http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YTTNXpaYUY
He was so NOT in the mood it was untrue. You can see me kicking the soft beggar to get him to move!
But we got 7s for everything we'd practised in the lesson with Wonder Woman and I was satisfied with our mark (63%) given the quality of the test as a whole - and I was gobsmacked when we actually won!
I does love that horse.
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Even more Oooh!
We had our second lesson with New Trainer today. As I'd suspected we were heaps better than last time, and by the end of the lesson we were even more heaps better still.
Quite remarkable.
The difference is that I am really riding the horse, keeping control of every stride rather than just hoping it will all stay ok. I have to really watch that left shoulder of his and keep hold of it especially during turns to the right, and to keep him balanced I aim for little strides and keep hold of his shoulders so they don't get too far in front of his back end. Then we end up with a nice pingy, balanced gait.
She said that if we do this, there's no reason why we shouldn't end up with a raft of 7s even in E42, and also pointed out that when I do manage to keep hold of Wilson, he looks flashy and impressive.
So "all" I have to do on Saturday is keep him relaxed (hah!) and remember to ride him. Yup, that's all. ALL!! I am terribly excited though and can't wait for tomorrow so that I can ride again!
Quite remarkable.
The difference is that I am really riding the horse, keeping control of every stride rather than just hoping it will all stay ok. I have to really watch that left shoulder of his and keep hold of it especially during turns to the right, and to keep him balanced I aim for little strides and keep hold of his shoulders so they don't get too far in front of his back end. Then we end up with a nice pingy, balanced gait.
She said that if we do this, there's no reason why we shouldn't end up with a raft of 7s even in E42, and also pointed out that when I do manage to keep hold of Wilson, he looks flashy and impressive.
So "all" I have to do on Saturday is keep him relaxed (hah!) and remember to ride him. Yup, that's all. ALL!! I am terribly excited though and can't wait for tomorrow so that I can ride again!
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Ooooh!
Rode again this morning. Remembered to flex him left and right, and he was much better and softer and more supple than yesterday.
Worked on our canter transitions, same exercise as yesterday: canter half a circle, trot half a circle so that he began to anticipate what I was going to ask and I was able to tone down my aids a lot. He's begun to learn to canter when I make a "Tss" sound - works from walk to canter too :chuffed: Just wish he'd go canter-walk!
Ran through E42. No more difficult than a Novice really although obviously the qualitative issues come into play. Anyway we're going to give it a go on Saturday and see what happens.
Haven't felt this excited for ages!
Worked on our canter transitions, same exercise as yesterday: canter half a circle, trot half a circle so that he began to anticipate what I was going to ask and I was able to tone down my aids a lot. He's begun to learn to canter when I make a "Tss" sound - works from walk to canter too :chuffed: Just wish he'd go canter-walk!
Ran through E42. No more difficult than a Novice really although obviously the qualitative issues come into play. Anyway we're going to give it a go on Saturday and see what happens.
Haven't felt this excited for ages!
Saturday, 19 September 2009
New trainer :)
REALLY like her. So does Wils: he let her hold the rein while I got on, and he let her give him a pat. He usually doesn't trust strangers enough to do either of those things.
Thank goodness I think she is the right person to take over from Paul. I was looking for somebody who was like him; Debbie Jones is, but she's as elusive as he is. This lady doesn't use the exact words that he and Debbie use but she talks about the same things, namely Wilson's left shoulder.
Of course she liked him and she also said some very nice things about my riding. I don't care what anybody says, the feelgood factor is important. It's perfectly possible to say nice things to your client and then set about changing what they do! I don't think you need to have the bad stuff rubbed in your face, and you like to feel that your efforts are at least being recognised, however off the mark they may be.
Anyway we worked on getting Wilson soft and supple, which is our absolute downfall and why we do fairly well but almost never very well. She reckons it isn't difficult to fix but it struck me that I have a lot of things to remember to do and I have to time them right as well, which kinda rates as difficult in my book.
We think we may have a crack at Elemental next Saturday. It's a fairly easy test so I'll go through it tomorrow and see how it feels, and then we'll run it past her on Wednesday. She said we'd be fine at Elem but I said No, we still don't really have a medium trot, and she pointed out that we wouldn't be alone there - but I told her that we don't want to be the types who compete at Elementary when we don't have the basics for it. We'll see; I may be seduced into giving it a go; it depends whether I can bear not to have the opportunity to rack up a mark or maybe two for the league, or whether ambition will get the better of me.
And we're going to affiliate. I was only thinking of Prelim, but she reckoned we'd be ok for Novice as well. Oh, she's a List 4 judge. SBN is "only" List 5.
I am so happy. I think we have a chance of really making some progress now.
Thank goodness I think she is the right person to take over from Paul. I was looking for somebody who was like him; Debbie Jones is, but she's as elusive as he is. This lady doesn't use the exact words that he and Debbie use but she talks about the same things, namely Wilson's left shoulder.
Of course she liked him and she also said some very nice things about my riding. I don't care what anybody says, the feelgood factor is important. It's perfectly possible to say nice things to your client and then set about changing what they do! I don't think you need to have the bad stuff rubbed in your face, and you like to feel that your efforts are at least being recognised, however off the mark they may be.
Anyway we worked on getting Wilson soft and supple, which is our absolute downfall and why we do fairly well but almost never very well. She reckons it isn't difficult to fix but it struck me that I have a lot of things to remember to do and I have to time them right as well, which kinda rates as difficult in my book.
We think we may have a crack at Elemental next Saturday. It's a fairly easy test so I'll go through it tomorrow and see how it feels, and then we'll run it past her on Wednesday. She said we'd be fine at Elem but I said No, we still don't really have a medium trot, and she pointed out that we wouldn't be alone there - but I told her that we don't want to be the types who compete at Elementary when we don't have the basics for it. We'll see; I may be seduced into giving it a go; it depends whether I can bear not to have the opportunity to rack up a mark or maybe two for the league, or whether ambition will get the better of me.
And we're going to affiliate. I was only thinking of Prelim, but she reckoned we'd be ok for Novice as well. Oh, she's a List 4 judge. SBN is "only" List 5.
I am so happy. I think we have a chance of really making some progress now.
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Good old Nadi
Her last lesson was a fortnight ago and ended, as all too often, with her in a sulk for no good reason. I had a free and frank imparting of my views and told her quite bluntly that I wasn't paying for the privilege of having a sulking teenager to deal with, and she should damn well grow up.
Today she was fab. Rode really nicely on the flat and although there was the occasional hiccup, jumped really well too. Myles was very very pleased.
They ended the lesson before the plummet set in; he said to me he wasn't going to overload her because it blows her brain.
She didn't sulk. There was nothing to sulk about (well, there never is really, but even less than usual). She was pleased with herself in exactly the right way.
And I have had a Nidea, of which more later if it looks as if it'll come off.
Today she was fab. Rode really nicely on the flat and although there was the occasional hiccup, jumped really well too. Myles was very very pleased.
They ended the lesson before the plummet set in; he said to me he wasn't going to overload her because it blows her brain.
She didn't sulk. There was nothing to sulk about (well, there never is really, but even less than usual). She was pleased with herself in exactly the right way.
And I have had a Nidea, of which more later if it looks as if it'll come off.
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Friday, 11 September 2009
We enjoyed our lesson today
It was with SBN. Mr WoW has pretty much disappeared off the radar, unfortunately, which is a hell of a shame but can't be helped.
Wilson has been going better and better every day lately and I love him so much I think my heart will burst. It's mutual, too.
We ran through tomorrow's tests. Basically my problem is that I don't set him up sufficiently for the transitions, particularly trot-canter. I know I panic slightly about canter transitions for some reason. Anyway, I have to get him really round and keep him there so that we have a better chance of making the transitions, and I need to use every available centimetre of the arena so that I have as much time as possible to prepare. Makes sense!
N25 wasn't too bad except for the rubbishy trot-walk and trot-canter transitions. We even got some MT. I asked SBN if she'd have given us any 8s and she said No but a lot of 7s - and just as I was about to ask What about our G&Rs, she corrected herself and said she'd have given us 8s for them :pleased:
N28 - well, again rubbishy trot-canter transitions but some damn good canter, if I say so myself.
So let's see what tomorrow brings.
Wilson has been going better and better every day lately and I love him so much I think my heart will burst. It's mutual, too.
We ran through tomorrow's tests. Basically my problem is that I don't set him up sufficiently for the transitions, particularly trot-canter. I know I panic slightly about canter transitions for some reason. Anyway, I have to get him really round and keep him there so that we have a better chance of making the transitions, and I need to use every available centimetre of the arena so that I have as much time as possible to prepare. Makes sense!
N25 wasn't too bad except for the rubbishy trot-walk and trot-canter transitions. We even got some MT. I asked SBN if she'd have given us any 8s and she said No but a lot of 7s - and just as I was about to ask What about our G&Rs, she corrected herself and said she'd have given us 8s for them :pleased:
N28 - well, again rubbishy trot-canter transitions but some damn good canter, if I say so myself.
So let's see what tomorrow brings.
Monday, 7 September 2009
No good deed goes unpunished
You know how sometimes you get annoyed about something, and then after you've slept on it you think, Maybe I've over-reacted? I haven't. In fact I under-reacted and I'm really quite peeved.
As you know I help out at our RC SJ. I do it because I enjoy it enormously. Selfishly, I do it because it suits me; the fact that it helps the RC is definitely secondary. You also know that I have no interest in SJ per se and consider it an odd and pointless activity.
So when the RC organised a talk about course-building I immediately decided not to go although I wondered whether I ought to, seeing as I'm involved with the SJ, and the more I thought about it the more I didn't want to go and didn't see why I should, given my complete absence of interest, coupled with the fact that other (more interested) people would go.
However I got collared on Saturday after the Trec and was told that I should attend. I explained that I didn't want to, but to no avail and being the ultra-reasonable person that I am, I reckoned that it probably wouldn't be as dire as I expected.
Suffice it to say that I was wrong, that it went on longer than I had bargained for, and I didn't get home till 10.30pm which is waaay past my bedtime. There is no WAY I'm going to the next one, I'd rather bleed to death, and if my helping out results in my being expected to do things like this, they can stuff the sodding SJ and I'm never helping again.
As you know I help out at our RC SJ. I do it because I enjoy it enormously. Selfishly, I do it because it suits me; the fact that it helps the RC is definitely secondary. You also know that I have no interest in SJ per se and consider it an odd and pointless activity.
So when the RC organised a talk about course-building I immediately decided not to go although I wondered whether I ought to, seeing as I'm involved with the SJ, and the more I thought about it the more I didn't want to go and didn't see why I should, given my complete absence of interest, coupled with the fact that other (more interested) people would go.
However I got collared on Saturday after the Trec and was told that I should attend. I explained that I didn't want to, but to no avail and being the ultra-reasonable person that I am, I reckoned that it probably wouldn't be as dire as I expected.
Suffice it to say that I was wrong, that it went on longer than I had bargained for, and I didn't get home till 10.30pm which is waaay past my bedtime. There is no WAY I'm going to the next one, I'd rather bleed to death, and if my helping out results in my being expected to do things like this, they can stuff the sodding SJ and I'm never helping again.
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Squee!
K has prevailed upon us to go dressidging to a venue which is new to us. What the hell, why not, I have to come out of my comfort zone at some point and it'll make a rider of me. I know Wilson will back right off and I'll have to ride him with a lot more gumption and commitment.
We're doing N25 and N28. We've never done N25 before so we had a run-through this morning. Wils had been amazingly good up till then: he'd been more forward and although MT is still a distant dream, he is definitely trying.
The moment we started the test he relapsed into his safe, comfy trot that invariably earns the comment "Could be more forward." Anyway the test wasn't as bad to ride as it looked although we lost our bearings slightly in one of the canter G&Rs, lol.
However, the last canter, on our better (left) rein, was quite extraordinary. Wilson came into an "n" shape: he was all compact and tucked in and not so much forwards as upwards. He has done this before but this was the best yet and he maintained it for the whole canter including the G&R, the change of rein on the long diagonal and into the downwards transition.
He did look pretty pleased with himself afterwards and he said some lovely things to me although I don't quite know what they were.
We're doing N25 and N28. We've never done N25 before so we had a run-through this morning. Wils had been amazingly good up till then: he'd been more forward and although MT is still a distant dream, he is definitely trying.
The moment we started the test he relapsed into his safe, comfy trot that invariably earns the comment "Could be more forward." Anyway the test wasn't as bad to ride as it looked although we lost our bearings slightly in one of the canter G&Rs, lol.
However, the last canter, on our better (left) rein, was quite extraordinary. Wilson came into an "n" shape: he was all compact and tucked in and not so much forwards as upwards. He has done this before but this was the best yet and he maintained it for the whole canter including the G&R, the change of rein on the long diagonal and into the downwards transition.
He did look pretty pleased with himself afterwards and he said some lovely things to me although I don't quite know what they were.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Friday, 28 August 2009
Could this be a turning point?
We worked hard on our MT today, doing what we do with Debbie Jones only more of it - to wit: staying on a circle but pushing the trot on. It doesn't sound like much, does it! Today I kept insisting on More and eventually (it took a while!) Wilson's neck rounded and he opened his shoulders. It felt enormous although it probably isn't really, but I'm hoping that he has now realised that he can trot More without either running or breaking into canter. We had a couple of goes up the long side and it wasn't as good but it was better than it has been, and I think it was a lot better across the diagonal. Cue LOTS of pattings and shriekings of "Good boy! Clever, clever boy!" - I do hope nobody was there to hear!
Our left rein is much weaker and it didn't quite happen but if we can at least get it on one rein I know it's just a matter of time before we can do it on the other.
I hope he practises by himself because we could really do with cracking this.
And then we'll go out ...
Our left rein is much weaker and it didn't quite happen but if we can at least get it on one rein I know it's just a matter of time before we can do it on the other.
I hope he practises by himself because we could really do with cracking this.
And then we'll go out ...
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
On track, but tired.
I've put on a fair bit of weight in the past few months, especially in the past week owing to a plentiful supply of olives, cheese, beer and wine, so I came home with the express intention of doing something about it. It's all gone on my belly which flobbles quite unpleasantly.
So on Monday, in addition to riding my horsey and reducing my food intake, I did an hour on the treadmill.
Yesterday, in addition to riding said horsey and keeping the food intake to the minimum, I did 20 minutes on the rowing machine and 40 on the treadmill.
I have lost 2 kg. Only another 5 to go! At this rate it won't take too long, I'm eating less and exercising LOTS more.
Today I feel very tired so although I'm going to cement the past two days' efforts by going to the gym, I'm not riding. Wilson won't mind.
So on Monday, in addition to riding my horsey and reducing my food intake, I did an hour on the treadmill.
Yesterday, in addition to riding said horsey and keeping the food intake to the minimum, I did 20 minutes on the rowing machine and 40 on the treadmill.
I have lost 2 kg. Only another 5 to go! At this rate it won't take too long, I'm eating less and exercising LOTS more.
Today I feel very tired so although I'm going to cement the past two days' efforts by going to the gym, I'm not riding. Wilson won't mind.
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Holiday's over
Hehehehe!!
It was ok. The good bits (weather, villa, pool) were as good as I'd hoped; the bad bits (no possibility of eating out, neighbours with small children, total absence of shop of any ilk whatsoever, NO BLOODY INTERNET) were as bad as I'd feared.
Pisa is lovely, dainty and elegant and civilized and the people were charming.
(Nadia is playing T Rex atm and it's quite funny because she's singing along and knows all the words! How cool is that for a 15 year old?)
Anyway. Wilson was quite prepared for a great big bay sulk but I wrong-footed him on Sunday by NOT RIDING AND BRINGING HIM IN FOR A FEED INSTEAD. Mwuahahaha!
As a result he was gorgeous on Monday and better still today.
I'm desperate for a lesson though.
Telegram Sam, you're my main man ...
It was ok. The good bits (weather, villa, pool) were as good as I'd hoped; the bad bits (no possibility of eating out, neighbours with small children, total absence of shop of any ilk whatsoever, NO BLOODY INTERNET) were as bad as I'd feared.
Pisa is lovely, dainty and elegant and civilized and the people were charming.
(Nadia is playing T Rex atm and it's quite funny because she's singing along and knows all the words! How cool is that for a 15 year old?)
Anyway. Wilson was quite prepared for a great big bay sulk but I wrong-footed him on Sunday by NOT RIDING AND BRINGING HIM IN FOR A FEED INSTEAD. Mwuahahaha!
As a result he was gorgeous on Monday and better still today.
I'm desperate for a lesson though.
Telegram Sam, you're my main man ...
Saturday, 15 August 2009
For the record.
I thought I'd better put this in writing lest I forget.
Last night I'd been chatting to Jenny on FB and said that although I love Wilson, he doesn't seem to love me. I was thinking of giving the whole thing up as a bad job and simply not having a horse.
Well, he must have been eavesdropping because today he was exceptionally affectionate (for him). I heard him say that he does love me, and he proved it by being fabulous to ride and trying very hard to do MT. I often laugh when I ride him, because it's so much fun!
And the funniest part was when I was bringing him his Top Spec; I was around the corner so he couldn't see me but knew what I was doing, and I asked him "So how much did you say you love me, then?" - and he actually whinnied in reply, just before I came into his line of vision. Obviously he loves me even more when I'm carrying a bucket, lol!
Maybe, if Joe has now gone, he'll be able to get a bit closer to me?
Last night I'd been chatting to Jenny on FB and said that although I love Wilson, he doesn't seem to love me. I was thinking of giving the whole thing up as a bad job and simply not having a horse.
Well, he must have been eavesdropping because today he was exceptionally affectionate (for him). I heard him say that he does love me, and he proved it by being fabulous to ride and trying very hard to do MT. I often laugh when I ride him, because it's so much fun!
And the funniest part was when I was bringing him his Top Spec; I was around the corner so he couldn't see me but knew what I was doing, and I asked him "So how much did you say you love me, then?" - and he actually whinnied in reply, just before I came into his line of vision. Obviously he loves me even more when I'm carrying a bucket, lol!
Maybe, if Joe has now gone, he'll be able to get a bit closer to me?
Sunday, 9 August 2009
I am so full of it!
I think I know myself and then I realise I am simply delusional.
I HOWLED for Joe yesterday. Raw pain.
On the plus side, every time I think of Wilson I smile.
I HOWLED for Joe yesterday. Raw pain.
On the plus side, every time I think of Wilson I smile.
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Further musings
I'm pretty sure Joe has gone now. That's an odd thing to say because I didn't ever feel that he was here: that was one of the hardest things, but now there is just Nothing.
I had a super ride on Wilson this morning. He puts a smile on my face every single time, bless him. Yet it's just ... oh I don't know; different. If he ever became unrideable I don't know what I'd do. I know exactly what I would have done if that had happened to Joe - I'd have simply kept him and loved him.
K and I talked a lot about competing and being competitive the other day. Joe and I liked to compete and it did matter to an extent, but there was so much in our relationship besides that. I can't say the same for Wilson and me. I know, it's only been a year.
It's a bit like the cats. I've had three Special cats in my life: Squindi, Lemmy and Little Shit. All my cats are special and I adore them but at the moment there isn't one who's Special with a capital S.
I feel a bit lonely, but not at all unhappy.
I had a super ride on Wilson this morning. He puts a smile on my face every single time, bless him. Yet it's just ... oh I don't know; different. If he ever became unrideable I don't know what I'd do. I know exactly what I would have done if that had happened to Joe - I'd have simply kept him and loved him.
K and I talked a lot about competing and being competitive the other day. Joe and I liked to compete and it did matter to an extent, but there was so much in our relationship besides that. I can't say the same for Wilson and me. I know, it's only been a year.
It's a bit like the cats. I've had three Special cats in my life: Squindi, Lemmy and Little Shit. All my cats are special and I adore them but at the moment there isn't one who's Special with a capital S.
I feel a bit lonely, but not at all unhappy.
Friday, 7 August 2009
Coming to terms?
I wonder if the other night's weird dream was about Joe rather than Glyn.
Since I had it I haven't thought about him anything like as much, even though I've been talking about him to K and Rachael and showed Rachael videos of him. Previously he'd been in my thoughts almost constantly, and when he wasn't actually in them he was next in line. I don't think I've cried for him since then either, when hitherto I had shed at least a few tears every day. Bollocks, I'm crying now, but maybe it's different.
In the dream I was remarrying very soon after Glyn, and while the circumstances prevented it from being a happy occasion it did at least feel right, although I was worried about what other people might think.
Wilson came into my life immediately after I lost Joe. It felt right, inasmuch as anything could possibly feel right at the time. I was supported enormously by all my friends who helped me to find reasons to like Wilson when I struggled, and were delighted for me when I realised how lovely he is.
Wilson does things for me that Joe never could. That's his gift. Joe did things for me that Wilson never will, and that's his. I love them both for what they are.
I don't believe in an afterlife any more - at least, not one that has any connection with this life - but maybe I'm wrong and perhaps Joe is ready to bow out now, or perhaps it's simply that I'm ready to let him go.
And bollocks, I'm still crying, aren't I contrary?!
Since I had it I haven't thought about him anything like as much, even though I've been talking about him to K and Rachael and showed Rachael videos of him. Previously he'd been in my thoughts almost constantly, and when he wasn't actually in them he was next in line. I don't think I've cried for him since then either, when hitherto I had shed at least a few tears every day. Bollocks, I'm crying now, but maybe it's different.
In the dream I was remarrying very soon after Glyn, and while the circumstances prevented it from being a happy occasion it did at least feel right, although I was worried about what other people might think.
Wilson came into my life immediately after I lost Joe. It felt right, inasmuch as anything could possibly feel right at the time. I was supported enormously by all my friends who helped me to find reasons to like Wilson when I struggled, and were delighted for me when I realised how lovely he is.
Wilson does things for me that Joe never could. That's his gift. Joe did things for me that Wilson never will, and that's his. I love them both for what they are.
I don't believe in an afterlife any more - at least, not one that has any connection with this life - but maybe I'm wrong and perhaps Joe is ready to bow out now, or perhaps it's simply that I'm ready to let him go.
And bollocks, I'm still crying, aren't I contrary?!
I am SO in love with this guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlS1D6c-VXw
I could listen to that all day and all night; that's my favourite repertoire and his is easily the best voice of its type that I've ever heard.
In other news, we had another clinic with Debbie last night and she's pleased with our canter. Wils was a real tit though, spooking at everything. I tried to ride him through it but the bottom line is that he simply isn't a brave horse. I reckon that's the main reason we can't get MT: he isn't daring enough to let go.
Not that it matters :sulk: as I'm away from Monday to Thursday next week, probably too busy on Friday to ride, and away for a week from the following Sunday. Might as well not bloody bother.
I shall listen to Yuriy instead :wub:
I could listen to that all day and all night; that's my favourite repertoire and his is easily the best voice of its type that I've ever heard.
In other news, we had another clinic with Debbie last night and she's pleased with our canter. Wils was a real tit though, spooking at everything. I tried to ride him through it but the bottom line is that he simply isn't a brave horse. I reckon that's the main reason we can't get MT: he isn't daring enough to let go.
Not that it matters :sulk: as I'm away from Monday to Thursday next week, probably too busy on Friday to ride, and away for a week from the following Sunday. Might as well not bloody bother.
I shall listen to Yuriy instead :wub:
Thursday, 6 August 2009
Very weird dream
I dreamed that Glyn had died and I was getting married again.
It was a no-fuss, no-frills affair; I don't think I had a special dress and if my SIL hadn't brought a cake (decorated with Smarties!) there wouldn't have been one. I think only my family were going to be there. I didn't want anybody to know, not because I was ashamed in any way but simply because it was MY business and nobody else's, but literally at the 11th hour (I was getting married at 12.00) I texted Sandra and Jenny because I thought that they might feel hurt if they hadn't known about it. Only the texts didn't send, and then I realised, in some panic, that I wanted them to reassure me that it was all right, I wasn't being disloyal to Glyn and that they would support me.
Woke up crying again! Soon stopped when I saw Glyn was right there next to me, thank God.
It was a no-fuss, no-frills affair; I don't think I had a special dress and if my SIL hadn't brought a cake (decorated with Smarties!) there wouldn't have been one. I think only my family were going to be there. I didn't want anybody to know, not because I was ashamed in any way but simply because it was MY business and nobody else's, but literally at the 11th hour (I was getting married at 12.00) I texted Sandra and Jenny because I thought that they might feel hurt if they hadn't known about it. Only the texts didn't send, and then I realised, in some panic, that I wanted them to reassure me that it was all right, I wasn't being disloyal to Glyn and that they would support me.
Woke up crying again! Soon stopped when I saw Glyn was right there next to me, thank God.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
SO proud!
Rachael came today and we had a fantastic time. We've only seen each other three times in the last 20 years I think but we just picked up where we'd left off! Obviously we never stopped talking, but that was always the case even when we saw each other all day, every day.
Wilson was in a super mood today and I worked him properly. He was so much fun. We ran through Saturday's test with Rachael calling it, and then she got on. She's much taller than I am and my stirrups weren't long enough for her great dangly gangly legs so she spent much of the time sans stirrups and I was jolly impressed at her core strength and ability to sit, and quite staggered at the way she never once used the rein for balance ... or indeed for anything. She told me later that she usually rides with a single lead rope rather than with a rein, which explains much!
And she was very complimentary about mah boy. (Who was indeed very good, if I didn't mention that earlier.) She said that when she'd seen me riding him she thought "Gosh, she's good" - but that when she rode him she realised that it wasn't me who was good, it was Wilson, roflmao!
He's such a babe.
After a rather delicious luncheon :fat: we came home and I inflicted videos of Rocky, Mysti and Joe on her. I wish so much that she had met Joe. It was always one of those things that you'll get round to doing "one day" but in this instance never happened. She'd have loved him.
Anyway it was a beautiful day. Thank you for coming over, Rachael my dear, and you don't live THAT far away, and besides visiting you is a good excuse to drop by RideAway!
Wilson was in a super mood today and I worked him properly. He was so much fun. We ran through Saturday's test with Rachael calling it, and then she got on. She's much taller than I am and my stirrups weren't long enough for her great dangly gangly legs so she spent much of the time sans stirrups and I was jolly impressed at her core strength and ability to sit, and quite staggered at the way she never once used the rein for balance ... or indeed for anything. She told me later that she usually rides with a single lead rope rather than with a rein, which explains much!
And she was very complimentary about mah boy. (Who was indeed very good, if I didn't mention that earlier.) She said that when she'd seen me riding him she thought "Gosh, she's good" - but that when she rode him she realised that it wasn't me who was good, it was Wilson, roflmao!
He's such a babe.
After a rather delicious luncheon :fat: we came home and I inflicted videos of Rocky, Mysti and Joe on her. I wish so much that she had met Joe. It was always one of those things that you'll get round to doing "one day" but in this instance never happened. She'd have loved him.
Anyway it was a beautiful day. Thank you for coming over, Rachael my dear, and you don't live THAT far away, and besides visiting you is a good excuse to drop by RideAway!
Monday, 3 August 2009
Lovely day and a bit eek!
My friend K from the riding club came over today. She is one of those really lovely people who have no idea how nice they are and are worry that they are imposing on you and that you're just being kind. Bizarre really, given that it makes me feel special to have attention from her.
She rode Wilson beautifully. She has a cracking little mare whom she adores but who can be a bit quirky (find me the mare that can't) and she enjoyed Wilson who is such an easy-going chap. She found him quite stiff on the left rein but managed to get him to soften, and she did a good job of keeping him straight, which is not the easiest thing in the world, believe me, when the horse has the unshakeable belief that he is a banana. She was even able to get him to lengthen his trot a little, which as you all know by now is the bane of my life. His MW was really good (she said it was "expressive" :proud: ) and once he was working properly - I had only half warmed him up - he gave her a super WT. If he looks like that when I ride him I'll be delighted.
All the riding clubs close down over August so I wasn't expecting to find anywhere to compete, but K's going out on Saturday and gave me the details so I'll get my entry in tomorrow. Hehehe.
The eek! is that we're doing N26 which has a halt and a rein-back, neither of which we've ever done in a test. Hehehe!
I'm hoping for another lovely day tomorrow as Rachael, my best fiend from our university days, is coming to visit and is also going to ride Wilson. Haven't seen her for - ooh, ages, and she has never been to mine before.
K brought me the most delicious chocolate cake so if there's any left, Rachael and I will no doubt scoff it. IF there's any left.
She rode Wilson beautifully. She has a cracking little mare whom she adores but who can be a bit quirky (find me the mare that can't) and she enjoyed Wilson who is such an easy-going chap. She found him quite stiff on the left rein but managed to get him to soften, and she did a good job of keeping him straight, which is not the easiest thing in the world, believe me, when the horse has the unshakeable belief that he is a banana. She was even able to get him to lengthen his trot a little, which as you all know by now is the bane of my life. His MW was really good (she said it was "expressive" :proud: ) and once he was working properly - I had only half warmed him up - he gave her a super WT. If he looks like that when I ride him I'll be delighted.
All the riding clubs close down over August so I wasn't expecting to find anywhere to compete, but K's going out on Saturday and gave me the details so I'll get my entry in tomorrow. Hehehe.
The eek! is that we're doing N26 which has a halt and a rein-back, neither of which we've ever done in a test. Hehehe!
I'm hoping for another lovely day tomorrow as Rachael, my best fiend from our university days, is coming to visit and is also going to ride Wilson. Haven't seen her for - ooh, ages, and she has never been to mine before.
K brought me the most delicious chocolate cake so if there's any left, Rachael and I will no doubt scoff it. IF there's any left.
Sunday, 2 August 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXj1vIIOJF4&videos=rqPyxuzD6eI&playnext=3&playnext_from=TL
Mozart's Clarinet Quintent in A major K 581 is without doubt one of the saddest pieces of music I know.
Achingly beautiful, plangently simple, I don't know the circumstances of its composition but it resounds with loss, and at the same time there's an element of appearing to "get on with things" and hide the devastation from the world, but to me there's a forced cheerfulness, a hollowness, about the superficially allegretto parts; all the while the clarinet is weeping.
Love it.
On listening to it for the 36 time in a row, I now wonder if the piece is irrepressibly optimistic. Immense sadness, certainly, but an effervescence that cannot be stifled.
Hmmm!! All things to all people, clearly!
Mozart and the clarinet and/or voice - sheer perfection.
Achingly beautiful, plangently simple, I don't know the circumstances of its composition but it resounds with loss, and at the same time there's an element of appearing to "get on with things" and hide the devastation from the world, but to me there's a forced cheerfulness, a hollowness, about the superficially allegretto parts; all the while the clarinet is weeping.
Love it.
On listening to it for the 36 time in a row, I now wonder if the piece is irrepressibly optimistic. Immense sadness, certainly, but an effervescence that cannot be stifled.
Hmmm!! All things to all people, clearly!
Mozart and the clarinet and/or voice - sheer perfection.
Thursday, 30 July 2009
We all have to do things we don't like
For Wilson and me, it's hacking.
Today was our second hack in less than a week. We really don't enjoy it but we know we have to do it. He's been doing such a lot of schooling lately that he deserves a break, but I don't want to not ride. I suppose I could ride Rocky but it never occurs to me!
Wils is a terrible wuss so hacking out is Definitely Good For Us: each time he becomes a little - a very little - braver, and each time I become more confident that he isn't going to do anything dangerous.
Usually when he is feeling unsure he backs off; today I extended my comfort zone a bit by asking him for Forwards. This is the aftermath of Day Three of grass nuts and thus far I've noticed more energy but nothing more, no bounciness or silliness. He went forwards far more happily than he generally does, and maintained it far more easily.
He's really very well-behaved when hacking even though he is always on the alert for monsters. There were a couple of occasions today when he was uncomfortable about things so I put him on the bit - he was going forwards beautifully so it wasn't difficult! - in the hope that he would recognise it as a Safe And Comfy Place and it seemed to work.
When we got back, after no mishaps except a baby-giraffe-type star jump when we were almost home :rolleyes: we encountered B who has just qualified her LR pony for HOYS. We chatted about her ponies and mine, and she remarked how well Wilson looks (second such comment in a few days :proud: ) and opined that he has a look of quality about him. Well, I nearly fell off. The surprise is twofold: firstly, B NEVER says anything nice unless she has to, and secondly (as I told her) Wils is just an unregistered nothing horse imported from Ireland.
Quality, eh. Mmm, it's a nice thought!
Today was our second hack in less than a week. We really don't enjoy it but we know we have to do it. He's been doing such a lot of schooling lately that he deserves a break, but I don't want to not ride. I suppose I could ride Rocky but it never occurs to me!
Wils is a terrible wuss so hacking out is Definitely Good For Us: each time he becomes a little - a very little - braver, and each time I become more confident that he isn't going to do anything dangerous.
Usually when he is feeling unsure he backs off; today I extended my comfort zone a bit by asking him for Forwards. This is the aftermath of Day Three of grass nuts and thus far I've noticed more energy but nothing more, no bounciness or silliness. He went forwards far more happily than he generally does, and maintained it far more easily.
He's really very well-behaved when hacking even though he is always on the alert for monsters. There were a couple of occasions today when he was uncomfortable about things so I put him on the bit - he was going forwards beautifully so it wasn't difficult! - in the hope that he would recognise it as a Safe And Comfy Place and it seemed to work.
When we got back, after no mishaps except a baby-giraffe-type star jump when we were almost home :rolleyes: we encountered B who has just qualified her LR pony for HOYS. We chatted about her ponies and mine, and she remarked how well Wilson looks (second such comment in a few days :proud: ) and opined that he has a look of quality about him. Well, I nearly fell off. The surprise is twofold: firstly, B NEVER says anything nice unless she has to, and secondly (as I told her) Wils is just an unregistered nothing horse imported from Ireland.
Quality, eh. Mmm, it's a nice thought!
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
What a difference
What a difference a better surface + Red Bag grass nuts make! Wilson is so much happier, probably because he doesn't have to work so hard. Today is Day 3 of RBGN and he has already twigged that it's a good idea to come over to the gate when he sees Mum.
Again he was lovely and forward and pingy, and I was able just to sit there and enjoy. For the first time in a while we did some MT and although I think he may have run a bit, at least it was energetic, bouncy running.
I had a series of texts from Mr WoW last night telling me what I've suspected for some time: that he won't be able to teach me as often or as regularly as previously. I'm now his only client in this neck of the woods, and he lives about 45 minutes away. He says he'll probably only be able to come over once a month, which is a bit poo but in the circumstances it's jolly decent of him to come at all. He knows I've been having lessons with SBN (reckons he's scared of her too) and when I asked him if he'd prefer to bequeath me to her or anybody else he said No Way, he has first dibs. I suggested that if he wanted more clients over this way he should pitch to Jabba the Hutt as that would be a LOT more client.
I've postponed my next lesson with SBN until next week as *touchwood* things are going ok.
Again he was lovely and forward and pingy, and I was able just to sit there and enjoy. For the first time in a while we did some MT and although I think he may have run a bit, at least it was energetic, bouncy running.
I had a series of texts from Mr WoW last night telling me what I've suspected for some time: that he won't be able to teach me as often or as regularly as previously. I'm now his only client in this neck of the woods, and he lives about 45 minutes away. He says he'll probably only be able to come over once a month, which is a bit poo but in the circumstances it's jolly decent of him to come at all. He knows I've been having lessons with SBN (reckons he's scared of her too) and when I asked him if he'd prefer to bequeath me to her or anybody else he said No Way, he has first dibs. I suggested that if he wanted more clients over this way he should pitch to Jabba the Hutt as that would be a LOT more client.
I've postponed my next lesson with SBN until next week as *touchwood* things are going ok.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
You never know:
- we might even get it right when it matters one day.
Lesson with SBN yesterday, worked on Forwards. She was pleased but it felt raggedy to me. We pencilled in another for Thursday, contingent on how things go in the meantime.
Well. Today was just SO much fun! As of last Saturday we have our new surface (PVC granules, which have been spread on top of the sand) and it rides really well especially as the sand is still quite wet underneath. As of yesterday Wilson has a very few Red Bag grass nuts. I didn't think it would be long until I saw a difference in him, and I was right.
He tried to shamble along in our warm-up walk but I wouldn't let him, and after that he positively PINGED. I can't remember the last time I didn't have to do anything except steer! Canter was really good, as were the downwards transitions from it (which I learned how to do in our lesson post-mortem yesterday, duh) and we were done and dusted within 30 minutes.
Am frightfully in lurve with horsey.
In other news, Nadia is having a lesson with Polly Stockton today!
Lesson with SBN yesterday, worked on Forwards. She was pleased but it felt raggedy to me. We pencilled in another for Thursday, contingent on how things go in the meantime.
Well. Today was just SO much fun! As of last Saturday we have our new surface (PVC granules, which have been spread on top of the sand) and it rides really well especially as the sand is still quite wet underneath. As of yesterday Wilson has a very few Red Bag grass nuts. I didn't think it would be long until I saw a difference in him, and I was right.
He tried to shamble along in our warm-up walk but I wouldn't let him, and after that he positively PINGED. I can't remember the last time I didn't have to do anything except steer! Canter was really good, as were the downwards transitions from it (which I learned how to do in our lesson post-mortem yesterday, duh) and we were done and dusted within 30 minutes.
Am frightfully in lurve with horsey.
In other news, Nadia is having a lesson with Polly Stockton today!
Thursday, 23 July 2009
SBN comes up with the goods
Apparently we did arrange a lesson! Anyway she came, I poured out my troubles, she empathised in a briskly hearty and encouraging way, and then we got going.
Wils was in a lovely mood today. I think he is starting to like SBN. We were wearing our beige/brown outfits because we have been so shit, but our first trot was Not Bad At All and things just got better from there. Again I struggled with inside bend, especially on the left rein, but it's easier to deal with things when there's somebody helping you.
To cut a long story short, we did quite well in the end. SBN said that our trot was 100% better than in our very first lesson, our transitions in and out of canter are improving, the canter itself is also better, and so is our sitting trot.
She watched the videos of Saturday's tests and agreed that Wilson simply hadn't been forward. She also thinks I tend to over-ride; I'm generally guilty of the exact opposite so I'm probably over-compensating. We talked about WHY I can't tell whether Wilson is going forward properly in a test situation when I can tell perfectly well at home, and have come up with an action plan.
I don't know whether or not to ride tomorrow; we could do with consolidating today's lesson but at the same time he deserves a day off. I'll see what the weather's like!
Wils was in a lovely mood today. I think he is starting to like SBN. We were wearing our beige/brown outfits because we have been so shit, but our first trot was Not Bad At All and things just got better from there. Again I struggled with inside bend, especially on the left rein, but it's easier to deal with things when there's somebody helping you.
To cut a long story short, we did quite well in the end. SBN said that our trot was 100% better than in our very first lesson, our transitions in and out of canter are improving, the canter itself is also better, and so is our sitting trot.
She watched the videos of Saturday's tests and agreed that Wilson simply hadn't been forward. She also thinks I tend to over-ride; I'm generally guilty of the exact opposite so I'm probably over-compensating. We talked about WHY I can't tell whether Wilson is going forward properly in a test situation when I can tell perfectly well at home, and have come up with an action plan.
I don't know whether or not to ride tomorrow; we could do with consolidating today's lesson but at the same time he deserves a day off. I'll see what the weather's like!
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Dreamed of Joe last night
And woke up sobbing.
He was in a separate paddock, looking a bit unkempt. He wasn't allowed to come out of the paddock and I wasn't allowed to go in. Somebody else went in to try to catch him but he wouldn't let her near and chased after her; I went to help her get out because I thought he was going to trample her and by the time I got there she had managed to escape. I stood at the gate and he came over and showed me a wound in his side which he wouldn't let me touch, but we cuddled and kissed for a long time, until my own tears woke me up.
I rarely dream about him and when I do it isn't a very nice dream. Same with Mum. I dreamed about her the night before (I'm never going to sleep ever again, it's horrid when I do) and it wasn't a nice one either.
I don't know what I'm going to do horse-wise. We had a disappointing day on Saturday, VERY average indeed, but on Sunday we had a super clinic with Debbie Jones and we were absolutely crackling with impulsion. I made the mistake of giving us the day off on Monday because we were both tired but in hindsight I should have ridden even if only for a few minutes. Since then Wilson has remained more forward than usual but things are not going well: I feel untidy and unco-ordinated (in my body I mean; matchy-matchy still obtains even for schooling sessions). The worst thing, which is making me fret, is that yesterday when I went to catch him, he walked away from me. Is he trying to tell me something important, or is he just a lazy git who'd prefer not to have to do any work?
I was supposed to be having a lesson with SBN today but as far as I can recall - and I'm sure I would recall - we haven't fixed a time so I don't know what I'm doing. If we aren't having a lesson we may go for a hack and clear our minds a bit.
I'm wondering if I've gone as far as I can go in terms of riding. It isn't very far yet it's further than I ever thought I would. Perhaps I should just be satisfied?
He was in a separate paddock, looking a bit unkempt. He wasn't allowed to come out of the paddock and I wasn't allowed to go in. Somebody else went in to try to catch him but he wouldn't let her near and chased after her; I went to help her get out because I thought he was going to trample her and by the time I got there she had managed to escape. I stood at the gate and he came over and showed me a wound in his side which he wouldn't let me touch, but we cuddled and kissed for a long time, until my own tears woke me up.
I rarely dream about him and when I do it isn't a very nice dream. Same with Mum. I dreamed about her the night before (I'm never going to sleep ever again, it's horrid when I do) and it wasn't a nice one either.
I don't know what I'm going to do horse-wise. We had a disappointing day on Saturday, VERY average indeed, but on Sunday we had a super clinic with Debbie Jones and we were absolutely crackling with impulsion. I made the mistake of giving us the day off on Monday because we were both tired but in hindsight I should have ridden even if only for a few minutes. Since then Wilson has remained more forward than usual but things are not going well: I feel untidy and unco-ordinated (in my body I mean; matchy-matchy still obtains even for schooling sessions). The worst thing, which is making me fret, is that yesterday when I went to catch him, he walked away from me. Is he trying to tell me something important, or is he just a lazy git who'd prefer not to have to do any work?
I was supposed to be having a lesson with SBN today but as far as I can recall - and I'm sure I would recall - we haven't fixed a time so I don't know what I'm doing. If we aren't having a lesson we may go for a hack and clear our minds a bit.
I'm wondering if I've gone as far as I can go in terms of riding. It isn't very far yet it's further than I ever thought I would. Perhaps I should just be satisfied?
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Oh. My. Deity.
FANTASTIC lesson today with ScaryButNice, who is becoming less and less scary and even nicer and nicer. I begin to detect a pussycat in there. Certainly she absolutely LOVES horses, which is something I can't say for everybody who's ever taught me.
Anyway. We definitely had our wobbly moments today but we started off fairly well, got swiftly better after a bit of "encouragement", and experienced a few moments of heaven.
I'm happy to say that I've never walked on a tightrope and have not the slightest intention of ever doing so - of all the pointless things to spend hours learning to do! - yet our Nirvana moments made me think that this must be what it feels like. Everything was perfectly poised, perfectly balanced, perfectly harmonious. Well it probably wasn't perfectly anything, but it felt like it and it was unutterably delightful.
The feel on the rein seemed to me like the balancing pole of the tightrope-walker: it was just THERE, not heavy, not lopsided: just right. I was aware of holding Wilson but not supporting him. I was able to keep him - all of him - in the right place for a number of strides before we wobbled, and then we were able to get back to where we were.
SBN loved his trot, the nice huffy one which doesn't forge ahead yet covers the ground and fairly "pings". He gets into his zone: his neck softens, he relaxes all over his back and the three of us just enjoy.
SBN didn't say the word "talented" - that is so a WoW word! - but she remarked that he finds it all very easy, which I've long suspected. She also commented that he's a lazy so-and-so, who will offer something adequate but who really has to be ridden in order to get anything better. She loves his rhythm and thinks he's a lovely-looking horse :-D
It would be lovely to replicate today's achievements on Saturday but it may not happen; the main thing though is that we have it. I can't believe how lucky I am to have a horse who is as "talented" as he is sweet and beautiful and kind and gentle and wonderful.
Who needs a hamster.
Anyway. We definitely had our wobbly moments today but we started off fairly well, got swiftly better after a bit of "encouragement", and experienced a few moments of heaven.
I'm happy to say that I've never walked on a tightrope and have not the slightest intention of ever doing so - of all the pointless things to spend hours learning to do! - yet our Nirvana moments made me think that this must be what it feels like. Everything was perfectly poised, perfectly balanced, perfectly harmonious. Well it probably wasn't perfectly anything, but it felt like it and it was unutterably delightful.
The feel on the rein seemed to me like the balancing pole of the tightrope-walker: it was just THERE, not heavy, not lopsided: just right. I was aware of holding Wilson but not supporting him. I was able to keep him - all of him - in the right place for a number of strides before we wobbled, and then we were able to get back to where we were.
SBN loved his trot, the nice huffy one which doesn't forge ahead yet covers the ground and fairly "pings". He gets into his zone: his neck softens, he relaxes all over his back and the three of us just enjoy.
SBN didn't say the word "talented" - that is so a WoW word! - but she remarked that he finds it all very easy, which I've long suspected. She also commented that he's a lazy so-and-so, who will offer something adequate but who really has to be ridden in order to get anything better. She loves his rhythm and thinks he's a lovely-looking horse :-D
It would be lovely to replicate today's achievements on Saturday but it may not happen; the main thing though is that we have it. I can't believe how lucky I am to have a horse who is as "talented" as he is sweet and beautiful and kind and gentle and wonderful.
Who needs a hamster.
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Gah.
It's been going so badly since I came home that I can't motivate myself to ride. We're supposed to be competing next Saturday but there's absolutely no point - our huge improvement has nosedived and I don't need a judge to tell me all the things they've been telling me for months: I wanted a few new comments. And a good score, which certainly isn't on the cards right now.
Gah.
Gah.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Quick catch-up
Rome: over. Hotel superb, food quite incredible. You can keep the rest.
Horses, cats and kids intact when I got back.
Rode Wils at stupid o'clock yesterday and you can tell we've both had a week off. Spent the rest of the day getting the accounts ready for the accountant at 9.30 today. Finished about 8pm. Just tidying up now.
Nad on work experience at photographer's where they also sell handmade items of art/jewellery/craft and they have agreed to take my scarves and shawls. Which is nice!
Glenis and Poppy off to Royal Show today. Oh I hope they qualify for HOYS.
Horses, cats and kids intact when I got back.
Rode Wils at stupid o'clock yesterday and you can tell we've both had a week off. Spent the rest of the day getting the accounts ready for the accountant at 9.30 today. Finished about 8pm. Just tidying up now.
Nad on work experience at photographer's where they also sell handmade items of art/jewellery/craft and they have agreed to take my scarves and shawls. Which is nice!
Glenis and Poppy off to Royal Show today. Oh I hope they qualify for HOYS.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
You know that trot?
The one that's so good? Well it was shite today, rofl! We got it in the end, but it took some doing. So just as I was starting to disappear up my own arse, good old Wilson rescued me.
It was worth persevering though because once we had our good trot we were able to do some cantery-cantery. The surface was nice and damp and it certainly helped. I was really pleased with our upwards transitions: Wilson is starting to stay soft and round and not come against the hand quite so much. We did a lot of transitions into and out of canter and they are definitely improving, as is the canter itself, but I was most pleased with our very last canter-trot transition which was definitely Good: he really listened to my seat and I don't think I used my rein at all, so he stayed soft and round and just flowed into trot.
Making strawberry jam today. Don't like making it, I can never get it quite right.
It was worth persevering though because once we had our good trot we were able to do some cantery-cantery. The surface was nice and damp and it certainly helped. I was really pleased with our upwards transitions: Wilson is starting to stay soft and round and not come against the hand quite so much. We did a lot of transitions into and out of canter and they are definitely improving, as is the canter itself, but I was most pleased with our very last canter-trot transition which was definitely Good: he really listened to my seat and I don't think I used my rein at all, so he stayed soft and round and just flowed into trot.
Making strawberry jam today. Don't like making it, I can never get it quite right.
Monday, 29 June 2009
Upping the ante
Last week it all started to get a bit, dare I say it, boring. Wilson just did whatever I asked him to do, and he did it well. I then decided it was time to get to grips with canter transitions and I'm glad I had a go at them because that was what we were doing in our lesson this morning.
I've been giving the rein away when asking for canter because otherwise he comes against my hand; Mr WoW told me that this was exactly the right thing to do, which made me rather pleased with myself. Same thing for downwards transition: as soon as I think he's going to trot, give the rein away.
Our biggest problem is falling out. If I control the outside shoulder everything is much better.
We did quite a lot of work in canter today. The canter itself isn't bad at all, once I actually manage to GET it. Wilson doesn't do crisp trot-canter transitions; Mr WoW says it looks as if he's working out which leg to lead with.
The ante is definitely being upped; apparently our trot is so good we can move on to improving the canter now, with a view to really engaging and collecting it. And we practised trot-halt-trot down the centre line. Just as well we did; it was absolutely the most worsest thing we've done in a long time!
But our squares were great.
I've been giving the rein away when asking for canter because otherwise he comes against my hand; Mr WoW told me that this was exactly the right thing to do, which made me rather pleased with myself. Same thing for downwards transition: as soon as I think he's going to trot, give the rein away.
Our biggest problem is falling out. If I control the outside shoulder everything is much better.
We did quite a lot of work in canter today. The canter itself isn't bad at all, once I actually manage to GET it. Wilson doesn't do crisp trot-canter transitions; Mr WoW says it looks as if he's working out which leg to lead with.
The ante is definitely being upped; apparently our trot is so good we can move on to improving the canter now, with a view to really engaging and collecting it. And we practised trot-halt-trot down the centre line. Just as well we did; it was absolutely the most worsest thing we've done in a long time!
But our squares were great.
Show report
Well, the Young Man scrubbed up beautifully and so did Nadia - she looked very grown-up, not a kid on a pony any more.
He was a bit of a handful in the warm-up and could NOT canter on the right lead; however he did show his flamboyant side with a fantastic trot that was even a bit bigger than medium, complete with flicky ankles! We had no idea he could do that.
In the show ring he was impeccably behaved and bless his darling heart, he gave her the correct canter lead both times. They did a lovely little show, very neat and tidy, so I was disappointed for them when they were only placed 5th. I'd have given them 3rd. And to add insult to injury, rosettes were only awarded to 4th place so they came away with nothing. What's the point of placing to 6th if you don't actually GET anything?
Surprisingly though it didn't matter for more than a minute. They both looked fab and did very very well, and a good time was had by all. There are some photos somewhere which I'll post when I find them.
He was a bit of a handful in the warm-up and could NOT canter on the right lead; however he did show his flamboyant side with a fantastic trot that was even a bit bigger than medium, complete with flicky ankles! We had no idea he could do that.
In the show ring he was impeccably behaved and bless his darling heart, he gave her the correct canter lead both times. They did a lovely little show, very neat and tidy, so I was disappointed for them when they were only placed 5th. I'd have given them 3rd. And to add insult to injury, rosettes were only awarded to 4th place so they came away with nothing. What's the point of placing to 6th if you don't actually GET anything?
Surprisingly though it didn't matter for more than a minute. They both looked fab and did very very well, and a good time was had by all. There are some photos somewhere which I'll post when I find them.
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Lovely day yesterday
Yesterday was one of the best days of my life. Lots of wonderful small but important things, to wit:
Visiting my dad was actually a pleasure. There are so many times that I dislike the man intensely, and with good reason; however yesterday I only saw in him what was good and generous and worthy of being loved - and for the first time in ages I felt love for him. I should say that this had far more to do with him being lovely than with me being a good person or anything like that.
Elie and Glyn's mum went shopping for her (Elie's!) prom dress. The prom is tomorrow. We had found a lovely dress a few weeks ago but it turns out that all Elie's friends are wearing pink meringue-type frocks and hers was rather classic and dare I say it, plain, so the poor kid wanted something a bit fluffier. I dropped them off in Liverpool while I went to see dad and got a phone call saying she'd found something, it was THE dress, but it was expensive. What the hell, I know what my mum would have said if she'd been there, so I okayed it.
It's gorgeous! Not at all the sort of thing I'd ever have thought Elie would wear. It's coral pink with gold bling and a short, gathered-up skirt. Today they're shopping for shoes, bag and accessories :rolleyes: :skint:
Then Nadia took Rocky for their first gallop in the field. All by themselves. Well I was watching, but no equine company. She did a bit of W T and C first, then took him for a gentle canter further into the field and on returning to me, bless her, she asked if he was tired now or could she take him for a bit of a blast. The pony wasn't even out of breath, but she cares about his joints and tendons and things because he's an oldster. Anyway off they went and they had the most lovely gallop. He's so careful with her, he loved stretching his legs and she had the biggest grin I've ever seen.
So that was my day. It doesn't sound like much when I write it down, but my heart felt full to overflowing. I am so blessed!
Visiting my dad was actually a pleasure. There are so many times that I dislike the man intensely, and with good reason; however yesterday I only saw in him what was good and generous and worthy of being loved - and for the first time in ages I felt love for him. I should say that this had far more to do with him being lovely than with me being a good person or anything like that.
Elie and Glyn's mum went shopping for her (Elie's!) prom dress. The prom is tomorrow. We had found a lovely dress a few weeks ago but it turns out that all Elie's friends are wearing pink meringue-type frocks and hers was rather classic and dare I say it, plain, so the poor kid wanted something a bit fluffier. I dropped them off in Liverpool while I went to see dad and got a phone call saying she'd found something, it was THE dress, but it was expensive. What the hell, I know what my mum would have said if she'd been there, so I okayed it.
It's gorgeous! Not at all the sort of thing I'd ever have thought Elie would wear. It's coral pink with gold bling and a short, gathered-up skirt. Today they're shopping for shoes, bag and accessories :rolleyes: :skint:
Then Nadia took Rocky for their first gallop in the field. All by themselves. Well I was watching, but no equine company. She did a bit of W T and C first, then took him for a gentle canter further into the field and on returning to me, bless her, she asked if he was tired now or could she take him for a bit of a blast. The pony wasn't even out of breath, but she cares about his joints and tendons and things because he's an oldster. Anyway off they went and they had the most lovely gallop. He's so careful with her, he loved stretching his legs and she had the biggest grin I've ever seen.
So that was my day. It doesn't sound like much when I write it down, but my heart felt full to overflowing. I am so blessed!
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Lemon squeezy
My first thought this morning when I woke up was "Wilson! Riding!"
It took me ages to tack up because I kept snogging him, he is absolutely delicious. I'm gratified that he's turning into a real mummy's boy, hehehe.
We worked on our squares again and he was utterly fantastic. Our first walk-trot transition was a bit ropey but almost before I could bring him back to walk and do it again he had got his act together, so we didn't bother doing it again and just enjoyed what we had.
We'd worked on left bend yesterday and it was much better today. Well, I say much better - it was, but it's still fairly embryonic. But we're moving in the right direction.
I had a lightbulb moment while practising canter transitions. They have been utterly utterly vile and horridge and today I thought I'd see what happened if I didn't try so hard! I sat back (not enough, I'm pretty sure I still tipped forward a bit), gave the inside rein away, and let the canter happen. There was no hand for him to come against and he sort of poured into canter, carrying himself to a greater extent than usual.
So I was very pleased with that but I'm even more pleased with our sitting trot practice because it's starting to feel doable. Not for some considerable time, I don't think, but when we first started I was quite despondent about it because I didn't think I'd EVER even come close to it. It's still jolly difficult though and I doesn't like it.
Finished our session and I don't think I even broke sweat, it was all so easy today. I wonder how I'd fare on a different horse!
It took me ages to tack up because I kept snogging him, he is absolutely delicious. I'm gratified that he's turning into a real mummy's boy, hehehe.
We worked on our squares again and he was utterly fantastic. Our first walk-trot transition was a bit ropey but almost before I could bring him back to walk and do it again he had got his act together, so we didn't bother doing it again and just enjoyed what we had.
We'd worked on left bend yesterday and it was much better today. Well, I say much better - it was, but it's still fairly embryonic. But we're moving in the right direction.
I had a lightbulb moment while practising canter transitions. They have been utterly utterly vile and horridge and today I thought I'd see what happened if I didn't try so hard! I sat back (not enough, I'm pretty sure I still tipped forward a bit), gave the inside rein away, and let the canter happen. There was no hand for him to come against and he sort of poured into canter, carrying himself to a greater extent than usual.
So I was very pleased with that but I'm even more pleased with our sitting trot practice because it's starting to feel doable. Not for some considerable time, I don't think, but when we first started I was quite despondent about it because I didn't think I'd EVER even come close to it. It's still jolly difficult though and I doesn't like it.
Finished our session and I don't think I even broke sweat, it was all so easy today. I wonder how I'd fare on a different horse!
Monday, 22 June 2009
Better today!
I'm so glad I didn't ride yesterday. As a matter of fact, Wils had been lying down looking as if he had one hell of a hangover and moaned something about it having been one hell of a session the night before, and did we HAVE to ride? So because neither of us was in the mood I let him be.
The result was that at 8 am I had a horse who was up for a lesson with Mr WoW and did SO well. The lessons with ScaryButNice are paying off too and between them they seem to have everything just about covered: he is very concerned with straightness, she is equally concerned about bend. Today we had both, almost all the time in the right places, lol. She's also made a difference to my hands - not that she's said anything I haven't been told before, but when she says "keep your hands soft" somehow I understand what she means, and today Mr WoW told me he liked them very much :-D
Once again Mr WoW waxed lyrical about my "talented" horse. He'd been doing a clinic yesterday he said, and there was only one horse he'd seen who was a patch on mine - and that was a 14hh Connemara that did piaffe! He'd liked the pony so much he'd actually got on it (and done the piaffe), and he must be nearly 6ft tall!!
All I know is that even if Wilson was the most talented horse in the world, he'd be no use to me unless he was sweet-natured, kind and generous - which he is, abundantly. And he's priddy too :wub:
I was so touched by Mr WoW's raptures, and so delighted with our lesson, that I texted Wilson's previous mum to tell her how wonderful he is, and thank her for letting me have him, and assure her that I love him with all my heart.
Ooops, gushing ...
The result was that at 8 am I had a horse who was up for a lesson with Mr WoW and did SO well. The lessons with ScaryButNice are paying off too and between them they seem to have everything just about covered: he is very concerned with straightness, she is equally concerned about bend. Today we had both, almost all the time in the right places, lol. She's also made a difference to my hands - not that she's said anything I haven't been told before, but when she says "keep your hands soft" somehow I understand what she means, and today Mr WoW told me he liked them very much :-D
Once again Mr WoW waxed lyrical about my "talented" horse. He'd been doing a clinic yesterday he said, and there was only one horse he'd seen who was a patch on mine - and that was a 14hh Connemara that did piaffe! He'd liked the pony so much he'd actually got on it (and done the piaffe), and he must be nearly 6ft tall!!
All I know is that even if Wilson was the most talented horse in the world, he'd be no use to me unless he was sweet-natured, kind and generous - which he is, abundantly. And he's priddy too :wub:
I was so touched by Mr WoW's raptures, and so delighted with our lesson, that I texted Wilson's previous mum to tell her how wonderful he is, and thank her for letting me have him, and assure her that I love him with all my heart.
Ooops, gushing ...
Sunday, 21 June 2009
What IS the matter with me?
I feel so very down.
People keep telling me that I've been through a lot lately; well yes I have, but it's over now. I suppose I'm not as bad as I was because at least I've started to have more good days than bad, but the bad ones take me by surprise.
I couldn't bring myself to ride today so I just had cuddles and kisses instead. Wilson was lying down - evidently a heavy session last night, as all the horses except Rocky were lying down and he was lolling rather than standing!
I have to finish our end of year accounts and see the accountant, which I'm fretting about.
I also have to go to France with my brother in a week or so to sort out some of Mum's affairs, which I'm dreading - not because it will be awful because it won't, and we'll have a laff (and charge the trip to my dad, lol) but because it means she's dead. Just when you think it's over and done with, something else crops up.
And unbelievably, the worst thing of all is that Glyn and I are having a weekend in Rome. This is the day after I come back from France: I'm going to be away from Wednesday to Monday which is AGES and who wants to go to Rome anyway - what the hell is there to do in Rome?
People keep telling me that I've been through a lot lately; well yes I have, but it's over now. I suppose I'm not as bad as I was because at least I've started to have more good days than bad, but the bad ones take me by surprise.
I couldn't bring myself to ride today so I just had cuddles and kisses instead. Wilson was lying down - evidently a heavy session last night, as all the horses except Rocky were lying down and he was lolling rather than standing!
I have to finish our end of year accounts and see the accountant, which I'm fretting about.
I also have to go to France with my brother in a week or so to sort out some of Mum's affairs, which I'm dreading - not because it will be awful because it won't, and we'll have a laff (and charge the trip to my dad, lol) but because it means she's dead. Just when you think it's over and done with, something else crops up.
And unbelievably, the worst thing of all is that Glyn and I are having a weekend in Rome. This is the day after I come back from France: I'm going to be away from Wednesday to Monday which is AGES and who wants to go to Rome anyway - what the hell is there to do in Rome?
Friday, 19 June 2009
Tired, but good lesson
God I'm exhausted.
Had a good lesson with Sarah today though. She suits me very well indeed: talk about attention to detail. It always feels good to be able to work on doing things better, then better again, then better still.
I've been wondering if Wils could do with a bit more sparkle and today she asked what he was fed on. I told her, and she agreed with me that higher-octane grass nuts might be worth a try. I'll get round to ordering some eventually although at the moment I hardly even have time to go for a wee.
I'm becoming increasingly worried about my finger. It's much less swollen but still doesn't bend much, and I can't straighten it either: it's just crooked. And it's still quite painful. I hope I don't need an operation on it but at the same time, I'd rather have a finger that actually worked.
Had a good lesson with Sarah today though. She suits me very well indeed: talk about attention to detail. It always feels good to be able to work on doing things better, then better again, then better still.
I've been wondering if Wils could do with a bit more sparkle and today she asked what he was fed on. I told her, and she agreed with me that higher-octane grass nuts might be worth a try. I'll get round to ordering some eventually although at the moment I hardly even have time to go for a wee.
I'm becoming increasingly worried about my finger. It's much less swollen but still doesn't bend much, and I can't straighten it either: it's just crooked. And it's still quite painful. I hope I don't need an operation on it but at the same time, I'd rather have a finger that actually worked.
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Just a quickie:
I took Wils and Nad took the Rocket in the field last night. They were cantering long before we were! We did a bit of schooling and it was ok, then we did a bit of walking and trotting around the perimeter of the field, no problems.
We came back across the middle of the field and as we did so some mares were being turned out in the adjacent field. Shades of Joe reappeared as Wilson did walk to buck :rolleyes: but it was ok, they weren't big bucks, I wasn't unbalanced (not physically anyway, lol) and he didn't do anything else.
Trouble is, I KNOW he'd be absolutely fine if I just said "Go on then!" and let him razz; he bucks because I won't let him go ... but I can't, yet :(
Today I woke him up to ride (6.30am, no wonder he was the embodiment of the word "disgruntled"). He's such a generous horse though that he gave me a super ride. We got that nice soft "huffing" trot and I tried to sit to it but that didn't go very well. Everything else was brill, spesh our medium canter and even MT was good in parts - wind in my hair, and all that.
Discovered that it's easier to practise ST right at the end when he's just about trotting on a loose rein. I was more relaxed, he did tense - nose on floor - AND do you know what: if you sit on your bum it's a lot easier!
Visiting my dad today :s but hey, all I have to do if things get orrible is to think about riding my horse.
I took Wils and Nad took the Rocket in the field last night. They were cantering long before we were! We did a bit of schooling and it was ok, then we did a bit of walking and trotting around the perimeter of the field, no problems.
We came back across the middle of the field and as we did so some mares were being turned out in the adjacent field. Shades of Joe reappeared as Wilson did walk to buck :rolleyes: but it was ok, they weren't big bucks, I wasn't unbalanced (not physically anyway, lol) and he didn't do anything else.
Trouble is, I KNOW he'd be absolutely fine if I just said "Go on then!" and let him razz; he bucks because I won't let him go ... but I can't, yet :(
Today I woke him up to ride (6.30am, no wonder he was the embodiment of the word "disgruntled"). He's such a generous horse though that he gave me a super ride. We got that nice soft "huffing" trot and I tried to sit to it but that didn't go very well. Everything else was brill, spesh our medium canter and even MT was good in parts - wind in my hair, and all that.
Discovered that it's easier to practise ST right at the end when he's just about trotting on a loose rein. I was more relaxed, he did tense - nose on floor - AND do you know what: if you sit on your bum it's a lot easier!
Visiting my dad today :s but hey, all I have to do if things get orrible is to think about riding my horse.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Hello campers!
Today is the first day of the rest of my blog.
I doubt if it'll be hugely interesting and as you probably know, I don't do photos so I shall have to rely on verbal rather than visual effects.
My SU blog helped me through no end of difficult times and although I don't intend to be miserable on here, shit happens and I hope my friends will continue to support me.
Now. Wilson and I had THE best day yesterday. Mr WoW came, for the first time since 6th April (but he is so worth waiting for). That lesson was easily our best and I couldn't wait to get on with things and just maybe, maybe we'd be ready for Elemental by September. Then of course the wretched horse injured himself 3 days later and two months went down the pan.
Mr WoW was supposed to come and ride Wils for me in the meantime, but he was busy with his eventers :rolleyes: and I'm not important enough. And his client base tends to be more westerly; I think he only has 3 people who live this way. So Myles, Nadia's SJ trainer, rode Wils a couple of times but it wasn't a felicitous combination: he's the best person I've ever seen with quirky/difficult horses, but he doesn't seem to realise that the easy horses are just as sensitive only they don't let on.
So while I was waiting for Mr WoW to reappear on the radar I contacted Sarah Dobell, a BD judge and BHS trainer, and had a lesson with her the other week. She liked Wilson enormously (natch!) and we liked her too except that she wants me to start to sit to the trot, which I think is a Bad Idea and something I have studiously avoided to date.
Annnyway Mr WoW finally came yesterday and within the space of 45 minutes managed to get us almost back up to speed, and was entirely responsible for THE best trot we have ever done: Wilson just relaxed - head down, back rounded, hind legs really underneathy - and I almost felt as if I was going to ping over his head. His breathing was deep but not laboured and was absolutely in time with his stride. It was the softest ride I've ever had and Mr WoW told me that it would be (relatively) easy to sit to. I think he wants to wait until we can get this trot all the time before asking me to sit. Hey, I don't mind waiting!
And as you'll have seen on my FB status, he was very complimentary about Wilson and it feels good to have him back. It's a pain when he can't come but well worth it when he does. I knew he'd appreciate the matchy-matchy: that's the sort of thing he notices!
Later today Nadi and I are hoping to go in the big field. We'll do a bit of schooling in there first so the horses settle, and then we'll have a bit of fun!
I doubt if it'll be hugely interesting and as you probably know, I don't do photos so I shall have to rely on verbal rather than visual effects.
My SU blog helped me through no end of difficult times and although I don't intend to be miserable on here, shit happens and I hope my friends will continue to support me.
Now. Wilson and I had THE best day yesterday. Mr WoW came, for the first time since 6th April (but he is so worth waiting for). That lesson was easily our best and I couldn't wait to get on with things and just maybe, maybe we'd be ready for Elemental by September. Then of course the wretched horse injured himself 3 days later and two months went down the pan.
Mr WoW was supposed to come and ride Wils for me in the meantime, but he was busy with his eventers :rolleyes: and I'm not important enough. And his client base tends to be more westerly; I think he only has 3 people who live this way. So Myles, Nadia's SJ trainer, rode Wils a couple of times but it wasn't a felicitous combination: he's the best person I've ever seen with quirky/difficult horses, but he doesn't seem to realise that the easy horses are just as sensitive only they don't let on.
So while I was waiting for Mr WoW to reappear on the radar I contacted Sarah Dobell, a BD judge and BHS trainer, and had a lesson with her the other week. She liked Wilson enormously (natch!) and we liked her too except that she wants me to start to sit to the trot, which I think is a Bad Idea and something I have studiously avoided to date.
Annnyway Mr WoW finally came yesterday and within the space of 45 minutes managed to get us almost back up to speed, and was entirely responsible for THE best trot we have ever done: Wilson just relaxed - head down, back rounded, hind legs really underneathy - and I almost felt as if I was going to ping over his head. His breathing was deep but not laboured and was absolutely in time with his stride. It was the softest ride I've ever had and Mr WoW told me that it would be (relatively) easy to sit to. I think he wants to wait until we can get this trot all the time before asking me to sit. Hey, I don't mind waiting!
And as you'll have seen on my FB status, he was very complimentary about Wilson and it feels good to have him back. It's a pain when he can't come but well worth it when he does. I knew he'd appreciate the matchy-matchy: that's the sort of thing he notices!
Later today Nadi and I are hoping to go in the big field. We'll do a bit of schooling in there first so the horses settle, and then we'll have a bit of fun!
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