Our lives are full of so-called “mistakes”, which I prefer to think of as a “learning curve.” I find now, while training my current 3/4 yo wb hunter (I am nearly 65), that the longer I get to do this, the more comfortable and confident I feel. As you, I lost the last horse I trained due to EDM nearly a year ago. It takes a strong character and a bit of faith and a few working body parts to play this game we call life where horses are concerned, but aren’t we the lucky ones! Oh and hey, no one likes to look like a rag-doll in the show ring, but honestly no body else cares. Or if they do, it’s not my problem. Good luck and keep on “posting” Sistah !
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what a lovely pair, you both look wonderful. congratulations!
my guy is 28 and after our colic scare last month, I’m keenly aware of making every minute cound.
I apologize if I am over posting, but it truly is the little things. Let me preface this by restating that for ME, the journey is the thing. I have brought along some young stuff throughout my life but I am far from a professional. In fact I have a 30 year career in another area far from horses. But, I really enjoy learning and doing the work myself, so I accept it takes maybe more time than it would if I had a pro do the rides. With this young horse who had no jumping experience when I got him I have done ALL the riding myself. I do ship in to 1-2 lessons a week with a wonderful trainer and have excellent support with a great team. I started messing around with building blocks to
changes a few weeks ago at home and today I decided to ask only for the harder side, as he favors his left lead. This was our second attempt. My hubby (nonhorsey) is narrating. I was ecstatic that this young horse really knew the question and executed it so well. We quit on that. This is what is it all about, to me. Constant growth, evolution, harmony. Bettering yourself as a horseperson and rider all the time. I am far from perfect and I know I will always have things to work on but this, today, makes me so happy. Happier than a blue ribbon or a trophy. Because I know the journey it took to get me here and I know how hard it all is. Grateful.
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Keep posting! Lovely job! The journey is what it’s all about!
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I love following your journey, both here and on FB!
Update–these videos were all taken at different venues this month. Not perfect but I feel we are really achieving some consistency. I have an excellent coach and great support team. My little horse is really understanding the job at this time and is becoming very professional and confident about it. I am pretty happy with the way things are progressing. Thank you all very much for the kind words and support.
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Gosh, I think you look great.
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Wow, what a lovely horse, you should be SO proud! I like that your lead change isn’t rushed. I feel like you see so many where the horse is basically galloping into it. He looks so incredibly fancy too. I don’t think anyone would look at a horse like that and suspect he wasn’t produced by a professional.
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A-freakin’-dorable! He has a great natural rhythm and just cruises around with a sweet expression. And yeah, I admit it: I’m a sucker for a red horse with white legs and a spot on the chin. You’ve done a wonderful job.
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Just some fun updates of what we have been up
to in the last few weeks!! I am loving the journey with this horse and love so much everyone who supports and helps us along the way. From our first cross country school to our first totally bridleless ride I am loving every second and so grateful for this horse and this opportunity. What an awesome adventure.
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Love you in your green show coat on your adorable chestnut!
Watched and appreciated that last video twice before I realized you were sans bridle.
Judging by your show round, when he looks at a a little more height and some more generous distance? You will be on it.
And good job on not overriding him or overreacting. Had a lovely flying lead change on one of he other videos, no heave ho, just smooth as silk. Whoever is coaching you is doing a spectacular job and you are very much better and very far better then you think.
Take care of that horse so we can continue to enjoy the updates.
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I appreciate your comments. I have been fortunate to have had some lessons/clinics in the last few years with some very phenomenal people and my current coach is amazing and has really polished my riding so much. There are always things to work on and improve but I always study the videos and try to tweak things a bit to be better. It takes time and practice! Equitation as effective riding is really helpful in the hunters and my current coach has emphasized this to me–I tend to lack finesse, can have stiff arms and be a bit sloppy–these are urges I am trying to fight and improve on.
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So yesterday I had a really good day. Teaching lead changes to a green hunter has always been difficult for me. And then there was my sloppy equitation getting in the way. Yesterday was an amazing day. A real milestone. I have done all the riding of my guy since I got him in June of 2022 with about 6 months under saddle. We have been able to accomplish lead changes after some failed attempts and miscommunication but yesterday after some flatwork I cantered across the diagonal, changed the bend and asked for the change. He responded with the single most fluid change ever. One single attempt and a beautiful change. I was ecstatic. We were done for the day. So much to work on for him and me to all come together in a moment. Communication and understanding. Trust. Harmony. The journey. That is what it’s all about. Here is the moment.
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I was hoping for a video update. Congratulations!
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What a lovely lower leg you have, and that change was so “up.” Terrific to watch.
Niiiice. Its really hard to make it look so easy.
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Some clips of what we have been up to lately! Our relationship is really coming along. I am so impressed with this horse and his willingness to learn and his try. We have been playing around with liberty work, bridleless and bareback riding and of course still showing and progressing. Our lead changes are coming along in the show ring and I am having so much fun–I am so grateful to have this opportunity. It has been exactly two years since I got this horse and I am amazed how far we have come together. He had never jumped a jump when I met him!
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I think you need a small square oxer.
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