It's only a little thing but I hacked out on Chips yesterday - it was literally the 5th time he has been sat on (and you've seen videos of the first three times)! It was the first time without a helper on a loose lead rein.
We went out with Bolero, Sarah's purebred with whom Chips is good friends in the herd. Sarah stood at Chips' head whilst I mounted from the block, then Chips stood while Sarah mounted and then we set off, Chips leading out of the yard. When we got to the bridleway he was walking quite slowly so Bolero passed us and we followed for a while, then when the path widened Sarah slowed Bolero's walk (we never get the "nanny" to stand when we bring a youngster passed in case they think the horse has stopped because there's something scary)and we continued side by side and then Chips went to the front. When we got to a junction he was a bit confused which way to go but, still in the lead we sorted out the direction and rode up the hill to a railway bridge where I dismounted (I'd ridden probably 1/2 mile) and we continued on foot around a short circular route and when we were about 1/3 mile from home I mounted again (just with Bolero standing in front of Chips in case he moved off). We followed Bolero and Chips thought he was so clever, he knew it all by then and had a couple of minor "hump ups" and head shakes but settled to a nice walk and when we got to a straight bit of bridleway near the yard we even had a 20 yard or so trot! He initially leapt into trot and wanted to power away but I settled him to a steady little trot and he came back to walk when asked (and he had Bolero's quarters in front of him anyway) and then he led the way back into the yard. What a little star! When he matures he's going to have such a powerful engine......that'll be a few years away - he's so narrow at the moment but he's only 3 1/2.
I plan to do about 10 minutes approximately once a week until next spring. I had him shod 6 weeks ago as he was footy in front on stony paths when we went out in hand and he had his second set today (my farrier has put lovely light pony-metal shoes on him and he didn't fuss at all at being hot-shod either time - I've always let himn watch/hear/smell Roger and the others being shod so he wasn't worried.
Thanks to anyone who has got to the end of this unashamed "gush"!
Caryn
Kharidian (Prince Sadik x Khiri)........ Alkara Cassino (H Tobago x Rose Aboud) aka "Roger".................................... aka "Chips" The first image is from an original painting by Pat Shorto.
Well done its alway the little things that makes us proud the most and its a great.achievement to get this far may you have many more.trouble free hacks. And what a good boy standing for the farrier
Well done its alway the little things that makes us proud the most and its a great.achievement to get this far may you have many more.trouble free hacks. And what a good boy standing for the farrier
thats brilliant sounds like youve got a right little star there isnt it lovely when everything comes together i can imagine how you must be feeling huge well done to you both xx
Very, VERY proud mummy!
England
Posted - 01 Nov 2012 : 7:52:42 PM
Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
, nothing compares to the satifaction and enjoyment of bringing on a youngster... wishing you and Chips many years of happiness.