Tuesday, February 2, 2016

The Making of an Event Horse, Slow & Steady

First off, LOL to the fact I legitimately lost followers over my What Do Wednesday post last week. Seriously people? That was tame.

Moving on from that, I’ve had a lovely little break from school, so in the meantime I’ve been racking up OT, gym and training hours trying to get back n the groove of things after essentially being sick 4 out of the last 6 weeks.

I hate winter.

But I loved this last weekend!

It was a balmy 55*, which in winter feels like a muggy summer day almost, and I took advantage of the warmth and headed outside after a little bit in the arena.


Bangor of course came out too, and since he was there, I figured why not play around outside a bit and feel out our XC legs.


B got his massage Friday and I can tell you, I am a believer. I was going to do a whole big post about it, but I didn’t creep and take pics or videos while she was massaging him and reading a whole mess of text is boring AF. So I saved you there. I CAN say, it was incredible to watch. Literally improved right in front of my eyes. He was like a whole new horse on Sunday, for REAL.



We warmed up over some trot poles, in which he progressively got worse. I don’t know what it is about trot or canter poles that get him all tied up, but he clangs, falls over or knocks almost everys single one, no matter the spacing. I think its  TB thing because Yankee generally did the same thing.

Moving on from that, we jumped a single vertical on the centerline about 10 times through, raising it two holes each time.

It was great fun and he felt incredible. Completely on point, soft, and into it. Even nailed his lead changes like a pro, I was impressed.


Without further ado, here's a little video compilation I put together with the most infuriating video editing app known to man. It turned out alright though & I might have to suffer through making more


The galloping was incredibly exhilarating, yet scary. His stride is massive and he takes off like a wrecking ball. I've never had the guts to let him full out, because I think I would need a football field to stop him!


Also, this is a pretty big, yet casual deal....but that was THE FIRST XC jump we have done together as a team. I completely chickened out over the rolltops we have at our farm...they looked monstrous. But this cute little gate was fun and he literally attacked it with pleasure.


Holy knees! Also, check out those lead change in the video too! I counted four of them!

WHEEEE flying changes! We has dem!

I'm slowly coming to realize that this horse is not one to be rushed and I will never have an 8 year old going training or Prelim...but that's fine by me! Slow & Steady wins the race, amirite? WE have been together 2 years in May, he's only 7 right now, and this was our first XC fence together...HAHA. Wow. But still, its OK. He had a lot of mental issues to work through, and I think now he's in a better place both mentally and physically. 


Plus, now he LOVES jumping and he has incredible scope. I'm pretty sure this horse could jump 5ft with ease, but I am too chicken for that type of shenanigans now. Is chill, we probably won't grace a training level event for over a year  anyways. I'm happy to flit over BN and N fences for a while, considering Novice looks terrifying these days!

Overall, an amazing ride on an amazingly warm day. I have a lesson actually scheduled Saturday, and we will see how that goes!


22 comments:

  1. soooooo jealous haha - that entire video compilation looks like the stuff of dreams for my mare right now lol. but seriously tho, you guys look great and he looks so happy and game and rideable (jealous of those changes too lol). also - fwiw, i totally *am* that creeper who snaps pics of my chiro while she's working, and she constantly teases me for my need to document everything... whatevs tho it's cool ;)

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    1. my phone died or I would have ALSO been that creeper hahaha! And thank you, he felt fantastic. I hope the good vibes continue

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  2. He looks like he's really having fun these days! I think it's really admirable of you to take the time to listen to your horse and take your time with him. Riley just turned 7 too (and I've had him for 2.5 years) the temptation and desire to do more can be overwhelming, but at the end of the day we are competing against ourselves, not anyone else:) You're going to have so much fun with him this year!

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  3. ps. I can't believe you lost followers because of that post!

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  4. I'm not surprised that you lost followers because of your last post, I figured that might happen #lame

    But you and B look awesome! Love his knees over that indoor jump :) I'm taking my time with Roger as well, he'll be 6 next month and we've kept the jumps pretty low so far (much to his chagrin), but I think it's so important to keep things easy for young horses, teach them that jumping is something fun and nothing that needs to be scary or rushed. Great job!

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    1. So ridiculous considering I've posted way worse before and been incredibly more aggressive with my bitchiness haha. I was also a lot less mature back in the day, which got me in h to water often. Just surprising really.

      And his knees I am falling in love with!!

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  5. Very impressive video. He is looking really great! And damn, he really does have quite the stride! Also, Bangor's sass in the video made me laugh.

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  6. Looking great! I'm inspired :)

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  7. Glad B liked the massage and WOOOO XC jump! Love his expression over it and the knees too obvs :)

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  8. You have unlocked such a fantastic horse! Can't wait to see where you guys go

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  9. You lost followers over that post?? That is hilarious!!

    That is awesome to hear about the massage! Now I seriously do want to try to find one! I'm so happy it helped him so much.

    I love the video!! B looks awesome! One sexy beast there! I'm glad you got to get outside and enjoy some weather. I love watching him gallop. He's such a gorgeous mover. You've done such a great job with him. :D

    Congrats on tackling the cross country jump! You'll get those rolltops in no time. The flying changes were awesome. So fluid and pretty!

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