Lesson on Harriet

[brigadier]

Decided I like my son's instructor so much I had a lesson with him today. It was a toss up which horse to ride but as I knew I could get on Harriet she was the choice mount.

I dont know if Ive mentioned it before but Harriet is a bit of a Diva- she doesnt like anyone new, especially men and J is 6'4 and a big build, so he doesnt exactly blend in. Well Harriet nearly died when he came into the school, she shimmied away from him, scowling an doing a fair impression of Medusa with a hangover! J just laughed but then tried to stroke her and she was having none of it! Quite funny!

Lesson went well- after she settled and I pushed her forward more and stopped looking at her neck she freed up in the shoulder and produced some nice work. But the funny thing was everytime she saw J she either tried to go the other way or put as much distance between him and her as she could. At one point when I kicked her into her first left rein canter (after her lay off) - she was reluctant to strike off- so he clapped- well talk about a rocket boost- unfortunately not forwards but upwards!

but he really likes her- loves her movement and attitude and he was quick to spot and correct my plebby faults. So in all a fantastic lesson.

[pboy]

Sounds like a good lesson Brig, your son's instructor sounds great! It always helps when they like your horse

[racaille]

My word you are on a roll!

Wonder why she doesn't like men - do you think she has been bullied?

[fleabitten]

Sounds great, pity though she was a bit tricky with him being there but I suppose its good to have her exposed to that and realise a man is OK.

[brigadier]

No Rac- I dont think she has ever had a rough hand, its just her character and spirit- she was funny with hubby and little boy for ages and even with me at first, Ive heard Connemara's can be a little like that. A friend who has one saw how she was when I first got her and said I needed to take her ground more as she was challenging me- to be fair I hadnt noticed until she said it- just thought she was babyish/ignorant, but as soon as I took her ground she changed dramatically and became a love pudding. but she is funny with anyone/thing new- she was the one who led the attempted sheep massacre and when the new pup FollyWollyDog went into the paddock she nearly killed her.
But she was hilarious yesterday- still giggling when I think about it- love that spirit!

[racaille]

When I was younger and full of courage I used to compete a Connie in SJ and she was pretty much unbeatable and, it's funny, I remember her as quite aloof. Seems like it's a characteristic of the breed then?