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T O P I C R E V I E W
Kharidian
Posted - 29 Sep 2013 : 7:45:07 PM I have been hacking Chips quietly (walk and trot, a few canters) about three times per week over the late spring and summer. We hack mainly with sensible & considerate "nannies" who give a youngster the opportunity to be brave but who will instinctively step up and let him follow if necessary BEFORE anything has a chance to go wrong. Chips is pretty much unflappable anyway, so we have had no set backs (when I collected him at 6 months, Karen his breeder said "he hasn't got a panic button" and she's right - I haven't found it)!
I have also hacked on my own quite a few times and the attached are when I took Chips to visit my parents (he hadn't ridden there before, and only visited in-hand once, with big brother Roger as companion) and I was very proud of him - he even passed a car-recovery low-loader with just a few steps onto the pavement!
...this was the first time he visited my parents! NB I don't think I'm wearing the same top
Yesterday we did our longest hack to date (thanks to TanyanChewy for nannying)! We rode to Hockley Woods, did a circuit and then hacked home again. It is about 5.5 miles and, in order to reach the woods we have to ride a short distance on a busy road - and cross a zebra crossing whichever route is taken! Chewy needs to be in front on busy roads anyway (he likes his wing-man covering the rear, so to speak) so Chips dutifully followed and ignored the stripes. There is a really narrow gate to negotiate (with a turn/bend simultaneously) and Chips managed that admirably. He was very bold, sometimes trotting in the lead and he calso cantered side by side with Chewy and didn't put a hoof wrong all ride. He said he wasn't tired when we got back but whilst waiting on the yard to be turned out he could barely keep his eyes open and he was yawning profusely. What a star!
Caryn
13 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Arachnid
Posted - 30 Sep 2013 : 8:44:48 PM He always looks so laid back! Hes lovely (obviously)
sarahjo
Posted - 30 Sep 2013 : 6:40:13 PM Ah brilliant to hear that he's doing so well! Love hearing about what you are up to, keep up the good work
Centaur
Posted - 30 Sep 2013 : 3:55:20 PM Big brave boy, well done to both of you.
Nichole Waller
Posted - 30 Sep 2013 : 2:24:00 PM Oh Caryn that's wonderful news. He does look fab and looks like he is really enjoying himself. Can't wait to meet him on an EBA ride maybe next year..?
I think it's so important to hack them out when they are young so they can see the world and learn that it's not a scary place. It's good you have Chewy to help out when needed as a lead horse is always good for really scary objects. Although I have to say when I backed Ozzy he tended to lead everyone else past the scary objects... he is another one without a panic button.
Goldenmane
Posted - 30 Sep 2013 : 08:38:12 AM Enjoy every moment with your gorgeous Arabians, and be indulgent, proud and you deserve it!
Kes
Posted - 30 Sep 2013 : 08:19:44 AM You both look great, every achievement, whether big or small - they all count :)
debs
Posted - 30 Sep 2013 : 12:37:08 AM Bless him,,,
SuziQ
Posted - 29 Sep 2013 : 9:38:01 PM How lovely to do the route solo and it sounds like you have had some lovely rides
martha615
Posted - 29 Sep 2013 : 8:39:33 PM That is such terrific progress! Congratulations to you both!
You are so lucky he's naturally calm. Interestingly, Esme has no problem with lorries and cars, but she may find a small bird objectionable if it is a blustery day and she's already in "that" mood!
Can't wait to hear more about Chips!!
Quarabian
Posted - 29 Sep 2013 : 8:33:48 PM Awhhh look at him all grown up. You must be proud mummy.
Ari
Posted - 29 Sep 2013 : 8:26:19 PM Chips is gorgeous and what a great partnership and trust you have with each other.
Callisto
Posted - 29 Sep 2013 : 8:14:07 PM Congratulations, he is doing very well, you deserve to be proud
garnet
Posted - 29 Sep 2013 : 7:48:53 PM You're allowed to be indulgent; he's gorgeous!
