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T O P I C R E V I E W
Ruth_Cymru
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 09:39:05 AM I've been Gold's owner/personal scratcher for exactly one year, so thought I would share a bit about our time together with you all.
In a previous life he was a show horse and a racehorse, and it all blew his mind a bit. Happily for him he was taken on by his owner previous to me, who worked with him for several years changing his mind set and introducing him to endurance (which he loves!) and basically turning him in to the horse I fell for.
It's been a big year of learning for me. Taking part in my first ever pleasure rides have been a great experience, and with Gold being an old pro and taking me round my first ride safely I just had to sit and be a passenger, whilst at the same time wondering if my legs would ever recover! But as I did a few more we started working together (and my muscles stopped aching!). I have some lovely photos of us on our rides, but as they are pro shots I'm not sure I can post them- so instead please envisage Goldie and I motoring along with smiles on our faces. Here's a shot of Gold all booted up and ready to go:
As much as Gold loves endurance he dislikes schooling about as much, so it's been a slow but improving scene. It's taken me a while to work out how to ride him to get the best out of him, but we're getting there. This time last year: And last month: And thanks to my wonderful pony I've managed to lose a stone! I didn't even realise it was happening until a routine check up at the docs (where they just love to put you on those scales). The first photo was from last year and the second last month:
Goldie is a complex horse (but that's part of what I love about arabs), and there have been times when he's really put me to the test. He sometimes tries to convince me that he's still a racehorse, and if I'm honest there were a few times when I wondered if I'd bitten off more than I could chew. But I persevered, and I'm so glad that I did, I now know how to divert his attention most of the time, and even when he does carry on with his demonstrations of his own awesomeness, it's just part of who he is (and much to his annoyance I now just laugh at him).
I keep Gold at the yard of his previous owner, and she's been a great support to me. I remember her saying when I'd just bought Gold, 'this time next year you'll be doing rides twice this length and most of it at a trot' (we'd just finished an hours' ride with a few trots) I thought she was nuts, but turns out she was right . There's nothing I love more than saddling up my boy and going off for a ride: (Please note I always wear high vis but took it off for the photo )
I can't wait to see what these next years have in store for us. I know it won't all be plain sailing, but the sticky times just make the good times even better.
And to end, Goldie doing what Goldie likes best: I love my little pony
15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Ruth_Cymru
Posted - 17 Jun 2011 : 3:23:49 PM Thank you all again for your kind comments.
Goldie celebrated our anniversary by putting on a major show for the 'ponies in the hedges' and 'new cows that weren't there before' on the way back from our anniversary hack- elivated trot, tail over the back and snorting. There's nothing to compare to riding an Arab
Mrs Vlacq
Posted - 17 Jun 2011 : 3:12:55 PM thank you for sharing - just lovely, and what what a good looking neddy he is
Eeyore
Posted - 17 Jun 2011 : 1:16:21 PM Lovely to hear your story, you look like a great partnership. I'm very jealous of your background scenery as well your hacking must be fantastic
Honeyb060674
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 11:38:24 PM Lovely story & lovely handsome boy It sounds like you've had a great year together You can officially count yourself as a member of the arab slave brigade
kassha
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 7:49:17 PM Yes-I am-although my next door neighbour fell for his charms and is now owned by him.He is still with us though!
pinkvboots
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 2:36:49 PM Lovely story and I did notice you were the incredible srinking woman, what a difference well done.
Ruth_Cymru
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 2:30:27 PM Kassha- am I right in thinking you're the owner of the lovely and friendly chestnut? If so, hello! Glad to hear he's doing well.
kassha
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 1:56:41 PM Am so glad you found your "special" horse.Sorry you didn't have our boy but another Jaleel was a big ask!! Our boy has grown to over 16hh now and has taken to riding with no probs at all but most likely would have been too quiet for you. Well done and enjoy.
Ruth_Cymru
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 1:43:47 PM Thank you all for your kind comments, and Karitaz I am most definitely owned by my arab!
No doubt when I go to the yard this evening, he will do his usual positioning of himself so that I scratch just the right place, and look at me with distain if I scratch the wrong place
Nedds71
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 12:53:10 PM Woo hoo I'm sure he'll be looking forward to an aniversary scratch!
Gix
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 12:37:07 PM Lovely story! Lovely boy! Its my 1 year owniversary coming up too. Doesnt time fly when you're having fun!
TanyanChewy
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 11:37:11 AM What a great photo story, thanks so much for sharing! x
Callisto
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 11:35:51 AM Well done!
karitaz
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 11:03:52 AM Lovely story - sounds like you have great fun together.
Just one thing to mention - although you talk about arab ownership it sounds more like your arab owns you Welcome to the club
Emmo
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 10:03:10 AM What a wonderful, inspiring story. Well done for sticking with him, the change in him is very obvious to see. He is one lucky pony having you for a mummy! Wishing you the best of luck for your future together.
Emma x
P.s am loving the scenery behind your school photo's
. There's nothing I love more than saddling up my boy and going off for a ride: 
)
