Post by maximum on May 26, 2008 8:12:34 GMT
well we took almost 4 hours to get there as I wanted to make sure the boys had a good journey and we had plenty time.
got there and expected Max to be a bit jumpy and looking all over as it was his first ever party at a strange place but no- quick look around and head down to eat the lush grass!
got tacked up and headed off to the start of the course. In my class were my mate Mairi (fallible on this here forum) on her mare Fallon who is 9 but very green having done nothing much to date so it was her first time at xc as well, also girl with naughty 5 y.0 and a rather plump little black mare . had a chat with Jo the instructor and explained maxs history and off we went.
the photographer was taking her time to get the hang of the camera and changed the setting so they are all very bright and some are a bit late!
we did a tiny one to start and Max went first, he cantered up to it
had alook then scrambled over. we did that a few times and then did the intro one!!
he took a flier!! wow!
cue huge grin on my face ;D ;D ;D ;D
then popped a wall with little drop and then helsinki steps and he just flew them both!
wee breather and chat with fallible
then onto an intro rolltop. he had a stop at this a sniff and them jumped it but still abit hesitant so clipped it behind.
then off the drop which he totally loved!
cantered up the hill and did a step up/log/drop combo! photo a bit late!
then DISASTER!!
was really on a roll by now the adrenelin flowing and so said yes we shall do the tabletop but it was down a hill so max totally lost his balance didnt have 2 feet on the ground at same time to take off and quite rightly threw in a last minute stop. so pleased despite my 5 year gap I still have my xc stickibility!! my legs were round his ears!
so genuine and honest as he is he came again and jumped but just did not have enough impulsion and landed on it.
he scraped his stifle and gave himself a fright. I would have gone home but Jo quite rightly said no he has to finish on a good note so tried a wall but he had thrown in the towel, really not sure and a bit scared
we went off and did some tiny logs we found lying about and he presto he went ' oh this is fun'
ditches?? show me the ditch!!!!first time ever and no stops
then off to wee logs in the trees you will have to take my word as photos rubbish but he finally got it!! jumped off both hind feet and it felt awesome! Jo was really impressed she loved him!
showing a clean pair of heels!!
then we played in the water
jo then suggested I lunge him in the water and swim as he really trots well in the water and it will help him to develop the correct muscles so I have to go get waders now!!
no idea what jo and I are discussing!
and its all over!
all are well this morning off to get arnica for both of us and I have staved thumb but apart from that very happy!! Max having lovely day off today and quiet little walk tomorrow.
I am off to find the next xc day!!!
got there and expected Max to be a bit jumpy and looking all over as it was his first ever party at a strange place but no- quick look around and head down to eat the lush grass!
got tacked up and headed off to the start of the course. In my class were my mate Mairi (fallible on this here forum) on her mare Fallon who is 9 but very green having done nothing much to date so it was her first time at xc as well, also girl with naughty 5 y.0 and a rather plump little black mare . had a chat with Jo the instructor and explained maxs history and off we went.
the photographer was taking her time to get the hang of the camera and changed the setting so they are all very bright and some are a bit late!
we did a tiny one to start and Max went first, he cantered up to it
had alook then scrambled over. we did that a few times and then did the intro one!!he took a flier!! wow!
cue huge grin on my face ;D ;D ;D ;D
then popped a wall with little drop and then helsinki steps and he just flew them both!
wee breather and chat with fallible
then onto an intro rolltop. he had a stop at this a sniff and them jumped it but still abit hesitant so clipped it behind.
then off the drop which he totally loved!
cantered up the hill and did a step up/log/drop combo! photo a bit late!
then DISASTER!!
was really on a roll by now the adrenelin flowing and so said yes we shall do the tabletop but it was down a hill so max totally lost his balance didnt have 2 feet on the ground at same time to take off and quite rightly threw in a last minute stop. so pleased despite my 5 year gap I still have my xc stickibility!! my legs were round his ears!
so genuine and honest as he is he came again and jumped but just did not have enough impulsion and landed on it.
he scraped his stifle and gave himself a fright. I would have gone home but Jo quite rightly said no he has to finish on a good note so tried a wall but he had thrown in the towel, really not sure and a bit scared
we went off and did some tiny logs we found lying about and he presto he went ' oh this is fun'
ditches?? show me the ditch!!!!first time ever and no stops
then off to wee logs in the trees you will have to take my word as photos rubbish but he finally got it!! jumped off both hind feet and it felt awesome! Jo was really impressed she loved him!
showing a clean pair of heels!!
then we played in the water
jo then suggested I lunge him in the water and swim as he really trots well in the water and it will help him to develop the correct muscles so I have to go get waders now!!
no idea what jo and I are discussing!
and its all over!
all are well this morning off to get arnica for both of us and I have staved thumb but apart from that very happy!! Max having lovely day off today and quiet little walk tomorrow.
I am off to find the next xc day!!!
for so much hard work we thank ye!!
)
Always saddle your own horse
