She's getting to be a big (fat) girl!!
My Life, My Horses and My Attempts to Train the Classical Way
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Dodgy back......
As I've started to do a little more with Remy, I've been a little concerned that something wasn't quite right in his back-end. A while ago I went to bring them in from the field and he was standing at the gate refusing to move his back legs. It lasted less than a minute, but when he moved off he was very hesitant. He wasn't lame, not even unlevel, and to be fair he seemed ok, but he'd obviously done something in the field and since then I've had this little niggle that he wasn't quite right. To put my mind at rest, I arranged an appointment with the equine osteopath and she came today.
After an initial assessment in the stable, I walked him for her and she saw immediately that he was out over is lumbar spine into the sacroiliac area. Not a big problem, but enough to alter his movement behind and restrict the placement of his hind legs. After a little manipulation she said that he was fine and I'm sure that I didn't imagine that he immediately looked much more free behind.
All in all he's pretty much ok and I can continue with his exercise as normal.
What a relief!
Went over to a friends yesterday for a hack on one of her horses. It was good fun, but I haven't done much riding recently and to add to that my backside has got used to my lovely comfy treeless saddle, and unfortunately her saddle was like sitting on a plank. My seatbones are groaning this morning!
After an initial assessment in the stable, I walked him for her and she saw immediately that he was out over is lumbar spine into the sacroiliac area. Not a big problem, but enough to alter his movement behind and restrict the placement of his hind legs. After a little manipulation she said that he was fine and I'm sure that I didn't imagine that he immediately looked much more free behind.
All in all he's pretty much ok and I can continue with his exercise as normal.
What a relief!
Went over to a friends yesterday for a hack on one of her horses. It was good fun, but I haven't done much riding recently and to add to that my backside has got used to my lovely comfy treeless saddle, and unfortunately her saddle was like sitting on a plank. My seatbones are groaning this morning!
Monday, 25 April 2011
Good old Toddy!
Woohooo, good old Toddy, a leg end in his own lifetime!!! Well done to the two brits, Piggy French and Mary King.
Letting-go
A really rewarding session today with Remy. In hand, relaxed neck, stretching forward and down, halt/walk/reinback. He was so relaxed and I could feel the letting-go through the line. Apart from a couple of times in the reinback, he stayed this way the whole session. Chuffed.
A short session also with Bonbon and she was good too. Learning the same stuff as Rem and learning really well too. Reservations to the back of my mind, I'm looking forward to Badminton this afternoon.
Cindy's sitting on the eggs.
A short session also with Bonbon and she was good too. Learning the same stuff as Rem and learning really well too. Reservations to the back of my mind, I'm looking forward to Badminton this afternoon.
Cindy's sitting on the eggs.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Didn't know hens could growl.......
It's been a quiet time on the blogging front, not had the inclination, don't know why.
Things are moving on quietly with Rem and Bonbon. I've been a bit off form this last week, but hopefully back to it next week.
I've loved eventing since I was a girl, I'm a big fan and try to watch the 4stars every year, but I've just watched this years cross-country at Badminton with a few reservations. There were some excellent riders and some questionable riders to say the least, but it has to be said that equestrian sport and the art of riding in lightness certanly don't go hand in hand. It didn't sit well with me as with even the best combinations the horse is still subjected to pushing, pulling , kicking whipping and gobbing in the mouth.
I'm not sure how I feel as over the last few years I've become so much more aware of a more ethical, considerate and sympathetic way to ride and interact with my horses, but it's hard to break the habit of a lifetime and I get such a thrill watching those beautiful horses go X country and I still jump up and down when Mary King crosses the line safe and sound. A few combinations fell today, a couple of riders off to hospital and a few injuries to horses, one of which hasn't been mentioned ( a very bad sign), I hope they're all ok.
My fave horse of the day was Marina Kohncke's (Loheit) horse Calma Schelly, first spotted warming up at the start box, with the most amazing paces and going round in good style.
Our young hen, Cindy has gone broody. We've moved her to her own little pad, but she doesn't seem impressed, growling and pecking at Jim as he tried to lift her off the eggs. Anyway she's in there with the eggs in a little nesting box and hopefully she'll settle back to sitting on them.
Things are moving on quietly with Rem and Bonbon. I've been a bit off form this last week, but hopefully back to it next week.
I've loved eventing since I was a girl, I'm a big fan and try to watch the 4stars every year, but I've just watched this years cross-country at Badminton with a few reservations. There were some excellent riders and some questionable riders to say the least, but it has to be said that equestrian sport and the art of riding in lightness certanly don't go hand in hand. It didn't sit well with me as with even the best combinations the horse is still subjected to pushing, pulling , kicking whipping and gobbing in the mouth.
I'm not sure how I feel as over the last few years I've become so much more aware of a more ethical, considerate and sympathetic way to ride and interact with my horses, but it's hard to break the habit of a lifetime and I get such a thrill watching those beautiful horses go X country and I still jump up and down when Mary King crosses the line safe and sound. A few combinations fell today, a couple of riders off to hospital and a few injuries to horses, one of which hasn't been mentioned ( a very bad sign), I hope they're all ok.
My fave horse of the day was Marina Kohncke's (Loheit) horse Calma Schelly, first spotted warming up at the start box, with the most amazing paces and going round in good style.
Our young hen, Cindy has gone broody. We've moved her to her own little pad, but she doesn't seem impressed, growling and pecking at Jim as he tried to lift her off the eggs. Anyway she's in there with the eggs in a little nesting box and hopefully she'll settle back to sitting on them.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Square halts (or not, in our case)
It's been a good weekend sportswise. Man City beat Man United in the semi-final of the F.A, Cub and our boy Lewis won the Chinese Grand Prix!
I've been continuing with Remy, a short session every day. Friday, I lunged him and for the first time got canter on the lunge. It wasn't very good and it was only a few strides, but it was there. It also improved the trot that followed.
The last couple of days have been quite busy, but I managed a session yesterday working in-hand on halt/walk/rein-back transitions, concentrating on getting a square halt (something, I'm ashamed to say, I've neglected). Today, I had two short sessions, one in the morning, the other this afternoon, working on the same thing and he was very calm and attentive. The halts, although not square behind were much better in-front.
I've been continuing with Remy, a short session every day. Friday, I lunged him and for the first time got canter on the lunge. It wasn't very good and it was only a few strides, but it was there. It also improved the trot that followed.
The last couple of days have been quite busy, but I managed a session yesterday working in-hand on halt/walk/rein-back transitions, concentrating on getting a square halt (something, I'm ashamed to say, I've neglected). Today, I had two short sessions, one in the morning, the other this afternoon, working on the same thing and he was very calm and attentive. The halts, although not square behind were much better in-front.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Pineau in the sunshine
A good session with Remy in the school, working on the lunge, lots of softness and stretching, interspersed with some pole work. Then a session with Bonbon , the same exercise, on the circle, good forward walk, stretching forward and down, even bend. It's always been obvious that she's much more supple than Remy and it really showed today. She got it almost immediately, her inside hind coming through and under really nicely. She was a bit twitchy, think she might be coming in season, but she was such a good girl and remained focussed.
Had a lovely afternoon with Ricky playing music, drinking pineau and sitting in the glorious sunshine.
Had a lovely afternoon with Ricky playing music, drinking pineau and sitting in the glorious sunshine.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Girlie lunch
Started with hill and pole work today with Rem to encourage him to bend his hocks and to strengthen and use his back-end more. Trudi and Lydia came over and we went for a girlie lunch out as a belated birthday pressy. Thanks, Trudi, I had a lovely time and thanks Lydia for making me feel like a kid again, although my aching bod is certainly reminding me of my age now!!
Monday, 11 April 2011
Birthday....
Had a lovely day yesterday for my birthday! Bev and a few other friends came round, we were supposed to have a bbq, but, typically, it was a dull, overcast day. It didn't matter though, we had a good time and Jim made us a lovely meal. My mum and dad came on the webcam which pretty much made my day.
My best friend from childhood, Luan, has recently got back in touch with me and she sent me a cd with 'tunes from memory lane' and they certainly did bring back a few! Heart wrenching and heart warming all at the same time - I shed a few tears, wonderful though!
We've got the electrician in today and the builders return tomorrow, so it's going to be all go for the next few weeks.
A short ridden session with Remy in the school today, he's such a good boy. Got to grade the school this afternoon.
My best friend from childhood, Luan, has recently got back in touch with me and she sent me a cd with 'tunes from memory lane' and they certainly did bring back a few! Heart wrenching and heart warming all at the same time - I shed a few tears, wonderful though!
We've got the electrician in today and the builders return tomorrow, so it's going to be all go for the next few weeks.
A short ridden session with Remy in the school today, he's such a good boy. Got to grade the school this afternoon.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
OMG, my poor tree!
A short lunge session yesterday followed by a short sit-on and then a ride back down the lane. The walk was forward and active, nice even bend on the right rein but more resistant to bend to the left. He's hanging onto the bit a little on that side and is more reluctant to release.
In the afternoon I went to the garden centre with Bev and bought some lovely lavender and a liquid amber tree. I love trees and I've wanted one of these for ages. There were several there to choose from and I ummed and ahhed for quite a while before choosing the one that I wanted. Unfortunately, the owner then came over and gave it a bloody good pruning before he bagged it up!!!! Not really being a gardener, I was mortified, but he assured me it was a good thing to do!
Today was far too warm to do anything in the school so we had a stretching session followed by a short session with the bridle and some gentle flexions. He was very responsive with the flexions and happy to release on both reins. He was well rewarded though and he seemed to enjoy it! His wolf tooth has just come through on the left side, and although I don't think it's bothering him I'll have to keep an eye on it.
I followed that with a short bridle session with Bonbon and she was relaxed and happy to release and relax her jaw when asked.
Very enjoyable sessions, lovely and cool in the barn!
In the afternoon I went to the garden centre with Bev and bought some lovely lavender and a liquid amber tree. I love trees and I've wanted one of these for ages. There were several there to choose from and I ummed and ahhed for quite a while before choosing the one that I wanted. Unfortunately, the owner then came over and gave it a bloody good pruning before he bagged it up!!!! Not really being a gardener, I was mortified, but he assured me it was a good thing to do!
Today was far too warm to do anything in the school so we had a stretching session followed by a short session with the bridle and some gentle flexions. He was very responsive with the flexions and happy to release on both reins. He was well rewarded though and he seemed to enjoy it! His wolf tooth has just come through on the left side, and although I don't think it's bothering him I'll have to keep an eye on it.
I followed that with a short bridle session with Bonbon and she was relaxed and happy to release and relax her jaw when asked.
Very enjoyable sessions, lovely and cool in the barn!
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Making a start
I backed Rem last year, and apart from the odd ride to and from the school I haven't started his ridden work until now. Today we had our first lesson, and the start of his ridden education. It felt good to make a start. Jim took a few pics and a vid.
Revolution
There's been a revolution here overnight.
We let the chooks out this morning to find a rather bedraggled, blood-stained Blanco (our mature cockerel) and a rather pleased with himself Ginger ( young stud) strutting around with the girls!
Blanco's quite an aggressive chap and some might say he's had it coming as he's been pushing Ginger around ever since he arrived, but I feel really sorry for him and, after all, he did a fantastic job of protecting the girls.
I hope they settle, it's hard to watch Blanco on his own at the edges of the flock. They're a fickle lot those hens!
We let the chooks out this morning to find a rather bedraggled, blood-stained Blanco (our mature cockerel) and a rather pleased with himself Ginger ( young stud) strutting around with the girls!
Blanco's quite an aggressive chap and some might say he's had it coming as he's been pushing Ginger around ever since he arrived, but I feel really sorry for him and, after all, he did a fantastic job of protecting the girls.
I hope they settle, it's hard to watch Blanco on his own at the edges of the flock. They're a fickle lot those hens!
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Lunge work - getting there
It's been a rainy old day today. Yesterday was hot and sunny, very close, and so the horses had their first night out without rugs. Great for them, but not for me this morning as they came in looking like they'd been mud wrestling. Our fields are not muddy, but, somehow, they managed to find some!!
After a good grooming session, the rain had stopped so I took Remy up to the school and we had one of our best sessions in ages. We've been concentrating on lunge work, trying to get softness, rhythm, and good stretch long and low. Today he had an active walk stride and when asked for the trot transition he was responsive and forward and quickly relaxed into a good stretch long and low with a good rhythm and good, even bend. He's becoming much more consistent and I think we're getting there, to that point of it all clicking into place. Not perfect by any means, but I'm so proud of him and the way he tries for me despite all the mistakes I make in the process. It was raining heavily by the time we finished and we were wet through but I'd not even noticed.
After a good grooming session, the rain had stopped so I took Remy up to the school and we had one of our best sessions in ages. We've been concentrating on lunge work, trying to get softness, rhythm, and good stretch long and low. Today he had an active walk stride and when asked for the trot transition he was responsive and forward and quickly relaxed into a good stretch long and low with a good rhythm and good, even bend. He's becoming much more consistent and I think we're getting there, to that point of it all clicking into place. Not perfect by any means, but I'm so proud of him and the way he tries for me despite all the mistakes I make in the process. It was raining heavily by the time we finished and we were wet through but I'd not even noticed.
Friday, 1 April 2011
Wolf teeth
The electrician's been here today so we've had wires everywhere.It looks so bloody complicated, god knows how he makes sense of it, I'm just glad that he does!
The equine dentist's been here this afternoon for their 6 monthly check. Corky and Bonbon were fine, but Remy's got a wolf tooth erupted. It needs to come out, but it's only just through so we'll have to leave it 2 or 3 months before it's big enough to get hold of without digging into the gum. I hope it doesn't cause him problems in the meantime.
The equine dentist's been here this afternoon for their 6 monthly check. Corky and Bonbon were fine, but Remy's got a wolf tooth erupted. It needs to come out, but it's only just through so we'll have to leave it 2 or 3 months before it's big enough to get hold of without digging into the gum. I hope it doesn't cause him problems in the meantime.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)