Fo's Stuff

Hunua Training HT 21.01.2012

2012-01-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

First outing for Willie for a while, and I must confess I wasnt exactly sure about jumping him, even though he has been jumping well and very keen. I guess its that hangover from when he hasnt been happy (sore, and then unhappy with his shoeing).

However, he was SO happy to be out and about.

Very short warm up for dressage and in we went. What a happy pony....he was lovely, although couldnt resist a little oopsy in his canter transition - cheeky!

He got great marks, and following my final halt salute the judge actually said to me "What a neat horse!" so that made my day. Comments on his test sheet also very nice with all 7's at the bottom and comments like him looking after me...and rider comment: "well ridden, lucky you!"

Unfortunately, Willie didn't get to jump at all, as I had injured my thumb and shoulder and was in far too much pain to even try.

Riverdale HT 5/6 November 011

2011-11-07T00:09:00.000-08:00

Willie was a dream warming up, and did a really nice quiet flowing dressage test for a score of 61%.

SHOW JUMPING
Not to be I'm afraid.
Not sure if it was memories of previous outings at that venue where he had been sore, indeed on three legs at one, or maybe the softness in the ground worried him?, but he was not happy, and I got the impression that he really didnt want to be there.

He didnt spark up at all, as he usually does jumping, and when we turned to go through the start flags he actually napped. I did then get him to approach number 1, clouted him, and he stopped!?

He then jumped it, and did the same at number two....then at number three

???
So, not sure what's up.
Perhaps time to get a new pony? ... will take him show jumping at Waerenga in December though and see how he feels on a different venue.

Woodhill Sands HT 29/30 October 2011

2011-10-30T21:22:00.001-07:00

As Willie has a large hole in his sole (albeit packed with putty) and was on three legs on the Monday, I wasnt sure about running him on the fine silty sand of Woodhill given the risk of it working up into the hole.

However, we started the dressage and he did his usual calm obedient Willie test to score 68.5% for 6th place.

Predominantly scored 7's with one 8 (walk trans) and a handful of 6's.
All 7's at bottom portion "Calm obedient mount. Combination looked happy and confident but lacking bend and could show a little more engagement at this level"

I decided not to jump him this weekend, and am unsure if it was due to negative vibes surrounding me and outweighing my previous positivity, or because of his foot.

However, I do plan to jump him next weekend, on the grass.

Also need to feed back into my positive thought process and ignore any negativity that surrounds me.

Te Rapa Horse Trial 1/2 October 2011

2011-10-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

First outing with Willie for a very long time....last being at Rotorua towards the end of last year when he pulled up very lame at the start of pre novice XC.

Having barely jumped him for ages, I had a SJ lesson with Wendy on Friday.

Dressage
Not too bad, although I felt he was a little harshly marked perhaps...he was very obedient and just 'did his thing'... 54.7% for 45.3 penalty mark

Show jumping
What on earth was going to happen?
I almost didnt run him as it was so long since I had done a SJ round on him...then thought, ah blow it, whatever happens, who cares, just go in and give it a go.

Which I did. He took a rail somewhere although not sure at what, and apart from a bit of a cheeky stop at the first part of the double (typical) - (and then proceeding to rear and leap around as he was aware he had been naughty)...he then flew round the rest very happily, so I was quite pleased.
Thanks to Gina for SJ shots: at least on this angle you cant see the 'interesting' facials...just the big butt :-)
Cross Country
I had forgotten how to ride him...when he leans and runs you do NOT take your leg off....indeed he tends to get strung out and long and need MORE leg....it is also an excuse for him to stop given "mum's not home".

He stopped at the coffin which surprised me somewhat, but I think it was a bit of a cheeky one. Next jump a drop he also stopped at and even when I jumped it, I got the feeling he was genuinely worried about it for some reason.

Absolutely flew round the next bit of the course, and up to the main arena. Unfortunately there were only two jumps that Dave could see from the donut trailer...and we stopped at both of them. The big double brush first, and I again just took my leg off and didnt sit up, so he was a bit cheeky, the next being a drop into the line of a big tree. I took the option, then waited for another rider to pass through and get several jumps ahead before continuing (so I got LOTs of time faults)...he then flew around the rest of the course also.

Quite surprised at his fitness as he was barely puffing....I had been concerned that he may not be fit enough, but he was.

Although the score board was pretty shocking, both Willie and I enjoyed ourselves.

Woodhill sands HT 24.9.11

2011-09-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Willie stepped into the slot as schoolmaster for Saarin at Woodhill Sands horse trial in the pre training, she having barely ridden him for a very long time, let alone jumping him.

He was very well behaved for her and did a lovely dressage test for over 60%.

Next onto the show jumping.

Poor Saarin was really dreading the show jumping....wasnt AT ALL worried about cross country-ing him though.

First couple he happily popped over the jumps, before grinding to a slow motion halt in front of the third...he apparently was a bit concerned that his rider wasnt really sure she wanted to be doing this. However, he somehow gave her the vibe that he would indeed look after her, and after a canter circle to get themselves together they proceeded to complete the course.

I had not credited Willie with the strength of character he showed...he did not even tank off in the show jumping as he likes to do....he simply cantered sedately, with the odd trot stride and popped around the rest of the course.

Great to see Saarin finish with a smile on her face.
Not easy to step onto a strange horse, and a big one at that, and do your first competition in a long time.

Unfortunately the rain meant that the going XC was horrendous, and that, added to another two hour wait after I had ridden, lead to the decision to pack up and go home.

However, all in all a successful weekend.

Kaurilands 03.07.011

2011-07-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

Once again Willie was on his best behaviour, and seemed very happy to be out and about.

I was absolutely thrilled with his first test; he was a real pleasure to ride and felt happy and loose.

Test 1.6 66% for 4th place
"Nice rhythm esp in trot, but needs to go more fwd and show more energy esp in canter where he starts to nod.

He went very well in his second test also but didnt score quite as well, although got another 7 for paces.

Test 1.5
59.565%

Kaurilands 05.06.011

2011-06-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Poor Willie having to play second fiddle to Sampson.

However, he was thrilled to be out and about and really did try. He was a pleasure to ride and basically didn't put a foot wrong.

Test 1.4
67.2% for 3rd Place

Test 1.3
61.92%

6.11.010 - Rotorua Horse Trial

2010-11-08T11:54:00.001-08:00

Despite ongoing problems with soundness, and Willie not really being right for a very long time, I decided that I didnt really want to do training at Rotorua on him so threw him back up into Pre Novice.

Sure enough, as he has been for some time now, he was not quite right warming up from dressage, but he seemed to work through it somewhat and actually did a nice test. I was very pleased with him.

He definitely didnt feel right warming up for SJ, but for a long time now it hasnt seemed to worry him too much jumping, so I carried on. Although I did notice that the slight increase in height did mean he was not jumping cleanly....at the lower heights he is ok, but obviously whatever is wrong with him does affect him when the jumps get a little bigger.

However, I got him around the show jumping, but was a little concerned at the number of jumps he was rattling on the way round, even though they didnt all fall.....not like him.

Cross country morning he was definitely feeling the effects of the show jumping, and felt quite unhappy. To the extent that he crashed over the practice jump (NOT like him whatsoever - even when he is being naughty and stopping, he basically never feels unsafe when he jumps). But I started him anyway. :(

He went to take off at number one and as his front feet left the ground it must have hurt of something as he crashed into it with his feet up. He then jumped it, but not happily. Jumped number two quite yukky. I thought I would push him on down the slope to see if he would open up and work out of it, but he felt unco.

I approached number three and he just felt so "off", that I pulled him off it and retired. Friends who saw him said that he was very sore behind....he was by that stage pretty lame.

And has remained too lame to ride to date (18.11.010) Have had him treated to no avail, and am now tossing up whether to get his feet x-rayed, as although the weekend felt muscular, as he has done on many occasions previously, he has also been lame from time to time with what feels like a foot problem???

So, looks like No starts for Willie for a while, unless I can resolve whatever is going on with him....very frustrating, as I really feel I am making progress in getting my head in the right place.

Taupo HT 16.10.201

2010-10-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

Well Taupo was a non event for poor Wilson!

He felt a little 'off' on the Friday afternoon when I rode him, so I confined myself to the grass, preferring to keep him off the sand which does seem to aggravate any uneven-ness.

I then proceeded to warm him up on the grass before his test, and he did feel a little off on the right rein initially.

However, he did an ok test even though it was on the sand, scoring a few 8's, as well as some 5's for his walk work which dragged his mark down, finishing on 63%.

Rode him over to the show jumping to learn the course before taking him back to get his gear on, only for him to go dog lame...definitely too lame to ignore and carry on.

So that was his weekend over :(

I have, since that weekend kept him off the sand, and have also been painting the soles of his feet with metalex to try and harden them. Blacksmith was unable to find anything except extremely soft soles, which would lead to him being ouchy from standing on just about anything!

Crossing fingers for a start at Rotorua - even if I do stuff up on the day, it would be nice to get the chance to!

Te Rapa HT 2-3.10.2010

2010-10-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Lovely weather for the Te Rapa Spring trial.

Willie warmed up well for his dressage, and did an ok test, although I seem to have been slammed for some reason. I find it hard to understand how a horse can score 4's and 5's throughout the test (undeserved in my opinion), and then be given 7's for his paces, impulsion and submission.

However, on to the show jumping.
Nice that I was actually not concerned, having over the past few years gotten myself totally stewed about the show jumping, others watching, the what ifs etc etc . This time I was just going to go in, and ride the round and whatever happened, happened.

Started well, and I felt very good in that throughout the round I sat up and more behind him, I didnt tilt or anything. All felt good; no anxious moments whatsoever. He did back off the double and I'm afraid I sat like a muppet and of course he obliged with a stop. But I didnt go to pieces, I simply turned around and rode the rest of the round properly.

Quite confounded with my score though, as although he took two rails and had a stop, I was given 24 jump faults and 19 time ???

Next day XC day....another lovely day.
Again, I was quite unconcerned, although when he went lame just before my start I was a wee bit bothered; but am afraid I ignored it.

Off we set, and I am afraid I just sat and steered, and Willie just did his thing. Nice that he didnt do his usual spooking and playing at the jumps .... I think keeping him in off the grass has also benefited him.

I did muck up the bounce though. He got distracted when we rode past the show jumping towards the bounce, and again I sat like a muppet. All he would have needed was a wee reminder to get his mind on the job. However, that was our only little glitch and he flew around the rest.

Nice that I also felt a bit fitter having ridden two daily for a while.

Really looking forward to the next outing. Have entered him for training rather then PN, so that I just have the two in the one class.

Photos courtesy Jan at www.take the moment, with the exception of the montage from Debbie Stevens; many thanks

Kaurilands show jumping 05.09.010

2010-09-05T03:07:00.001-07:00

Having had an awesome XC lesson the day before with Kirsten Kelly (she is GREAT!), in which I learned that counting strides into the jump tends to help one to commit to the jump. Actually Willie went very well, and I felt I also rode ok....every jump came up sweet using the counting to the jump method....now just have to make it habit.

90cm

Tried to count myself into every jump, and was pleased that everything came up well, and Willie also jumped a good jump off to win the class. :) He seemed to really enjoy himself.

1.00m

Ooops: didnt really get him fired up and 'going' enough before starting, and although again trying to count myself into the jumps, it actually helps if you do something such as use your legs and RIDE each stride you are counting. Did the 'pretty pretty' going nowhere thing into the first two, then he stopped at the 3rd (and I fell off, but it was one of those no impact ooops falls)....gave him a tap with the whip and he toddled over the jump....jumped another and then the next oxer he stopped at.....so I gave him a better telling off, at which he leapt into the air, ....but my goodness did he jump after that!!

Literally flew around with no hint of a stop - including the...YAY, double!!

So all in all quite happy.
Very happy that despite getting it wrong at the first few jumps in the meter, I didnt let that worry me, sorted myself out, and rode the rest fine.

So, all good

Thanks to Miranda Singh for being there with her trusty camera....although she should of course have done a wee bit of photoshopping!!! ;-)

24/25 August 2010 - A Scott clinic

2010-08-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

Despite having had a bit of a nasty fall of Sampson a couple of hours before my first day's lesson, I went ahead. Luckily it was less painful riding than anything else, so that was good.

Willie went ok, and interestingly (especially for an Andrew Scott course!), I felt like I would have liked the jumps bigger....although I have to admit Willie wasnt making much of an effort jumping wise, and I also suspect Andrew was being kind to me given my earlier fall.

However, good to feel that my confidence was somewhat intact once I got going.

Second day: again Willie really only made an effort when it was the first jump over something, especially if there was fill; after which he just kind of bobbled over. But no stops, or near stops, so that's gotta be good.

Need to allow him to keep rolling to the jump and kick him right to the base - dont allow him that last minute hesitation and look before jumping - just kick him to continue to jump out of his stride.

Kaurilands 08.08.2010

2010-08-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

Having disappointingly missed the last outing of the Kauriland series with a very near miss injury (2mm away from 'doing' the tendon running between fetlock and heel in hind pastern), we were back to try again.

Willie went very well in his first test, being very obedient and not really doing too much wrong. He won that test with a score of 66.5%.

Unfortunately, being last to go in the second test, we were the 'lucky' ones to strike the downpour. Willie does not really 'do' rain, and all I can say is that to his credit, he did keep going....well, nearly! He basically tucked himself under and simply would not go forward....so finished near the bottom of the class.

However, despite that, he still managed to take out second place overall for the Master's series and fourth for membership. Pity we only got to do two of the four days of the series, but very rewarding to feel that we are on the right track, and that we should again be capable of getting better scores. I think over the past few seasons I have become a little lacking in my flatwork, and so Willie has fallen back.

Now, we just have to keep up the momentum, and continue with the "quality" schooling!

Looking Back

2010-06-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be quite fun to revisit all my horses and ponies, and remember them their talents, and quirks, and not so endearing qualities.
MAGIC
14.2 grey of mixed breeding
13yrs
The first of the bunch.
Having spent much of her life before us having foals, she took to pony club life as a beginner's pony well with me winning my very first ribbon in an egg and spoon racce...she was eventually passed around a few members. She also had a foal by a pure bred arab between owners.
Mum spent ten days riding her right around the Coromandel peninsular, plus numerous other treks, in the days when wild and woolly bush tracks were still available.
Taught me a lot, but after two years I was ready for something that wanted to jump. It was the one thing she simply could see no point in!

TINA
14.1 bay pony
6yrs
Purchased from a sale by a friend who found her too much and we initially swapped horses before she decided to give up riding altogether.
Taught me the joys of napping, rearing and the ole head between the knees trick!
And was also the first (of several) who enjoyed jumping out. This was not smiled upon by the aeroclub given her penchant for jumping out of the airfield paddock and getting in the way of the planes.
However, I had a lot of fun on her and jumped all sorts of things, including dinghy's on the beach, and the groins along the foreshore.
But, within a year, having got her going really well I was quite simply far too tall for her.

LARAME
3yo chestnut 3/4 tb by a Riverbank King Colt
approx 15.2 ?
He'd had a hard start being ridden HARD on the hills at a young age, but was a real sweetheart.
So it was off to a neighbouring farm for six months turn out to hopefully grow.
It was deemed time for him to come home when he began jumping around the farm over whatever gates and fences were in his way, and chasing the farm dogs!
Unfortunately he didn't grow enough and was eventually sold as a dead quiet confidence booster for nervous riders. He was one of those that would jump anything...just plod up to it and over he went.
You would see him standing by the fence one minute, look away for a moment, and he'd be on the other side of it.
He also was passed around pony club learners.

SAM
16.1 3yo bay
by Lucky Vollo (SB) ex Country Girl (TB)
A VERY good looking horse who scored very well dressage, and was a talented jumper. Unfortunately he was also chicken, and if things didnt go well, he would throw in the towel.
He had also been stuck in a bog while being broken, and any jump in a slightly trappy place he quite simply would go nowhere near. (Another one for whom the delights of the full rear was part of their repotoir)
Really Mum's horse, and she did many many rugged treks on him, including twice right around the peninsular. She had him from age 3 until his mid teens when he was replaced by an OTTB while mum still felt young enough to cope with a younger horse (in her 60's)
However, I 'pinched' him for several years, and did the usual pony club activities including dressage and the odd ODE we got out to (we were lucky to get out to one or two a year being unable to afford transport).
Did area trials (unfortunately following torrential run isolating Whitianga and causing slips....needless to say, there were a couple of jumps on course that resembled boggy bits - his favourite!). However, the carnage at Auckland for champs that year following rain made one very thankful at not doing well at trials! (Champs that year has become legendary for the atrocious conditions, falls, and spectators sitting on jumps to try and stop the course)
Also managed to get out to a couple of hunts where he was fabulous...what a thrill being up the front!
However, despite his talents, his intrinsically chicken heart made him unreliable to compete, and he returned to being Mum's number 1 horse...much to her delight.

AMBER
15.3 Chestnut Anglo Arab Mare
mid teens
Been there done that
Was supposed to be for me, so Mum could have her horse back, but I continued to prefer to ride Sam.
She was the most giving mare, and would try her heart out for you.
She was often loaned out for others to ride and jump, although mum did withstand a couple of hunts on her (of course I bagsed Sam). She was a law unto herself and each jump gathered more momentum.
Amber was eventually sold to a well off local with land, and it was heartbreaking to hear some time later that she had simply been turned out, neglected and died of starvation. I still cry when I think that someone treated that wonderful giving mare like that.....goes to show that what may seem to be the best home, may not be.

GOLDEN LEGEND (regd Fonce Royale!!)
15.3 OTTB Chestnut rising 5
by Regent's Tale ex Lady Bremworth

Another sweetheart!
Legs was a bit herring gutted and could be hard to keep condition on.
Absolutely quiet and sensible hacking, and a really sweet horse to have around...Until he spotted a jump -he would completely lose his marbles. I spent many hours quietly lunging him over jumps and popping over baby jumps with him.

However, he was an extremely talented jumper: he was like a grasshopper and could jump from anywhere off a couple of sideways strides. Stephen Davis once remarked on a clinic "you have no idea what you are sitting on"

Eventing wasnt really his thing as although he would jump he could be quite difficult, and had an extremely sensitive mouth. Despite having a 'rubber neck' and a tendency to throw his head up when excited, I refused to use a running martingale on him due to his sensitivity (resulted in a blood nose, and stitched eyebrow on a couple of occasions).
He did A1 at the very first Timberlands as a 5yo. (Before the heights were reduced from Intermediate size down to 1.05)

He was sold when I gave up riding at 20, going to a rider in Auckland.

Approaching the age of 28, I moved to Tokoroa and being surrounded by horses it was not long before I was looking for a horse. These were the days when Tokoroa had a very strong pony club movement, adult riding, and numerous succesful riders in the area there including Trudy Boyce, Nicoli Fife, Carol Stewart, Peter & Margaret Kuizinas, and before long also Bryce Newman and John Gray.

ZACHARY (regd Liditz)
16.1 rising 4 OTTB
by Diamante D ex Easter Maid

A rising 4 yo OTTB is probably not what would normally be recommended for someone returning to riding after so many years!
An unlikely looking TB, with rather a plain head, and quite heavily built. The joke among friends was as to what had jumped the fence!
However, he was basically quiet, but wasn't particularly generous. Indeed he could be very 'doggy'.
However, I did do my first novice HT with him.
He was incredibly hard work, but I could just about get him around if it werent for ditches!
He had an absolutely genuine fear of ditches, something I had never struck with any horse before. I schooled and schooled over them, and could generally get him over a training sized ditch, but unless there was an option on XC at novice level, there our day ended.
Another who was actually a very talented jumper - despite dangling below the knees he gave everything such height that he remains the cleanest jumper I have ridden.

Bryce Newman got on him once, and soon had the jumps put up to humungous proportions. He told me that the horse was capable of jumping the really big stuff, but did have to say that he really didnt think that the ditch problem could be overcome.
Zach was also a horse that seemed to get bored with jumping very quickly. If he had jumped the previous weekend he became even harder work, but give him several months off jumping and he was quite enthusiastic, with the bucks increasing in directly proportion to the height of the fences.
The first couple of starts each season would fill me with renewed hope to the season, and then he would simply switch off.
I did find however, that hunting sparked his enthusiasm and he was a great full wire hunter. Given his LAZY nature, one could simply sit and steer (no worries about brakes).
When I finally decided at aged 7 that he simply didnt want to be an eventer, I sold him as a hunter.

MAYHILL BENJAMIN
by Bullsbrook ex
15.3 7yo OTTB

Having been told of a 16.2 6yo TB that had been rescued, and was for sale, I met Ben.
His mane and tail were LONG and matted, and he was thin and extremely neglected. He had been rescued from his breeder, a Dotty Johnson of Tirau, along with quite a few other horses. Basically it was the tougher ones that survived, and dead horses dotted the property. And Ben was indeed a toughie.

Despite him being too small, I felt sorry for him and took him on ; paying WAY too much for him ($2000)
He was extremely green, and indeed to start with could barely walk a straight line with a rider aboard, but he had a wonderful temperament and tried his heart out. He very quickly became quite well schooled, and even got some dressage points.
Despite his best efforts however, he was simply not destined to become a jumper. And he had the smarts to know his limits.
Basically, training level (with the odd 1.00 jump) were his limit. But up to that height he was reliable and honest, and tried his heart out.

I had always felt he was far too small for me, and his jumping limitations decided me to sell him on. I think me catching a foot on the out jump of the cascades jump at the Crossing really hit it home to me that he was not only too small, but simply didnt have the scope for Novice.

He went as a first hack, then a learners horse, before funnily enough ending up with an adult rider who had initially been interested in him when I first listed him for sale. At that point she had decided to give her current horse one more try.

It was wonderful to hear how much she was enjoying him, and that he would have a home with her for life. I enjoyed her updates until I lost her contact details when shifting.

I think nowadays he would have been quite successful in Show Hunter, as he kept a lovely rhythm, and jumped in nice style.

RICK (Mr Copperfield)
by Manfield ex Jan's Ward
7 yo TB 16.1h
Already had 1 HT pt

Enough of the greenies! Time to get something with a little mileage.
Rick was a lovely looking horse, who had been ridden novice by experienced riders. He was very bold XC, but I have to say the horse I have enjoyed the least SJ...I dont know that I have had a horse take so many rails before, and seemingly not really be too concerned about it.
I had some real fun cross country on him and did quite a few novice HT, before having a go at graded dressage with him.
He did very well, and upgraded quite quickly (in the days where points were only accrued with placings)
Unfortunately, he suffered a paddock injury when slipping on a hill. Vets and massage therapists didnt really have an answer except to turn him out and give it time....which I did....Lots of it!
It must have been about a year before he seemed to be on the improve.
I stupidly allowed myself to be talked into letting someone unknown to me take him for a ride. They took him over the main road, and was apparently relishing showing off his extensions along the verges, when all I can surmise that must have happened, is that he got a fright at something, went up, and somehow went over backwards on the road.
I had had similar happen in my early days with him when we came across a piebald horse in the middle of a forestry ride...up he went, spun and tally ho.....once I had stopped him he passaged and snorted all the way back to where we had started, then took a big breath, realised it was simply another horse, and carried on (probably embarrassed at himself)
What followed was a dreadful time, with approaches from several people telling me my horse was mad and should be shot etc.
He of course was also worse for wear, and very sore.
More time off following which I gradually brought him back into work, and although he wasnt lame, I just never felt he was totally 'right'. He had lost his flamboyance at the trot, and his lovely lovely canter now felt quite stilted. I also felt that he was not completely happy in himself. He was not a horse that one would really keep as a pet, and paying for grazing also makes one think twice about doing so. So, I made the hard call. I am still happy that I did the right thing for him.
Heartbreaking though, was Jackson's daily search for his friend, and calling out for him when we got back from a ride for weeks.

JACKSON (Jay Tee)
6yo Brown Tb by Foxbay ex Monde Cherie (Dam of "Just Once")
16.2 but actually smaller given his horrendously high wither!

The naughtiest of the naughties!
A very bright cheeky horse, who learnt very quickly from his paddock mate that napping was really quite fun, and a good way to try and get out of work. A habit that he retained all his life - indeed even at the 3de he couldnt help himself on the first roads and tracks (mind you those Taupo rocks are awfully scary!).
He is also the spookiest horse I have ever had, and the one that can buck with the most energy -I think he just enjoyed it when the fancy took him.

He was purchased with a view to me getting back into low level jumping again, at that point I would have been happy to get to training, as even pre-training looked enormous.

However, he was a very safe and clever jumper and would basically jump from any spot. Indeed the jumping was never the problem....it was that blimmen napping....it seemed that on occasion if he thought there was too far between jumps, it was too boring and he would brighten up his day.

I recall one Horse Trial at Waerenga where he had jumped clear, but managed to get 130 time faults. He had napped between jumps 2 & 3, eventually I had inched our way close enough for him to see number 3 and we were away again, with no further problems!

And Kihikihi, a course he had done several times, changed where the course finished. Each time previously the jump under the roofy thing was the last jump. This time however, there were still several more jumps before the finish. Do you think he would go another step from where he thought the finish should have been? -Not likely. Fancy retiring so near to the end of the XC, and it being in the middle of the paddock!

In all his events, I think he only ever had one SJ refusal... but he would look for any excuse to nap, rear, then he'd carry on as if nothing had happened. And the same at show jumping competitions, he would jump beautifully around 1.10 tracks, and sometimes half way round do a random rear, then carry on. I think it depended what mood he was in.

However, I did have a lot of fun on him, and learnt to appreciate (?) his character.

He was also the consumate learner's pony for Saarin, taking her right through to hooning around the WEC, and jumping; he was that safe. Interesting though that he never ever put a foot wrong, until she reached the point of wanting to do more...then slowly he would do little baby naps (never anything she couldnt cope with), but I knew that it was time for a more suitably sized pony to be sought.

He's now 20, still loves kids, and will live out his days here as the family pet.

And the New boys are

WILSON (Hooray Bombay)
17.0 rising 5 OTTB
by Jetball ex Soundoration
This is his blog.

SAMPSON (Big Country)
17.3 6 yo OTTB
by Anziyan ex Country Fashion
Who also has his own blog.

Kaurilands 13.06.010

2010-06-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

Very happy with how Willie went, and also quite pleased with the improvement in my riding.

Thanks to Wendy, I have been learning to use my legs before my hands, and to allow the horses to move more freely forward rather than getting tentative and applying the handbrake in varying degrees.

I am trying to ride Willie in the same manner that Wendy has been teaching me to ride Sampson, and at home I can definitely feel him starting to loosen up and swing more from behind.
Time to put it to the test with a competition.

First test, he warmed up ok despite the wet and sloppy puddles in the sand arena. Both tests were on the grass and although perhaps getting slightly slippery, it wasnt enough to concern me.

He went very very kindly in both tests and I tried to concentrate on carrying my hands and simply engaging his hind end so he was working forward into the contact.

Second test he did start to get a little strong towards the end, and perhaps run into my hand a little, but not too bad.

First test:
71.25% for first place

Second test:
75.76% for second place

So very pleased with the wee lad.

Te Rapa HT 8/9.05.2010

2010-05-09T22:13:00.001-07:00

He actually did an ok dressage, but I was completely blown away by the standard of dressage in our ring! I watched about five other riders and they did BEAUTIFUL tests. However, I was still surprised to be placed 24th even with course errors; very near the bottom!

Show jumping:

Hmmmmm: best forgotten!
Again started ok....then after a semi roll back onto an oxer (which funnily enough caused quite a few stops overall), he stopped. Smacked him, and over we went....then a few more jumps and onto the spooky ! double. Again stopped once, then went over.....and unfortunately a little further on in the course he decided to have another stop at something.

However, I was DEFINITELY tilting on this occasion. I felt myself go, coming into the first oxer and I'm afraid all the old habits came back....grrrr - not that he should take advantage; but he does.

Cross Country:

Nice training course, with some questions and enough to keep him amused.
Went very well, despite me having the flu and questionable brakes. He did run away with me down the hill at one stage, but I just managed to get him semi back before the chevron (although as can be seen by the photo he stood off it - not how one is supposed to jump a skinny). He actually jumped everything really well, just met them and jumped out of his stride including the coffin, which I was expecting either a spook, or him to back off a little, but he just kept on coming into it...so all good.

I did muck up the bounce. Being undecided about going the direct route I was possibly a little half hearted, and essentially took my leg off at the base....so MY fault, not his.
All in all quite happy with how he went XC.....now just to get that dreaded show jumping thing on track!

Photos again by Take the Moment

Kihikihi Horse Trial - Easter 2010

2010-04-23T01:27:00.000-07:00

What a lovely weekend; the weather was great, good friends, and good riding to witness. (Not mine though)

Willie didnt do too badly in his dressage, and I managed to keep his quarters pretty much on the track at the canter (lots of inside leg back though!).

Scored 60% (after course error!), to place 16th
7 for paces, "work could be bigger, requires more engagement, willing, but lacking lightness, and Producing solid test"

Next day was Cross Country, and it was again a lovely course.

Willie warmed up really well, and felt pretty keen to get on with the job.

First few fences he jumped really really well, then onto the big agapanthus (gulp) oxer at the base of the hill. I have jumped this before on him, and really dont know what happened....I kept rolling down the hill to it, and at the last minute he slammed on anchors....grrr.... however, I had bent my thumb back on my whip against his neck, and really couldnt continue (well, have another go at getting over the jump anyway)....I could barely even hold my reins. It actually swelled up and was very very sore for quite a while afterwards (in fact today 8th June, two months later it still twinges when lifting the jug etc).

However, it was great to see two friends both have excellent rides on each of their horses, and I certainly enjoyed the day - despite not having completed the XC.

Show jumping day also gave us lovely weather, and it was nice and relaxing being able to watch everyone's rounds, without the added stress of having to ride the dreaded show jumping!
Interrupted only by a call that dear old Jackson had injured himself, the vet was on his way, and that it was likely to need stitching up.

(He spent only one day feeling sorry for himself, and then was back to being first across the paddock if there was the hint of a treat. However, I did give him little dinners to make him feel special, and to make up for the daily jabs he had to endure from me)

Puhinui 13.03.2010

2010-03-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

And the report card reads...... F for Fail

Dressage....yeah; started with a hiss and a roar.... 9 for his entry!
and it was all down hill from there. One of his lowest marks in terms of placement in the field....he was basically resisting coming under from behind by going crooked. Hopefully we will work through that and his marks will get back to where they should be (well, better than before cos he should be then working better)
Then to the show jumping.....DISASTER

Clouted him into #1 and he really flew it, and #2, then everything was right for the next, a white oxer with fill coming off a down hill slope....two strides out, and he's 'gone'.....told him off, and he flies it......next jump with fill.....same again, telling off and away he goes....and so to the next jump with fill.....3rd strike out!!
However, Wendy very kindly asked if we could go back in after the last horse (I was very late in the day) and give him a school. Started at the last jump he stopped at;... of course it was SO terribly scary that he stopped again....but this time he got what for, went to pieces and bounced around.....then turned around and flew it.....onto the BRIGHT coloured double, and although he backed off spooking at it, he went. Strangely enough however, he spooked and backed off it every time I jumped it.....so not sure if he is seeing it a little 'off' or something.

However, Wendy then said to continue round the rest of the course, which he actually jumped beautifully, including the one stride double with an oxer in.

Of course my first reaction when he does his naughty pony thing, is to question myself, and what have I done wrong. However, Wendy tells me that I didn't do anything wrong....I sat up, I had him together, and I had my leg on.....apparently a couple of strides out, he just kind of goes 'blank' and then peters out with insufficient impulsion to get over the jump.

Perhaps I need to get practiced at not only upping my own aggression, but giving him a reminder with Mr Whippy about three strides out from anything he is likely to do the "oooh that's spooky" thing.????

One thing is for sure however: I am NOT giving up on it...I AM going to beat this thing.

Cross country day. I was allowed to ride at the tail end of the class, which in my case meant riding at the very end of the day..... long hot day, and I decided to keep it for Kihikihi....the ground was also like concrete.... in fact, as I drove out, well after 4.00pm, they were still going XC.

Lesson LVF 05.03.2010

2010-03-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

Really needing to work on my mental shut downs.

It seems that if I am approaching a big (particularly oxers) jump, a few strides out I kind of lose faith in myself and my own ability and basically shut down....Willy then of course stops.
However, when I get aggro and "ride with every part of my body, like I want to get over the jump", then he quite happily jumps.

Also little point in keeping within my comfort zone, as that is not really addressing the problem.

We did some jumps at trot (YUK) including an ever increasing oxer, until it was a pretty decent height, then continued at canter, until it was HUGE (well looked huge to me anyway). Yes, I did have a few shut downs, but I also (with the help of the instructor) did get over it more than once.

We then did a course, and apart from what I would call minor glitches, he jumped well. In hindsight, I realised that EVERY jump we did was an oxer....so if that is not addressing my oxer phobia, I dont know what is.

All in all, progress is definitely being made.

Rotorua Horse Trial - 27/28 Feb 2010

2010-03-06T20:22:00.000-08:00

Yay: actually got to an Autumn Horse Trial.

I had entered Pre Novice despite my ongoing show jumping phobia.
Just have to keep getting out there and trying, and continue to work on my mental fixations at home.
Having dropped him to training for a XC run during Spring, and finding he was just DREADFUL to ride, there is nothing for it but to persevere.

Dressage was ok; nothing flash, but nothing grotesque....I think the judges sum up says it all..."obedient horse - accepting. Calm test - more enthusiasm would enhance"

Show jumping didnt look too bad, although both doubles had spooky fillers in the oxer in, and one was in the shade. However, didnt start too well with a STUPID stop at the first...I think I just kind of cruised into it. NEED to rark myself up before the start flags, so he thinks I mean business. So with that stop, then one at the shady oxer, that left the final life which was used up two jumps from home;....yep, the second spooky oxer. Oh well, if I am going to take something positive out of it, it is that I didnt tilt, didnt fall off, and didnt do the 'oh shit' thing.

Cross country. Nice course, quite a big double at number three, and rather a wide fan jump out the back. A couple of silly stops where basically I was trying to get him back together too late before the jump, and so was fiddling on approach rather than having done the preparation in plenty of time, and then RIDDEN to the jump.

However, he jumped everything fine, and was great over the second half of the course ... was even better after the water, which could possibly have something to do with the fact that I gave him a wee hit on approach to the water.

So, disappointing not to properly complete, but regardless I still feel we (I) am making progress.

WEC show jumping 30.01.010

2010-01-30T00:45:00.000-08:00

Had entered 90, 1.00 and 1.05, but it was a bit of a long, very hot, humid day, and having had a brain blip and riding badly in the meter, I decided to scratch from 1.05.
Have entered 1.00 and 1.05 for tomorrow, when we will both hopefully be feeling a little fresher.

90.
Went fine, and I think I rode ok....(no 'oh shit' moments, or tilting)
Just took a rail in the jump off. He backed off an oxer, and was probably waiting for me to do the Mrs Tilty thing so he could stop, but I didnt.

1.00
A loooong wait since his morning class, and it was like a sauna.
Started off ok, although perhaps feeling a little jaded (the heat?). Went through the double, and then I just went totally and completely blank. Didnt know where I was going, or even what number I was up to.
Thankfully Miranda (photographer extra-ordinairre for the day) pointed me in the right direction and I finished the round.
However, I rode the last two jumps (uprights) VERY badly. I saw a slightly long one to the second last, but Willie took another little one (and I tilted just a little), but at the last, I really dont think there was another stride, and went to go, but Willie decided he would try and fit one in....ummmm crash of rails....oooops

However, no stops in either round so that is all good. :)

Well, Sunday dawned a little moist
Although it started to tip down while I was loading Willie, I decided to go anyway, as the last time I let it put me off, the weather cleared and it left ideal conditions.
NOT THIS TIME.

During the morning, there were the odd patches before it looked like it would clear.
However, I then watched the sky closing in, and the the rain set in with a vengeance. I hung around till about midday, but by then my first class had still not started, and I was already soaked to the skin.
I decided to scratch.
We had a good day yesterday with no stops, and I didnt want to start riding cautiously due to the ground conditions and have him use it as an excuse.

Out came his studs and home we went.
Really disappointing.

Lucinda Green Clinic - 17.01.010

2010-01-19T21:58:00.002-08:00

Second Day

Cross country proper; rather than in the arena with show jumps.

To start with (having warmed up over whatever jumps we wanted to), we were to WALK up one step. Then to walk down one step, then two, three and finally four. The object again being, once the horse has started down, become 'rag dolls', get in behind the movement and LEAVE THEM ALONE. (And for someone who is a 'tilter', I wouldnt have believed I even could get my shoulders back....pleased to see that although it looks 'unco' I did manage to do just that! - there's hope for me yet.)

If a horse questioned however, then of course one must remind them to go forward.

Then onto the relatively big, open ditch - thankfully shallow. Again, walk up to it, and just leave the horse to work it out himself. Some went in and out, some bumbled though, and some (including Willie) clattered, and fell through it! VERY hard to sit still and leave them alone.
Next time around however, willie just walked up to it and jumped it - he learnt very quickly that that was the easiest option.

(Unfortunately however, he did manage to pull a hind shoe clambering through on his previous attempt)

We were then allowed to trot over it, which was fine.

Next, we were to walk up a bank, then walk off the 'down' bit of it, which just happened to have a ditch on the landing side. I really didnt think it would happen, but Willie just looked at it and jumped.....he was really showing some courage - again, I wonder if it was because he was becoming confident that I wouldnt tip forward or interfere.

Then it was skinnies (using yesterday's SJ's), the first being on the lip of a hill (YUK) and the second off to the left at the bottom.

They all did it really well, and again when it was a right hand turn also.

Then a bit of a course oncorporating, a skinny to a down bank to another skinny, a trakener, a rampy thing and a small oxer thing, and a downhill log. Willie felt really really good, and likewise I was able to resist tipping.

Unfortunately I was very concerned about his shoe-less foot which was quite broken, and I know it was worrying him. I elected to not do the next course of jumps, saving him for the water - although I almost changed my mind.

However, walking through the river just about did him in I am afraid; the grit and rocks were I am sure quite painful for him.

Although he jumped in and out of the water a few times, he was distinctly sore, and so I had to finish there.

Both Willie and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and I was also very pleased with his fitness. Even though I have been just ticking him over, he was pretty fit still.

Now to put it all into practice in the coming Autumn eventing season.

Lucinda Green Clinic 16.01.010

2010-01-19T21:58:00.001-08:00

Carolien and I travelled up to Hunua together for the clinic. It was great to have a weekend away with a like minded friend.

And it was lovely that the two horses got on very well, and seemed to become firm friends from the get-go. We were able to paddock them together, and it was so funny seeing them graze in tandem, and even drink at the same time.

Day One:
To warm up, we were told to go off and trot over any jumps that we wanted to, but NO cantering....we had to keep to a trot. This was not a dressage lesson, and so we were expected to get out there and get jumping.

There were some arrow heads, plastic barrels, and skinny (and I mean SKINNY) jumps set up.

Having warmed up we were given courses involving exercises, and were to keep in trot. The skinnies were also off line to anything else, so we had to focus on keeping them straight and on line.

The one thing that we were quite simply NOT to allow, was a run out. Stops were permitted, if only because we could then make the horse go forward and jump from where it was. A run out basically takes away the opportunity to jump the jump and a whole new approach must be made.

Our group was quickly allowed to canter through the exercises, and we ended up doing arrowheads, to skinnies, slalem skinnies etc, as well as a straight forward oxer. We were not to dictate to our horses at all where to put their feet or take off - that was their decision ; our job was the line and the engine.

Another exercise was to WALK up to the barrels (plastic barrels on their sides) and jump them...NO trot at all allowed, and then to continue in canter and jump another jump. In reverse that meant cantering over a jump, down to walk and proceed to walk over the barrels.

I felt Willie grow in confidence, that he would be left alone to do his job, but he also became far softer and more attentive. I really didnt think he would walk up to a jump and do it....but he did!

The last exercise, which was a goodie for me! - was to jump an upright on one side of the arena and continue round to a triple bar ~ 1.10 (looked pretty big to me!). The object was to get a wriggle on, and allow the horses to just keep coming to the jump. No interfering, and NO TIPPING. Took me a few rounds to get it right, but I definitely felt it when I got it. Willie however was thoroughly enjoying blatting around over the two jumps with no interference from me.

NITE 2/3 January 2010

2010-01-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

I hadnt planned to do NITE at all this year, as I felt Willie had done a fair bit in Spring, and had a long Autumn Season coming. Plus, in terms of the jumping, he can be quite difficult when jumping smaller jumps and it is all more mileage on his legs.

However, last minute (night before) I was asked to help out a Tauranga team who were short for the team ride and Quadrille. So a hasty practice the evening before (Willie having had three days off after last weekend's show jumping) and we were set! ?

Poor Willie was quite worried about the sacking i had draped over his bridle, and there was a lot of head shaking and grinding of teeth going on. I became quite worried that he wouldn't hold it together, but as soon as we actually started to ride our quadrille, he forgot about his worries and concentrated on the job.

And of course he was his usual good self, doing what was asked, when it was asked. Sometimes I really love my pony!

Hard case, in that I had learnt the quadrille and had no blank moments, and a couple of others who had had weeks, if not months of learning it, made mistakes.
Oh well; you get that with the big jobs. :)

It was also funny that while practicing on the Friday night, one of the riders was bugging me, in that I was sure I knew her from somewhere but couldnt quite place her. Turns out she had felt the same with me, and Saturday morning we worked out that we had worked together about 25 years ago.

Unfortunately, Tauranga ended up with only 2 riders for the jumping with one horse lame, and the other 'lost in transit'.

WEC Show Jumping - 27/28.12.09

2009-12-29T00:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-28T17:37:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-24T00:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-13T20:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-24T00:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-22T01:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-22T00:44:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-13T02:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-31T23:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-26T03:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-26T03:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-26T01:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-03T21:03:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-30T01:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-28T21:47:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-24T22:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-13T23:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

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!

WEC Mini circuit

2008-11-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

Well, as there was no 90 class, I had to take the plunge and go straight into the meter.
He jumped well, and apart from the first jump, I think I sat up and remembered to kick a little better.
Went double clear and got a green rosette for his efforts.

Very disappointed however, as I was actually looking forward to the 1.05, but a couple of horses to go and he pulled off his front shoe. Unfortunately he is one that you really dont run without a front shoe so I had to scratch.

Oh well, at least we had no disasters and a confidence boosting round. Now, I just need to build on that further.

Taupo HT

2008-11-15T22:09:00.002-08:00

Well, finally got to ride at an event this spring - other than the training trials!

Dressage - not exactly his best showing - can see looking at the photo just why his score was so abysmal!

Show jumping - having spent a sleepless night worrying about it, and almost packing up and going home I am very proud of myself for actually giving it a go. Two nanna clip clop moments (naughty pony took advantage), then I got determined. I was not going to have an E so actually started kicking and meant it....he realised I meant business too and finished the course well. YAY - I got round.

Why is it that show jumping so terrifies me?

Cross country; he knew what was coming and was so excited that he napped very badly trying to get to the start box. So it took me a while to actually get him in and get going....he flew out and jumped beautifully over number one, a steeplechase type spready thing.
I got all set for a sit and point round.....WRONG
Number two, nice loggy jump though not particularly big - he jolly nearly fell over it. OK, I thought, he will pick up better at number three....again WRONG....nearly fell over that one too (also a fairly small jump).

Now of course the confidence was totally in tatters, and I was ready to pull out - I actually tossed up whether to retire there and then before we did both hit the deck.
Not the best way to approach the next jump, small table with drop on landing - given my lack of intent, we had two stops before I actually decided to kick (it was only the thought of the dreaded "E" that kicked my brain into gear).
In actual fact he jumped it very nicely.
Over the next couple of jumps, then onto the trakener....yep, nailed it first go.
Which led to my next wee mistake. So relieved to get over trakener relaxed, and naughty pony stopped at the next jump - very small training roll top (having made the same mistake at the same jump last year I doubly kicked myself).

Ok, having had stops at two small training jumps, we went on to fly everything else, including the C element of the big water - it was quite a decent jump with a spread two strides out of the water, and he just popped over it. The second last was a big jump with brush on top...measured 1.30, and he did exactly what I thought he would...sailed right over the top.

For the very first time I simply could not pull him up after the finish....the last quarter of the course was a decent size and woke him up a bit....took me quite a few big circles to get him to slow down.
I had been very anxious about my (and his) fitness, but was pleasantly surprised to find that thanks to the new pony, although still not exactly fit, my fitness was a LOT better than last year.

Here's hoping my fitness will continue to improve, and that now I have completed a pre-novice having had very little build up, I can start to work on my confidence a little more and not let Willie down so badly. (I am sure he was missing Gina's riding terribly)

Jump practice

2008-11-09T00:48:00.000-08:00

Yay, actually rode a short course of jumps.

I had set them up for Saarin so we could get a video of her pony jumping to send out.

They were between 90 and 1.00 with a couple of spooky fillers. I was feeling incredibly anxious, but off we went. Biggest problem was brakes....he jumped superbly, but it took me three circuits of the arena to stop him...he was just getting going and every jump he saw he tried to cart me to it.

I was very pleased that once I had jumped the first jump I felt fine.

Now have under a week to build up the confidence for Taupo!

One thing is for sure: the new pony is definitely helping in terms of fitness - he wears me out so much in a short ride, that I have got to be getting fitter! (famous last words)

Decisions, decisions

2008-10-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well, now that my spring season plans are all shot to pieces due to pesky stubborn wee stone bruise, I am not sure what to plan.

I had entered Rotorua HT, just the training division to have an outing this coming weekend as he has only been back in proper work two weeks, although he is pulling my arms out of their sockets. Jumped him the other day (90/1.00 ish); yeegads! strong is not the word - it was a case of 'hold on mum we're going'. Needless to say, the wee lad was very happy to be jumping.

However, although I still struggle SJ, XC at lower heights is just awful on him - he plays around, spooks, backs off and generally just doesnt pay attention (and that just does so much for my confidence - NOT).

Sooooo, I am considering scratching from Rotorua and going to both days SJ at Hopuhopu. Would be much needed practice for me, plus close to home. Also as I would have to leave Friday for Rotorua, that would leave my 85 year old mum having to care for all the animals for several days as everyone else is also away.

Now I have to decide what to enter at Taupo; will probably can Puhinui, and aim at doing Waerenga and Richfields.

Talk about best laid plans!

Hacking?

2008-10-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

After Tommy's chiropractic work and a few days off, Willie was to be hacked for ten days. I did a few days just walk and trot, and have now incorporated canter work again.

Took him to WEC yesterday and today for some big paddock circuits, and long sedate canters - ha ha! Try doing sedate canters on a horse that is short of work, bored and full of grass. My arms and shoulders were screaming after one circuit - I did let him out a bit, but simply could not hold him.

Good to know he is feeling good however.

So where is my dinner?

Back into It

2008-10-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

Finally was able to have a ride on Willie today.

He is to have ten days hacking upon Tommy Behrns' recommendation starting today. By my reckoning, hacking can include walk, trot, canter etc, but not dressage, jumping, tight turns or anything too strenuous sooooo....... I have entered Willie for Rotorua Horse Trial - just the training class so we at least get out and have some fun, and hopefully all going well we'll be back into pre novice after that? (if I can then get on and learn how to jump over 95)

Fingers crossed

2008-10-09T23:41:00.001-07:00

Well finally got the shoe back on Willie along with a leather pad, although there is still a pulse in the foot he didnt seem too worried about the shoe going back on, and has definitely been looking more comfortable on it - not sure he noticed his foot at all when they were all playing silly beggars in the paddock.

Then it's off to Tommy for a check up.
AMAZING guy....Willie was out in quite a few places, and now has to have 3 days off (in addition to the 3wks he has just had) then ten days hacking, then I guess back into it (if the foot also holds up of course).

So now in a real dilemma about entering Rotorua. As I had the shoe back on I had thought I would enter pre novice with the possibility of downgrading to training if he had lost too much fitness. Now my only real option is to do training but I am not sure it's worth the trip for one horse to toddle around training, as Kit was also seen by Tommy and his hip was right out (as Saarin has been telling me for weeks) and he has to have two weeks off, then ten days hacking, and so Rotorua is right out for him.

Hmmm decisions decisions.

30.09.08 - Still sore

2008-09-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

Finding it very frustrating that my boy is still lame, and despite two pokes around by the blacksmith, nothing substantial has shown up -must be a deep slow abscess or something...but I wish it would do its thing and then heal!

If still lame tomorrow I will have to bit the bullet and scratch from Te Rapa Horse Trial - so much for the plans etc. Hopefully he will come sound enough to take him to Rotorua (and give me enough time to learn to show jump 1.05 before then!)

In the meantime however, given my frustration - as well as starting to want a greenie to play with, I have been and looked at an OTTB. He is absolutely sweet. However, he is HUGE.

I stood next to him, and he is taller at the wither than I am (I am 6') - work it out ; gave myself a hell of a fright when I did!

He is very light in condition, but is certainly big enough for me - seems to have a lovely temperament. BUT....how do I break it to the other half who is still at me to reduce numbers!?

Anyway, this is the wee boy who I would like to join our herd...If he does come here, he will of course have his own blog to track his progress....

Arghhhhh

2008-09-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well, so much for giving myself intensive SJ exposure to try to prepare for Te Rapa!

I had planned on doing the St Peter's practice today, however, horse has been sore much of the week.

Tuesday just felt 'off' at end of ride, same Wednesday, in particular left canter lead - although when leading him into the yards for the night he decided he couldnt weight bear at all on the off fore, doing the rear canter thing.

Blacksmith could find little of any note other than a softening perhaps due to a bruise; let us hope it is not a nasty abscess brewing!

So, poor Willie has been inside again at night, being painted with Keratix; and pouticed during the day.

Hmmmm; didnt look too sore this morning when the others decided to have RACES around the paddock....his gallop and passage looked pretty regular to me! May hop on this afternoon for a quiet play if he still looks sound by then (could of course have been pure adrenaline + spring fever that masked his pain).

Taupo Training Trials

2008-09-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

Not the auspicious start we would have liked to the Season!

Did an ok dressage test, relaxed and obediant, and for once didnt get tense at Taupo. Scored 70% so can't be too disappointed with that.

Show jumping
Very slippery and he did lose his back end around most corners...I rode him a lot more forward, and put on the brakes as well as the prickles, which definitely made a difference. I did however relax on the last jump (the "dreaded" double) and he took advantage. I then lost my stirrup and simply could not find it, so will have racked up squillions of time faults in addition to the stop. But hey - I got around and I DID NOT FALL OFF!

Cross country
I thought it was quite a technical course, especially for greenies. The second half of the course was also very twisty turny and quite difficult to get into a rhythm.
Two jumps in particular I thought were a bit unfair on young horses. They had a roll top barely one stride from the water and a little dog kennel again just one stride from the two banks down.

The first jump was a lovely jump but maximum height, which I thought was a little silly. Willy of course flew it and then started being a pratt round the rest of the course when he realised the jumps were all smaller than the first one.
Spooked badly at the blue tarpaulin they had put under the baby trakener!
I rode the roll top before the water very cautiously and even then we ONLY JUST fitted a stride before the water. One green horse actually bounced it (along with bouncing the rider into the water!)

Willy also spooked at the kennel before the banks.

At the bounce option I was still having problems with the turning and brakes, so I am afraid I simply missed out the second jump and carried on (Willie had sighted the next jump and I just couldnt turn him away). Ummm ended up with a score and not an "E" though - how strange!

Although it wasnt the prettiest of weekends, I will still aim at pre-novice for Te Rapa - it will be interesting to see if I find Willie easier to ride with the bigger jumps (he normally is, and is often dreadful to ride training especially if he has had a bigger start).

SJ practice Taupo - 13.09.08

2008-09-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Lovely spring day in Taupo.

Started Willie in the 90/95 round and he was VERY naughty stopping several times. It was a bit slippery and we lost our back end around a few corners which made me hesitant and back off. Second round was a little better.

I need to stop totally blaming myself - even if I havent ridden particularly well he could be a little more generous and go anyway, rather than playing games with me!

Knocked off 1.20m

2008-09-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

Had a quiet play with jumps at home, Willie popping over nicely.
Then spotted Saarin carrying poles, ... which she then added to the top of two of the jumps.
I was then told that I had to go jump them!
ummm.... ok
Willie jumped them beautifully, and I actually felt him spring a little from behind (which tends to be lacking over anything up to a meter). Then of course I had to measure them, so was very happy to see that we had negotiated 1.20 with very little effort at all.
Just shows that some of us really do need someone on the ground; not just to point out what we are doing wrong (which Saarin is actually very good at), but also to bolster us and push us a little.
XC play tomorrow - last one before the course closes.

XC Play WEC 04.09.08

2008-09-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

As the WEC course closes this weekend we took an after school trip to have a XC play. Jumped a few training jumps on Willie, which he just plopped over, finishing up with the big palisade and the sunken road (which are also non events for him). He is just popping over whatever he is asked to, but is a MUCH nicer ride over the bigger jumps.

We had specifically gone to give Dawky a XC school, and what a naughty pony he was! Jumped everything he was asked to very well including ditches and water, but was VERY full of it, initially trying a bit of napping and dragging off with his rider sideways. But BUCK....geeze, he was really going for it; at one stage he bucked so big and high he nearly tripped himself up - but hey, what better reason to have another bucking spree. He is full of high spirits and has reached the point where he thinks 'he is the man' and knows it all - which of course he most certainly doesn't!

A few manners lessons were had during the ride.

I'm really looking forward to Taupo training trial (except for the SJ phase) and feel confident and happy about the XC, although it is yet to be seen how the achilles holds up - although I am probably so unfit that I shall expire before the achilles has the chance to get sore!

Unfortunately still no photos as we were both riding today. So to make blog look a little more colourful have put in photos from April with Gina riding - oh well, may not have been taken today, or be me, but its the right venue and the right horse :)
Hopefully will be able to illustrate a couple of draft entries later once I receive photos. (crossing fingers that the photographers on those occasions havent them from their records)

Winter Show Jumping

2008-08-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Well; I actually managed to get to another Winter show jumping outing at the WEC...this year managed the first and last days only - so much for planning to do all four!

80cm - Started at a very low height as its my first SJ round since I fell off in May. Willie went double clear and placed 3rd, and I didnt feel too terrified, so that's good.

90cm - Apart from a VERY lazy rail at number one, he flew around. Got a little long in spots, but I just left him to it. No stops, which is what really matters right now for my confidence. Felt good and confident.

Didnt continue on to the meter, as it was simply AGES before the meter was up, and thought it best to finish full of confidence. We have four weeks till Taupo training trials, and a further three weeks after that to get up to the required 1.05 for Te Rapa.

(Not looking like pics will be coming from the SJ :( )

Practice XC WEC

2008-08-10T14:17:00.001-07:00

Well, today was an open XC practice day at WEC.

I went alone, and was amazed at how unmotivated one can be when unaccompanied. Generally there is someone on the ground instructing, and telling you to jump this that or the other. Or else you are with friends also riding and you bouy each other up, and just have fun jumping all sorts.
I jumped a few jumps (which Willie of course did well) but found I was lacking motivation to do an awful lot - almost like "oh well, I've jumped a few jumps: what now?"

Was however very pleased with comments I received on how Willie was looking. One saying she couldnt get over how well he looked, and that he looked like a warmblood and hard to believe he was a TB.

Let us hope he keeps on looking so well!

Always rewarding to get positive comments about our horses.

Spring Omnibus out!

2008-08-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

OK now that the Spring Omnibus is out, it is time to set my tentative calendar for the Spring (all things going well).
Not sure if committing it to black and white will mean I am less likely to drift, but we will see (injuries permitting).
Of course there is still the wee problem of the show jumping phobia to be overcome - this was supposed to have been achieved over Winter, but weather etc has basically meant no real inroads have been made.

So here is my calendar:
14.09.08 Taupo training trials
04.10.08 Te Rapa HT - pre novice
01.11.08 Riverdale HT - pre novice
14.11.08 Taupo HT - pre novice
21.11.08 Puhinui HT - pre novice
11.12.08 Richfeilds HT - pre novice

There: it's in writing - no backing out now!

Final Kaurilands Dressage Day

2008-08-03T01:57:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly, given the weather forecasts warning of yet more heavy rain, the day was mostly fine, and even sunny at times.

Even more surprisingly, due to the fact that Willie has not been ridden since last weekends XC clinic, and has been on green grass since, he was very well behaved. None of the expected bucks, and indeed he even managed a 5th in his 2.6 test, and won his 3.4 on 61% (with 7's for all his canter work).

Perhaps the secret to dressage is simply not to do any!

I do wonder if I usually try to hard, and/or get very tense and determined to 'show them what he can do' and that results in a score somewhat lower than he is capable of?
He works so nicely at home, and does all the movements well (apart from medium trot which we still struggle with - I just dont think a good medium trot is in his reportoir) and then I go out to compete determined to do well, and he gets tense and reacts to me. Today I expected him to buck, and basically go badly, but he did all the movements well including walk to canter, simple changes, canter serpentines, travers.

nb. Whoever forgot to remind me to take the pillows out from under my jacket is fired! (how flattering - NOT!)

XC Clinic Taupo - with Vaughn Jefferis

2008-07-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well: happy to say that we all survived the weekend's cross country clinic, and that as a bonus despite horrendous weather forecasts, the weather pretty much behaved itself - apart from being slightly (very) cold.

Day one:
We started with some warm up grids and jumping on an angle before heading out to the XC jumps. We did some work on maintaining rhythm and balance into the fences on a short course of jumps - sitting up some six strides from the jump to ensure that the horses weren't too strung out on their take off strides...but of course remembering to keep them moving forward.

We then moved on to some slightly bigger jumps in succession, again establishing the principles of moving forward into the jumps, in rhythm and in balance.

A few splashes into the water, finishing with a baby trakener and palisade.

Willie was a very good boy, and thoroughly enjoyed himself (as did I - which is always a good sign)

Day Two:
Straight out to the XC course, warming up over a small combination, ensuring our horses were listening to us, and able to pop in four even strides rather than three yeehar ones! Willie was excellent as, although very keen and strong, actually listened and shorted up coming into the combination.

Then onto some bank combinations (Willie of course holding a perfectly straight line as usual), the dreaded trakener (at which Willie pretty much took charge and I became a passenger), before some more short courses of straight forward jumps to be taken pretty much out of our stride.

Onto the palisade, at which I was thrilled with myself as I had no anxiety at all, and because of which Willie simply popped over, given that there was no need for him to take charge - not that I have issues with Palisades - it is just those dreaded trakeners; but I think we're getting there slowly.

Finished again with some jumps off the bank into the water. Willie was a little sticky, having never been the fondest of water jumps, but he did go.

Synopsis: Altogether a very worthwhile two days. Both Willie and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and I felt that as a combination we were jumping very confidently - Vaughn did ask if I had taken some 'brave pills'.
I definitely feel that I am on track to commence the season at Pre novice, and do well - if of course I can beat the show jump phobia!

I would like to aim to do well at Puhinui championship pre novice, before moving up to novice (arghhh) in the Autumn; all going well of course.

(Still awaiting photos - so hopefully there will be some pics to show I did actually manage to successfully jump over the weekend)

Ouch

2008-07-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

For some reason over the last couple of days, my left Achilles has been quite sore. Aching, with random pains, although I am not too lame. Not sure of the reason as I haven't ridden. However, will continue with my regime of calf stretches etc, and with luck I will be sound enough to complete a XC pain free when the time comes.

Looking forward to our XC clinic at Taupo next weekend!

XC Lesson WEC

2008-07-18T03:59:00.000-07:00

Popped over a few show jumps at home yesterday (95-100 ish) ; still working hard to keep weight down in my heels, but Saarin tells me that I am now lifting my hands again....one day I'll get both ends of my body to behave at the same time!

Today we went out to the WEC for a XC lesson with Gina. Started by popping over a few show jumps with all going well.

Did some warm up jumps and up and down the banks, then on to the water. Initially it felt to me like Willie was approaching far too quickly (although truth be known he was probably doing a slow canter!) and I took a pull, but I eventually just sat and trusted him and he jumped in far more smoothly. Then it was over the big log into the water...eeeek; but Willie looked after me. I am working hard to slip my reins and lean back, having gotten into the habit of leaning forward into water over the last ten years or so.

We then made our way up the hill to the little trakener (at this stage I was getting wary that I would be expected to jump the big one - not something I was about to let happen if I could help it!).

Willie jumped the training trakener well, and I felt like I was riding positively and was not in the least anxious about that one. Kit also jumped it for the first time, so Saarin was thrilled with him.
Then onto the big ditch for Willie - again not a problem.

Then after some persuasion, I found myself approaching the big trakener, but I was really not committed to jumping it at all. One stride out and I did the unthinkable - it wasn't that I just sat like a prune doing nothing (had I done so he would simply have popped over it); No, I felt compelled to actively pull the reins and stop him in front of it. Poor confused Willie.

I then tried to convice Gina that I really was not ready to jump it, but she wasnt having a bar of it (not even me being near to tears worked). I was still not really convinced, but I also knew that it was simply not fair to Willie to pull him up in front of a jump. Despite my reservations and still approaching with a lack of real conviction, we did actually get over it - it wasnt pretty, but we did it!

I love my pony!
And despite my arguments, thanks to Gina for persevering with me.

Then finished off over an easy chevron (just a sit and point exercise with Willie).

Synopsis: There is no reason not to trust Willie, sit, kick and TRUST HIM to do his job. I have trained him well (yes, I have done something right) and he is more than capable.

Thanks to Justine for taking such wonderful photos - what an excellent way to see what one is doing wrong (and right of course) and WTF were my hands doing way up round my ears coming into the water??

Green Grass Guzzlers

2008-07-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday:
Willie has had a day in the really good grass and it has definitely had some affect already!
Not normally too much of a bucker, apart from the odd grumpy kick-up or yeehar when jumping, he really let rip at one stage. And much as I hate to admit it, came close to depositing pilot on the ground. Ok, let's give the boy a bit of a run - not too much mind you given his current bucketini mode - hmmm arms nearly pulled out of their sockets.

Today, back to good behaviour, thankfully. Just did some flatwork, walk demi-pirouettes, shortening (right up) trot and canter and lengthening. Actually got some decent medium trot today - he was really lifting and using his shoulder. Just popped over a couple of little jumps to finish which cheered him up.

Plan to jump tomorrow, in anticipation of both XC lesson Friday (eeeek) and Winter Show Jumping series Sunday (double eeek).

Although the Left Achilles was a little sore today, it was not bad enough to prevent me riding two.
Sox was also feeling the effects of her time off Jenny Craig, and on green grass, treating me to an enormous buck on her first canter transition. Despite still having a rather large tummy, due to lack of riding she has unfortunately lost her topline, and is now showing some rib. Hopefully if the weather doesnt deteriorate we will find time to keep riding her.

SJ Clinic with Vaughn Jefferis

2008-07-08T03:24:00.000-07:00

Our first day (yesterday) was cold wet and miserable, although once riding one didnt seem to notice the rain so much.
Willie went very well, and was his usual good self. I have to admit to being a bit disappointed however, as we jumped pretty small jumps and I didnt feel I actually achieved much.

Today however, was a bit better and I was quite pleased with how I rode. Again Willie went well. But more importantly I really felt that the work and effort in trying to get more weight down through my heels is making a lot of difference. My leg is more stable, which is making me feel more confident and in turn I ride better and don't get anxious. OK, we're yet to see if I can maintain it when the jumps do get big, but for now I am very happy. Particularly when Vaughn commented that today was the best he has ever seen me ride - so I must be doing something right!

We did some grid work, some related distances and also roll backs (I need to keep looking ahead). Also had a couple of comments about how great Willie was, and what a dude he was. Even Vaughn said he had been a great 'old' horse for me. Because I have had Willie for so long, he didnt realise he was only ten.

Can't wait for my next jumping outing - whether its another lesson or a competition.

Photos taken by the wonderful Kate Peddie

Kaurilands Winter Dressage - 06.07.08

2008-07-06T02:21:00.003-07:00

Dragged the ponies out of the mud only to find that Willie has managed to ding his front leg, and now has a front leg that resembles that of an elephant. Oh well, on with a squirt of iodine and onto the truck.

He was a little tentative on it at first, but soon worked through it and so his test went from going nowhere to yeehar and very strong. However he's not been ridden for a few days and had nice new grass so I can't really complain. The judge marked us all very hard, Willie getting a HUGE 45.74%. (Elementary 3.2)

His second test was more fairly marked (Novice 2.4) and he came 5th with 59.23% scoring a couple of 8's and some nice comments. Judge also commented that he was "very kind"

Leg blew up like a balloon while tied to the truck waiting for Saarin to do her tests.
Worth the wait however, as Kitson placed 5th in one test, and won the second test scoring a 9 and a TEN!

Let us hope that the hosing and bute brings it down enough to ride him at the Show jumping clinic tomorrow. Much as I am nervous and anxious, I am also a wee bit excited and really do want to jump!

Just me

2008-07-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my first forey into the world of blogging!
Guess I just don't want to feel left out given that everyone else is doing it.

So this first post is more of a bit of a play around (don't even know yet if I am able to go back and edit it)

And this is my wee boy Wilson.