shameless proud mummy moment

[mrsfields]

oh god i have to share otherwise i will explode and it won't be pretty! ;D

just been watching my daughter do a jumping lesson with her cheeky pony, Ken!

to see them there, in the school, with 5 other horses/ponies, one of the youngest horses there (he's 6), just doing everything she asked of him, perfect transitions, flawless canter strike-offs, immediate response to the aids, no whip, no screaming or shouting, and totally the best behaved pony with impeccable manners (apart from the odd squeaky whinny to his best pal back in the stable block hehe) despite being the most spirited and dynamic pony in the group, well it just makes my heart so warm...

my daughter is such a gentle intuitive rider and they have come such a long way together...

I bought ken as a surprise christmas present for her 4 years ago when he was 2 and she was 8, he was a project for me to train and bring on, and i wanted something i could ride and turn into a safe bombproof boy for my daughter when she was old enough... it was a risky business as he was a very frightened and unhandled 2 year old in awful condition, but basically it was love at first sight, and everything just fell into place and we had to have him... we both have an amazing bond with this boy - he is such a character and is so special to us...

it just makes me so happy to see how far he's come from being such a fearful little thing, to the confident happy chappie he is today... he has always had a lovely nature, but now he is expressing this in his ridden work as well... kind of had to pinch myself watching them there today, like two old hands just really enjoying themselves...

my daughter was so happy - just smiling ear to ear, especially at the end when the instructor complimented her on ken (a big thing as she rarely compliments the kids!)

i never would have dreamed 4 years down the line that they'd be doing this... i had hoped so, yes, but seeing it actually come true just overwhelms me LOL

so sorry for the soppy ramble - i had to share - my non-horsey OH thinks i'm losing the plot haha xxx

happy christmas everyone xxx

[mrsmills]

How absolutely fantastic - what an achievement! And that extra bit special because of the poor start he had - just shows you what can be achieved with time, patience and the right skills!

[wabuska]

That's a wonderful story. Well done for having such faith.

[julz]

That's brilliant..... Well Done... This is how I felt when Jay and his rider did their firat ever dressage this year... He was a norty boy last year, had no manners, wouldnt listen did his own thing.... no way could he have dont any kind of dressage last year, but to improve so quickly is just the best feeling.... We hope to continue his education over the next year and see what happens.

[cbc]

Thats a great post! Best Christmas pressie too in a way

[happysnail]

Lovely. That's so inspiring. Sounds like your family were the best Christmas present for him too.

[Mellymoo]

Aww that is ace! I also love his name

[BJMM]

What a lovely story and nice to hear about a child who doesn't treat her pony like a rosette-winning machine. xxxx