She was an old lady of 21 years, she'd been with me all her life and nearly half of mine. She was a lovely little character and I loved her so much.
little kitten Inca
My Life, My Horses and My Attempts to Train the Classical Way
Friday, 9 November 2012
Inca
My little darling girl died last night. It was quick and peaceful. She was on her bed and suddenly let out a moaning sound. I went in and she was laying on her side, breathing in gasps. I talked to her and stroked her gently. It took only a few seconds.
She was an old lady of 21 years, she'd been with me all her life and nearly half of mine. She was a lovely little character and I loved her so much.
little kitten Inca
Well then.........
My girl.
She was an old lady of 21 years, she'd been with me all her life and nearly half of mine. She was a lovely little character and I loved her so much.
little kitten Inca
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
I don't know what you mean mum....
................yes you do, just think about it.
That was me with Remy today. I've only managed to ride 3 times in the last week because of the weather, but it was lovely and sunny today with very little wind. I don't like riding in the wind - I do ride as long as the wind's not too bad, but I find it's very distracting for both me and therefore the horse.
Anyway, we had another session in the school, continuing lateral work at walk, a little trot and then onto our walk/canter transitions.
We're getting good results on the right rein now, I'm able to ask him in different places in the school and get a pretty quick response, but, as I mentioned in a previous post, he's tending to run on a little. I don't mind a little anticipation as long as he listens and waits, but it's more difficult to deal with the rushing.
I've found that if we get a really good transition, I can allow a few strides and then get a fairly responsive transition to trot, but if we get a slightly impatient strike off and/or I allow him to get away from me, then he continues in quite a fast, not really listening to me canter.
Giving him the rein and allowing him space,and expecting him to slow to a trot isn't really working, as once he falls onto his shoulders, he runs through my hand, and then, I can't ride the canter properly anyway.
I'm not getting into that scenario with him, so I've been keeping (trying to keep) my position in the saddle and if he doesn't respond to my request to trot, resisting with the hand until he gives me the trot, at which point I immediately relax and give with the reins. I'm not sure this is the best way, but raising the inside rein isn't working at the moment, so we'll see how it goes.
On the left rein walk/canter transitions we were getting, the 'I don't know what you mean' today, and to be fair, he seemed to be trying so hard that he was getting himself into a bit of a tizz. I let him relax on a long rein for a couple of minutes before trying again. Then I just asked for a small circle, feeling him coming under with the inside hind and a correct inside flexion. A slight leg yield out on the circle until he felt very much underneath me and into the outside aids before asking for the transition.
I got one very nice transition, two or three strides at canter, staying on the circle, before asking for trot, which he gave me straight away. I'm not sure he was going to maintain the canter anyway, perhaps he was already thinking of trotting, but it doesn't matter, I think he understood exactly what I wanted.
I got off at that point, a happy bunny.
I then took Bonbon for a walk up to the top field, and she was fine until she saw our neighbours jacket thrown over the fence at the far side. I'd seen him earlier, heading towards the wood with his cepes basket, so presume he'd gotten too warm and thrown his jacket over the fence to collect on his return.
Bonbon saw it before I did, from the middle of the field, and immediately started snorting and dancing from side to side. I tried to keep the line pretty loose and just let her move around until she calmed a little. She pulled back a little, but not enough for me to think she was going to leg it!
When she'd calmed, I started walking towards it, letting her move freely, and she did jump from side to side a little, but kept coming forward until we were standing in front of it. She kept pushing her nose into my arm, and I touched it gently, letting her stand close until she came forward and touched it.
When she was dancing around, it was different from the last time with the cows - for one, we had the space to allow her the space to move, and two, I felt that we were on the same side/page, put it how you will, it just felt that we were in it together, and she was looking to me for guidance rather than tuning me out.
When she was dancing around it didn't worry me, I just felt that it was ok, she had to work it out for herself and she would, and when she came with me and touched the jacket, I felt proud of her, and felt like a little barrier had fallen.
We'll see.
That was me with Remy today. I've only managed to ride 3 times in the last week because of the weather, but it was lovely and sunny today with very little wind. I don't like riding in the wind - I do ride as long as the wind's not too bad, but I find it's very distracting for both me and therefore the horse.
Anyway, we had another session in the school, continuing lateral work at walk, a little trot and then onto our walk/canter transitions.
We're getting good results on the right rein now, I'm able to ask him in different places in the school and get a pretty quick response, but, as I mentioned in a previous post, he's tending to run on a little. I don't mind a little anticipation as long as he listens and waits, but it's more difficult to deal with the rushing.
I've found that if we get a really good transition, I can allow a few strides and then get a fairly responsive transition to trot, but if we get a slightly impatient strike off and/or I allow him to get away from me, then he continues in quite a fast, not really listening to me canter.
Giving him the rein and allowing him space,and expecting him to slow to a trot isn't really working, as once he falls onto his shoulders, he runs through my hand, and then, I can't ride the canter properly anyway.
I'm not getting into that scenario with him, so I've been keeping (trying to keep) my position in the saddle and if he doesn't respond to my request to trot, resisting with the hand until he gives me the trot, at which point I immediately relax and give with the reins. I'm not sure this is the best way, but raising the inside rein isn't working at the moment, so we'll see how it goes.
On the left rein walk/canter transitions we were getting, the 'I don't know what you mean' today, and to be fair, he seemed to be trying so hard that he was getting himself into a bit of a tizz. I let him relax on a long rein for a couple of minutes before trying again. Then I just asked for a small circle, feeling him coming under with the inside hind and a correct inside flexion. A slight leg yield out on the circle until he felt very much underneath me and into the outside aids before asking for the transition.
I got one very nice transition, two or three strides at canter, staying on the circle, before asking for trot, which he gave me straight away. I'm not sure he was going to maintain the canter anyway, perhaps he was already thinking of trotting, but it doesn't matter, I think he understood exactly what I wanted.
I got off at that point, a happy bunny.
I then took Bonbon for a walk up to the top field, and she was fine until she saw our neighbours jacket thrown over the fence at the far side. I'd seen him earlier, heading towards the wood with his cepes basket, so presume he'd gotten too warm and thrown his jacket over the fence to collect on his return.
Bonbon saw it before I did, from the middle of the field, and immediately started snorting and dancing from side to side. I tried to keep the line pretty loose and just let her move around until she calmed a little. She pulled back a little, but not enough for me to think she was going to leg it!
When she'd calmed, I started walking towards it, letting her move freely, and she did jump from side to side a little, but kept coming forward until we were standing in front of it. She kept pushing her nose into my arm, and I touched it gently, letting her stand close until she came forward and touched it.
When she was dancing around, it was different from the last time with the cows - for one, we had the space to allow her the space to move, and two, I felt that we were on the same side/page, put it how you will, it just felt that we were in it together, and she was looking to me for guidance rather than tuning me out.
When she was dancing around it didn't worry me, I just felt that it was ok, she had to work it out for herself and she would, and when she came with me and touched the jacket, I felt proud of her, and felt like a little barrier had fallen.
We'll see.
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Despooking Remy and Bonbon
The weather's been lovely the last couple of days, the horrid cold wind has gone and the sun has returned!
I've worked both days with the horses.
I've taken Remy, first in the top field before going in the school and then worked mainly in lateral work at walk and walk/canter transitions. No spooking in the field, thankfully.
The transitions are becoming more fluid on the right rein and are becoming very sharp and clean, but now that we've got the go, we have to make sure we keep the stop. I must try to stay light on his back without letting him pull me forward, because after the first few strides, he starts to fall onto his shoulders and rush. I'm sure as we progress, we'll find a better balance.
His walk work is really improving and today he gave me some lovely shoulder-in, travers and renvers.
I've taken Bonbon for a walk round the top field the last two days as she'd gotten pretty spooky in there after seeing our neighbour coming across his field, stick in one hand and a large basket of cepes in the other. For some reason, his lurching and waving them at us freaked her out a bit.
Yesterday we got to the same bit of field and suddenly she lost it and started squealing and cantering around me. I managed to calm her without too much problem and then walked her around the field with lots of changes of direction, halt/back/walk on transitions until she was calm and relaxed.
Today, she was brilliant, focussed on me, halting as I halted, following my movements on a loose rein without any hint of spookyness.
I've worked both days with the horses.
I've taken Remy, first in the top field before going in the school and then worked mainly in lateral work at walk and walk/canter transitions. No spooking in the field, thankfully.
The transitions are becoming more fluid on the right rein and are becoming very sharp and clean, but now that we've got the go, we have to make sure we keep the stop. I must try to stay light on his back without letting him pull me forward, because after the first few strides, he starts to fall onto his shoulders and rush. I'm sure as we progress, we'll find a better balance.
His walk work is really improving and today he gave me some lovely shoulder-in, travers and renvers.
I've taken Bonbon for a walk round the top field the last two days as she'd gotten pretty spooky in there after seeing our neighbour coming across his field, stick in one hand and a large basket of cepes in the other. For some reason, his lurching and waving them at us freaked her out a bit.
Yesterday we got to the same bit of field and suddenly she lost it and started squealing and cantering around me. I managed to calm her without too much problem and then walked her around the field with lots of changes of direction, halt/back/walk on transitions until she was calm and relaxed.
Today, she was brilliant, focussed on me, halting as I halted, following my movements on a loose rein without any hint of spookyness.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Brrrrrr
Well, we've had a few days off. The weather has turned really cold and my poor old body is having a tough time adjusting to it. :-)
I've gone out with every intention of doing something with the horses, but have been lured back by the attraction of a lovely warm fire and a hot cup of tea!
I feel a bit guilty, but the horses are out pretty much 24/7 and as soon as I get my end of summer/starting to cope with winter head on, I'll get back to it - maybe tomorrow, it's supposed to be warming up a little.
My mum and Thomas went home on Friday and, as usual, when family leave, I'm missing them something rotten. :-(
I've gone out with every intention of doing something with the horses, but have been lured back by the attraction of a lovely warm fire and a hot cup of tea!
I feel a bit guilty, but the horses are out pretty much 24/7 and as soon as I get my end of summer/starting to cope with winter head on, I'll get back to it - maybe tomorrow, it's supposed to be warming up a little.
My mum and Thomas went home on Friday and, as usual, when family leave, I'm missing them something rotten. :-(
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Spook and run.....
Remy was looking and listening to everything today ( apart from me, apparently).
I was doing a little work in our top field, lateral work at walk as preparation for our walk/canter transitions.
It was a bit windy and there were a few sawing noises coming from the little wood at the bottom of the field which distracted him a little, but we got some nice shoulder-in and travers down the long side. I worked on keeping his attention with lots of changes of rein and bend.
He seemed to be settling ( oh yeah?) when he suddenly took off at high speed down the field. I was surprised at how quick he was going (in other words, it was bloody fast!), but managed to stop him fairly quickly, decided to walk the rest of the way up the field, and discretion being the better part of valour, finish our session in the school.
He was on his toes now, and as we neared the school, he spun round, and (again) legged it off down the school throwing in a few bucks as he went. This time, it felt like he really meant it, and it took a few circles before I could stop him. This is new territory for me with Remy, because even though he tends to look at things, he doesn't really spook and run.
Anyway, he stood looking and snorting, so I got off and walked him to the school, then walked him around the perimeter of the school until he calmed down.
Once he'd calmed I got back on, and we got some lovely walk work, and (rather relieved sigh here) some lovely walk/canter transitions.
The right rein is really coming on and I asked for a couple of transitions on the circle, just asking for a couple of steps of leg yield out on the circle before asking for the transition.
The left rein is coming too, and apart from one attempt where he went into trot instead of canter, they were reasonable transitions.
So, on the one hand, heart in mouth legging it down the field (twice)
and on the other, some really nice work in the school. 
I was doing a little work in our top field, lateral work at walk as preparation for our walk/canter transitions.
It was a bit windy and there were a few sawing noises coming from the little wood at the bottom of the field which distracted him a little, but we got some nice shoulder-in and travers down the long side. I worked on keeping his attention with lots of changes of rein and bend.
He seemed to be settling ( oh yeah?) when he suddenly took off at high speed down the field. I was surprised at how quick he was going (in other words, it was bloody fast!), but managed to stop him fairly quickly, decided to walk the rest of the way up the field, and discretion being the better part of valour, finish our session in the school.
He was on his toes now, and as we neared the school, he spun round, and (again) legged it off down the school throwing in a few bucks as he went. This time, it felt like he really meant it, and it took a few circles before I could stop him. This is new territory for me with Remy, because even though he tends to look at things, he doesn't really spook and run.
Anyway, he stood looking and snorting, so I got off and walked him to the school, then walked him around the perimeter of the school until he calmed down.
Once he'd calmed I got back on, and we got some lovely walk work, and (rather relieved sigh here) some lovely walk/canter transitions.
The right rein is really coming on and I asked for a couple of transitions on the circle, just asking for a couple of steps of leg yield out on the circle before asking for the transition.
The left rein is coming too, and apart from one attempt where he went into trot instead of canter, they were reasonable transitions.
So, on the one hand, heart in mouth legging it down the field (twice)
and on the other, some really nice work in the school. Monday, 22 October 2012
Getting the hang of walk to canter transitions....
It's been wet and miserable for a few days, so I've not ridden the horses.
It's brightened up a bit today and I took Remy in the school. I walked him around our top field first, to warm him up and then went in the school to do some lateral work at walk, before asking for my walk to canter transitions. The first one on the right rein, he rushed, starting to jog out of of the shoulder-in into canter on the wrong lead. The second time, I asked for the shoulder-in on the long side, keeping him in balance, I could feel his energy building, and when I asked with a slight touch of my inside leg in the corner, he popped into a lovely balanced canter.
I changed the rein and asked for shoulder-in, into the corner, but he started to trot. I brought him back to walk onto a small circle back to the long side, and asked for shoulder-in once more. This time it was in much better balance, and on reaching the corner, the transition came quite easily. In fact, better than we've had before on the left rein. I dismounted and finished tour short, but very productive session.
My mum and nephew Thomas arrived yesterday, they're staying for a week and it's really lovely to see them. I haven't seen Thomas for a couple of years and he's grown so tall. He's 18 this year, I can't believe it!
It's brightened up a bit today and I took Remy in the school. I walked him around our top field first, to warm him up and then went in the school to do some lateral work at walk, before asking for my walk to canter transitions. The first one on the right rein, he rushed, starting to jog out of of the shoulder-in into canter on the wrong lead. The second time, I asked for the shoulder-in on the long side, keeping him in balance, I could feel his energy building, and when I asked with a slight touch of my inside leg in the corner, he popped into a lovely balanced canter.
I changed the rein and asked for shoulder-in, into the corner, but he started to trot. I brought him back to walk onto a small circle back to the long side, and asked for shoulder-in once more. This time it was in much better balance, and on reaching the corner, the transition came quite easily. In fact, better than we've had before on the left rein. I dismounted and finished tour short, but very productive session.
My mum and nephew Thomas arrived yesterday, they're staying for a week and it's really lovely to see them. I haven't seen Thomas for a couple of years and he's grown so tall. He's 18 this year, I can't believe it!
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Canter transitions
I'm posting today because I didn't want to forget our first real, balanced walk to canter transitions. I really felt that Remy was completely underneath me, light in the hand and well balanced in the work beforehand. I asked for shoulder-in down the long side at walk, and I could feel the energy there ready to be used. The canter transition in the corner was just there when I asked for it, not a fluke either, he gave me a nice, balanced transition 3 times :-) This was on the right rein, it's not so easy on the left rein, but this little (huge for me) step has given me the confidence that it's gonna come!
His trot is becoming better balanced and I think he's ready to canter. Also, the canter will improve the trot even more.
We like to canter out on a hack on a straight line but it's a very forward going canter, and it's not balanced enough for a small school. I get up off his back, and quite often I find myself wishing there was a little log or something we could jump. Silly really - it's a very long time since I've done any jumping!
The resulting canter from those lovely transitions today, was together, not as forward going, but it felt balanced, that's all I can say really, the transition was good, the canter felt good. On the left rein, he's not as together going into it, he's not as straight and relaxed in the shoulder-in, but he is getting there. The canter transition wasn't as fluid, so the canter was flatter and rushed.
Anyhow, it was a good session and I spent this afternoon playing music with Ricky, so a good day all round!
His trot is becoming better balanced and I think he's ready to canter. Also, the canter will improve the trot even more.
We like to canter out on a hack on a straight line but it's a very forward going canter, and it's not balanced enough for a small school. I get up off his back, and quite often I find myself wishing there was a little log or something we could jump. Silly really - it's a very long time since I've done any jumping!
The resulting canter from those lovely transitions today, was together, not as forward going, but it felt balanced, that's all I can say really, the transition was good, the canter felt good. On the left rein, he's not as together going into it, he's not as straight and relaxed in the shoulder-in, but he is getting there. The canter transition wasn't as fluid, so the canter was flatter and rushed.
Anyhow, it was a good session and I spent this afternoon playing music with Ricky, so a good day all round!
Monday, 8 October 2012
Les 4 écoles d'Art Equestre 2012
I had a busy day yesterday, went off to Paris to see the four equestrian schools at Bercy.
I had a great time, it was tiring (Paris there and back in a day!), but well worth it.
The four schools are;
See here for their website
http://www.bercy.fr/programme/spectacle/1302/Les_4_%C3%A9coles_d'Art_Equestre
Lots of excellent stuff, but, surprisingly (or not) some things that I didn't like.
Despite rumours that the Spanish riding school have lowered their standards, they showed some excellent work, although, I thought the side reins were a little too tights on a couple of the horses working in-hand (just my opinion, and, after all, what do I know!).
The Portugese where excellent too, and the Cadre Noir held their own, but I was very disappointed with the Andalouse (spanish school, not to be confused with the Spanish Riding School in Vienna), who didn't seem to have the finesse of the other schools. Some of their horses looked quite tense and uncomfortable and were requently showing incorrect work. One of their riders, who was showing in a pas de deux, was so unbalanced and uncoordinated that it was embarassing, and I can't understand why on earth they put him in there in the first place!
The horses were beautiful though, and they were the stars. The riders (on the whole) were faultless, and, to be honest,when they're so good, you don't see them, just the horse, which is how it should be in my opinion.
I have some pics, but not sure how they'll turn with my little dinky camera and questionable photography skills. I haven't looked at them yet as I'm knackered today, but will get to it.
Here are some vids from the performance yesterday. Not mine as I forgot my video camera :-(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSq8smmNr9k&feature=share&list=ULQSq8smmNr9k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeuZdZDYfWU&feature=share&list=ULTeuZdZDYfWU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMR-z6QfD7k&feature=share&list=ULMMR-z6QfD7k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7HX58Um2FI&feature=share&list=ULc7HX58Um2FI
If you want to see more, I'm sure there will be a few on youtube.
Aren't horses wonderful creatures!!
I had a great time, it was tiring (Paris there and back in a day!), but well worth it.
The four schools are;
l’Ecole Espagnole d’Equitation de Vienne,
le Cadre Noir de Saumur,
l’Ecole Royale Andalouse d’Art Equestre ,
et
l’Ecole Portugaise d’Art Equestre
le Cadre Noir de Saumur,
l’Ecole Royale Andalouse d’Art Equestre ,
et
l’Ecole Portugaise d’Art Equestre
See here for their website
http://www.bercy.fr/programme/spectacle/1302/Les_4_%C3%A9coles_d'Art_Equestre
Lots of excellent stuff, but, surprisingly (or not) some things that I didn't like.
Despite rumours that the Spanish riding school have lowered their standards, they showed some excellent work, although, I thought the side reins were a little too tights on a couple of the horses working in-hand (just my opinion, and, after all, what do I know!).
The Portugese where excellent too, and the Cadre Noir held their own, but I was very disappointed with the Andalouse (spanish school, not to be confused with the Spanish Riding School in Vienna), who didn't seem to have the finesse of the other schools. Some of their horses looked quite tense and uncomfortable and were requently showing incorrect work. One of their riders, who was showing in a pas de deux, was so unbalanced and uncoordinated that it was embarassing, and I can't understand why on earth they put him in there in the first place!
The horses were beautiful though, and they were the stars. The riders (on the whole) were faultless, and, to be honest,when they're so good, you don't see them, just the horse, which is how it should be in my opinion.
I have some pics, but not sure how they'll turn with my little dinky camera and questionable photography skills. I haven't looked at them yet as I'm knackered today, but will get to it.
Here are some vids from the performance yesterday. Not mine as I forgot my video camera :-(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSq8smmNr9k&feature=share&list=ULQSq8smmNr9k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeuZdZDYfWU&feature=share&list=ULTeuZdZDYfWU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMR-z6QfD7k&feature=share&list=ULMMR-z6QfD7k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7HX58Um2FI&feature=share&list=ULc7HX58Um2FI
If you want to see more, I'm sure there will be a few on youtube.
Aren't horses wonderful creatures!!
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Hi
Well, it's been a couple of months since my last post. Not been able to get my head around blogging, but I may be back, we'll see.
I just found this and it brought a real smile to my face so had to share.
I just found this and it brought a real smile to my face so had to share.
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
I've been busy over the last week or so.
I've had a lesson on the lunge, which really made me think about what my body was doing, and hopefully I'll be going back for more.
I've been working Remy on the lunge before riding, and he feels much looser when I get on. His lateral work at walk is improving and we're now getting decent walk/trot/walk transitions with more impulsion and softness. Today he offered me a lovely canter transition from trot, when I asked in the corner, and we did our first travers in-hand.
Bonbon is doing good things on the lunge. She still has her silly moments, but they're getting less and less. Her balance is improving all the time and she's really started to focus on me, and I feel like we're starting to get a good connection between us.
I've had a lesson on the lunge, which really made me think about what my body was doing, and hopefully I'll be going back for more.
I've been working Remy on the lunge before riding, and he feels much looser when I get on. His lateral work at walk is improving and we're now getting decent walk/trot/walk transitions with more impulsion and softness. Today he offered me a lovely canter transition from trot, when I asked in the corner, and we did our first travers in-hand.
Bonbon is doing good things on the lunge. She still has her silly moments, but they're getting less and less. Her balance is improving all the time and she's really started to focus on me, and I feel like we're starting to get a good connection between us.
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Canter transitions
A really hot day today, so a short session in the school with Remy working on canter transitions.
I found the best way was to ask from walk - start shoulder in 2/3rds of the way down the long side and then ask for the transition going into the corner. We had some nice clean transitions, and some where we didn't get canter at all, but, on these, we got a lovely active trot transition, with good energy.
I lunged Bonbon and, despite the heat and flies, she was really well behaved and focussed.
I found the best way was to ask from walk - start shoulder in 2/3rds of the way down the long side and then ask for the transition going into the corner. We had some nice clean transitions, and some where we didn't get canter at all, but, on these, we got a lovely active trot transition, with good energy.
I lunged Bonbon and, despite the heat and flies, she was really well behaved and focussed.
Monday, 2 July 2012
Day off with treats and massage...
.... for the horses, not me, unfortunately.
We've been busy today spraying ferns and bracken, so the horses had a day off from working. Instead, they had their usual exercise and relaxation routine whilst grooming, plus a massage. Of course, they love their carrot stretches, but they had a hay net too whilst I gave them their massage.
Here's a vid of Remy from last week, continuing to work on the trot.
The last few days I've started to ask for the canter transition, something that we've done very little of, and which highlights the fact that Remy certainly needs to be more active behind. The transitions are hit and miss - some ok, some very lacklustre, but we've had a few very well balanced ones too, so I know he can do it if we get everything right. The good thing is that it's helping to improve the trot.
We've been busy today spraying ferns and bracken, so the horses had a day off from working. Instead, they had their usual exercise and relaxation routine whilst grooming, plus a massage. Of course, they love their carrot stretches, but they had a hay net too whilst I gave them their massage.
Here's a vid of Remy from last week, continuing to work on the trot.
The last few days I've started to ask for the canter transition, something that we've done very little of, and which highlights the fact that Remy certainly needs to be more active behind. The transitions are hit and miss - some ok, some very lacklustre, but we've had a few very well balanced ones too, so I know he can do it if we get everything right. The good thing is that it's helping to improve the trot.
Saturday, 30 June 2012
Back to riding
The last time I posted about the horses, Remy had just had his osteo treatment. He had a tweak in his back which was affecting the way he used his pelvis, and also a tweak into the shoulder.
I have a little stretching routine that I give him during our grooming time and also been walking him up and down our hilly fields to exercise the stifle and psoas muscles.
I didn't ride him for weeks as I'd lost my mojo, but now that's returning and we've started again, hacking out and going in the school.
I've got a trainer now who's going to come over every couple of weeks or so, and that's going to give us some confidence and direction. She's very experienced and trained with Nuno Oliveira, so I have high hopes that it's going to make all the difference to us.
Today a friend came over, and we had our first hack out ever with a strange horse. Remy was brilliant, although he couldn't stop sniffing and nibbling at her (the horse, not my friend), but I'm sure he'll get over that soon enough as we're going to make it a regular event.
He's had some problems with his teeth - wolf teeth and a tush coming through on one side. It was certainly affecting him, and we were on the verge of taking out his wolf teeth, but I think it was soreness in the gum on the tush and since it's come through he's been much better. I'm trying him in a lozenge happy mouth and he seems ok, so we'll see how he goes.
This is a little vid that Jim did when we started back in the school. Just a few minutes of trot work to loosen and relax him. He did give me a canter transition that, I think, was as much a surprise to him as it was to me!
We've been working Bonbon on the lunge and walking her out a little on the tracks. She's slowly relaxing to it, with less and less squeally (not sure that's a word) behaviour, and we're getting nice transitions now with walk trot and canter - although we sometimes get a little eruption in the canter transition. I'm hoping to start riding her soon.
I have a little stretching routine that I give him during our grooming time and also been walking him up and down our hilly fields to exercise the stifle and psoas muscles.
I didn't ride him for weeks as I'd lost my mojo, but now that's returning and we've started again, hacking out and going in the school.
I've got a trainer now who's going to come over every couple of weeks or so, and that's going to give us some confidence and direction. She's very experienced and trained with Nuno Oliveira, so I have high hopes that it's going to make all the difference to us.
Today a friend came over, and we had our first hack out ever with a strange horse. Remy was brilliant, although he couldn't stop sniffing and nibbling at her (the horse, not my friend), but I'm sure he'll get over that soon enough as we're going to make it a regular event.
He's had some problems with his teeth - wolf teeth and a tush coming through on one side. It was certainly affecting him, and we were on the verge of taking out his wolf teeth, but I think it was soreness in the gum on the tush and since it's come through he's been much better. I'm trying him in a lozenge happy mouth and he seems ok, so we'll see how he goes.
This is a little vid that Jim did when we started back in the school. Just a few minutes of trot work to loosen and relax him. He did give me a canter transition that, I think, was as much a surprise to him as it was to me!
We've been working Bonbon on the lunge and walking her out a little on the tracks. She's slowly relaxing to it, with less and less squeally (not sure that's a word) behaviour, and we're getting nice transitions now with walk trot and canter - although we sometimes get a little eruption in the canter transition. I'm hoping to start riding her soon.
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
It's been a while...
......but I had to have a record of my beatiful wildflower garden. Is it 'wildflower' or 'wild flower'? Don't know.
It has all the colours of the rainbow, and just when I thought it was going to be a boring old bed of weeds, there it was!
I'm pretty rubbish at taking pics, and mine, unfortunately, don't do it justice. I admire greatly those that can duplicate with the camera, what we actually see.
There have been things going on here - some good, some not so good, I could pour it all out, but would probably regret it at a later stage when in a not so reflective mood.
It has all the colours of the rainbow, and just when I thought it was going to be a boring old bed of weeds, there it was!
I'm pretty rubbish at taking pics, and mine, unfortunately, don't do it justice. I admire greatly those that can duplicate with the camera, what we actually see.
There have been things going on here - some good, some not so good, I could pour it all out, but would probably regret it at a later stage when in a not so reflective mood.
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
rain = yoga, massage and baking
Well, despite a rosier forecast, the rain has returned, so they all had yoga exercises this morning.
Remy's improving, Bonbon is pretty good to start with, and Corky's a stiff old bird!
I gave Remy a massage to finish and he was lovely and relaxed.
I took to baking - a good sign that I've nothing better to do - and made some mince tarts and an egg custard.
I threw some potatoes in once the others were cooked, so it's baked spuds for tea.
Remy's improving, Bonbon is pretty good to start with, and Corky's a stiff old bird!
I gave Remy a massage to finish and he was lovely and relaxed.
I took to baking - a good sign that I've nothing better to do - and made some mince tarts and an egg custard.
I threw some potatoes in once the others were cooked, so it's baked spuds for tea.
Sunday, 6 May 2012
road trips, yoga and bitless options
My mum and dad are on a road trip through France. They arrived here 9 days ago and it's been great to see them. They went on their way this morning and, as usual, I feel sad and a little bit lost. They have another week and will be slowly making their way home. I hope the weather picks up a little for them. The forecast is good.
After they left, I gave Remy his exercises before a short lungeing session on our set aside area at the bottom of the garden.
I was really pleased with him, and he felt light and forward on the line. The trot looked and felt (on the line) easier, and there was a definite spring in his step. He really wanted to get to the grass, so was stretching down very well (sometimes a little bit too much), but managing to keep his shoulders up.
I'm investigating bitless options for the moment. I've ridden him on the training cavesson, but I think I'll just attach the reins to his noseband, it's well padded so shouldn't be a problem.I've also been offered the loan of a Dr Cooks , so will give that a try, although I'm not sure how we will get on with the head-hug effect.
After they left, I gave Remy his exercises before a short lungeing session on our set aside area at the bottom of the garden.
I was really pleased with him, and he felt light and forward on the line. The trot looked and felt (on the line) easier, and there was a definite spring in his step. He really wanted to get to the grass, so was stretching down very well (sometimes a little bit too much), but managing to keep his shoulders up.
I'm investigating bitless options for the moment. I've ridden him on the training cavesson, but I think I'll just attach the reins to his noseband, it's well padded so shouldn't be a problem.I've also been offered the loan of a Dr Cooks , so will give that a try, although I'm not sure how we will get on with the head-hug effect.
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Remy continues his yoga sessions
I had a good session with Bonbon today. I took her for a walk up the lane into the school for her lungeing session. She was really good, striding out well, and I lunged her at walk and trot around the school before getting on.
I haven't ridden her for a month or more, and it felt strange, she's big, quite wide and, after Remy, I felt perched a little on her back. It took a few minutes before she started to focus, and I walked her around the school on a long rein as she checked out the various corners, jump wings, poles etc.
As she started to pay more attention, I worked on walk/halt transitions and changes of rein on circles.
I decided to ride her back down the lane home, which I've never done before. Jim walked with us and she was great.
It felt good to be back riding her.
Remy had his yoga session before a short in-hand session on the yard. It seems to be helping him. He's relaxing into the leg lifts, and we're definitely seeing some progress with the pelvic tucks and belly lifts.
We planted 3 new trees this afternoon - a laburnum, a silver birch and a sycamore. I love trees, and I'm happy to say that our eucalyptus that we thought had died of the cold seems to have survived after all.
I haven't ridden her for a month or more, and it felt strange, she's big, quite wide and, after Remy, I felt perched a little on her back. It took a few minutes before she started to focus, and I walked her around the school on a long rein as she checked out the various corners, jump wings, poles etc.
As she started to pay more attention, I worked on walk/halt transitions and changes of rein on circles.
I decided to ride her back down the lane home, which I've never done before. Jim walked with us and she was great.
It felt good to be back riding her.
Remy had his yoga session before a short in-hand session on the yard. It seems to be helping him. He's relaxing into the leg lifts, and we're definitely seeing some progress with the pelvic tucks and belly lifts.
We planted 3 new trees this afternoon - a laburnum, a silver birch and a sycamore. I love trees, and I'm happy to say that our eucalyptus that we thought had died of the cold seems to have survived after all.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
The clouds roll away
It's been a week since I rode Remy. He's been having a rest after his osteo treatment, and I've been massaging him and doing these daily exercises which I think are really going to help him.
I decided to ride him up the lane today, I didn't put the bridle on, just rode him on the cavesson, and while it felt a bit strange in the hand, he was fairly receptive, especially halts and reinback which I used on the way back to keep him focussed. I wanted to test the waters as to how much control I had, so was pretty pleased, although I don't know how we'll go if I ask him to canter.
Bonbon always holds her weight, and she's come through the winter very well. With the flush of spring grass, she's holding quite a bit of weight, so now the weather's a bit better I've started lungeing her. I took her for a walk up the lane today before going into the school for her session, and she was really good.
I decided to ride him up the lane today, I didn't put the bridle on, just rode him on the cavesson, and while it felt a bit strange in the hand, he was fairly receptive, especially halts and reinback which I used on the way back to keep him focussed. I wanted to test the waters as to how much control I had, so was pretty pleased, although I don't know how we'll go if I ask him to canter.
Bonbon always holds her weight, and she's come through the winter very well. With the flush of spring grass, she's holding quite a bit of weight, so now the weather's a bit better I've started lungeing her. I took her for a walk up the lane today before going into the school for her session, and she was really good.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Remy's osteo check up
The equine osteo came to see Remy today and found a sore spot around the lumbar vertebrae just in-front of the sacrum. It's a muscular problem, nothing out of the ordinary, a little niggle not helped by the fact that he doesn't use his left hind as well as his right.
I can tell this from riding him, but now we must pay more attention to it and concentrate on encouraging him to offer more engagement on that side.
He also had a sore spot on his chest, into the shoulder, involving the pectoral and brachiocephalic muscles, a tweak that could have been caused by a slip in the field.
I described the odd lifting of the head and the osteo said that it would tie in, Remy wanting to stretch the brachiocephalic muscle, which runs up the underside of the neck, as his head came into that position.
I'm hoping that's the reason for it and it will clear up as he becomes more comfortable.
I can start riding him in 3 days.
I'm still going to liaise with the vet and dentist though, as I really need to sort out the problem with the wolf teeth.
I can tell this from riding him, but now we must pay more attention to it and concentrate on encouraging him to offer more engagement on that side.
He also had a sore spot on his chest, into the shoulder, involving the pectoral and brachiocephalic muscles, a tweak that could have been caused by a slip in the field.
I described the odd lifting of the head and the osteo said that it would tie in, Remy wanting to stretch the brachiocephalic muscle, which runs up the underside of the neck, as his head came into that position.
I'm hoping that's the reason for it and it will clear up as he becomes more comfortable.
I can start riding him in 3 days.
I'm still going to liaise with the vet and dentist though, as I really need to sort out the problem with the wolf teeth.
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