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Post by kya on Apr 7, 2007 10:05:49 GMT 1
Went out at 7am this morning as OH has to open his business by9am. Had to get off twice, as Blue would not go on. Once due to Patsy the legendary Screaming Farmer, encouraging his cattle into the dairy and once because of galloping young cattle milling at the track-side. We did meet two two year old TBs by the road, and I was amazed he didn't blow up at this! Then to top it all, something russtled in the hedgerow and we had the airborne three strides of tanking down the road at canter... pulled him around, forgave him everything and still came home smiling. The cattle out after the winter are such a pain- eh? Spring sillies I suppose all around. I'm taking him on that ride (3 miles!) in hand tomorrow. Not something I have ever done before, but he was truly scared witless.
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cesca
Novice Poster
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Post by cesca on Apr 7, 2007 15:33:14 GMT 1
Good grief woman you are in the wrong bit of the site, this is for those of us with nerves! Well done you, I consider myself a VERY confident hacker with my boy (it's one of our real strengths) and all of those things (two 2 year old TBs in spring?!) woulda got me thinking "oh blimey" as soon as I clocked them. Your boy must trust you very much and I think that's the key - once they trust and respect your judgement enough they'll walk through fire for you, I'm convinced. Enjoy doing it in hand tomorrow (and wear suitable boots ) xx
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Post by kya on Apr 7, 2007 15:57:20 GMT 1
Yes, we're not the greatest at keeping out of Mummy's space with our large feet. Noted. May lose patience and ride it out. That's it though... once I've found a problem I'm compelled to go for it... feel sick, but have to go. I must be mad. Actually Cesca, I was dissapointed he didn't trust me enough to pass the cattle without trouble, tried to spin etc. Why doesn't he trust my judgement, or is this a day to day affair?
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Post by wozzer on Apr 7, 2007 16:08:15 GMT 1
Day to day ref: the cattle perhaps, but must admit Lincoln always looks a bit shocked when they're back in the fields again after winter.
Still smiling though eh Kanga? That's the survivor in you, you know. You are the girl on this section who just keeps on getting out there and doing it, having minor set backs and worries and then doing it anyway - dead proud of you ;D
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cesca
Novice Poster
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Post by cesca on Apr 7, 2007 16:15:52 GMT 1
Hehe I was thinking more of the distance thing with the boots, but hey I suppose steel toecaps won't hurt! No you are not mad at all - I was discussing this with my instructor today - in doing these things we are brave, and we are that way because of a strong desire to improve. And I admire you greatly for it - few keep at it. Some openly admit they are giving up scary x or scary y; others make eternal excuses. Be proud you are not them!
Re: the cattle, oh but he did! Just with you on the ground, that's all. He's only a baby isn't he? Remember things are faaaar more terrifying for him simply because he just hasn't seen as much of the world yet. I reckon that it also won't be long before he gets the same security from your contact, seat and legs; all consistent, steady, encouraging and there for him. I really don't think that "disappointed" is a word that should even figure when you're talking about today. You did something that not many riders will do. Bask in it; feel smug! You deserve it and you evidently have a wonderful relationship with your horse.
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Post by Louise C on Apr 7, 2007 17:29:44 GMT 1
You are doing great Kanga - honestly! Cattle in the field one day when they wern't there the day before is scarey for gees - and he is only young as cesca said. Hopefully he will be better tomorrow:-) You have far more going on around you than we do around us - you're doing great!
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Post by kya on Apr 7, 2007 18:50:33 GMT 1
Thanks guys. Watching the rodeo going on in the field tonight, complete with Trigger style rearing and pawing in the air, a walk on the ground is starting to seem like a birthday party!
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Post by angblue on Apr 7, 2007 23:11:56 GMT 1
Oh my you really are the brave one ! Congrats on another good ride ;D I think I must take a leaf out of your book & take my blue out a bit further on our own next time
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Post by wendyihts on Apr 8, 2007 8:45:25 GMT 1
Crystal would definitely have been pooping her pants at even half of that! LOL I remember we went for a hack one time and some of the farmer's calves had snook under the fence and were milling about on the lane. Her ears nearly met in the middle they were that far forward and her eyes were on stalks when she saw these little strange beasties out in a place they'd NEVER been before. I could feel her heart pounding though the saddle! Luckily, the calves were just as freaked and scooted back under the fence to their mums so we could pass eventually. Think I ought to take Crystal cow cutting to try and get her used to herding them! LOL Well done on not absorbing his nervousness and making it your own!
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giftgirl
Elementary Poster
there is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse
Posts: 79
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Post by giftgirl on Apr 8, 2007 9:49:20 GMT 1
well done you! i would have been freaking out with the two TB's not to mention the cattle!!! lol giftgirlxx
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Post by kya on Apr 8, 2007 15:43:37 GMT 1
Took his lordship back over the same ride (yes I know I said I would walk... laziness intervened!) and he was superb. I gave him long reins, sat back and yawned a lot! Met the first set of cattle... nothing. Second set of cattle... mild interest. TB fillies... not a flinch as they cantered along the fence-line. Ducked into the forest to pro-long our lazy ride... just an ear flick. Relaxed as can be. The only thing I did differently apart from letting him slob along the first mile or so, was I put him back in with his companion who is just at the end of her season. They went crackers for about half an hour and seemed blissed out this morning. I even left her out while we rode, which meant some dramatics over the fence as we left. Not a bother. It's wonderful how horses can constantly surprise you. I was getting nervous this morning, so put down my tea and got out immedeatly.
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Post by wozzer on Apr 8, 2007 18:55:24 GMT 1
Yawning eh Kanga That relaxed He He! Didn't think you'd wanna walk. Mega well done - you are setting the standard here for us all to follow ;D I think it is great that we can say, on here, well tomorrow I am going to try x or y, then wake up and say - you know what, I am going to do z instead, and then tell everyone about it! Love this section, is really helping to boost confidence for many of us. xx
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Post by julz on Apr 8, 2007 19:08:02 GMT 1
well done Kanga..... once the initiall "fireworks" over something different have been ridden through, doesn't always mean a repeat performance the next day!! Well Done you!!! keep at it!! what's your plan for tomorrow?
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Post by kya on Apr 8, 2007 19:34:06 GMT 1
The yawning was put on, believe me. Trying a new ride tomorrow through a massive fallow field. I think we are all having a great weekend by the looks of things.
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Post by julz on Apr 8, 2007 19:52:44 GMT 1
Yup me too...went out on a well known "taker off-er" though he hasn't had an "episode" for a while now, and although he's tried it with me, he's never been allowed to get into his stride... so took him through a wide open exciting place, and apart from one wee buck, he was very good!
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