WEC Show Jumping - 27/28.12.09

Day One

90cm: I rode really well in that I did NO tipping, or eeek moments. I even clouted him on the approach to the double, he stopped at one jump and I clouted him then he jumped it.

1.00: terrible round. Got all panicked, and just didnt have it together even before going through the flags. He was too long, not round and under himself, and heavy in my hand. I'm afraid I tilted going into jump 3 (a pretty meaty oxer of well over 1.00 wide), and he stopped. Got over at second attempt, but he then stopped at first part of double...told him off and over we went. He was very 'hoony' and strung out. He then stopped at the last jump and I fell off...ooops

Went home pretty demoralised, only to be told by a friend that he was dirty etc etc...which I do not believe him to be. He is simply naughty and taking the mickey any opportunity he gets. Basically, I have to ride him.

Day Two

90cm: After yesterday I was very anxious to do well, and not stuff it up again. However, I felt I got it together and rode him well. No tipping at all, kept my leg on and sat up. He rewarded me with a lovely clear round, followed by just a rail in the jump off -it was at the first of a double where I had given him a reminder on the shoulder as he was starting to back off. Also got him straight over the liverpool.

1.00: Again felt a little anxious and hoped I could remember to breath, take my time, sit up and keep leg on. Which I did! He did stop at number 3, a squarish oxer; basically he had tried to tow me to the wrong jump and probably wasnt focussed (I am happy that I did nothing wrong), and he skidded to a halt right at the jump....got a telling off and away he went. I did give him a couple of reminders several strides out from the double, and although he backed off he went.
So just the one stop, although he did get a bit strong in that he kept trying to cart me to whatever jump he thought might be next, so turning was a bit difficult.

1.05: Felt a bit better now, and had done up his noseband THREE holes! And what a difference. He was soft light and round, and jumped a really nice round including the oxers, swedish oxer off a hairpin, and the double...although he started to try and spook and back off, but I did not tilt or give up, and growled and HE WENT...yay....I did hit him at the liverpool as he was again trying to spook, but he went.
Just the one rail (I think) at the double where he had tried to spook and dare me into tilting.

So all in all, a good finish to the weekend, and great for my confidence in myself.

Richfields Horse Trial

Entries closed for this event a while ago, so I had already entered before our uninspiring Waerenga start!
Oh well: might as well go anyway

I really needed to confirm to myself that our XC is not as bad as it would have seemed to any observers at Waerenga. Truly, anyone watching would have thought we should be doing pre TRAINING, let alone pre novice! - he was that bad!

Anyway, got the all clear from the physio/chiro lady, and funnily enough I noticed in his fitness work that for the first time in about 18 months he was maintaining a canter lead, rather than continually swapping and changing and cross cantering....which makes me think something has been slightly amiss for quite a while.

Dressage and XC day, - he 'seemed' ok.....although thanks to me giving him half a bale of haylage rather than hay to munch through in his yard last night, he was scouring quite badly.

He did spook quite badly going through any and all gateways, which wasnt a good sign, but he settled once at the arena and actually was his normal Willie self for the dressage, scoring only 4 marks off the lead for 6th spot in the class.

Onto the XC.

I really liked the course, and thought it imminently jumpable, with nothing that sent the heebie jeebies up my spine. Although talking to some others after the fact, they all felt it was a difficult course??? It certainly caused more than its fair share of trouble though.

He was a bit silly over the practice jump, taking off a stride early and leaping it...but at least he was keen.

Over to the start box, and after some napping (good sign for him) he got to the box only to find out that the course was held up.....so, after being held up for about 10-15 minutes off we went. He was pretty spooky over the first couple, but a few little reminders and he seemed ok over the next few, albeit having a huge spook when he spotted car and people at the brow of the hill.

Then we had big spooks getting through a double (wide) gateway (another couple with the whip and away we went).....then to the first of our stops....he spooked at a log going into the trees, a little look and off we went....over the combination, over the big hedge, down the hill the roll top and white rails, then BLATTED over the next couple (simple big rails in the fence line)....and onto the 'critter', a rather big solid filled jump into the kahikatea trees....another spook and stop (again jumping into trees - dark).... a wee look and off we went again, a few jumps later coming to the water combination.

I had given the 'a' fence of the combination little thought, feeling that it was the 'b' element (a largish log drop into water, at right angles to the 'a') that I would really have to ride to. However, I dont know what he spotted, but he was googling and spooking strides out....then he did it another two times....there were spectators beyond the fence, one with an umbrella, but normally that wouldnt worry him. I have to admit also, to having put the whip away after the first part of the course, and being spooky, he really needed more 'encouragement' to focus on the job - especially at spooky (light to dark) fences, and where he spotted something else spookworthy. Oh well :)

I am thinking that haylage was not the right thing to give him the night before, and have had lots of feedback from others indicating that haylage can indeed cause the 'spooks' .
Pretty silly of me really to have allowed him to have, gulp, half a bale overnight!
Even walking back to the truck he was a mission to convince that it was safe to go through the gateways.

However: on a positive note he was much more Willie like for the dressage, and was also a thousand times more rideable over the pre novice jumps (despite having an attack of the spooks) than he had been to try and get around training jumps. He was also a lot happier in himself - the last two outings he has been very grumpy and snarly, even to the point of really snarling at me when I went to put his gear on.

I am also pleased with myself, firstly for starting, and secondly for being committed to the XC. Interestingly enough, had I got through the water, I would have been held up AGAIN at the very next jump while the rider was taken off in the ambulance. To be honest, I am not sure I would have bothered continuing unless he had been clear to that point.

Now to get my show jumping back on track in time for the Autumn Season. :)

SJ Leamington 22.11.09

Back on track?

Had the chiro sports massage therapist to both boys Wednesday.

She thought he was definitely not coming through evenly behind at the walk, and found some deep muscle problem which had probably been building for some time. So he had a general massage (which he thoroughly enjoyed) and then some specific work on the problem areas - which he didnt so much enjoy. I was to then avoid canter work to the right, but given the go ahead to show jump Sunday.

Come Sunday he felt absolutely fine on both reins, but I only entered the 90 and 1.00

He did have a naughty moment in the 90, came off a turn and stopped at an oxer. I was absolutely certain I did nothing wrong; I didnt tip, or do the 'oh shit' thing... so I turned him around, re-approached, and three strides out he got a 'whack, whack, whack'....his response? I'm going, I'm going, and so he did till the finish flags (brakes became pretty hairy though).

And the same in the metre. Three strides out from start flags, one whallop (well, a tap really) and away we went. He basically never thought of stopping and I had no 'moments' myself, so that's all good!
A couple of rails , but I had allowed him to get a little long and perhaps fast, but he had his adrenalin up and was enjoying himself.

Hmmmm

Well; all going great in jumping lessons. Jumping much bigger than I will meet in Pre novice and he is doing it well. Basically jumping at Novice height.

Waerenga Horse trials, he simply lost the plot dressage. He has been VERY spooky and silly which is quite out of character for him....(he is on toxin binders and mag so not sure it is the grass??). However, he was extremely tense and uptight and doing sewing machine trot with neck up like a goose. I was unable to put my leg on him without him packing a tanty and exploding (which of course he did at canter transition). Scored a grand total of 47% for last place (almost unheard of for him).

SHow jumping he was a bit silly to start at practice jump (hooned at it, then spooked, backed off and did a stupid jump), but I worked through it till he felt fine. Went in, and I dont know what happened...maybe I froze and sat like a chook, I really dont know cos I thought the jumps looked pretty small....however, he stopped twice at first jump, belted him over and he backed off and slammed on anchors at number 2 (an easy peasy upright)...left ring and he flew practice jump, so I must be doing something (or not doing it).

Stewed on SJ overnight and decided to pop him around training XC even though I know he isnt the greatest to ride at that level having had a start bigger. Oh boy: he was AWFUL....ran through the bit, charged at the jumps then spooked and backed off and if he jumped it was a dreadful jump....he actually spooked and snorted at the bank (all of about knee height!)...at a few in the middle I felt myself get into the tippy forward thing, then got back out of it again. Made him trot over a couple, and actually they were probably the only jumps he made enough effort over not to clobber!

Not a very inspiring confidence building ride for me....(thankfully I know he is easier to ride when the jumps get bigger)

So: NEED to get my SJ shit together....I think it is a case of overcoming 'exam nerves', so is a matter of getting out there and doing show jumping till I really dont give a shit.

Planned to do training at Woodhill to start work on conquering SJ competition nerves....drove up Friday. Tried to take him for a ride, he trod on a stone and hobbled for a few steps (a la Willie)...he was still very spooky. Rode him in the sand arena...and he was fine on the left rein, but as soon as I changed to the right he was lame. Did some left canter and he was fine...right canter definitely OFF.

Put him away hoping it would resolve overnight.

No such luck....rode him out this morning and as soon as I trotted to the right on the sand he was sore, although OK to the left. So scratched before even doing my dressage....grrrr.

I had wondered if it was muscular, but the man looked at him and was very impressed with his muscles...said he was obviously fit and worked regularly....said his muscles were lovely and hard (no sign of any problems at all)....little bit of puffiness above fetlock joint, although no pulse....so looking like a foot problem....that stone he trod on could well be the problem.

Let us hope he comes right in time for Show jumping next weekend at Leamington - that's the thing I really need to be doing.

As an aside, having walked two thirds of the training XC, there would be very little point in doing training there with Willie - it was basically pre training, and very very small. However, I think the SJ tends to be maximum.

Ok....let us see what the week brings....grrrr; but I guess that's horses for you.

24.10.09 - Show Jumping

Having had a Great lesson Thursday, I was all ready to put it into practice with a couple of small show jumping rounds.

Went to Kihikihi for the Waikato Area Pony Club Gymkhana, entering just the 90 and 1.00 classes.

Beautiful day, which was a nice change.

90cm
Looked pretty jolly small, but I don't know what went wrong, but I fell to pieces and Willie took advantage.
Quite a twisty course, and he jumped quite big over the oxer at number 4 and I missed my line to number 5 and he ran off....I guess I then lost the plot, and started doing the whole 'tilty' thing, and of course he then stopped twice at the double (would be the double wouldnt it....and an oxer to boot)

1.00m
Again, not particularly big at all.
I definitely rode better though, I was sitting up better and not tilting.
He was naughty to stop at number 7 (an oxer with a red box thing under it)....I dont think I did anything wrong - he was just naughty. When he stopped again, I belted him which kind of changed his mind about stopping at it!
Round and onto the double....I felt him back off, and like a dolt I sat and did nothing about it....grrrr. So, nipped around the first part of the double and popped him out over the second part.

OK...simply need to keep getting out there and working at it until I can get it all right on the day. Positives however, are that I DID go back out and try again, and I DID sit up better (just need to kick!), and a big positive is that I did NOT fall off, or even come close...which means I must be getting more secure in my leg and seat...which will help me increase my confidence to ride.

Just need to keep on with the lessons, and working on myself...I will get there because I am not going to give up!

22.10.09 - Great Lesson

Really need to get back on track show jumping.

Had a great lesson, working on jumping off corners (very much needed), and also continuing to work on me remaining upright, leg on and getting him up in front, maintaining the rhythm, and of course breathing.

It was later on in the lesson that he stopped, ... it was at a swedish oxer(which we had already jumped numerous times) and of course, I fell to bits. I think I allowed that doubt thing to creep in.
However, the instructor didnt want to drop the jump (I asked her to of course!), and reminded me to breath, and keep the rhythm etc....and guess what....he jumped it. Had to jump it again though, but it was fine.

Must not lose faith in myself.

Definitely feeling better, and also feel that I am improving.
We are going to make mistakes and the only way to find out what needs working on is to keep getting out there and competing.
Very little point in dropping to heights well within my comfort zone, as I will learn nothing doing that.
Also pleased to find that we were jumping easily over the required 1.05

Taupo; the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Well, despite some threats in the weather department, Taupo was actually not too bad weather wise - definitely bare-able; even down to a t-shirt walking the x-country.

Dressage: Willie did another of his calm and obedient tests, but just not very inspiring. The judge did comment "kind horse".
He only scored 54% (46 penalty) which I was quite disappointed with, as his test was fine. He ended up about middle of the field.

Show jumping: when we walked it, I have to admit that it looked very small....enough so for us to wonder if it was set up for training. However, it didnt ride particularly well, with only one rider in our whole ring going clear!

The whole course was related lines off of the corner....and I just don't do corners particualrly well. And yes, I managed again to 'trickle' around the corner (you know how one has to be so careful not to slip on corners!) , and arrive at the jump with basically nothing for poor Willie to jump from. .... "thank you", says he!!

So; stopped at number 1 (although not sure how I achieved that), and then twice at number 6a (yes; the double...and it was off a corner....added to which it was an *gulp* oxer)...grrrr

Now for the good; I did feel that I was sitting up a bit better, but still need to ensure he is up off his forehand and RIDE him through the corners....also...(another good bit) I DID NOT fall off!

Cross Country: Taupo have done an immense amount of work since the training trials, and have virtually built a whole new course.
Beautifully built jumps, although a little intimidated as the course was a pretty bold one.

Willie warmed up great: was even really nappy going to the start box, which is a good sign with him. Unfortunately, there was then quite a hold up as a horse and rider had fallen at the log combination at number 4, 5 & 6. By the time we went, he had really gone off the boil.

However, jumped the first couple ok.

Number 3 was a shark tooth thingy, on the lip of a drop (eeeeewww; I also dont 'do' drops). I somehow managed to lose focus on my approach - the fact that I was distinctly aware of someone walking a little dog is a hint as to my lack of committment at that point. However, I pulled myself together and got over it next attempt.

He then proceeded to spook and shy at everything on the way to the log combination. Despite him backing off and being really quite sticky, I was determined and we got through the quick route without penalty. Interesting that I was so focussed and committed, I failed to notice all the people gathered at that jump, my friend or her vehicle.

THAT is what I need to be like on approach to every jump.

The next jump was HUGE, with a horrible approach. It was a bit sloping table thing, but there was a tree in the way, so you only had about two good strides to it. Willie had virtually no impulsion and somehow! popped over it. (it was up to my waist, and a decent spread).

I am afraid I bowed out and retired at the next big combination. It was an oxer (gulp) two strides to a shark tooth drop. Not bad jumps, but he was spooking and backing off, and I really didnt feel I was committed enough - perhaps it was the result of the big effort he had to make at the previous spread?? Anyway, I decided to leave it for another day.

Hopefully we can get it right at Rotorua.

Wet, Wet and more Wet

I had been really looking forward to Te Rapa Horse Trials, and felt "ready" to tackle it.

The Saturday was actually lovely weather, even though there had been horrendous amounts of rain leading up to the event.

For this trial, to enable the group to fit all the dressage tests in, everybody BUT us show jumped on the Saturday. This meant that for the pre-novice, our show jumping was to be held between 8.30 and 10.30 Sunday morning.

And wouldnt you know it; the rain was absolute torrential all night.

I got up with the alarm, and then I am afraid having looked at the black skies and read the weather forecast (heavy rain all day), I went back to bed. I really did not relish the thought of getting wet early in the day and then getting another soaking late in the day (we were last to run xc).

I did feel some modicum of guilt, which rapidly evaporated when I looked at the results and saw that only a third of pre novice riders completed.

Still, very disappointing.

So now we have Taupo this weekend, and to be honest, I really dont feel as well prepared as I had for Te Rapa, having done very little jumping. Oh well; SURELY the weather has to be better than it was for Te Rapa (or have I put the kaibosh on it by even suggesting it couldnt be worse?)

Taupo Training Trials 13.09.09

SATURDAY

Well we headed down early to take advantage of the practice show jumping on the Saturday, which despite it being a bit drizzly, was a worthwhile exercise.

I had anticipated doing a round at 90, then perhaps one at 1.00.

The bigger ring had a lot of jumps off of turns and corners (one aspect that I generally ride badly), as well as oxers, fillers and a treble, so plenty to think about in addition to the slippery going.

I have been working very hard on keeping my hands up, and my shoulders up, as it is when I tip forward that Willie throws in his stops. Much as he kept daring me to tip forward we jumped around twice with no stops, including the one stride double, and the treble. Then I found out that it was apparently already set at the meter; so quite pleased with that.

SUNDAY

Dressage:
He usually gets very tense at Taupo, so when the opportunity arose to ride twenty minutes ahead of time, I went in, so he had only had a very short warm up.
He remained relaxed and very very obedient, although could have had more pizzazz. Scored 7's & 8's with his walk work letting us down.
62.35% for 9th place

Show Jumping:
As I was almost last to go, the ground was pretty cut up and slippery, so I probably under-rode the corners. However, I managed to keep my hands up, and much as Willie tried a most of the jumps to dare me to drop my hands and tilt forward, I disappointed him. However, this of course meant we got pretty deep to most of them, and I am surprised he only took two rails. Hopefully with time he will begin to just go without thinking about having me on.
8 faults

Cross Country:
He napped going to the start box, which is always a good sign with him.
He literally leapt out and off we went.
For once he didnt spook and play silly buggers, and simply toddled around jumping everything we met.
Jumped the palisade really really well. I was so proud of myself, I just eyed it up and kept legs on and was rewarded with a lovely free jump over it.
He did the bounce really well, and also the corner. Basically he just jumped everything out of his stride.
Didnt push him for time (and did get held up by someone stopping, and then re-presenting while I was waiting to jump the jump!), and I was very pleased with his fitness.
0 jump faults
13.2 time faults (very few went within the time and there were considerable time faults across all classes so mine werent too bad at all)
Finishing in 11th place overall

Aiming at Pre novice at Te Rapa, so the plan is to keep working on the show jumping.

07.09.09 - Megan Jones Lesson

Fabulous lesson!

Megan was so 'normal' and down to earth, that I didnt feel at all intimidated by her.

She was super quick to cotton on to what was going wrong with Willie & I in the show jumping, just from the little I told her. And from word go, we worked on how to fix it, rather than her watching how I rode and waiting for it to turn to custard.

We worked on me keeping my hands up, and carrying them, and encouraging him to keep his head up more, which in turn lightened his front end. I also worked on sitting up and using my ribcage for half halts, in conjunction with hands up.

Megan explained that if his head was up, rather than dragging me forward and down, he couldnt stop (as long as legs were on of course).

Initially we practiced walk to halts, then trot to halts, (by raising my hands, and using my seat and rib case) and then even a forward canter to halt....WOW.... I didnt think it would happen, but it did, and I wasnt 'pulling' at him.

Then onto jumps, again keeping the hands up, the canter forward and under.

He felt totally different (Willie was probably thinking that I felt totally different).

After a warm up jump practicing what we had learnt, we were to jump that jump turn the corner to the related line, face the jump....and HALT two strides from the jump. Then when he was focussed on the jump, into canter, jump and then halt between the two jumps. He then cantered on and really jumped the oxer well, no spooking at the filler, just jumped.

Through the grid (full of spookies) ... he initially tried his spooky stop antics, but it was like I "had" him, and through he went. After that no more even thinking about it. He was jumping superbly.

And to finish we cantered around to a spooky oxer of the corner.

No spooks, no nothing, just a nice clean forward jump.

Yay.

Lots to work on, but then at the same time very little to work on if that makes sense.
Wendy has been helping me to sit up more (and counter the tipping) and along with the hands, it is simply ensuring I continue to remind myself 'hands up, hands up, sit up, sit up" until it is habit.

Little Valley Farm Clinic 29/30 August

Another two day clinic with Lizzie Brown and Clarke Johnson at LVF.

First day we started with show jumping warm up in the covered arena. Firstly related distances, altering the number of strides between, finishing up with a grid, double bounce to a one stride oxer. Willie did his thing with no fuss and was very well behaved.

Then into the sand show jump arena to jump a full course.
We first went through at about 90/95 ish ? and Willie went very well, apart from one VERY naughty stop at the first of the double. Basically everything was right, and he just said Nah!...no fuss, just turned and jumped it and completed the course.

The jumps were then put up for Willie (Carolien reckons they were about 1.10 so that's good). Willie jumped ok, apart from another naughty sudden stop, but he jumped everything else very well.

Seems he is more likely to throw in the stop off a corner, so I really need to learn to ride the corner, keep the impulsion through the corner (and of course keep my shoulders UP).

It didnt help that I was still feeling a little queasy, but I wasnt too bad.

SUNDAY
Straight into the sand arena for xc exercises using the show jumps.

Unfortunately I was actually feeling a little worse (first proper meal the night before hadnt stayed put), and I also think the lack of proper food for over a week was catching up with me also.

However, I gave it a go.
Willie did take advantage, and on a couple of occasions again threw in a stop (again off of a corner). I found myself falling back into the old habit of tipping forward in the last couple of strides, which was a gift for Willie...yippeee, here we gooooo STOP ha ha

The 'new' keeping the shoulders up is not yet fully ingrained, and obviously when I am not totally with it, the old habits will leap back in with a vengeance. However, I will continue to focus on keeping my shoulders up, and we will get through this too.

We then went out onto the xc proper, although my health was deteriorating. The idea was for me to start out and just play it by ear depending upon how I felt.

Willie was very bold into the water, although I have to admit to riding cautiously on anything but a straight line, given willie's (and my) difficulty coping with slippery ground.

We then jumped the new triple wedgy brush thing, and of course Willie went straight over it. Jumped the new little houses, a bounce, and a coffin combination. Willie jumped very well. I decided to call it a day, and am sure I would not have been able to cope with jumping a course.

Indeed when I got off, I was very whooozy and could barely stand up.

A shame I wasnt feeling the best for the clinic, however I guess its all milage and I have a couple of weeks to get back on top of my show jumping before the Season starts.

I have a show jump lesson planned with Megan Jones next week, so that will help get us back on track.

Another awesome clinic

Aren't clinics wonderful to get you going: I think its not only that you have great instructors, but that there are others that have just the same problems, the same issues of self belief, and I think also that being in a group you somehow feel braver and perhaps challenge yourself more?

We started both days with about an hour of dressage which was great, as poor Willie basically hasnt been schooled properly for several years, much less had a flat lesson. I really must get more motivated to do more flatwork with him as he deserves so much better; I'm afraid I just get so....'blah' about doing it. I MUST schedule at least a day each week where I will do more than go through the motions.

Show jumping yesterday, grids, related distances, curving lines....all focussing on keeping the rhythm.

Willie was great (and I dont think I was too bad either)....no stops, and no nearly stops, so that's good, and generally he jumped very well. He can tend to get a bit blase though, but I think a few times over the bigger jumps sharpened him up again.

Cross country today, and I was expecting him to be pretty blaah as he is not particularly fit yet, and he has had a hard couple of days. I kept him in the kk, thinking he would be fine.

ummmm: wrong....first jump; great....second jump; wahooooo and gone!! I simply had nothing, he tanked into it full tit, and upon landing basically took off.

However, although he was more difficult to ride, he was extremely keen and jumped very boldly. The secret was to MAKE him come back well before the jump, then ride on into it. He was excellent (again no stops or even nearly stops or anything)...did several corners, skinny, big palisade, sunken road, bounce, and water, plus a few others.

And I never once doubted him, neither did I doubt myself.....
My knees however are another story!
The achilles seem (touching wood crazily) to have settled somewhat, only for the knees to pack up - the one I injured when he planted me in a liverpool seems to be really complaining about short stirrups... oh well: I guess it'll simply mean a double dose of nurofen each time I compete :)

Oh, and the final Kaurilands was a disaster on Willie too!
Ummmm at one stage a leap and a something ?? and I am pointing in the wrong direction in my test, and it was all down hill from there...then riding back to truck, some sideways bouncing, napping, 'things'....hmmmm...time for Willie to come off the grass (free rein of four acres is perhaps overdoing it a little).

LVF Day Two - 26.07.09

Yet another sunny day; this one even warmer.

Today after starting on the same kind of warm up exercises on the flat, we worked on XC exercises with show jumps; angled lines, corners, skinnies etc, finishing with a course using all the exercises includng a skinnie of two barrels upright, and a fairly meaty corner.

Willie was good: had a wee think a couple of times during the clinic, but again no stops, and I felt no anxious moments; just a quiet determination that the blighter wasnt going to have me on!

He was however jumping pretty 'blah', and being a somewhat 'dull' type of TB definitely jumps better when fit and full of feed. However, he definitely was enjoying himself, and thoroughly enjoyed the water jump schooling. He can back off water usually, but today he felt quite keen and brave which was great; he was just jumping a little flatter than normal.

He had worked pretty hard over the two days, and done quite a lot of jumping.

I was very pleased how we both went, and am really starting to look forward to the start of the season. Let's hope we can continue to build our confidence, particularly with those pesky show jumps!

LVF Clinic 25.07.09

Great weather; nice to see the sun for a change.

The clinic was over two days, with Clarke Johnson, who I have to say I was very impressed with. He has a lovely manner, and I found I didnt feel the same anxiety I have in the past with some instructors. However, I would also have to say that the instruction I have been getting from Wendy has no doubt helped there immensely, as with her help I feel that my confidence is steadily growing.

We started off with loosening exercises, getting the horses to stetch down over the back, then transtions, lengthening and leg yielding, and some counter canter and canter lenthening.

Day one was focussed on show jumping; related lines, curved lines and roll backs, finishing with several courses.

Willie went very well, albeit will be pretty tired as he is not fit this far out from the start of the season. However, no stops (and I didnt fall off) which is always a bonus.

I have been coming increasingly aware of my random right hand problem....always seem to have the right rein shorter and 'fiddle' with it. Clarke also made me aware that I ride with my right shoulder forward, so I will now work on that also; I tend to think that the two are related - if I can keep myself straight there will be more chance my hands remain even.

WEC Winter Show Jumping - 19.07.09

Despite it blowing a gale, and being very squally, I decided to brave it, and put our new found confidence to the test.

It was actually not bad down there, and I dont think it rained at all, and was definitely not as windy there as here at home.

I had entered the 90 and meter classes.
Willie warmed up fine, (albeit grumping at any horse that dared to venture near to him). He jumped fine, and his one wee back off moment never amounted to anything (maybe because I didnt tumble forward and do my usual flappy arm thing?).
He likewise jumped well in the jump off, and I was right that he had been relatively quick as he got 3rd.

In the meter, he also jumped well.
However, I fell back into old habits on a roll back type turn into an oxer to a related distance one stride double. I tipped forward on the turn, and basically let his arse end fall out behind him. Yes, he could have jumped it quite easily, but decided not to.

He bounced around having stopped (yes, he knows when he has been naughty), and I proceded to ride the line correctly. He then really backed off the double, and I think had I not been really sitting upright and in behind him, he probably would have stopped. I was absolutely wrapt with myself for remaining calm, staying up (and jamming my spurs onto him)...he obviously felt there was no option but to jump, so that was great for my confidence.

So just the one stop, which I can live with.

The 1.05 looked eminently jumpable, and so I will enter that one for next time also - and hope my increasing confidence stands the test!

17.07.09 - GREAT lesson!

Had a wonderful lesson with Wendy, at the WEC.

I really feel like I am gradually starting to sit up more, and having less of the 'oh $hit' moments. My confidence is likewise growing, and I am starting to ride to the base of the jump, wait for it to come, and simply sitting up.
He is starting to jump, even when he would rather have a 'spook ,ha ha gotya moment'.
Or should I say, I am get less inclined to do the whole lean forward, leg off, thing that Willie loves so much.


And, most importantly, I am really starting to enjoy the show jumping.

I really feel that I have progressed more with Wendy's help, than I have with many other instructors.

And on another matter: I am not sure what troubles others are having with the grass this Winter, but even calm sensible Willie has had some demented days. There was one day the other week that for the first time in six years, I seriously considered not even gettting on him he was just so demented trying to get him ready. I did however, and he was actually ok - some very spooky tense moments, and some skedaddles (which really isnt in his usual reportoir).

Have had the ponies inside at night for the last 4-5 days, and what a difference; Willie is normal again; a little spooky, but that's ok. I am also however, throwing anything down their throat that could possibly help with the grass problems, but I think it is taking them off the grass at night that is making the biggest difference. The 'new pony' has been very rideable for the last four days, having been completely off in la la land, and demented (but have elaborated further on his blog)

A little scary

buying a puppy off trade me without first having seen it.

I'm afraid it was one of those impulse things; not even the breed I had been hanging out to get (powder-puff).

I just thought it looked incredibly cute in the photos; like a wee tiny teddy bear. Funny enough, I found none of the rest of the litter appealing at all, and in addition although I had planned on getting a small dog, I hadnt intended to get a Very small one - or a male!

Hopefully I will find him just as appealing in real life.

Knowing the old ugly duckling story though, it will probably be that the less attractive of the litter will turn out to be nice looking adults, and my wee boy will be the 'less attractive'.

Oh well, just crossing fingers he will fit into the household ok, although I am sure there will be some jealousy issues to work through initially.

Ummm; it was also licence to go on a shopping spree....as well as puppy food, there is a snuggly cosy bed, a new collar and lead, and of course the obligatory toys. (All hidden from the other half at this point in time, until he meets the new acquisition, of which he is - for now- totally unaware)

Winter SJ - 21.06.09

I have a sneaking suspicion that the grass may be causing a few problems in both my lads.

WEC had a member's practice SJ yesterday at which the new jumps were unvailed. Some great fillers, two walls; one red brick type filler, and the other a grey castle with turrets, sign written fillers, and YAY, a liverpool.

Well, Willie was a demented flea. Spooking and carrying on at even the wee little x rail warm up, then dancing around all over the place.

He was very difficult to ride in both his rounds, taking a hold and charging at the fences, only to spook and prop before doing a hideous jump....although he elected not to jump the liverpool, preferring to dump me in it, and breaking his reins. Tied a knot in them and got back on, at which time he went doolally, spinning round and round in circles, before I managed to calm him down, jump the liverpool (badly) and carry on.

However, having been given magnesium on Saturday night, he was a different horse for the Kaurilands winter series. Keen and forward, but not at all spooky....basically he was great to ride, and apart from a lazy rail jumped well.

Couldnt figure out why my knees were sorer than usual however, till later that evening I realised I had some rather large bruises, no doubt from my intimate meeting with Mr Liverpool the previous day.

However, all in all pleased with how he went on Sunday.

Hoping to have photos to post, as there were photographers clicking away.

Kaurilands Dressage 07.06.09 Day Two

Lovely weather, and Willie was very well behaved.

Given my tendency to avoid doing much flat work at home, he did very well to come away with a pretty pink rosette for a fifth place in his 2.1 test with 62.5%

Scored about mid field in the 2.4 test with 53.07%

It's a tough life

Willie is in 'ticking over' type work at the moment, with priority given to Sampson for riding. I am sure Willie is happy just being ridden several times each week (he's certainly full of it when he is ridden!).

But with these lovely sunny days (wish they would last all Winter) the boys simply enjoy lazing in the sun.
At one stage Sampson was completely flat out, so obviously very stressed in his environment ;)

Hair cut time

Well having clipped Sampson yesterday for the first time, and finding him to be excellent to clip - not ticklish at all, I then gave Willie his second clip today.

Geeze, what a ticklish bugger. Twitching, and so on; pretty hard to get good lines etc.

Oh well, at least it is done, and I guess it isnt a beauty contest. But I have to say, I have got very boring with my clips the last couple of years: gone are the swirls and points in favour of ala pudding bowl! To be honest, I just couldnt be bothered with doing fancy clips - maybe next year.

Te Rapa HT 02/3 May 09

Well finally, I actually managed to start at an event....his first XC since pre novice at Taupo...which I now realise was about six months ago.

Much as I tend not to do any dressage schooling, he actually went very nicely. (unless in a lesson situation I find it very hard to motivate myself to do flat work, and as I have concentrated my lessons on learning to jump, we pretty much have done no dressage)

He was super obedient, calm and easy. A little more pizzazz would have lifted his marks, but very pleased with him. 70% for a 30 penalty. Mainly 7's, a few 8's, and a couple of 6's in the bottom panel. So he was about 5th in the class after dressage.

Then for the show jumping, and wouldnt you know it, it was raining. The ground was quite sticky, but slippery; not that that makes sense!
I was very pleased with how I rode, and I did not feel anxious at all. No panicky moments, and just took my time.

He did take a rail at number 2 as he had to dive over the oxer...I think his back end must have slipped on take off.
We did have a naughty stop at number 7 (oxer with fill immediately preceeding a roll back turn). I am sure I did nothing wrong, didnt do the whole 'oh $hit' thing, or tilt.
BUT...very pleased as it didnt rattle me. I halted him three strides in front, then straight into canter, three strides and over.
so... 8 faults (1 rl, 1 stp) and 13 time faults.

Cross country....he was so happy to be going xc, but I am afraid at the smaller jumps he did fiddle a bit. Had two stops which were so totally down to me....I dont 'do' downhill or drops, and have to admit I didnt like the drop at number 5, so what did I do....fiddle fiddle fiddle coming into it...and of course he stopped. Turned around and just sat like a prune and let him do it and it was fine. Did the VERY same thing at the bounce before just letting him do it his way.

Lesson: You set up your canter well before the jump, then simply ride to the jump....if you are still fiddling in the last three, two, or one strides you are basically asking for a stop.

My time faults were horrendous though. However, I did have to wait for someone to do the long option at the bounce (and very slowly at that) having been told to wait for them anyway (I could so easily have jumped it before they were even anywhere near it). I had already had to pass them earlier on the course when they were stopping.....and of course, had to overtake them stopping at the palisade also.

Anyway, not too bothered about the time, nor the stupid stops, as the XC was essentially a very easy ride.
Plus the show jumping felt a little less hit and miss than usual.

So hopefully, we will be all ready to GO in Spring!!

(no photos as still deliberating as to whether or not to buy yet another photo of him jumping into water)

Yay

Had a great lesson today out at LVF with Wendy.

I really feel that I am progressing, and apart from the odd "oh shit" moment, am finally starting to sit up and allow the jump to come, making whatever adjustments might be necessary.

I think Willie appreciates not having to try and jump with all of ten ton tessie's weight perched precariously over his shoulder too, although we do still have a long way to go before my confidence in myself gets back up there.

It's the doubt in myself that has been the problem, and we are starting to address that.

Now to keep the positive vibes up for the weekend!

Great Lesson

Had a great lesson today.

Willie got to do what he has been dying to do...some XC. The brakes became somewhat ineffective, but he jumped very very well: skinnies, palisade, coffin...whatever; and I ride so much more confidently XC I am sure.

We did start off with some pole work keeping rhythm but shortening and lengthening strides. Incredible that going over poles on the ground is so difficult!

However, the sj exercises we did, I really felt that we were getting a better canter - more up and with his hocks under him...which then made the jump better, and I felt more that I 'had' him and could better ride should he back off.

Norty pony!

Well, so much for having an easy run at training at Puhinui.

He was very tense warming up for dressage; the fact that he could see the xc jumps and flags I think did little to help. He is so wanting to have a xc run, that I think he gets distracted now (he's not been xc since Taupo last year)

Came 18th in his class on a grand score of....eeeek 53% - pretty disgusting for him, although the test wasnt as bad as I had anticipated it would be.... he actually didnt do anything wrong.

Show jumping> well we have now had our very first E at training level! He warmed up fine (and this weekend there was no 'foot' excuse...he felt absolutely fine)... started off ok, then he had a wee try out stop at a filler, which having been successful (I basically sat like a prune and did nothing), he carried on around the course (over a couple of other fillers without blinking)...then onto the double....two stops and we were gone!

Went back out and he flew the oxer in the practice ring.

Pretty frustrating as the course was actually very small, and a nice flowing course. Not sure what went wrong, although I do know that my recent lessons went out the window. argggghhh

Unfortunatley, due to the numbers, anyone eliminated was not allowed to start XC, so once again poor willie has missed out on a run....I really think that he needs to have a run so he can have some fun!

So looks like I will have to scratch from Puhinui, and perhaps give him a run at training at Te Rapa, just to have a xc run to finish the season.

SJ lesson

Worked on maintaining even strides between poles

Then an exercise jumping an oxer, halting, turning round and establishing the 'right' canter and back over it with it gradually being made bigger. Yay, I started to sit up better and wait for the jump.

We then moved on to a figure eight over an upright, then round to an oxer, again maintaining rhythm (breathing) and just allowing the jump to come to us.

All in all very pleased with how we both went. I need to really work on the sitting up and waiting, and NOT anticipating, panicking, and tilting forward.

Show Jumping - 14.03.09

Now that Kit has gone, and I no longer have to fund Saarin's riding, I am going to make sure that I have REGULAR lessons.

Had my first show jump lesson with Wendy yesterday, and we worked on keeping the rhythm into a fence (using very small jumps), and WAITING for the jump. It felt quite strange, and I tried very hard to sit up more, and not go for the long one. Willie was actually very good, and was very soft to ride, but it is going to take some getting used to coming into a fence without him grabbing hold and going for it (and of course then sometimes deciding last minute to stop). Hopefully also, if I can get into the habit of sitting up more, then if he stops I will be less likely to go splat.

Today, I had planned on doing two small rounds so that I could practice sitting up, keeping the rhythm and waiting for the jump.

80cm...Although he did throw a cheeky one in at the double (guess he couldnt resist, and I wasnt exactly using my legs), I did feel like I was sitting more in the saddle, a little less tipped, and waiting for the jumps. One person did say I should be very pleased with how I rode it, so that's all good.

90cm.... Hmmmm, fine over the first few, then he (again) threw in a naughty stop, and proceeded to nap!! ... I am afraid after that my newly found position went out the window and I rode him somewhat more akin to my old style....however we did go clear over the rest including the double.

One other thing I found funny today, is that he napped both times going into the ring, and when I came out after the 90 he was very on his tippy toes, dancing sideways.

Autumn Season also off to a flying start- NOT

I had planned to go to Hunua as his first Autumn run. Unfortunately, Sampson's stitches burst on the Wednesday and I did not see how I could leave him for others to care for while he was still inside 24/7....so had to scratch.

OK....Well Hopu hopu is on that weekend, I will just go off and do a day of much needed show jumping. Sampson intervened again, bursting a whole lot more stitches and I was not happy to leave him.

Oh well, there is show jumping practice at Cambridge the following weekend, which turned out to be such dreadful weather that it was cancelled.

Then he managed to half pull a shoe and stand on the toe clip,
being lame even at the walk once it was back on....and we had Rotorua the next weekend.

By the Thursday he was still slightly off at the trot, but I decided to take him anyway...the ground had well softened up and on the Friday although pottery, he wasnt lame.
BIG mistake.
Pottery warming up for dressage and although obediant just wasnt himself to score basically dead last - a first for him.
Onto the sj...not a happy camper warming up, but he was jumping....until we went into the ring that is....I REALLY rode my butt off at the first, to have him slam on anchors. I belted him over it, and he slammed on anchors again twice at number two.
He then jumped the practice jump (X rail and small upright) absolutely dreadfully.

I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt that he was still sore ( and he IS a wuss where his feet are concerned)...yes, he stops and takes the mickey, but not at the first jump....usually at the double, or one he thinks I might find spooky, and having stopped he will usually jump it fine. Only once before has he ever stopped at the first jump like that, and then been eliminated. On that occasion he was on three legs the next day.

Spring Season Summary

Not a very inspiring Spring season.

Starting with a nasty stone bruise two days after the training trial, giving him his first start Pre Novice some time later, which although not totally disastrous, could have been better.

Waerenga, proceeded to get ready for cross country only to actually chicken out of the XC. There were a couple of jumps I just did not like, and then I saw a capable rider fall off at one of them, and that was it for me. Silly really not to give it a go because of only a very small proportion of the course.

Richfields....this time was all set to go. He had been standing in the stinking hot hot sun since 8.30, and his dressage was well after 4.00. However, he starting jumping about when he saw the XC flags and the jumps as we went passed them, so all good signs.
Pretty good dressage to finish in top third of the field.

Next day, he had another day standing tied to the truck again in the hot sun from early until mid afternoon. Got on to warm up, and .... nothing....basically had no horse left under me. Really had to ride to even get over the practice jump - normally one sight of it and he goes for it. Disappointed as I had really liked the course when I walked it. However, with me not being an aggressive rider, I did not feel it would be sensible to start - Willie just didnt want to do it. I think if XC had been the day before we would have been fine.

Normally in Summer, after Christmas when the weather heats up, is when I start him on twice daily feeds with sweetfeed, but obviously he really needed the energy food to work on this Spring with it being hotter.

My Show Jumping outings also didnt exactly run to plan, with him pulling a shoe before even getting into the ring at one outing.

At the next, I had one NAUGHTY pony stop in the 90, another sudden stop in the meter (which decanted me), and I have to admit, LOTS of horses were stopping at that jump. And Frank rode him in the 1.05 for no stops - yep; he continues to take the Mickey out of me!