Post by fimacg on Aug 6, 2008 8:24:18 GMT
you may remember all the problems I have had over the last year with Chompy since Figaro died (and for those that don't I can only describe it as a mental breakdown in which he became unrideable and I have gradually been getting him back)
I would say the old Chompy is well and truly back and better than he was before!!!
I feel like I can now hack him pretty much anywhere, although I have still to try his stickiest route. But yesterday I took him down the road and the farmer had left a bit of machinery in the field right beside his sticking point where he would spin, rear, nap etc. well he look and had a think about it with his bum swinging left and right in a 'do I spin' fashion. I stayed calm and talked to him trying to keep him straight, so he decided the safest course of action was to trot past it snorting, with head and tail held high.
That is the first time he has gone past something scary without trying to run back to the comfort of home and Dexter. Then we stopped for a chat with the vet who was driving up the road in the other direction. Ususally when we stop he throws a big strop and wants to turn for home when I want to carry on, this time he had a bit of a shuffle and then plodded merrily on his way.
On the way back I met the postie who jumped out of her van to say she had a recorded delivery item for me and it was only a small letter so did I want to take it. So Compy set about attacking the beech hedge with his teeth while I signed for my mail and squirreled it away in a pocket. He didn't bat an eyelid while all this was going on.
It seems long gone are the days when he would rear my into a tree or a hedge and it would take half an hour to walk the length of one field with all the constant napping, spinning, reversing into ditches. I just hope I haven't spoken too soon....
I would say the old Chompy is well and truly back and better than he was before!!!
I feel like I can now hack him pretty much anywhere, although I have still to try his stickiest route. But yesterday I took him down the road and the farmer had left a bit of machinery in the field right beside his sticking point where he would spin, rear, nap etc. well he look and had a think about it with his bum swinging left and right in a 'do I spin' fashion. I stayed calm and talked to him trying to keep him straight, so he decided the safest course of action was to trot past it snorting, with head and tail held high.
That is the first time he has gone past something scary without trying to run back to the comfort of home and Dexter. Then we stopped for a chat with the vet who was driving up the road in the other direction. Ususally when we stop he throws a big strop and wants to turn for home when I want to carry on, this time he had a bit of a shuffle and then plodded merrily on his way.
On the way back I met the postie who jumped out of her van to say she had a recorded delivery item for me and it was only a small letter so did I want to take it. So Compy set about attacking the beech hedge with his teeth while I signed for my mail and squirreled it away in a pocket. He didn't bat an eyelid while all this was going on.
It seems long gone are the days when he would rear my into a tree or a hedge and it would take half an hour to walk the length of one field with all the constant napping, spinning, reversing into ditches. I just hope I haven't spoken too soon....
)
Always saddle your own horse
I hope Chompy continues this way!
for so much hard work we thank ye!!
;D
