Had the local newspaper on the phone this week, they are running an article about people from the region who are going to Crufts and my number was given to him!
It might not end up in the paper as im sure he's talking to a few people but I had to send him a picture this morning and he says the piece will be in Monday's Chronical..bet I forget to buy it:))))
Found it difficult to keep up to date with blog and everyone elses its been so busy at work and i've developed a 'lovely' cold.
AliG has done some of his rope circling work this week ,which I havent done for a while,and Wednesday Jo rode Polo so we got them out on a hack together.
We went a different route to see how he did and apart from his ears going back a couple of times he was fine.I checked him as soon as he did it which he seemed to respond to,we played around with postion Polo infront,slightly behind,alongside etc and the reaction seems to be when Polo is coming alongside then slightly infront.AliG was horrified when we had a trot and Polo roared off infront but then settled and didnt panic or rush to try and catch him up..strange isnt he?
Anyway in full of cold and the forecast is pants but hoping to get more done over the weekend.
Friday, 29 February 2008
Sunday, 24 February 2008
No more Mr Nice Guy
Ive done very little with the boys since I longreined AliG mid week,my excuse ..the weather of course...its been blowing a gale this time:(
I decided to get to the farm sharp then try and get into the school next door before it started getting busy.
I tacked AliG up and rode him over,it was still pretty windy but better than the past few days.Oh dear he was painfull to start with,slow,distracted,neck set you name it with me getting more and more frustrated.I spent loads of time in walk doing circles and trying to get him to soften and listen I could feel myself getting stiffer and thinking too much to myself.."its me he's been used to better riders""he's a baby".I had all this going round my head when I realised ive been treating him far too preciously and making allowance's cos of his age and thinking im going to spoil him. No so much on the ground,handling etc but ridden work.
So I decided to ride him like I'd ride Polo so we moved up to trot and he got a few wallops for grinding to a halt,acting distracted every time a horse passed and generally when he had a hint of 'attitude' going on (negative attitude).
What a difference I literally worked him until he softened and was completely paying attention...I was much happier towards the end and he was knackered:)
I then rode out with Jo and her little daughter...Polo was very good and sensible.I spent most of the time giggling at the dinky pony who was determinded to keep up with Polo and Jo's daughter who just wanted to trot all the way:)
Oh and Buster got first place yesterday at his first ever show..he was really good actually although seemed rather baffled about it all:))
He is a BIG pup compared to the rest, Peter thinks he wont grow any more and although he's big for his age reckons he's not overly big for a dog but we may need to move him up through the classes quite quickly so he's competing against older more mature dogs that him.
I decided to get to the farm sharp then try and get into the school next door before it started getting busy.
I tacked AliG up and rode him over,it was still pretty windy but better than the past few days.Oh dear he was painfull to start with,slow,distracted,neck set you name it with me getting more and more frustrated.I spent loads of time in walk doing circles and trying to get him to soften and listen I could feel myself getting stiffer and thinking too much to myself.."its me he's been used to better riders""he's a baby".I had all this going round my head when I realised ive been treating him far too preciously and making allowance's cos of his age and thinking im going to spoil him. No so much on the ground,handling etc but ridden work.
So I decided to ride him like I'd ride Polo so we moved up to trot and he got a few wallops for grinding to a halt,acting distracted every time a horse passed and generally when he had a hint of 'attitude' going on (negative attitude).
What a difference I literally worked him until he softened and was completely paying attention...I was much happier towards the end and he was knackered:)
I then rode out with Jo and her little daughter...Polo was very good and sensible.I spent most of the time giggling at the dinky pony who was determinded to keep up with Polo and Jo's daughter who just wanted to trot all the way:)
Oh and Buster got first place yesterday at his first ever show..he was really good actually although seemed rather baffled about it all:))
He is a BIG pup compared to the rest, Peter thinks he wont grow any more and although he's big for his age reckons he's not overly big for a dog but we may need to move him up through the classes quite quickly so he's competing against older more mature dogs that him.
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Icicles!
We've had a decent few days weather wise lots of sun but its absolutely balitic overnight going as low as -5degrees.
I got to the farm just before 10am this morning and Polo had an icicle beard and his tail was white from his hocks downwards.It looked very pretty and Christmasy:), his body felt nice and warm despite this.Strangely AliG didnt have the beard or white tail but did have some hanging from the feathers down his legs.
I rode both boys on Sunday not that I can feel too smug didnt go out long on either of them but at least they both did something.
Yesterday I was at work for a training day but managed to squeeze an hour ride in on Polo he felt quite sharp and was winding himself up a bit spooking,possibly because he was getting ridden much later than usual and the light was starting to dip not that he needs excuses to wind himself up:))
He felt free in his movement and think I counted 3drops which is less than he had been doing and they werent quite so obvious as they have been so im hopefull the Adequan is kicking in and having the desired effect(he's had his third injection).
Today I decided to see how AliG would react being longreined along his 'trigger' route by himself,my friend came along just incase. He walked along well got a bit excited as we passed a long line of kids out for a hack from the riding school but only in the form of a few moments of jogging and slight bounciness.He was perfect when all the mare's in the nearby field came galloping over towards us absolutely no reaction other than to look at them.
So we got to the turn and sure enough there was a little head toss and he tried to turn back so I pushed him on forward,he had a mini objection so I put him on the circle and lunged him around me.
He cantered a few times round then brought him back to walk for a few more laps until he looked calm then asked him to walk on.After a few strides he tried to turn again so I lunged him in the other direction,he was much calmer this time so I kept him going for a few circuits then straightened him back up and asked him to walk on again.He did this with no objection so I praised him then asked him to stand for a minute then walk on,I did this a few times to see if he would protest or try to turn around which he didnt so we went a bit further then I turned him for home.
He was foot perfect all the way home.
Im still not entirely sure why he's doing it,its not all about dominance as he reacts when there's no horse's about. The turn ,where he kicks off, is in the total opposite direction from home,if we cut through a field we be back on the lane heading home(not that we've ever cut through this field)so this may be a factor although he doesnt object going in other directions.
He doesnt seem fazed or worried being out and about but maybe Ive be fooled into believing he's more confident than he actually is?Not certain yet BUT I am happy that each time he objects its less explosive and he's definately listening to me so thats all pretty positive!
Im thinking of riding him along there next time then getting off well before his 'trigger' spot then leading him with his pressure halter and line then if he starts I can lunge him safely then when we pass and head for home get back on him...
I got to the farm just before 10am this morning and Polo had an icicle beard and his tail was white from his hocks downwards.It looked very pretty and Christmasy:), his body felt nice and warm despite this.Strangely AliG didnt have the beard or white tail but did have some hanging from the feathers down his legs.
I rode both boys on Sunday not that I can feel too smug didnt go out long on either of them but at least they both did something.
Yesterday I was at work for a training day but managed to squeeze an hour ride in on Polo he felt quite sharp and was winding himself up a bit spooking,possibly because he was getting ridden much later than usual and the light was starting to dip not that he needs excuses to wind himself up:))
He felt free in his movement and think I counted 3drops which is less than he had been doing and they werent quite so obvious as they have been so im hopefull the Adequan is kicking in and having the desired effect(he's had his third injection).
Today I decided to see how AliG would react being longreined along his 'trigger' route by himself,my friend came along just incase. He walked along well got a bit excited as we passed a long line of kids out for a hack from the riding school but only in the form of a few moments of jogging and slight bounciness.He was perfect when all the mare's in the nearby field came galloping over towards us absolutely no reaction other than to look at them.
So we got to the turn and sure enough there was a little head toss and he tried to turn back so I pushed him on forward,he had a mini objection so I put him on the circle and lunged him around me.
He cantered a few times round then brought him back to walk for a few more laps until he looked calm then asked him to walk on.After a few strides he tried to turn again so I lunged him in the other direction,he was much calmer this time so I kept him going for a few circuits then straightened him back up and asked him to walk on again.He did this with no objection so I praised him then asked him to stand for a minute then walk on,I did this a few times to see if he would protest or try to turn around which he didnt so we went a bit further then I turned him for home.
He was foot perfect all the way home.
Im still not entirely sure why he's doing it,its not all about dominance as he reacts when there's no horse's about. The turn ,where he kicks off, is in the total opposite direction from home,if we cut through a field we be back on the lane heading home(not that we've ever cut through this field)so this may be a factor although he doesnt object going in other directions.
He doesnt seem fazed or worried being out and about but maybe Ive be fooled into believing he's more confident than he actually is?Not certain yet BUT I am happy that each time he objects its less explosive and he's definately listening to me so thats all pretty positive!
Im thinking of riding him along there next time then getting off well before his 'trigger' spot then leading him with his pressure halter and line then if he starts I can lunge him safely then when we pass and head for home get back on him...
Friday, 15 February 2008
That seems to be the way to go.
Jo text me this morning to say she could ride if I could get there for 10am to try Ali out in the longreins in company.So I flew home from work got changed then dashed straight up the farm getting there bang on 10(makes a change as I spend my life being late for things!).We set off her niece came to riding Jo daughter's dinky pony so I thought it was a good tester.
All the way out Ali walked along quite happily,I can really see an improvement in his walk and stride length but thats beside the point:),we switched places between us to see if he'd do anything but nope.
Then sure enough we got to the same spot and he started again I'd watched him closely all the way so I didnt miss the first signs, it starts with his tail swishing then the ears go back.
Soon as his ears went back I growled at him he perked them up again for a couple of seconds then back they went so I walloped him hard on the backside with the whip,he shot forward then tried a rear which I stopped mid air by pulling hard on the right rein knocking him off balance.Jo on her horse got out the way by this point as I was worried i'd wrap them up in the longreins as we were a bit all over the place for a short time,he is so strong!
I then went into the center and positioned myself basicallyto lunged him using the outside rein behind his bum.I did this so Ali was trotting past Jo and her ned,the slightest hesitation or negative look at them go him a flick behind.
After 4/5 circles Ali had a look on his face which could only be described as worried,he was looking at me very submissively wanting to turn in and face me.
I asked him to halt then Jo came over with Sandy and stood next to him,he didnt react so we walked alongside to the end of the track then stood chatting and praising him while they stood together.
Jo leant over and was stroking him from Sandy and said next time she'll bring some treats to feed him from Sandy if he's been good.
So im pleased if it means he's going to be a bit 'scared' of me for a while so be it,the thing is he's been so well behaved and good the only time ive really had to repremand him was when he stood on me so this is obviously his 'issue'.Not that I want him to be scared of me but he has to learn the rules of going out with other horse's and that IM the one he should be thinking about.
I still can not figure out why he'll walk alongside happily for so long then at the same spot starts but at least I know if I keep taking him there that will trigger it and give me the opportunity to deal with it.
All the way home he was fine and when we got back to the yard I stood him next to Sandy and there was no reaction..got me puzzled why he's not like that all the time?
I turned Polo then him out and watched them for a bit,its weird cos Polo was standing eating a pile of haylage and Ali walked around him then stood eating off the same pile.He didnt scowl or try to make Polo move he walked around...Polo's been top dog in many fields and when he walked up for something the other horse's were expected to move out the way yet Ali who is acting dominant doesnt do this...baffled!!
All the way out Ali walked along quite happily,I can really see an improvement in his walk and stride length but thats beside the point:),we switched places between us to see if he'd do anything but nope.
Then sure enough we got to the same spot and he started again I'd watched him closely all the way so I didnt miss the first signs, it starts with his tail swishing then the ears go back.
Soon as his ears went back I growled at him he perked them up again for a couple of seconds then back they went so I walloped him hard on the backside with the whip,he shot forward then tried a rear which I stopped mid air by pulling hard on the right rein knocking him off balance.Jo on her horse got out the way by this point as I was worried i'd wrap them up in the longreins as we were a bit all over the place for a short time,he is so strong!
I then went into the center and positioned myself basicallyto lunged him using the outside rein behind his bum.I did this so Ali was trotting past Jo and her ned,the slightest hesitation or negative look at them go him a flick behind.
After 4/5 circles Ali had a look on his face which could only be described as worried,he was looking at me very submissively wanting to turn in and face me.
I asked him to halt then Jo came over with Sandy and stood next to him,he didnt react so we walked alongside to the end of the track then stood chatting and praising him while they stood together.
Jo leant over and was stroking him from Sandy and said next time she'll bring some treats to feed him from Sandy if he's been good.
So im pleased if it means he's going to be a bit 'scared' of me for a while so be it,the thing is he's been so well behaved and good the only time ive really had to repremand him was when he stood on me so this is obviously his 'issue'.Not that I want him to be scared of me but he has to learn the rules of going out with other horse's and that IM the one he should be thinking about.
I still can not figure out why he'll walk alongside happily for so long then at the same spot starts but at least I know if I keep taking him there that will trigger it and give me the opportunity to deal with it.
All the way home he was fine and when we got back to the yard I stood him next to Sandy and there was no reaction..got me puzzled why he's not like that all the time?
I turned Polo then him out and watched them for a bit,its weird cos Polo was standing eating a pile of haylage and Ali walked around him then stood eating off the same pile.He didnt scowl or try to make Polo move he walked around...Polo's been top dog in many fields and when he walked up for something the other horse's were expected to move out the way yet Ali who is acting dominant doesnt do this...baffled!!
Thursday, 14 February 2008
BADDDDD BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im doing this in a bit of a rush cos I should be getting ready for work but want to get it down while its fresh in my mind.
Today Jo rode Polo and YO came out with her pony and I was riding AliG.All started well Ali striding off infront happy and ears forward,so far out YO pony trotted to catch up and got close to Ali,Ali's ears went back but I just put my leg on and he kept going no problem.We'd been out 20mins or so ,going around the brickworks as I dont want to go too far for either of them at the minute(its about a 50min ride all told) anyway Polo came alongside Ali and the pony was about a horse length behind.Ali clamped his ears back,was tense and doing his head down 'snaking' type of posture,I completely ignored him and just kept my leg on asking him to go forward but he continued to be very tense with the ears back.
We got to the end of the lane and there was a short discussion about taking them over the fly-over road which I said I wasnt happy about as it very busy,Polo isnt great in traffic and AliG wasnt behaving (hate it when people think you dont know your horses!).So we were about to turn when Ali reared up onto Polo front legs paddling,Polo backed up to get out the way and Ali was basically vertical for what felt like ages!He was literally a couple of degree's from going over backwards,I let the reins loose cos I felt if I'd touched them he'd have gone completely over and took my feet out the stirrups.He turned while still up and I slid off to the side,totally fine landing on my feet.I was so mad and he got a couple of really hard wallops with the whip as I felt a huge reprimand was in order here as ive given him the benefit of the doubt on the previous times its happened.
Jo and YO were convinced he was going over.I got back on and put him between Polo and YO pone and he got a sharp smack whenever he looked like he was going to go again.
So Im sure its a dominance issue now but cant figure out why he went at Polo cos he adores him and they get on fantastically well in the field.Ali is a very dominant type, self assured and confident he doesnt look to other horse's for help or confidence.Ive never had these problems when he's out by himself YO was wondering if it was a protect me/jealousy thing but im not convinced to be honest.
He's not been ridden a great deal in company,even less since he had the time off with the splint,but im not happy that he's now done it twice in the last 4times he's been in company(the doc's riding up behind him I consider seperate and understandable).
So Im toying with longreining him out a couple of times in company to a) see how he's reacting when im on the ground ie to see if im missing something and b) to avoid the risk of him going over on top of me and finally c) if he does it I can drive him on and push him through it so he learns up is not and option.
What are you thought folks....
Today Jo rode Polo and YO came out with her pony and I was riding AliG.All started well Ali striding off infront happy and ears forward,so far out YO pony trotted to catch up and got close to Ali,Ali's ears went back but I just put my leg on and he kept going no problem.We'd been out 20mins or so ,going around the brickworks as I dont want to go too far for either of them at the minute(its about a 50min ride all told) anyway Polo came alongside Ali and the pony was about a horse length behind.Ali clamped his ears back,was tense and doing his head down 'snaking' type of posture,I completely ignored him and just kept my leg on asking him to go forward but he continued to be very tense with the ears back.
We got to the end of the lane and there was a short discussion about taking them over the fly-over road which I said I wasnt happy about as it very busy,Polo isnt great in traffic and AliG wasnt behaving (hate it when people think you dont know your horses!).So we were about to turn when Ali reared up onto Polo front legs paddling,Polo backed up to get out the way and Ali was basically vertical for what felt like ages!He was literally a couple of degree's from going over backwards,I let the reins loose cos I felt if I'd touched them he'd have gone completely over and took my feet out the stirrups.He turned while still up and I slid off to the side,totally fine landing on my feet.I was so mad and he got a couple of really hard wallops with the whip as I felt a huge reprimand was in order here as ive given him the benefit of the doubt on the previous times its happened.
Jo and YO were convinced he was going over.I got back on and put him between Polo and YO pone and he got a sharp smack whenever he looked like he was going to go again.
So Im sure its a dominance issue now but cant figure out why he went at Polo cos he adores him and they get on fantastically well in the field.Ali is a very dominant type, self assured and confident he doesnt look to other horse's for help or confidence.Ive never had these problems when he's out by himself YO was wondering if it was a protect me/jealousy thing but im not convinced to be honest.
He's not been ridden a great deal in company,even less since he had the time off with the splint,but im not happy that he's now done it twice in the last 4times he's been in company(the doc's riding up behind him I consider seperate and understandable).
So Im toying with longreining him out a couple of times in company to a) see how he's reacting when im on the ground ie to see if im missing something and b) to avoid the risk of him going over on top of me and finally c) if he does it I can drive him on and push him through it so he learns up is not and option.
What are you thought folks....
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
What is it with me and my feet!!!
Polo managed to stand on my flipping big toe today when I was giving him the injection,my toe was flat when I pulled my boot off and its looking rather bruised now.Its the same foot as Ali stood on so im lucky he missed the rest of it cos thats STILL sore and got a weird lump!
Anyway got the injection in,thats the second one of the course...5 more to go oh joy:0
I rode him today and im a bit scared to say it but he was definately walking better and only did one drop,that was just after he'd turned to come home,his usual long stride was nearly there and he just felt more comfortable and easy.It could possibly be because he's not been ridden much over the past week but I doubt it?
I longlined AliG in the school and he was excellent even though a horse in the paddock next to the school was charging around screaming.I spent some time working on his walk as soon as he started dropping back and easing up I flicked the lunge line on the back of his legs (im running the lines through the stirrups and with outside line behind him)which worked great at getting him to lengthen his stride.We did some trot work and when I pushed him forward using the same technique he did some lovely lengthened strides,got some fabulous changes of rein then a bit of canter before coming back to walk..I was really pleased with him:))
Anyway got the injection in,thats the second one of the course...5 more to go oh joy:0
I rode him today and im a bit scared to say it but he was definately walking better and only did one drop,that was just after he'd turned to come home,his usual long stride was nearly there and he just felt more comfortable and easy.It could possibly be because he's not been ridden much over the past week but I doubt it?
I longlined AliG in the school and he was excellent even though a horse in the paddock next to the school was charging around screaming.I spent some time working on his walk as soon as he started dropping back and easing up I flicked the lunge line on the back of his legs (im running the lines through the stirrups and with outside line behind him)which worked great at getting him to lengthen his stride.We did some trot work and when I pushed him forward using the same technique he did some lovely lengthened strides,got some fabulous changes of rein then a bit of canter before coming back to walk..I was really pleased with him:))
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Still sunny:)
It was a bit overcast when I first got to the farm but the sun broke through after a bit and it was very nice again, although much colder than yesterday...have you noticed how much we talk about the weather or is it just me?!?:))))
Polo must have heard me shouting for the dog's when I got there cos he was nearly at the pen when I went to fetch them in so he came in first and got a brush then AliG appeared at the gate so I went and got him in.
I did Polo's feet first.I'd left them much longer than I usually do,5weeks ish,but I was impressed at how little I had to do was just a case of taking some wall down and balancing them up really.As I suspected he has had a abscess come through at the heel at some point recently but sure ive said before he never goes anything more than slightly footy so I 'think' they arent deep rooted.Very pleased with the cider vinegar/teatree mixture considering he's been living out this winter and its been muddy his frogs are better than they've ever been:)
I went out for a hack on Ali next he was a bit slow fast slow fast going out but im finding alternating my legs is working best with him.He's still very curious about the sheep so we had a stand off at the gate with a dozen of them for a few minute to let him have good look at them..sure its just a case of him wondering what the heck they are cos he's not frightened.
He walked past the riding school which was full flow with a jumping lesson and he went past without batting an eye so all in all a very sensible relaxing hack.
Polo must have heard me shouting for the dog's when I got there cos he was nearly at the pen when I went to fetch them in so he came in first and got a brush then AliG appeared at the gate so I went and got him in.
I did Polo's feet first.I'd left them much longer than I usually do,5weeks ish,but I was impressed at how little I had to do was just a case of taking some wall down and balancing them up really.As I suspected he has had a abscess come through at the heel at some point recently but sure ive said before he never goes anything more than slightly footy so I 'think' they arent deep rooted.Very pleased with the cider vinegar/teatree mixture considering he's been living out this winter and its been muddy his frogs are better than they've ever been:)
I went out for a hack on Ali next he was a bit slow fast slow fast going out but im finding alternating my legs is working best with him.He's still very curious about the sheep so we had a stand off at the gate with a dozen of them for a few minute to let him have good look at them..sure its just a case of him wondering what the heck they are cos he's not frightened.
He walked past the riding school which was full flow with a jumping lesson and he went past without batting an eye so all in all a very sensible relaxing hack.
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