Very Proud :)

[FirenLady]

I am so proud of T, I hadn't had much time for riding last week, but had a little time on Sun and it was REALLY hot. I thought I'd lunge him before I rode him, but he wasn't really feeling it, then I thought I'd ride him around the field which he doesn't really like either. It was so hot after a few mins I gave up and thought we'd take him for a hack. So far we'd only used a few slight variations of 1 10 min hacking route.

I kept thinking I'd take Fire out with him to go a bit further cos there was quite a few spooky things about. But it was hot and he was being quiet so we thought we'd just go for it and he was brill He did one lil jump to the side right at the start, it was fair enough though cos there was a deer in the middle of the field standing like a rock then all of a sudden it sprang right up into the air and charged into the woods. I rode him past the conifer branch which Fire looks a Evvvvery time we go past it. There is a great big stack of pallets and plastic on the edge of the woods and he had a look but didn't stop and just walked past it

Took him up the open meadow and he was ever so good, didn't try and charge for home or anything! (Or spook at the many tufts of grass Fire finds very offensive). Then coming towards us was a hare just hoping down the track, he saw him watched, but didn;t react So I started talking loudly and it stopped, n did a 180 and cleared off. Too top it off, got to the woods at the top and there was a fox in the sunlight, which promptly ran off and he didn't mind that either Hes so enjoyable to ride. We did our first pole too, (which is a 3" dia log across the path we can't get around )

What made me really really proud though was when we got back he was really sweaty, so we thought we'd wash him off. Marched him over to where the coil of pipe lives, dragged it out, turned it on and gave him a good wash down. He did not honestly move a muscle I am just amazed.

Earlier on in the week I suncreamed his nose and put fly repellant under his tummy, didn't even bother to put a headcollar on him. He is such a pleasure to be around, everything with Fire is an argument, I can't get within 3ft of his nose I have sun cream on me, hes not too bad with fly repellant but he is constantly backing off the hose and trying to be awkward, What I'd like to know is, is T really good or Fire pretty naughty?

I have only been managing to ride T twice a week atm, due to OH working long hours. Id like to ride him a third time each week, I can now tack him up, and get on with out help but can't get outside of the field atm. I have a little section I can ride him around but he does find this really dull and goes nicer outside of it. I was thinking to try and make it more interesting for him, should I make a tunnel with a coupla poles, and use a few fencing stakes to make weaving poles? perhaps lay the odd pole about to walk over. Doesn't matter if we just walk. Or wait till OH has time to help me?

Sorry for the essay, tea and cookies for all who made it this far.

[fleabitten]

I think T is really good! I know plenty of horses that are naughty with fly spray and getting washed, even if its with a bucket and sponge and suncream.

You have got yourself a good one FL, he will be a fantastic horse once he is older and more experienced and if you ever sell him you will probs make a good bit of money!

I dont see why you shouldnt do a bit of mounted games/TREC with him lol you could stick garden canes into the ground and paint them white or stripy so you can see them easily for bending poles. and then you could use garden canes for the flag game! ;D walking over some jumping poles would probably be good for him too - you could even use your jumping equipment for 'bending cones'. Just have a bit of fun with him You could do your schooling out on hacks as he might be more forward and interested then.

Have you been riding fire much?

Traveller sounds like an angel

[solomon]

He sounds great especially for one so young. They sometimes have a rebellion at about 5 or 6 though when they get physically stronger. Pete is always good to do things with so I am the wrong person to ask. The mare I loaned was stupid with rugging, fly spray, boots. Traffic was impossible. So I don't think Fire is particularly bad. Just 'special'.

[scattymare]

Traveller does sound very sensible for his years. In terms of doing stuff with him, I think the poles and posts and things are an excellent idea. Even walking it will supple him up and get him learning the correct leg aids and things. Keep it interesting and you could introduce 'scary' things - bags tied to the posts, a tarpaulin piled in a heap at the side of the track. He sounds very sensible and chilled so the more he can see the better.
Fire sounds just like Myric. He even reminds me of him so much in photos (even though Myric is a Welshi!) Trying to get within 5 feet of him with sun cream or fly repellent involves a wrestling match. The hose is clearly a snake and the water it's venom - though I had a breakthrough this weekend and managed to bath him fully with the hose - took lots of polos but never has he allowed this before - normally involves rearing and spinning! But he was brilliant.
And he's got the same spooky attitude out hacking - though he was brilliant when he went out with Patrick as he was such a good influence - maybe T will help with Fire.
Yes they can be a pain at times with the naughtyness, but it does give him a cheeky-ness that I love about him - and thankfully he's only 12.2hh so easy enough to deal with if he has a paddy!

[brigadier]

Agree with comments above FL, he sounds to be doing just great.I find horse cope really well with the sunsceen that comes in block like a large lipstick, Basil loves me rubbing it on his nose. Goes all gooey eyed. He hated the rub in cream or spray. Maybe fire would be the same.