Sunday, October 25, 2009

In Hand


Hmmm; well there was an in hand competition locally which I thought would be a good outing for the wee boy - you know, boring enough for him to fall asleep. But I guess if it's that boring what else can a young lad do, but make it fun.

However, I am not sure that the judge was particularly looking for airs above the ground.

I'm afraid even the line up for turn out was a bit too exciting!

First class, we had to leave the arena after half a circuit (which included, passage -with tail stuck straight up in the air accompanied by snorts, half pass, and a pirouette or two)

However, he did get progressively better, with first managing almost one circuit before losing the plot and having to leave the arena. There were the odd rears and interesting movements throughout the day.

For the last three classes, although we did have some skedaddles, we managed to contain ourselves enough to remain till the end of the class. And funny enough, when we were all asked to trot he was much better than when walking.

I do rather suspect however, that by the last couple of classes, it was not that he was particularly worried or upset, but that he was being naughty. I basically just carried on, pretty much dealing with whatever he did, then carrying on like nothing had happened.

So, although an 'interesting' outing, I think it was good for both of us, and probably the sort of thing he needs more of. Much as I am a bit sore in the arms and shoulders today, I am quite pleased that I didnt allow him to intimidate me and I just dealt with whatever he threw at me...so, funny as it might sound, was a learning curve and good for my confidence.

I did get a couple of "he's stunning" type comments - although that was BEFORE we entered the ring!

Tamara did kindly take a photo of him in the last class.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Sick of the Wet

Well, we had been making (I thought) great progress, and I had even started jumping the wee boy again. Only small jumps as we did experience a few skedaddles while jumping, although *touching wood* they had become considerably less - almost non existant- at other times. Perhaps it was simply that I was riding more confidently.

(He has also taken to jumping the wooden gate into the back paddock - probably because he can)

However, along came the rains again.

As Willie is my priority in terms of consistant work given that he is the one out competing, Sampson has for the past two weeks taken somewhat of a back seat. The difficulty is in actually finding somewhere I can happily ride him. All paddocks bar one are simply too wet to ride in.

The paddock that is ok to ride in, is inhabited by a randy little mare who I am sure would play havoc with my trying to ride Sampson in with her. (Wilson just acts like he wants to kill her and she keeps her distance). ... I am guessing that the wee boy though would become quite enamoured of the attention, and may pay me very little!

There is also the fact that the arena was supposed to have been started (if not for the rains) which would put my riding paddock out of action for a few weeks.

However, this past week, I have missed riding him so much that i have again clambered on; if only to walk up and down the drive by the sheds.

Roll on Summer.

Roll on Arena.