, which I'm sure didn't help things. Either way, we made it there and back with no problems :)
Today the weather was quite nice when I set off so I decided to put a couple of jumps up. Nothing fancy, just 2 x-poles and 2 straights. She was on form today! I got her fizzed up and had her in a nice forward going canter. She flew over all of them for about 20mins (with breathers in between!) and then knocked one because she was getting tired. She's SO honest. If we botch the striding up she assesses the situation so quickly and either puts in a little stride or stretches further over it, whichever is best. She's going to make a cracking little jumper :) Can't wait til our first jumping show next weekend.
After that I took her down Gorsey (big hill, 30% gradient in places!) and back up again. The weather was lovely and she was a very good girl. It's a massive workout for her but excellent for getting her fit and building up her bum. I'm going to aim to do that at least twice a week from now on. It's such a quiet road so great for a relaxing ride. When we got back I pulled more of her mane in an attempt to get it thinner. It's getting there but could do with 2 more sessions I think.
Going to do some schooling tomorrow and think I'll put some poles on the ground to work her over to encourage her to stretch down a bit.
On Friday I took her in the school and she was really good. Quite distracted as it was windy and she hasn't been in the big field for quite a while now. She was great though, not spooky or daft. She's working in an outline in walk most of the time now and does it when asked in trot but doesn't hold it. That'll come with time though. I even asked her to lower in canter and she seemed to understand. I didn't ask for more than a couple of strides but bless her she was doing well :) When we finished I took her over to Ben's. She was good but felt a little bit on her toes. Didn't do anything daft but I didn't feel very relaxed, which I'm sure didn't help things. Either way, we made it there and back with no problems :)
Today the weather was quite nice when I set off so I decided to put a couple of jumps up. Nothing fancy, just 2 x-poles and 2 straights. She was on form today! I got her fizzed up and had her in a nice forward going canter. She flew over all of them for about 20mins (with breathers in between!) and then knocked one because she was getting tired. She's SO honest. If we botch the striding up she assesses the situation so quickly and either puts in a little stride or stretches further over it, whichever is best. She's going to make a cracking little jumper :) Can't wait til our first jumping show next weekend.
After that I took her down Gorsey (big hill, 30% gradient in places!) and back up again. The weather was lovely and she was a very good girl. It's a massive workout for her but excellent for getting her fit and building up her bum. I'm going to aim to do that at least twice a week from now on. It's such a quiet road so great for a relaxing ride. When we got back I pulled more of her mane in an attempt to get it thinner. It's getting there but could do with 2 more sessions I think.
Going to do some schooling tomorrow and think I'll put some poles on the ground to work her over to encourage her to stretch down a bit.
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