tues morning

The lesson went well. Thank goodness for that.

Lengthened the stirrups and wow the contact was amazing. It made such a big difference to the way he went and I was able to wrap my legs around him. I felt so much more secure! Next lesson 3rd October at 3pm.

tuesday evening

Hmmmmn no carryon this afternoon! Was quite good really though still a little lazy however we finished on a good note.

The little lady went not too bad though a bit on the forehand. Must start hacking her out again.

tuesday morning

Yesterdays lesson was very sticky. I think my boy had had enough and pulled out all sorts of stops to stop working. My tutor says that I am going to have to work through this if I am going to get anywhere with him. She says he has built up a way of getting out of work and I have allowed it.
I was absolutely shattered yesterday as I had completed the pedal for Scotland the day before.

Feel quite disheartened but have to remember that sometimes it's lessons like this that make you learn more.

Next lesson - Tuesday 11.30am.

On a brighter note the little lady went quite well. Arabs are extremely smart!

friday afternoon

Just recovering from my riding lesson. Really enjoyed it this week. Feel as if I am starting to get somewhere and the tutor is so good. She's doing soo well with her dressage horses and has been selected to represent Scotland at Stoneleigh. Very pleased for her. Feel quite ecstatic today!

Next lesson Monday at 11.30am.

wed morning 10 Aug

Started wearing spurs again for a while. Using them when required. Seems to be helping at the moment. Feel my boy is a little wound up at the moment. He isn't used to being ridden with so much contact. Spoke to his ex owner and she says a light contact and you will get the best out of him. Don't know how I feel about all of this - aarggh! inexperience! Anyway a lesson on Friday at 1pm. Wait and see what happens.

Wed afternoon

Had my second lesson on my boy this afternoon. A little bit of a strop now and again but I survived. It was noted that he has a lovely trot! What can I say - they ain't seen nothing yet!

thursday evening

Rode the little lady in the arena this evening with company. She is so mareish! She did feel ok! No problems. Keep waiting for the old problems to arise but fortunately things seem to be going alright.

I hacked out the boy tonight in company. Initially he was a bit on the spooky side but eventually settle down and a nice hack was enjoyed.

Think I'll start the Parelli programme again. My mare responds really well to that. She loves it!

Wednesday afternoon

Rode him today and the girl. Trying to do lots of transition work and keep him busy. He only spooked once which was a bonus and as suggested if it was an issue today , to work him in the bottom half of the school. He has loads of energy! At least today I didn't feel as if I had had to work as hard as I did on Monday. His transitions are getting sharper. No feelings of anxiety today.

monday lesson

Well I got my lesson on Monday from an excellent teacher. Things are going to be fine. Did loads of transition work to get him working properly and to sharpen up. I really enjoyed it. Upwards and onwards. Given lots of advice regarding dealing with spooking whilst I ride in the arena. To practise what I have been taught this week. Next lesson next week on Wednesday afternoon.

sunday

A photograph of my girl's grandfather - the great El Shaklan!

sunday

I am trying to ride both horses at least four times each per week. Unfortunately due to other commitments and a wonderful trip to Blair horse trials I only managed three this week.

It was good to catch up with friends and also with people who have new horses and who are receiving tuition.

I am starting lessons with the boy tomorrow. The tutor is highly recommended and rides at grand prix level. Lets hope she can help me and I don't fall off tomorrow. I would just like him to stop spooking so much or for me to cope with it a little better. Did not fall off today!

Witnessed a terible accident at the cross country yesterday. I honestly thought there was going to be a fatality - horse and rider. Fortunately this was not the case! Eventing is certainly not for me!

My GIRL GRANDFATHER - EL SHAKLAN

ABOUD

My boy's grandfather.

goals

Sun

Was glad to be back after Malvern. Great show but so many classes to see.

Took my boy in his trailer on my own for the first time on Wednesday. It was very wet and windy but I coped.

Unfortunately he wouldn't load for a show on Saturday. All that time spent getting him ready. Got a Monty Roberts Dually headcollar and have atarted schooling the two of them in that. It's a very useful tool. Planning to go a friends place next Thursday so hopefully this will work. Plenty of practise first before attempting the trailer!

tues pm

Must remember to complete my form for an endurance ride tomorrow. Will send it off though don't know if I am quite ready for it yet after todays escapades. I did survive and had fun at the same time.

Think their is a show near here on the 9 Aug - must check. Showing in-hand and ridden class. Will check when I get back from Malvern.

tues phew

Just returned from my ride at my friends place. We rode through acres of fields, up hill and down hill. A few good old canters and gallops. I think my boy enjoyed it although he did try to take off with me a few times. I had a few bucks and at the tail end of the ride he tried to roll with me on my back. Not good! Will know the signs for next time!

Tomorrow I'm of to the arab horse nationals at Malvern with a stall for three days. I will miss my horses! Hope the friend rides him!

Mon night

It's been very hot all day. The grass in fields seems to be growing like wildfire. The horses are putting on weight and need to get back into work.

I rode my two arab horses this evenng. It was much cooler but it was getting dark. Both were lazy!

The mare trys to avoid work at times by rooting herself up against the door. She had surgery almost two years ago to her stifle area and I am beginning to wonder if she feeling some discomfort again. She seems sound enough. Anyway I managed to get her to back up by using one of the Parelli games. She seems to really enjoy that. Vet coming very soon as her dental work is due and also vaccination. Arabs get bored very easily and need lots of different things to do.

The gelding is a gent but I think he is bored. Lazy this evening though I'm sure he will waken up tomorrow when I take him out on a little excursion to my friends yard. A nice ride through the fields in company is planned. Looking forward to it.

It's bloody hot

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