The Rehab of Dan the Man

Rehab complete!

2008-10-18T19:24:00.002+01:00

I hope!

The other day I was merrily trying to get him to settle to a hand gallop across the stubble.... we got nearly the whole way across when he suddenly went warp speed - I nearly came out the back door - I honestly don't think I've ever felt such acceleration or gone so fast on a horse- hte hedge was coming up MIGHTY fast I can tell you! :-)

This morning I called them down and when I came out with feed buckets, every one was there but Dan.... now Dan is NEVER missing at breakfast time. So had small panic and went up field to find him... he's up there walking around and I can't work out why he isn't coming down.... til I realise he has got UNDER the fence on the track so is now stuck in the island in the middle!

Poor boy, he musta spent most the night there and was MOST cross to be missing breakfast. But on the plus side he had a field of fertilised grass to himself.... so he better not grumble!

As I led him down I realised that although he's 15.2hhish when stationary, when in motion he sinks to about 14.3hh!!! Odd little hoss!

Today we cantered most of the way round the tracks. I've put the grackle on him and its a revelation. He's just lovely in my hand now. And his canter I could ride on forever anyway, so now its even better. I swear he's come up in front in canter since I put it on, or it could be cos he's getting fitter!

Tomorrow we go to ride on Bredon hill for a few hours, then Tuesday he has his first RC lesson (am afraid! haven't been in group lesson for many years!).

Soooo, as I have new rehab project arriving, I'm going to try to merge this blog into Magic's... it might not work but from here on in, all fun stuff happening at Chez Magic will be in Magic's Own Little World blog - whether it is about him, or Dan, about one of the others!!

See you over there sometime.....

http://magicsownlittleworld.blogspot.com/

Numero Uno

2008-10-09T13:32:00.003+01:00

Well he's currently numero uno as Magic has a month off. Magic stands in the yard like Donkey in Shrek bouncing "Pick me, pick ME" when I come down with tack, whilst Dan looks resigned and gets shirty when I drag him off the haylage!

But goodness me he's put on some weight in the last few weeks. The haylage is doing the job, and the good news is they all got wormed and although Dan is slightly more suspect on stones, he's no where near as obviously worse as he was last winter. Plus his guts coped with the wormer, yey!

So we are off happy hacking and getting fitter.

He's been very good, although will still whip round if the need arises (usually a cow behind a hedge)... but now its a shuffle round and then a halt while he waits for me to turn him back! Very civilised.

Then the other day we met up with another couple of people hacking and joined in for a field or so, before they turned for home and we the other way.... Dan was loving the company - and when they left he thought he might try to join them.... then realised they were going the wrong way and got all het up and frustrated!!! He chose to go home though with minimum persuasion.

He's done galloping on the stubble (very strong indeed!!) and cantering behind on a loose rein. I think thats the time his insecurities come out. If you are alone he is pretty strong in the hand cantering until he settles, and definately when galloping... if you are behind or upsides someone he's perfect and light.

Am tempted to take him hunting but the meets are never when I'm off work.... booo.

But we've got quite a lot of little jumpies and stressage comps coming up, so he might make an eventer by next season... and if he tells me he really doesn't want to be then I might just have to take up endurance!!

Fabultantastic!

2008-09-12T17:12:00.002+01:00

Firstly - holibags -

He was a star. Hardly dropped any weight (phew)... learned how to do hills - really very effectively! Perfected the typical mountain goat status of all my ponies - to the despair of the rider being brushed off on trees and the like! Managed most of the rides barefoot! I did boot for some rides, as we had to much more roadwork and I didn't want to wear his poor wet under worked tootsies off. They were a total pain though. Had to take them off for deep mud etc, but on for the very rocky tracks. The days without were much better and he coped amazingly!

Was not stressed at all (helped that he had Magic with him!) and generally perfect, gentlemanly pimped out pony!

Then yesterday he got slow-mo videod and guess what, he has a fab heel first landing (esp considering his history and lack of back of foot) AND he moves absolutely dead straight all the way up his limbs, theres not a waggle or wobble or snap anywhere!! Clever boy!

After last week you can see the muscle wastage on his off hind quarter, which tallies up with that he sometimes feels weaker in canter on that leg.... but from knee/hock down he is perfect!

:-))

Off on our holibags!

2008-08-29T19:17:00.001+01:00

Yes, you read that right!

My poor little neglected second string, who has been a once a fortnight happy hacker since I started work - is suddenly going for a weeks holibags!

I'd hummed and harred for a bit as to who to take, and decided on Magic, cos didn't feel I could leave him at home, and it'll help the fitness for the last few events....

And then suddenly we had spare rider with no horse..... cue Dan hastily back into work!!

We've had some fun ride and lead sessions in canter round the field, usually they are perfect, but sometimes they piss off or whip round and tie me in knots!

Have tested the renegades again, but am hoping we won't need them!

Here's hoping he's fit enough!

Lots of piccies no doubt on our return!

Videos

2008-06-19T22:03:00.004+01:00

2'6"

Abortive attempt at concentration in stressage

My name's Dan and I'm a SHOWJUMPER!

2008-06-19T21:51:00.003+01:00

Today was combined training. Prelim 7 and 2'6" SJ.

Got there nice and early so I could jump first (needed to get back to work!).

Got there before the jumps were put up so was able to jump round the clear round whilst it was 2'.

Warmed up beautifully in a small space indoors, alone. Went in to jump and round we trottedid.

Dan's can now do jumping from trot cos Dan's have done it once before :nods: and Dan's only have to do something once and then they can just do it.

Then we came out and wondered about being very pleased with ourselves that our first ever SJ round had gone so well....

Then fences went up and so we pootled round again. He was keener this time to offer canter. He was very good, a small blip at the planks but he made the right decision, then he tried to scuttle past the second part of the double, but came back in when I asked but hit the second bit quite hard. Obviously deadlegged himself as when came back to trot he was hopping. Whoops!

So trotted/walked/trotted a circle to test, feeling came back to his leg and off we went again!

Finished clear apart from the hoppity blip!

Am sooooo proud of how calm and unflappable he was. Proof that softly softly catchee monkey.

Back to trailer for change of gear.

Warmed up beautifully for test. Really using himself now in trot, but canter for some reason was all racehorsey again (and he'd done lovely canter with me off his back in jumpies saddle, grrr!)

Still beautifully calm. Then coloured horse comes into warm up. There were about 8 of us in there and he completely ignores other horses now (back to the once Dan's have done something once thing again!)..... except this coloured was different. Initially he was spooking away from it.

Then after a while he decided he loved it. Perfect timing as I needed to go out to wait for my test, next to go.

He whinnies like an idiot and then does a rear/whip round when I try to take him OUT of the warm up. Can't leave him standing by the arena cos he'll wind up the horse before so make him go and walk round the car park so he winds all the horses in lorries up by screaming the WHOLE time.

Talk about tension for tensions sake!

Anyway, we go in and the trot is pants compared to indoors, all stiff legged and tense and horrid. But the canter was fab! Bit forward, but really really good.

Go figure.

Got pants mark but he deserved it with his whinnying/headtossing malarky!

Overall, gotta love that pony but why couldn't he just do the WHOLE thing tension free?? All that for a coloured cob?

He whinnied most of the way home too, silly boy.

Vidoes to follow...

Sunday

2008-06-19T21:47:00.003+01:00

We went happy hacking. Boxed up to do a nice long ride along the ridgeway. Dan was excellent pony and very brave.

Although he is definately claustrophobic as he nearly had the vapours at a TINY set of steps just because we were on a very narrow path overhung by trees.

Bless him.

Lots of roadwork too, and feet have stood up REALLY well, no bruising at all which he would have had a few months ago.

I found out more interesting stuff about Dan - he will now canter behind or upsides another horse beautifully on a nice soft contact.... never bothering to speed up or slow down until asked...... but if you put him in front, its like he has to gallop cos he gets stronger and tries to get faster.... its really funny. I think its all that race training coming back to haunt us.

But in all seriousness I'm just soooo pleased with his mouth. Honestly thought he didn't have one but its lovely. And he's a perfect gent in company. Couldn't ask for more really.

All round :-))

Finally, I got myself organised and did photo shoot

2008-06-09T15:18:00.005+01:00

So....

Dan October...

Dan June...

Dan getting bored of being ground tied..

I'm really pleased with how much he's changed shape. You can't really see from the side shots but he's put on soooo much muscle. I just wish you couldn't still see his ribs! Heyho, at least his limbs don't have to carry excess weight (except mine obviously!)

Plus his front end has grown between two and three inches! When I got him (as you can see in the photo) he was very bum high. Now he is level, or almost front end high. You can also clearly see the change in angle of his shoulder as his feet have come back under him. I suspect as his digital cushions get stronger he will get even more at the back of the foot.

Dan doing his obligatory 'woe is me' photo

"Bored now, if I can't move can I eat this?"

A good day!

2008-06-08T16:08:00.002+01:00

Got up, got ready, got there. Took one look at the SJ which was INDOORS (bugger) and promptly made the decision that I'd retire after stressage.

He's never jumped indoors, we've not yet jumped more than 1 SJ in a row, and we need to jump out of trot so we don't do the gallop/hurdle/run through the wings routine.....

The course was ok, but not for us.

So went to get ready for stressage. He was very chilled and was fine to get tacked up (just wanted to eat grass!). Mounting is a problem as sometimes I can't launch onto dressage saddle on the diagonal AND on the move.... but not worth flapping about just yet. Let him learn that its not stressful, then the standing is easy!

Went to warm up and there were just two of us in the field... til small pony tries to enter past pallet leaning on gateway - cue galloping pony zooming past us.... he was VERY good, just a bit 'what, what??'

Anyway, remembered to give self time to warm up, walked for a bit then trotted working on ME.

He was an angel. Forward, but not too tense. Then had a canter each way, still perfect. He does sometimes fall out on the left rein by going disunited behind.. which I definately think is cos the white hind is his weaker leg.

Mooched round to where everyone else was warming up, and had a walk, trot canter there and still angelic.

Didn't want to stand (unless he could eat long grass!) but was just ears pricked and taking it all in.

Went in to do test, and he was a bit more tense and did a few flip-top-racehorse-head routines. But he did what I asked when I asked. Fell out of RIGHT canter (just to keep me on my toes!) but got straight back into it without a panic, clever boy.

I really do ride badly though - my left hand was a nightmare but I couldn't turn without it (when inside hand) Dan showed me what he thought by tipping his head everytime I had 'naughty left hand' syndrome. Bless him, how helpful!

Came out really really pleased with him.

Toddled back to trailer, washed him off then got him dressed for SJ. I wasn't going to go in (was hours before my time) but just wanted to jump the practice fences.

Well, he surprised me again!

After the stress bandit of Friday, he popped the X pole 3 times really quietly (it was a bit small actually!) then the upright. He missed a couple of times but always cleared it. He doesn't really understand jumping from trot, yet if I canter him round the corner he drops to trot himself.... so jumping from trot will have to improve!!

After the few near misses, he started to work out that he could trot in, then kinda skip to ensure he took off JUMPING not half trotting. It got much better after that.

Then did the oxer... it made me think that we've never even done a spread SJing!. We trotted in with some power and he jumped it big but he jumped it, and not fast and not hurdling. Settled on landing and did it again beautifully.

Left it there thinking 'shall I, shan't I?'.....

The feeling he gave me was totally different. Chilled, thinking things through and working it all out for himself. 'If I do this then that happens' kinda thing.

So as I was so pleased with him I decided discretion was the best option and to leave it on a high. He wasn't stressed at all, and had a snooze in the trailer like a proper grown up eventer whilst doglet and I walked the course.

We came home with our heads held high and thinking forward to the clear round XC and SJ in the next few weeks.

I now have even more faith that once he's done it once he'll be a total pro about it.... but there were just too many questions that coulda sent us down the wrong, stress bandit road.

But he got to graze the front grass when we got back and rolled and rolled (their grass is sooo short its obviously not as luxurious!!).

:-)))

All growed up....

2008-06-07T18:29:00.002+01:00

Cos we went proper XC schooling!

Aim was to pop a few littlies and test him on his own through a few waters.

Well we had a bit of a hack to the first schooling field, where all but one jump were too big for us (best thing about babies, being able to say, no that's too big!!). But it had a huge LAKE as a water. It had no entrance or exit though, and when I first approached it he did his 'no way am I going in THAT' routine. Which has calmed significantly and now consists of him standing looking petulant rather than spinning and doing a runner - huge improvement I'd say!!

So we stood looking at it a bit.... then when I thought he was bored of looking at it, I asked him forward and he hesitantly stepped in and we walked along the shallows (it was pretty deep!).

Then we went and played with a baby roll top and then came back and splashed straight through the water a few times.

He is definately a softly softly horse. Give him time to think things through and as long as he doesn't get tense he will work it out and go my way in the end. The tricky thing is not getting to tension in the first place.... so confrontations are out the window!!

Then we hacked down to a baby-hoss field with lots of little fences. Jumped roll top, logs, tyres, blue piping, little teeny flower bed. Nothing fazes him in terms of looks, but if its narrow he gets tense and tries to run past it, and the tyres he was just a loon, hurdling each time. Suspect they had tyres when they taught him to hurdle. It was the only fence that he just launched at like a loon.

After a few near misses (me nearly out side door as he jumped sideways!) I decided safest option was to come in from trot, then allow him to canter to the fence with me with one hand firmly imbedded in his mane! Sometimes he'd charge the fence and try to jump out the side, but once I had my hand in his mane he was sweet to everything.... think it might be a contact on last stride thing as sometimes he sticks head right up and then cat leaps and everything goes a bit pete tong.

The jump is definately there, but he did get very tense again. I will keep going with softly softly 'fun' jumpies all summer and then decide if it really ISN'T for him.... but I think he will get there but its just a bigger version of the trust issue. And because he's done *some* before, it makes it harder as he remembers the galloping, so when he gets stressed he wants to run past things whereas I want him to learn that slow is easy....

Very pleased as it was the first time he's had to jump with other horses all charging around doing their own thing and he was really focussed on us. Plus we did two very different waters and the second one he walked straight in. Plus he saw lots of different fences and we were able to link 4 or 5 together.

Whether I do the jumping tomorrow remains to be seen. We'll go, do the stressage, then wlak jumpies bits and if they look do-able for a Dan then we'll try, and if they don't I'll withdraw. I don't want to stress him out, I want him to enjoy it. But I'm thinking that having done some once (yest) he might just be perfectly fine tomorrow.

All morning times, so will report back later....

And another (gold star)

2008-05-22T07:59:00.002+01:00

Went to UK Chasers with a mate. They travelled well together and we set off on a lovely sunny day but not too hot.

We had a couple of trots, but Dan was very up for it in a 'come oooooon, I know what we're doing her' kinda way... just wanting to get on with it.

I think if I'd have taken him for a good blast he'd have settled after- but sometimes he doesn't and I didn't want him thinking EVERY time we go out we just go mental (haven't done yet but I think his memory warps things!!)

So we just went quietly. Found a little rail to jump and he jumped it BIG- not by Magic standards, but he cleared it well and neatly. Then jogged at bit as now we were OBVIOUSLY going to be jumping all the way. NO!

Had a canter up a hill, then jumped another fence behind, when he started to get all cantery sideways whilst he waited his turn so I decided that he'd have to jump in front or alone from now on (difficult as other horse needed to be infront or alone too!).

He settled and then we got to steep hill so we had a 'let rip' moment up it. Dan thinks I'm really sneaky and mean that I only let him gallop properly up steep hills (snigger).

Bit more hacking, lovely views, he settled well but was in Dan power walk mode.

Then came to a nice log, so jumped that.... he was a long way off it and I thought he'd put an extra stride in but he didn't, just kinda half put down and took off, but he jumped it lovely- whereas I thought he'd try to hurdle it from that distance. So it seems he's catching on, yippee!!

Then the water which was like a pond with a steep slope down and back up the other side.... very slippy as they had tried to dredge it and so there was slime and mud over the solid surface. Dan wasn't impressed so we got a lead through once, then he led back through. Once he knows its safe he's more than happy to go. Think I need to be careful to only let him meet decent waters so he learns there's ALWAYS a bottom!

Then a long hill for a decent gallop. Left other horse for dead :snigger:

Then down the hill and a fallen tree (deadly to Dans) and we had to STEP over the trunk in the middle, all surrounded by foliage - he led and was very sensible and VERY brave!

Alongside the canal, and TWO canal boats chugged past us, talk about eyes on stalks, but he was very good!

Over canal bridge (in the lead, no sweat!)

Then onto the mile long railway track - dead straight all the way. We cantered about a 1/4, then trotted a 1/4. Then got to the ditch and trakhener. Went and had a look and decided that as he was so blaze about the natural ditches on staurday that I'd ask him to just step over the ditch (it was tiny, but man made)....

And he literally just stepped over it and then tried to take me to the jump after it!! He is definately dragging me towards jumps now, so although he still gets quite tense he does WANT to jump!

So popped the ditch back and forward a few times, then continued on our way, very proud of my pony!

Next up steps, we went up them first (no sweat) then back down (still no sweat). I don't think he's an ex racehorse, I think he's an ex-eventer!!

Then another couple of nice canters and then home.

Perfect outing, made him realise there's no need to be stressy just because SOMETIMES we do exciting things.

Next time we definately need to go XC schooling or something that doesn't involve following another horse.

Am very very pleased and am off to look at schedule for mini one day event!

:-)))

He has another gold star!

2008-05-19T20:05:00.003+01:00

Jumpies lesson... remember the last one? Totally off his head with stress, dripping with sweat and unable to do ANYTHING except nap and try to bog off to the gate....?

Today?

Mr Civilised - walked for 15 mins before anyone came in. Investigated all the jumps, totally not phased.

Other horse came in and walked with us, then set off alone to warm up. Dan warmed up beautifully and gave me the best canters he's ever done. Not bothered about the other horse.

Then we have a walk while they work on their flatwork - cue entry by third horse that then schools and jumps..... STILL no reaction from Dan - it was the others cantering and jumping that sent him loopy last time....

We even got to practice halts!!!! Especially if I let him eat the hedge surrounding the school! Too right I will, if it keeps you calm!

Then our turn for flatwork - and blow me down with a feather- not schooled him AT ALL, but he gave me lovely balanced round trot AND canter, really slow balanced canter that is going to be REALLY good one day.... at the moment I can't breathe near him or he changes and tenses etc, but the canter is GOING to get there!!! :-))))

Plus he is soooo nice in a contact too, without any work. Am loving it, self training horse!

Discussed that I need to learn to hang my legs around him (hard that, when he's about 3 inches wide!) - have worked out that when unsure of how stressed he's going to be I put heels down but take leg OFF, then is very hard to put back on.... and for some reason I struggle more to get my left leg anywhere near him than my right - go figure!

Next onto jumpies..... I said I need help to not hurdle, so could we do a grid....

So Bill puts the treble down to 2'6" and says there you go!. Erm, X pole first please!

He jumped the cross, landed the first time and peed off, but got better and better. Upright, fine, from canter he is now dropping to trot to assess the situation, which I'm REALLY pleased about as it slows him down (obviously!). Then upright went up and he didn't realise and trotted in and took pole with him HARD - cue supasonic Dan and Jane thinking, "sh*t, defence position!!!". He pulled up and came and cleared it sweetly the next time.

Then the treble - two cross poles to a big upright with fillers and everything, and he was golden. A bit wobbly, but I just pulled him straight and he went - soooo much more genuine than his brother EVER was!

Did it a few times til we could canter through and he wasn't going too fast on landing. Then the planks, again, jumps it fine but shoots off fast on landing - tried to pull up by corner - we did it but he got his hocks under him so much that one minute we are cantering flat out and the next we are rearing!! Whoops, 0/10 for subtlety Jane.

But he got the idea, if I pull gently it means WOAH, if you don't woah then I WILL get firmer.

Then we had a walk round, I got on and off a few times (last time he wouldn't let me get off!) and put fences up for J. He walked round and halted when asked REALLY settled, even whilst she was still jumping.

I am soooo proud of him. Its a real relief that he is sooo much more relaxed and ready to listen to me.

Dare I mention that we may be ready for an intro by the end of the season after all......

What a good boy!!! :-)) And sooooo much easier than his big bro!!!

A huge sigh of relief!

2008-05-18T19:01:00.002+01:00

Now don't think I'm paranoid (much!) but the front legs had:

Ice boots to travel home in
Ice tight and bandages for the afternoon
Hosing off at tea time
Arnica and witch hazel gel for the night
(Magnet boots had to go on the hinds!)

But the odd thing was - the ice tight dried REALLY quickly, but I put the arnica on whilst he ate, then checked it as I let him out and it was still wet AND cold..... which meant I didn't panic quite so much over night as I could have done!

So then this morning - dry cool legs and not a SPOT of filling from suspensory..... HURRAH!!!!

After that I think the leg should hold whatever, he could do a full cross country and do less to his limbs....

So now I just have to get better feet under him and eventing here we come!!! (Speaking of which they are no longer triangular, must get pics!!)

Today he had more arnica on this morning, and has the magnets on tonight.

There is a theme with the near hind though - he gets a windgall come up at the back of the fetlock when he's worked hard - stays up a day or so then goes again. Probably no bad thing that the magnets were on the back last night!

I think I'm turning into a typical TB owner - all this leg checking!!!!

He's going to be worth it though, such a clever boy :-)))

Piccies!

2008-05-18T08:24:00.002+01:00

Are up already!

(chickening out of jumping the big jump)

http://www.xcphotos.co.uk/photos.php?category_id=1992&parent_id=1991&photo_id=104583&start=0

(jumpies!! Not quite the same technique as Magic, but at least he didn't attempt to hurdle this one!)

http://www.xcphotos.co.uk/photos.php?category_id=1994&parent_id=1991&photo_id=104723&countdisplay=11&start=0

The biggest test yet....

2008-05-17T13:33:00.002+01:00

Today was his first 'pleasure' ride. I put in commas as I've personally never found much pleasure in them!!

Found suitable nanny - the incredible jumping hunting ayrab :-)

Off we tottered. He was grand. Got a bit joggy when someone passed us, but was fine with it.

Trotted when asked, cantered when asked, pulled up when asked. Led through stream then proceeded to put feet IN every ditch we did, bless him.

We even jumped! He ballooned the first one, jumping really nicely. then got progessively more like a hurdler as we went on!

He still nervy of jumping, but funnily enough, the natural (log) type fences didn't worry him as much as the tiny SJs. And given that we'd usually be in the next county rather than walk past a log, that was a big plus.

We got a lead for some, but that did encourage him to hurdle. So I did one line of SJs in the lead, and as long as I came back to trot, then cantered a few strides in front then he jumped ok.

Attempted a big white gate (SJ) that was bigger when I got up to it, and he ran left along the wing into nanny (who was going past it so can't really blame him!).

Turned him back, showed it him then came from trot and he pinged it sweetly.

Then had a good gallop up a hill :-)))

Jumped a few more, got a lead over some blue plastic barrels, and again it was too scary and he couldn't concentrate on jump so ran left and then bogged off so it took me ages to pull up. Think he has been really scared of jumping, and also of being told off for NOT jumping. So I settled him, turned him back and then he jumped it sweetly and calmly.

I'd actually rather he ran out and then came back and thought about the job and did it well, than just hurdled everything.

Then we had a long walk through woods so plenty of chilling time.

Then a few more fences (that we definately hurdled - all thoughts of style out the window!!!) and then a last canter and home.

He was golden, so comfy, so responsive and so calm all things considered!

Then got back to trailer and tried to untack and wash and teddies went everywhere cos he didn't wanna wash he wanted a ROLL!!! Then proceeded to continue throwing teddies in trailer.

He had a wash though, teddies or not. And cold boots on. And he's now out with ice tight and arnica'd - I had to test the suspensory fully sooner or later..... gulps.

There were loads of stoney bits, and he coped very well. But I'm slightly nervous about his suspensory and also about how much of the coping on stones was adrenalin and can only hope he's not too bruised. The going was pretty good after that rain though.

Experience

2008-05-02T20:55:00.001+01:00

We went hacking with a friend, boxed out to theirs. He was perfect pony. Walked when told, trotted when told, cantered when told, pulled up when told. No stress and really walking out and wanting to go see the world.

He even did a really trappy narrow gate. Took a few attempts to shut it as it was tricky for rider as well as horse, but he didn't lose the plot at all! And we had to push through a fallen tree.

AND we led through bogs (no bother mum) and fallen trees and he was just perfect.

No standing martingale and NO head swings either. Hurrah! Pleasure rides here we come! :-)))

I love the little fella!

Change of tack

2008-04-28T14:01:00.002+01:00

Having had him in the myler combo for sometime, I decided that I might not need so much brakes, but definately need better steering for these whip rounds, so swapped him back into his usual NS.

We hacked out alone and he met lots of things that have previously meant a whip round, but he was golden. Looky but not stressy.

Even went past the farm and the 'dead' tree on the first attempt - tense, but never felt like he was going to whip round, yey!

Then had a canter on the way home to test the brakes and they were really good. So hopefully he can stay in this for now.

Steep learning curve.....

2008-04-28T12:52:00.002+01:00

Sir has got spookier and spookier of late, mainly to increase practicing his soon to be trademarked, whipround/rear combo. The thing is he has gone from not at all spooky, to not at all spooky about things that ARE menacing, but very spooky about things he's seen millions of times - like those woolly jumpers on legs for example.....

But in all other ways he's a darling, so have been letting him off....

Yesterday we did the river meadow ride which involves lots of gates (good!) and crossing the river (could be testing!).

I expected him to be totally fine with the river, but our route into it is down a bank made of sand/dead bits of wood that have washed up. The bank is quite steep and you have to duck under a willow tree on the descent, before landing on a little sand beach and then into the ford.

We did the gates on the way there fine, and a big black cloud was looming and the wind had got up.

I got him to the top of the bank and he said 'No, Dan's don't go down there'. Oh yes they do, says I.

Oh no they don't says Dan.... cue ten minutes of stalemate whilst we danced around on the bank. I even got off but he wasn't having any of it. So I led him to the river another way whilst nanny horse negotiated the bank, then led Dan straight down (smug git cos he'd had a lead!) and into the river.

My first day in my non-waterproof summer boots - and wet feet already. But this was soon to be the least of our worries!

Got back on in the river where its very shallow. Then Dan and I led across the river (up to Dan's tummy at one point!) as I knew where the shallowist bits were.

He got up the steep bank the other side ok, when we were just in time for the first thunder and lightening and rain.

We decided to just loop round back to the river so the boys didn't think they could turn straight home.

Got to the top of the bank first and asked Dan to lead down it. Nope, whip round he said. So I got him straight and asked him again and he marched half way down and stopped. I just sat and waited, and after a few mins he said nope, whip round again. Got him straight again, and without any prompting from me he zoomed straight down the bank and into the river. Crossed it like a pro then up the other side.

Turned him at the top and made him go back down the bank and into the river, away from home AND his friend and he pottered straight down and back again.

By now the heavens had opened and the thunder and lightening was overhead and we had to do a trappy metal gate on the way home. It took a few attempts, and he wasn't happy turning to do it into the hail, but he did it, and without any leaving the floor type activities.

Then back along the track and the gate to the road, which again needed a second attempt (he stands, then I lean forward then he moves and we have to start again!).

He was soooo good in the hail and rain and wind that was in our faces all the way home. He didn't jiggle joggle once!

I don't think I've ever been that wet through!

So all in all, a 100% improvement on the last ride that was outside of his comfort zones.

Boxing out again Tues so we'll see!

I've been rubbish!

2008-04-21T09:16:00.002+01:00

at updating this!

He's been a good boy, and whilst hacking one day I decided that our next mission is to get out and about and box out to friends to go for rides. I want to do some pleasure rides or even a bit of endurance with him, so need him to be settled.

So yesterday we went for our first go!

He loaded like a dream as usual, then realised Magic wasn't coming and got all shirty.

We got there, got off and tacked up and was all settled. Was really up for it and strode off along the road. Got to the first gate and threw his teddies so as he went through it he managed to catch his hip, then threw more teddies and reversed at full tilt into a barb wire fence..... sigh.

Honestly, typical TB - intelligent as anything but once he gets stressed all self preservation goes out the window!

Then nicely through the fields, but an idiot at every gate. I worked on just getting him to stand near them (the ability to stand had left us again!) so I could get off to do them. This worked fine, until he heard shouting and tried to turn for home....

As we got closer we realised it was a football game and Dan probably thought all the cheering was the races!!

In his defence he was very good about a lot of stuff - narrow concrete bridge, boggy bits to wade through, all was fine. But the shouting was really winding him up. Then we walked round the last field, right near the pitch and he was good but tense..... and the minute we turned for home we had sideways jog..... all the way!

He got even sillier about the gates (obviously couldn't stand still with the shouting) and I'd get him to stand, take feet out of stirrups and then off he'd bounce so I'd have to put feet back in in a hurry!

BUT, as we got further away from the pitch, he got better, still jogging but at least standing long enough for me to get off and on!

Then once on the road, immediately back to Dan the sensible fellow!

So lesson learned- next hack out we want bit of road, bit of fields, the odd gate but in a nice quiet place!!

I think he gets very claustrophobic, as the bigger the space by the gate, the less silly he was.

Anyhow, all good experience!

Next hack away from home next week!

The golden boy returns

2008-04-03T23:00:00.001+01:00

Two lovely hacks, yesterday cantering in company on a lovely loose rein :-))

Then today on our own with loads of big trotting (me still practicing!) and actually he was very enthusiastic to do massive trot, which was helpful as his usual diddly effort isn't enough to remind me to rise properly, but massive trot is!

Then WALKED up the canter track on a loose rein.... so tension all elsewhere today.....

Although we did have one moment, there were two tractors with muckspreaders on in a field where they shouldn't be - so my perfect in traffic pony took exception and did a 180 fast..... but then when you turn him back, he says, are you sure.... then promptly walks on as if nothing has happened..... odd boy.

He's definately getting more spooky.... not badly, but he is definately more alert than he used to be..... more Dan persona coming out, hurrah!! And there was me worrying that he'd be too quiet for me!!!!

:-))

Silly silly TB

2008-03-30T15:30:00.002+01:00

Sigh.

We went out on a lone hack today (he tried to come with Magic and I schooling but they were both so filthy and I didn't have time or inclination to clean two!).

We just went down to the river meadows where he's never been before. I thought we could have a little canter and maybe do a few mins schooling if I could be bothered.....

He did the tricky gate off the lane perfect, then took the track right next to the river and stepped the fallen fence and through the narrow gate. Onto the river meadow and he pricked up a bit, but still just a nice walk. When I knew he was settled we had a bit of a trot, then a canter alongside the river. Came back to walk and had been very settled in canter so was really pleased.

Walked on a loose rein round the rest of the field, and as we were coming back to the gate I decided to go round again rather than have to go back out to road and up the road and back.

Mistake in thoroughbred eyes.

I don't know why and I wouldn't mind if he'd started acting up where we cantered, but as soon as I turned him away from home the second time he was in tension mode.

Idiot horse.

Jogging, flinging head ayrab stylee, cantering on spot. Generally being an imbecile.

Now when he's done that in the past he's had reason (40 ramblers, Echo chasing deer and me yelling her, etc).

This time. No reason except tried to go round the field twice.

He kept a lid on it and I insisted we walk the whole way round. Which we did bar from a few joggy sideways moments. He wouldn't settle though, even though I was able to ride him on a loose rein he was as tense as a tense thing.

Got back to the gate singing 'why did I want a thoroughbred' to myself.......

Then hakced back down the track and he started to settle a bit, but was still tense. Then back to the tricky gate onto the lane......

Opened it ok (he's not very good at gates and due to being narrow I'm not good at hanging off the side of him either)... went through, then turned to shut it. Now that was always going to be an issue as he was still in 'must get home' mode.... (which I think is the being alone thing rather than anything else - he's happy as a pig in poo hacking out alone UNTIL something scares him or until he decides to be tense...... then and only then he needs the support of another horse and of course there isn't one)

He didn't want to get close to the gate and there's a bush in the way so its not easy even on a good gate-horse. I asked him to step forward, which he did, and he was just in an ok spot and I was just about to lean forward when he started dancing again (tension and trying to halt is not good combo!). Ran backwards a bit so I put leg on to get him to step forward and he did his now patented trademark rear up whilst whipping round as MUST ESCAPE. Sigh.

Goodness he's narrow when he does that! Fortunately neither the whip round or the rear are fast enough to catch me out, but its not particularly helpful either. I turned himt he way I wanted him, then a car came, (perfectly bad timing!) so we waited, then when it had gone I asked him to walk up to the gate.....

And he did it perfectly FIRST TIME and stood like a rock at it whilst I leant right over it.

Odd horse.... it is like the tension has to go SOMEWHERE and then when he's still alive to tell the tale he's ok to carry on as normal.

OK, he was still not relaxed hacking home, but much more normal. Stopped at bottom of drive to collect coat I had abandoned, so practiced 'leading does not mean you run along with me trying to keep up somewhere by your hip - it means I stop YOU stop! He remembers, but sometimes his brain is still somewhere else (on the gallops I suspect!)

So, loads more hacking quietly alone. And my big mission for this summer is to go lots of places alone and in company and ride with others and get him used to the fact that its NOT stressful.

Its no good being perfect if you have to be tense about it!!!

Sleet and snow

2008-03-22T18:35:00.002Z

Don't stop us! Well, actually, it did this morning!! I just couldn't face the wind and snow. I was very good yesterday and rode both in the howling gale. Today, I went nappy.

Then this afternoon it cheered up and the wind dropped (a bit) so I got togged up and legged it out there to get them whilst it was still nice.

I rode Dan and led Magic and as the other day I'd done our first 'off road' ride and lead and had NEARLY braved a canter.... trot had been v civilised....

So we trotted two sides of the big field, then cantered up the hill....

All was going terribly well til Magic relaised just how 'free' he was and tried to kick and buck and leg it.... now he was ever so polite and didn't really pull me, but Dan knew something was up (a race in prospect) so suddenly went dead in my (one) hand.....

I had a proper 'oh dear' moment of steamtrains for horses, talk about a double handful!!!

Then I decided to forget Magic and pick up Dan in both hands knowing the worst Magic could do is run across in front of us....

As soon as Dan felt two hands on the reins he steadied and softened so Magic did too.

Most impressed with them!

My knees are knackered though, I trotted the two sides of the field in hover mode, which is VERY different on Mr Razorblade than on Mr Side of a House. That combined with a short sharp moment meant I had wobbly knees on the way home!

Still at least the wind wasn't as bad as yesterday when I felt Dan and I were BOTH going to get blown away!

:-))

Civilised...

2008-03-19T19:10:00.002Z

We went for a lovely cantery hack this avo, and I think he's started to get the message that if I ask for right canter, I expect to GET it, ie, we will drop to trot as many times as is necessary to acheive it. He did it in the end, and it seemed to be my outside leg back which 'connected' his outside hind to strike off on correct leg.

Tried it again later on and it worked first time.... I always put outside leg back but its usually passive and inside leg is active.... but that seems to confuse him so am going to keep experimenting with outside aid for the time being. Its fine in the school as he understands 'correct' leg... but on a straight line he thinks he's a racehorse still and it shouldn't matter!

Got home and thinking how well he's going, and what a lovely hack he is, even (or especially, when out on his own) and was astonished to realise that he's only been here 5 months!! He's so part of the family now!

Trouble is he and Magic have the BEST games in the field... they came to help me poo-pick yesterday and galloped round me bucking and farting and then did the rearing/boxing game.... which Dan is startlingly good at.. we know Magic is the superstar but he needs to watch his back cos Dan can stay on his hindlegs waving the front ones around for a LONG time, and he's very nearly taller than Magic - if he doesn't watch it M might lose his crown!

But they both love having someone as ridiculous as each other to play with. Shame it leaves my summer paddock looking like the somme. But I did have to laugh at them playing silly b*ggers!

Update.....

2008-03-07T09:00:00.003Z

Well he had Bowen yesterday, and he was still tight in his shoulders, and a bit defensive about flexing his back but improved that without treatment.... he's a funny horse, he trusts me totally now, but anyone different and although he's always impeccibly behaved, he gets that worried look back in his eyes.... He soon realised Bowen was nice though and ended up yawning and snoozing, then giving Sue a thank you hug before wandering off for some hay.

Bless him, he's such a polite well brung up pone!

I don't think the shoulder tightness will totally go until he's better on his feet. They are fabby in comparison to October, but they still have a long way to go.....

And on Wednes we had a terrifying ride from hell (well, Magic thought so!). I was going to ride and lead but persuaded Mum to ride Dan for me.

BT were mending our phones so had a crane and lorry and lots of flappy signs out just at the end of the drive. Magic bolted past Dan to escape them and Dan just went, 'what? what?' at him!! Fortunately he's used to Magic by now, but as we legged it up the road I was worried that Mum was coming with us.... but when we stopped and turned round... there was little Danny boy plodding past the terrifying signs with a confuddled look on his face.... I think it goes something like 'I'm NEVER going to understand Magic!' don't worry, Dan, none of us do!!

Then we met about 40 ramblers on the bridleway, and Dan thought he'd arrived at the racecourse! Did a bit of joggety but nothing serious and soon settled again.

I love that he's quiet enough form Mum!

So more gold stars for the boy!

Day off today then back to work tomorrow before our next jumpies session on Monday.... the weather forecast is terrible but am hoping Dan settles a bit quicker this time!

Evidence!

2008-02-28T20:37:00.006Z

Where are we THIS time....

Like riding a razorblade!

Ain't we a happy pair?
Lets concentrate now, and look like we know what we're doing...

Canter..... looking quite sane, unlike the video!!

More cantering (this is the better rein)

Immediately after canter trans on wizzier rein!

To prove we can halt!
And just cos I love this photo!

Video doesn't want to upload, will try later....

Phew!

2008-02-28T20:23:00.002Z

Normality is returned! Superstar pone was just that :-))

He was a bit tense when we got there and there were loads of lorries arriving and horses milling around, but he tied stood to the trailer whilst I did everything, so not in stress mode.

Got ready and took him to warm up (an hour before test as I knew the warm up would be quiet.) There were three others in there, all walking, so we went in and did walking and trotting and a bit of canter. He was golden. Interested in the others, and occasionally very mildly wanting to follow them , but impeccibly behaved.

Then there were people trotting off in front of him and he was STILL good. :-) Don't they love making liars out of you?

I quit whilst I was ahead as lots more people started coming in. So back to the trailer for a calm 5 mins. Then I got on and walked around a bit, then back into the warm up just to walk. Then out to do test in 'spooky' outdoor next to the wood.....

Dan says , 'oh, ok then' in his usual unflappable style. Didn't even look at the big banner or the white boards, or the judges hut!! Oh I love him just for not being spooky!!

We even managed a bit of the canters, on the correct leg and everything. I'd decided that as I was doing the prelim before the walk and trot, that I'd canter if he felt calm enough, but if we lost it I'd just trot the rest.

So we managed the canter circle each way, and then fell out so trotted across the diagonal (that we wouldn't have managed with the best will in the world!!) We even managed the halt at the end!!

I am soooooooooo proud of him, even more so after how stressed he was on Monday.... it leads me to believe that he had 'met' a situation with other horses and jumps in a school at some point in his racing....there's no way you can compare Bill's school to hurdle training, so it will be interesting to see what he's like next time we go!

Anyway. Back to trailer for a few mins, then back into warm up (which now has at least ten or twelve people in it, eeek). And walk round like a superstar waiting for next test.

Then straight into the indoor (he took ME in, I didn't ask!) then round the scary indoor with loads of jump wings round the side, past the judges box (stopping for the biggest wee you've ever seen, oh the shame!) and then in to do walk/trot test.

He did do head flipping in both tests, but I'm pleased with the fact that its NOT related to me doing anything, purely an 'I'm a TB' moment.... and he's working out that when he does it he CAN'T get above my hand so he might as well drop and give, which he does again V quickly.

Lost video-er for second test and photos didn't come out, but some photos and a vid of the first test on their way!

Got home and let him out in mud coral for a big, well deserved roll. He was sooo chilled all things considered. I am so happy with my little superstar!!! :-)))))

First Jumpies lesson....

2008-02-25T20:21:00.003Z

Didn't go so well actually..... but only because the calm and unflappable Dan turned into a super-stress-bandit!

Poor lad was a shaking and a sweating, so I spent the first 40 mins just schooling him quietly til he settled (round and through the jumps etc). He was v bad with a stick, and v bad around the other horse, but settled eventually on his own.

Then my turn for a bit of flatwork - did walk/trot/canter each way on both reins, then again after a chat, and his canter improved a LOT but his concentration and his stress levels didn't improve much. :-( I just felt so sorry for him.

But he tried really hard. Then we did some jumpies, he did the cross pole beautifully, then it was our turn to rest whilst the other horse had his go.... and he can't stand still and then lost the plot totally everytime horse went past us. Napping to the gate, rearing and refusing to turn right (so I stayed vv calm and just insisted he turned right then gave him lots of fuss when he did - but he was still so stressed I don't think he noticed.

Then jumped straight bar both ways, so off each rein, it was 2'6"ish. He jumped madly right on one go when we got a bit close, and we nearly took out the wing! But otherwise he tried really hard. Given the choice he'd have gone ROUND rather than over, but I asked firmly and he went. He actually jumps really well and once he stops finding it so stressful I think he'll do well! Bill thought he's going to be great once he knows his job. Said he's deffo a project but that he's athletic and a quick learner and tries hard.... all of which we know :-)

Then I spent the rest of the time in walk, trying to get him to stop napping and calm down whilst other horse was jumping. He got more obedient, but no less stressed. And when he's stressed he won't halt, so I spent an age trying to get off as I wouldn't get off til he halted and he couldn't halt. He did eventually stop for enough seconds so I got off, and then he desperately dragged me out of the school :-(((

It was sooo sad, he's usually such a calm boy, I don't know if it was the jumps, the other horses or the enormous school on the hill... but he just found it too stressful.

Only thing to do is to keep going loads of different places until he can relax, but I do feel really mean doing it as he is trying so hard but he can't help but be stressed.

Goodness only knows how he'll cope with stressage on Thurs.... I might stage manage it so I don't have to warm up with too many others.

Or I'm going to have a hatrack of the TB!

He was really silly in the trailer on way home as was in muck sweat and obviously wanted to roll, so spent the whole journey home rocking the trailer....

I tried to let him roll on the front grass but he was too loopy still, and leapt about and broke free and legged it to the yard, so I rugged him up with fleece and thin NZ and stuck him out in the little coral so he could have a roll... and he had about 15!!!

Bu the minute he was 'home' in the yard he was himself again, mugging for treats and being cheaky, so at least he doesn't hate me totally!

We are going back in a fortnight, and I'll take both of them and just school Dan quietly for a bit before having main lesson on Magic. Then at least I can keep it easy and low key for him until he can cope.

Really must take photos soon...

2008-02-23T19:06:00.003Z

But meanwhile, here's some of the other day schooling...

Trotting stretching - ignore rider's arms and length of reins :-)

How about THAT for a halt!

Who's a pwetty boy then?

GAAALLLLLLLOOOPPPPIIIIIIEEEEEESSSSS

2008-02-23T15:41:00.002Z

:-)

Yep, we went for a few canters, and he felt so like he wanted to go, that I took him up the hill for a blast.....

To say he's fast is an understatement! And he feels soooo powerful, its fab.

Unfortunately (or fortunately)I think we only got to third gear (of about 8!) because the track was just too short to let him right out..... I think we need to practice big canter and back and a few longer strides etc....

He was very het up and stressed after, but did manage to keep a lid on it to walk home on a loose rein.... if I asked him to halt though he thought I was going to set him off on a standing start bless him.

So lots of practice of relaxed canters (which we can do) and relaxed gallops (which we can't, yet!).

Can't say I blame him, he was brought up to go fast and hard and now I'm telling him to chill, poor lad being confuddled!

But it was a good feeling nonetheless :-))

Experiment

2008-02-23T00:45:00.002Z

I tried the myler combo... and went cantering in the renegades.....

Which would have been FINE if muggins had done them up tighter than 'slopping round the roads in slippers' mode.... oops. So we lost the right for mid canter, pulled up, got off, took them off as he doesn't need them off road anyway, dumped them in hedge, got back on, continued hack and collected them and put them back on on way home!

Bit was a raging success, he really liked it. Really nice in my hand cantering, and came back to me much easier, no dead weight THEN listening, just listening straight away...

Am in quandry whether to do jumpies lesson in it now.... think I just might as nicer for both of us....

And he only wanted to canter on left lead... so we had a small discussion about getting the right canter lead, so I did the travers then canter (swung his bum right before asking) and bingo, straight onto correct (right) lead.

He did get a bit het up as we went to a new field and it is very like a gallops! Oh, and he whipped round at the scary house on the corner and I sooooo nearly landed in the ditch as I was facing the wrong way laughing at the dog who'd just jumped the ditch and the next I knew we were nearly in it.... whoops!

Very pleased as he chilled out really quickly after the het up canter..... I got off to do boots and he was a bit fidgety, and I thought he wouldn't stand still for me to get on from mound, but he did beautifully. Its like he's fine whilst he's being told what to do, but as soon as you leave him to his own devices he's lost, bless him!

Hopefully schooling Sun then jumpies lesson Mon, here's hoping the thorned leg keeps mending (it seems to be, shhhhhhh).

More schooling...

2008-02-21T09:19:00.004Z

We went up and ran through the tests for next thurs, our first dressage competition!

He was very good as there were horses galloping, bucking and farting around the field at the end of the school and he hardly turned a hair!

Poor lad had a run through of each then a videod run through.

He didn't feel quite right, but not lame.... so glad I got the videos of him looking ok....

Then last night when I went to turn them out he had a fat off hind.... oh honestly I'm getting VERY sick of this constant 'I can injure myself better than you' contest between my two boys!

So I have a feel and there's heat and swelling all the way up the back of his tendons (wibble), but the most swelling is around his pastern, so I checked for pulses and bingo, he has a big pulse on that leg which makes me happy as it means bruise or abscess and thus why he felt a bit odd but not lame earlier (didn't have a fat leg that morning)....

Pick out foot etc but it is dark (in my defence!).

Then this am bring them in and his leg has hardly gone down at all, so I hose all the mud off and hose out his foot and see what looks like a bit of dirty straw sticking out of his central sulcus of frog..... think nothing of it, carry on washing, then as I can't hose it out, I go to pull it and it is a MASSIVE thorn, at least 1.5 inches long and really solid and thick and its been up to the top (apart from straw like edge) in this frog! Whoops, me thinks that might be the cause of the pulse!

I diluted hydrogen peroxide and just stuck that in and it came straight out a hole at the back of his heels above his hoof.... just hope it settles down quickly as it should drain ok (no pressure build up)....

He's supposed to have his first jumpies lesson on monday, given that the other one isn't up to much either.... so fingers crossed we make it!

Can't believe the luck of managing to get that stuck directly up into his weedy frog.... hey ho, another reason for hating hedge cutters!!!

He was sound hacking today so all should be well.

So videos -

W & T test:

Prelim 10:

Another good week....

2008-02-15T16:45:00.002Z

He hacked out with a friend with me on Magic the other day, and was perfect pony.

Then I took him for a canter hack on his lonesome and tried him in his renegades. He does love hacking, he's such a nosey sod. They fit very snug (a bit too snug widthways but we knew that would happen with Mr Triangle feet!) but he drags his near fore toe when trotting in them... odd as I've always thought his off fore toe would be 'longer' as he has more flare on that one.

Also it inspired me to think about his action. Nearfore (suspensory and more upright foot) has more knee action but is straighter, off fore has no knee action and plaits in trot. Most weird to look down and see the legs do two totally different things! Adds up as his left shoulder is the one thats had lots of issues and is still always tight, so that would explain more knee action I guess.

Then today we went up schooling with Magic and he had first go. Was much more leany to start with and transitions trot to walk were 'la-la not listening' particularly going one way up school where he wanted to go faster.... so we worked on those and taught him rein back and got him much lighter. Then had a bit of a motorbike canter each way as he was a bit onward bound.

Then just before I finished and after lots more walk/trot/walk trans we did another canter each way and OMG its going to be fab!! He was lovely and slow and balanced and light and I want it to always be like that now!!!

TBH I think cantering hacking doesn't help but he needs to learn to be balanced and not rushing hacking as well as schooling!

So started off not very pleased with him (leany) and ended up being REALLY chuffed!

He then went straight on trailer and stood their without making a MURMUR whilst I rode Magic for an hour.

Star pony strikes again. And we are already discussing how it won't be long before he's beating Magic cos he's just so willing and amenable and TRAINABLE, not like Mr Frustrating himself....

Going schooling again Sunday, then think will enter some dressage in a week or so!

I'm sure the gushing posts are getting boring....

2008-02-11T19:23:00.000Z

But.....

Here's another one :-))

We went out hackling on our own (but with the naughty in-the-doghouse mutt). Due to yesterdays events, we went the other way in order to avoid dog/wood/deer incidents....

I still was itching to test the canter out in a field after it feeling so controlled in the school....

So we went off road after a bit and as his feet seemed fine after yesterdays bashing, we toodled to find a dry patch for a canter. He was much more sensible on entering the field than he was the other day when I just tried to walk back through one....

But standing martingale is helping on the head waggling score, even though it is Magic's and far too loose!

Found a nice incline with dry flat going and invited him to trot.... he trotted sewing machine stylee and a bit excitable, and as I thought he'd offer me canter, I waited til we settled the trot then just nudged him forward and he popped into a very civilised canter.... was a bit fast and strong so I half halted a bit and he came straight back to me and cantered more gentle (probably doesn't know how to go that slow!) til I decided the nice ground was running out and asked him to trot and oh yes, immediately trotting we were!

The best bit that when I walked, we then walked all round the rest of the fields on a long rein

:-)))

This pony is getting under my skin a bit now.... I knew he might as I'm a sucker, but have thought he wouldn't be enough horse for me as he's so chilled, and he won't be a jumper etc.... but he's just so NICE and easy and WILLING!!

And that says a lot!

So, am all fired up now, will find some teensy jumping and a baby dressage test or two and get ready for a mini one day event in the spring if all goes well :-))

Poor Boy...

2008-02-10T17:56:00.001Z

On the back of schooling on Fri, then yesterday off, today we went for a 'quiet' trundle on our own (well, alone with Echo!!)
Was planning on going for our first off road canter as he's been getting pretty upitty when we try to hack round the fields and I thought we'd be better off doing it alone.

Well alls well til we get to the dreaded wood.... Stop to chat to some friends who drove past, very good boy, then past the wood, phew... still have lurchalot in tow.....

Then she sniffs something in the LAST thorn bush next to the wood and BANG, she's off like a bullet after something that is crashing through the undergrowth and squeaking.....

Now under normal circumstances I know she comes back now (see previous posts!), so I continue on my way for 10mins, calling etc....

Then I get worried and turn for home, and the upshot is that poor old Dan had to trot up and down the road three times to find an Echo....!

But he was such a star.... he knew something was up, but he trotted past his stable mates hacking in the other direction, then turned away from home as soon as I asked, then back home and away from his mates (who had found the erant lurch)....

So another BIG thumbs up for the lad.... and his suspensory.... and his FEET!!

Although whether he'll be quite so good on them tomorrow, we can only hope!

Jumpies video....

2008-02-10T13:16:00.000Z

Bless him :-)

Flat work video....

2008-02-10T10:14:00.000Z

Not bad really for his second ever attempt!! :-)

He is such a cutie!

2008-02-08T17:57:00.000Z

We went schooling (see Magic's blog). Took them both and Dan was much more settled.

Rode him first and he was lovely and soft and round in walk, and even in trot!!

Had a canter each way, much better and less motorbikey and even on the bit in moments! Got correct leg each time and not stressy at all.

So we trotted over a pole.......... and then jumped a cross pole a few times and all was well!!

He knew what to do and wasn't too concerned. Trotted over it a few times then put it bigger crosspole and he JUMPED it :-)))))

A few times!!!

No fluke!!

Phew, big relief that the boy can jump :-))) and isn't a total wimp :-))))

Videos to follow when I've uploaded them!!

Yippeeeeeeeeeee!

2008-02-01T18:52:00.000Z

We went hackling today!!

He's been a bit footy since worming, and then when on "quiet" turnout on the front grass (with Magic - I should know better!) he galloped and skidded across the tarmac drive and bruised his soles.... so had big pulses esp near fore for a few days. Arnica out.... AGAIN.

So today he had no pulses, and looked fine in the yard, so we went out!!

Honestly, you wouldn't know he'd had a day off, he's SUCH a good boy!!!

Couldn't fault him, except he wasn't good on the stones on the road.... memo to self, find a friendly wormer for encysted as I'm NOT giving him chemicals again, he used to stomp on stones :-(

But its nice to have him back and he was SOOOO pleased to be out and about and checking up on everything (he really is a nosey sod!!)

:-))

I'm sick of the sight of the vet!!!

2008-01-23T18:29:00.000Z

So, he had antibiotics and bute for five days.... then two days of one bute a day (rather than one twice a day)..... then off bute....

The very DAY he is off bute altogether, it blows up like a balloon and he suddenly decides he's VERY sore for me to clean the wound, and has a lump on the muscle above the hock, and nearly falls over when he tries to flex his hock..... uh-oh thinks I, tis either a NEW kick, just unluckily on same leg in nearly same place, (likely as he's now in the yard with Magic so......) OR his hock is infected and I'm in serious sh*t....

Cue vet out, who takes one look and says ' you were right, its a new kick, very sore... just give him 5 days more bute.... ARRRRRGGGGGHHHH. Now I knew that, but couldn't bear that it might be infected. So another vets bill thanks to my lovely little TB.....

So, seven days later and wound is still oozing but mainly aloe vera(!) and vets orders on telephoning him are to get working him again.... yippee.

Bout bloomin time.... might have something to report then soon, you never know!

On the plus side, my three are now contently living together in yard and barn (all though there are plenty of scuffles as Magic beats the life out of Dan, who has cunningly worked out to hide behind Ben at the first sign of trouble....) I wouldn't mind but Dan is boss of Ben, and Magic is FAR more evil to Dan than anyone else.... a jealousy thing methinks!

Oh bum..... why did I want a thoroughbred?

2008-01-09T13:44:00.000Z

He stayed in last night to keep the one-eyed-Ben company..... go down this morning and think - hmmm that muddy hock looks a bit fat....

Yep, he's got a puncture wound about a cm across on the outside of his hock. Its so sharp it looks like someone's stabbed him with a knife. So cue danilon and antibiotics and yard rest......

Arrrggggh. Good job I keep a stash of everything..... memo to self - replace stash for the next Dan-ism.

Typical, the ONE night he's in and he damages himself, I wouldn't mind but he's definately boss of his little herd.

Heyho, next trip up schooling will have to wait a week or so..... ohhhhhhhh Maaaaaagggggggiiiiiic!

On the plus side they had their teeth done today and he was golden, just stood and waited whilst she rasped, and rasped, and rasped. Which is more than can be said for his big black brother who was a SWINE.

What a day!

2008-01-08T22:44:00.000Z

First of all, get them in to find Ben has an eye the size of an orange.... ouch. So bang goes Mum's ride and scuppers my chances of taking Dan up schooling today as am umming and arring about needing vet.

Decide to go for short hack and persuade Mum (who was keen to ride until we found her mount was unobtainable!) to ride Dan whilst I take Magic. State catagorically that he is safe and she'll like him and he's a) easier and b) more comfortable than Ben.....

She's not convinced but agrees to come along.

Take all three dogs and wander out, Mum is pleasantly surprised but not won over....

Cue lose Echo and Tod in the wood chasing deer. We trot down the road calling them (usually works) Tod comes back after 10 mins like he's run a marathon (probably has!)..... no sign of Echo.....

Then I hear yelping from the wood - oh gawd she's stuck/bleeding/somehow mortally wounded....

Cue major panic, mad trot back up road.... fly of Magic, throw him to Mum - say 'you'll be fine' (omit to tell her that I've never led FROM Dan, I've always led him) and then I dive headlong into the wood after errant lurcher.

After running madly through wood we (me and collies) eventually find her, or rather she finds us, very out of breath but not a mark on her and looking VERY pleased with herself. Cue me having blind panic as to whether Mum managed to get the boys home and is safe or not....

Ring her to tell her we are on our way back - it transpires she couldn't go home as they met a herd of deer next to the road and whilst Dan the superstar pone was fine, Magic wouldn't go past them so she ended up hacking the other way.

Reunite self with horse and hack home.

But Mum most impressed with Dan, in fact I'm most impressed that despite Magic being an idiot beside him, Dan took it all in his stride - Mum said the most stressed thing he did was poo (well we are used to that!)

So Dan has another gold star to add to his collection and another fan to add to his fan club (watch out Magic - he's going to usurp you in the popularity stakes soon!!!)

It all ended safely thank goodness, but it could have all gone pretty pete tong without Dan having a cool head!!!!

Riding and leading

2008-01-01T16:59:00.000Z

Forgot to say that on Christmas Day as it was horrid and rainy, I rode Magic and led Dan.... who had to jog most of the way to keep up.

Now I'm SURE his walks not THAT bad, but that its just easier to jog than attempt bigger walk.

Today we did the same again, and he was better on the way home, making a try at walking out, but on way out Magic was in mission-mode and Dan jogged pretty much the whole way.

Its ok for fitness, but given that he habitually swings his quarters left anyway esp in trot, I don't want him strengthening up the wrong muscles, so next time I'm going to have to get brave and ride Dan and lead Magic (which in fact may be easier as M is sooooo spooky when he knows I'm at his mercy!)

Watch this space!

Ending the year on a high! Warning, Photo overload!

2007-12-31T19:32:00.001Z

We went to our first party!!! :-)))))) Well, technically not a party, only schooling, but it was enough of a party for us to begin with!

Loaded like a dream, got there and was very excited to be out racing, but wasn't sweaty at all. Tied to trailer.... was fidgety but easy enough to tack up.

Got on at mounting block then mooched to arena. Walked round for five minutes, did a bit of trot each way then another horse came in. It was only walking and he was happily bimbling so took no notice.

Then I got brave and we had a canter.... 'oh, so these are the gallops after all' says he....

First canter left rein did one long side and pulled up easy as only a little canter. Changed rein and got wrong leg and then we were off!!! Did full length of school with me praying for steering at the end as brakes weren't really working....

Did turn easily and then pulled up easily once on circle. He couldn't understand.... 'wots this game.... surely the idea is to go in straight line and win not go roundy roundy'??

Had a walk and some lurrrverly trot work to chill him out again then had another go at right canter - got the correct lead AND a civilised canter. Pretty slow, but long and flat and motorbikey, but hey a canter on the correct lead nonetheless AND in control!

Canter definately fired him up so we did a little bit more trot and then just walked. Other horse started working and it didn't even occur to me that Dan might have an issue with a horse picking up speed and going away from him up the school!! Well he did, but only a joggy sideways 'what the hell, let me catch up' kinda thing..... then when horse turned at the top of the school and came back to us he looked VERY confused.

He got a bit het up a couple of times more and then I think realised that she wasn't actually leaving him and chilled out totally.

He never broke into a sweat but he HAS lost loads of weight purely from the amount of liquid poo he did. I think I need to remember to give him probiotics and aloe vera for a few days before and after. And I think we'll keep going up schooling until he is pretty normal (poo-wise) before I go anywhere else. I need him to understand that its not at all exciting, and funnily enough he doesn't ACT it, just obviously goes straight to his guts.

Anyway, we walked for 20mins or so, and at one point he offered me lovely stretch.... so I commented to by-standers that he was showing off his stretch and someone yelled back 'thats not stretch its ROOOOOLLLLLLLLL!!'. Well, I did the obligatory gormless, 'no its not' face whilst it sank in.... then realised we WERE heading floorwards and I gracefully sat on the floor and rolled off him as he started to roll over! He panicked and leapt up so I got up, caught him, walked back to mounting block and started again!

He gave very little warning and no scraping, but I think he thought he'd finished as he quite often rolls in the barn after a ride and he'd just forgotten I was still up there.

It was soooooooo funny! Bless him. Unfortunately photographer didn't manage to capture that bit - too busy laughing me thinks!!

So then walked round a bit more testing the 'we don't roll when ridden' theory! Then got off, went back and tied to trailer whilst untacking. Left him whilst sorted arena and trailer and he fidgeted and did yet more projectile poo and a big wee, but was safe tied to the trailer.

Loaded him alone and he nearly beat me up the ramp!

He stands fine on the trailer whilst front door is open, but when you shut the top one he does get a bit bangy.

He also seems to travel leaning back on his bum. Probably from being used to lorries not trailers. He wasn't as quite travelling as when we brought him home initially but he wasn't banging and didn't come out hot.

Tried to let him graze the front grass as reward but he was more desperate to get back to the others.

Am so pleased, with his attitude, with the canter, with everything really, except the poor fellas guts!

So onto mammoth photos....

Just arrived... 'where's the track then?'

'I need to see whats going on....'

'Well, this is different, and interesting!'

'Still very interesting' (ie being nosey)

relaxing.....

more nosing....

At least I don't swamp him too badly!

' One day I'll grow a neck like Magics!'trotting
Who's a pretty boy then?
More trotting
and again.... moves nicely eh?
yet more....
whooohoooo, two wheeled cantering!
and again...
relaxing and stretching...
really stretching (not about to roll this time!)
cooling down
'What a bizarre thing to do, roundy roundy and no galloping!'
'Proud of self'

Photos

2007-12-30T12:45:00.001Z

Forelegs Oct

Forelegs Dec

Hindlegs Oct

Hindlegs Dec
Looking impressed!

Whole Body comparison - his topline is loads better but he still stands like he's depressed!

Oct

Dec

Look at the a*se on that!!

Cor, haven't I been so very slack?!

2007-12-30T12:25:00.000Z

Well, all is going great guns. I generally get to hack him three or four times a week. We are building up the trot work and he's getting stronger and stronger.

He's had another trim and his feet are looking fab, and the back of his feet are strengthening and helping to raise his pasterns a bit, so he's now standing a smidge less downhill!

We've hacked on our own and in company and even with Ben again and Dan learnt the lesson and studious ignored Ben's behaviour after that first time!

He's had a hair cut (just bib and belly) and looks much less like a wormy two year old now!

As I washed his tail and legs this morning I took the camera down for some photos... they aren't very good as he kept wandering back over to me but they're better than nothing!

I can't wait to start cantering but think I'll wait til I go up to school the first time... which might even be this week with any luck!

I'll upload on the next post!

Goodness me, he was quite a find!

2007-12-03T16:48:00.000Z

Not only can he gallop round the field twice as fast as anyone else (:rollseyes:) and corner at speed better than anyone else, but he's also rapidly becoming GREAT fun to ride!

He's forward and interested and alert but without sillyness. Although Friday nearly pushed us both too far - we hacked out the other way to usual, just down road to end and back, but with Ben as escort for a change.... NEVER again, we turned for home at the scary farm, Dan was a bit jumpy but not doing anything.... and Ben proceeds to canter on the spot or jog all the way home.

Dan did get het up enough to jog, but I was having to hold him behind Ben (Ben will NEVER walk if someone elses nose is in front!) but after a few hundred yards of jogging sideways, Dan decided 'sod that' and mooched along home next to the demented ginger one, looking at him out of the corner of his eye from time to time in a 'what on EARTH are you doing?' kinda way!

So big thumbs up for the fella!

Then today we did the same ride but with a better friend, Dan led all the way, got a bit freaked out by cow right next to the fence that glared at him but kept a lid on it and coped with scary bridge and the pigs hut really well. Turned for home and NO sillyness!

Oh, and we had our first proper trot - felt ab fab on N/F- O/H diagonal, but a bit odd behind on the other one. But sound as a pound, yehey!!

So, more building up the work and then am hoping to take him for a little outing in the trailer to pootle round the school sometime over Christmas.... so he goes to a place and comes home again before we actually go to any parties!

I'm so pleased I got him though!! Oh, and everyone else loves him cos he's so friendly and 'helpful' around the place! :-)))

More hacking.....

2007-11-28T15:57:00.000Z

Friday we went out in company, with our NEW girth wot fits and everyfink... so I don't have to worry I might roll round under his considerable expanding belly any more!

We just walked about a mile there and back on the road. Had a little few strides of trot but nothing more. He's definately offering stretch far more often than I ask now (mostly I am lazy and ride on the buckle!). He's had a trim too and is now wearing his feet much better and doing his own toe roll due to road work.

He did have one little TB moment where he did a mini spin and wanted to go home.... like he spooked but nothing there, his heart was a-hammering and he didn't settle for a few minutes.... again like last time it was at the furthest point of the ride at a place he'd never been before....

Then Monday I hacked him on the same route again but with different companion. Dan led all the way (through choice!) and did far less of the 'can we go home yet' looks behind him.

He was fine in the place he was silly before, but took COMPLETE exception to the logs in gateways..... the scary watertroughs were fine but the logs were killers.... think he's been talking to Magic as it took me MONTHS to get M past them and even now he'll spook at them if he can!

First one I just ignored and got him past, but he skittered a bit at the second one, so on the return I ignored past the first one and as he tried to shoot past second I turned him and walked him past again (bit fast but walking) then turned again and halted him within his comfort zone so he could have a look. He then walked off really quietly.

He's really interesting as he's totally bombproof and not at all spooky, and the logs were the first thing he's EVER looked at. I honestly think what with the 'new bit of road' wibbles and the spooks today that he just has the most limited comfort zone you could imagine... by nature nothing fazes him but at the moment odd things do as he never has any interaction with anything.

So lots of increasing his comfort zone to be done then! Oh, and explain why an exracer thats never done anything alone would be better hacking alone than in company??? Partly I think cos then its him and me versus the world and he takes confidence from me.... with another horse I am second to the horse....

The Happy Hacker

2007-11-21T21:09:00.000Z

So we went for a little leg stretch this afternoon, probably a mile in total.... but with a VERY loose girth on the top holes (good job I trust him to be good!) and on our own!

He's such a poppet. He bobbles along with his ears pricked, looking around.... softens and stretches on command....

Offered a bit of trot, so had a few strides of soft round trot (:faints:). Trot really is to die for - whereas walk is downhill and even more so if I ask him to soften, he lifts right up in trot and floats along finding it all too easy.

I had to pull him up as I'm sure 6-8wks quiet work didn't mean trot the whole way round!

A few times he kinda went to turn back, but a little nudge from the leg kept him moving the right way. We met cars, a van coming headlong at us far too fast (didn't even blink!) a car beeping its horn behind a hedge that made ME jump, but not him! A woman with a barky dog on a lead, a bike, you name it!

Turned for home after 1/2 mile or so.... he tootled round, got a bit forward, thought he'd like a trot but soon settled into a lovely forward walk, still swinging along and looking around the place with his little ears pricked!

There's NO worries with his feet, ugly they may be, but they do the job, and having trimmed them today and taken the toes back, you can see the back of his foot starting to strengthen.

I'm still between a rock and a hard place though - his feet need all the work I can give them to improve, yet his angles are still so rubbish because his feet were so run forward, that I risk putting strain on the suspensory if I don't let the feet improve first.....

Softly softly catchee monkey.... but honestly, he's SUCH a darling, I couldn't have asked for a nicer project!

Big sigh of relief!

2007-11-19T16:39:00.000Z

Well, he's had the all clear from Mr Vet!

I explained the timescale, he palpated his leg, asked if he was sound (yes). And said.....

Get on and work him!!

I asked about the filling leg thing and he said its nothing to worry about, in fact as long as he's sound its a good thing as it is the adhesions breaking down...

He said 6/8 weeks slow and steady - well it will be at least that much given how bad his feet and limb angles still are - and take it from there. He said first time I do anything (canter/gallop/jump) the leg will probably fill a bit and have some heat, but its just synovial fluid where the tendon and ligament have rubbed against each other after not being used to it.

Its important he works now to keep the elasticity (what there is) in it.

I asked him about the injury and he said you can feel he did quite a good job of it and he wouldn't race again but there should be no reason for him not to do any other job.

So I can continue as I have been, and not worry if the leg is hot/filled (its only very localised anyway) as long as he's sound he doesn't even need a quieter day. It should definately go down within 3-5 days each time (longest so far has been 24hours!)

Also, I didn't mention the amount the ickle blighter has been bogging around the field winning all the races by being first to skid into the top fence. He doesn't come in with a hot leg then, so its obviously how he moves differently under my weight that is the issue.....

As soon as I have the time I'll clamber aboard again... HURRAH!!

:-))))

So he had three days off.....

2007-11-16T18:14:00.000Z

And then I decided to hop on and go for a trundle to see how he felt (and if the leg was going to protest again).

Tacked up (experimenting with new jumpies saddle - very lush and nice on a Dan as doesn't swamp him!) then got on and pottered off. Mum had already gone out on Ben so I had a plan to go and meet up with her!

Turned left out of the drive and goodness he's such a poppet - never been that way before and little ears pricked and off we went. Wanted to jog on up the hill (he deffo struggles up hill at the mo, think it puts the back of his legs under more strain, esp with me on top as well!), but settled to walk as soon as I said no.

Hacked up past the horses in the field - who cantered over to us - still sweet little, ears pricked jolly walk

Then we see Ben coming over the hill and all the dogs..... still sweet little, ears pricked jolly walk

Meet up with Ben and go round the field again - Ben is insensed and jogs, jiggles and is an irritation throughout, Dan just does sweet little ears pricked jolly walk....

Back to road and home. No sweat about the dogs, no sweat about Ben being a tit.

Oh, and when nearly home I had to go and rescue a stuck sheep - left Mum holding Dan. Returned to Ben cantering on the spot in circles with Dan looking very bemused at what was so exciting.....

Took a few moments but got him back, calmed him down and then stood him at the gate to get on (bear in mind Ben is still levading all over the place at this point!), he swung his bum away once, so I put him back to the gate, and he stood like a rock for me to get on :-)))))

Now if thats not a test of a thoroughbred brain I don't know WHAT is!!!

The best bit?? Despite being slippy mud in places and quite hilly - NO heat or filling afterwards.... phew!!!

He's having a quiet week now as I'm snowed under with work.....

D-Day on Monday as vet comes for jabs and to give me an assessment of what to do with THE leg......

Fingers crossed!!!

Bum!

2007-11-16T18:11:00.000Z

Well although I have been rubbish at blogging, it was mainly because after our 'mega' 20/30 min hack on the 8th, the next day his suspensory leg was a bit filled (just at the top... it often feels more like it was a check ligament issue than a suspensory) and also hot. So I backed off the work, clipped his winter woolly coat off that teensy bit of leg and banged some ice tight on.

Within 24 hours it was back to normal...... but still bum nonetheless.

Oh and I'm turning into paranoid TB mother by insisting on feeling for heat everytime I see the poor lad!

Poor overworked pony!

2007-11-08T17:49:00.001Z

Magic had bowen yesterday so had the obligatory day off today.... so Dan got to go hacking again.

He feels better and better each day. He's getting stronger all the time but is finding softening easier, which is great.

We turned right out of the drive, and hacked to the field. Up the track along the field, he was fine... his usual more up for it feetongrass self but perfectly behaved. Came back up the green lane and onto the drive, and was fine, but walking fast for home, until we met a car that pulled over and Minstrel trotted up close behind at the same time.... then he went into gurning/jogging sideways/head on side mode. I got Min to drop back and he did settle again, but he was definately more stressed today.

Came home more relaxed, and got a few softening (and therefore slowing the walk) moments and even as few short halts (these are the things he finds most stressful so I don't push it at the mo).

Overall was pleased. We were out for over half an hour and although he was hot, it was from stress rather than from lumping me around.

I just need him to understand that he doesn't NEED to get stressed. Softly softly catchee monkee and all that!

PROPER hacking!

2007-11-05T18:27:00.000Z

Today we tacked up and went the same way as yesterday, but with a FRIEND in tow! Oh, and Echo....

He was lovely, bimbled along looking around all down the track....

Lit up a little bit when he realised he was in a big grass field at the end... never left walk, but felt like he could GALLOP at any moment.... and given I'm not convinced I should be doing much with his suspensory yet I was a bit heart in mouth....

Not helped by the fact that just as I said to other pony not to catch up to us as it may excite him, Echo went STORMING past just under his nose..... bless him he's so good with her.

Got back onto the track the other side of the field and settled straight down again....

I'm hoping to do lots of 'walking in fields' therapy before we start doing more exciting things, so he gets used to how DULL it is!

Mind you, if I could stop the loonies galloping out (and in) twice a day, that might help the 'oooooooh grass means gallop' issues!!

:-))

Progress

2007-11-03T17:24:00.000Z

Well they've all been super stupid when I've turned them out after breakfast the last few days.... it started with the men coming to collect the sheep opposite... they heard the dogs, rattly trailers and shouting and put 2+2=7.5 thinking it was the hunt.

Dan has been an absolute idiot in his stable, whilst SUPPOSEDLY eating.... he doesn't have any vices (doesn't even box walk!) but he does run backwards as far as he can go, then run forwards to the door, and then run backwards again, whilst doing projectile poo. Doesn't really get breakfast eaten as you can imagine :rollseyes:

So I've been leaving him loose in the top of the yard to eat.... and today I'd had enough after yesterday's shennanigans, so I decided they can get used to being in for an hour or so eating hay every morning.... that means they are there if we want to ride, and they stop eating and running!!

Rode Magic first, and it worked out that Dan was left with only Minstrel... he wasn't too stressed but he WAS really pleased to see us all back!

Then tacked him up and took him down the drive and all the way up past the neighbours and along the farm track.... I kept thinking he was going to work out he was all alone any second (well Echo was with us, sort of!) but he didn't bother.

We turned right into the setaside as I decided it would be too far for him yet to go all the way round the track (a good 20mins). He picked up a bit when his feet hit the grass, but he was sensible, we turned a circle and headed home.

I was most impressed with him. He really was a bargain!!

And the best yet, he feels less downhill each time I ride, and today he didn't feel at all careful, yet he managed to sort his legs out beautifully on the rutty, lumpy, ridge and furrow track...

If you'd asked me 5 days ago I'd have said he'd either collapse under my weight or fall over his own feet if I'd have ridden him on anything other than a flat surface!

Very :-))))))

Just need to keep myself in check abit, the way he's going we'll be out competing by the spring!!!

I have to book everyone's flu jabs before 20th, so will get vet to poke the suspensory as well to see what he says....

Comparison....

2007-10-31T19:09:00.000Z

I think he's changed quite a lot, granted the photos aren't quite from the same angle... but even so you can see the differences.

He has put on weight in the form of 'needed for hills' muscle.... especially on his neck and down his back legs at the back.

But he's also put on lots of HAIR which makes him look like a scraggy wreck.... but the front end is DEFINATELY coming up and his shoulder is changing angles as well as his pasterns getting straighter.....

And his back looks more normal as well as standing more comfortably, you just have to look past the fact that he had smooth (had been rugged) coat and now has woolly mammoth coat!!

Oh, and he looks miserable one of the new photos :-( sigh, can't win them all!!!

Oct 8th

Oct 31st

Ride no 4

2007-10-31T17:48:00.000Z

We got on and went for a pootle up and down the lane, had a little trot.... and then went for a walk and little trot round the front garden... which is a bit of a hill, so we did a few steps of trot uphill then got very impressed by how well he walked down the hill.

I think I need to separate him in my brain from Magic. He feels weak and weedy and downhill... well he will feel downhill as a) he is!! and b) Magic is very uphill with a very strong back!

However, he felt alot stronger and was able to turn better and 'hold' himself better under rider than he has been before. So I think a little every few days is definately the way to go to strengthen him up.

He was a star, even on grass.... only getting stressed when asked to stand for any length of time... fair enough, he doesn't know we aren't going to set off at a gallop anytime soon!!

Evidence:

Doesn't he look like a pro?? And I actually don't look like I swamp him, thank goodness!!

Ride no.3

2007-10-30T17:50:00.000Z

Down the drive with the doglet and back.

Most impressed with him.... he walked there and back without altering his stride, and with trying really hard to do the stretching thing, even though it makes him more downhill at the moment....

Did our walk/halt transitions, really good. Really good contact all the time!

Even had a few strides of trot as he was offering.... I wasn't intending to but he offered and I accepted. He's MUCH more off the forehand in trot... really odd!

Will try to get some piccies of us riding tomorrow!

Ride no.2

2007-10-29T13:02:00.000Z

Got back from hacking Magic and as Dan had asked to come in to eat hay, he got to do some work too!

Put his new neue schule training snaffle in (has similar curvy arms to Magic's Verbindend but with a straight lozenge rather than transangle)... its supposed to help train them to like a contact - and my suspiscion was thathe'd either lean or drop behind the bit which was proved the other day when I sat on him.

Gave him a bit of apple whilst I saddled him to stop him attempting any gurning.... then took him to the wall and got straight on, no worries.

Walked up and down the yard asking him to stay soft... stretching allowed as long as he didn't lean against hand. Did halts, the first few were a bit leany/late, but after then it was just lighten seat and little vibrate to keep softness and bobs your uncle.

He was very relaxed and pottered up and down nicely. Much better in this bit as when he does go against hand and you ask for softness, he doesn't then disappear off the other end altogether.

A bit dead off the leg from halt, but he's getting the idea... its hard to be soft and step forward with a dead weight on your back when you're not used to it!! :-)))

Very nice too!

We might risk a wander up and down the drive next time.

I just feel that lifting his back and learning softness in walk/halt is all he needs at the moment. Gets him used to weight on his back and learning correct aids, but without putting limbs under pressure to perform. I can wait for longer hacks, once I know I can get on and get obedience and softness then we'll see.

Oh, he's still a star.... is it getting boring yet?

2007-10-27T18:19:00.001+01:00

I had a spare five minutes this evening, so I threw the tack on him after riding Magic....

Thought I'd have to come up for the spare girth as mine are all 28" but it just about did the job on the top holes.

Took him to the mounting block, gave him a carrot.... put foot in stirrup and leant over him... at which point he mooched off. So as he had his back down and was totally unfussed, I stopped him and got on!

Walked a few times round the yard. Steering feels pretty darn good, he does go against the hand into halt but he's a quick learner and was softening pretty quickly by the third time!

He's fine in my saddle too :-))

I tell you what, ex-racers are so much easier than the poor saps who used to arrive at the yard!! You can do just about anything to Dan and he's like, yeah? So??

:-)))

He didn't feel very strong (but then I am comparing him to the Beast of Fulbrook!) but carried me ok. I guess we'll start just doing the odd trundle for 20mins or so and build up.

Busy day....

2007-10-23T13:38:00.000+01:00

The hunt were meeting literally up the lane this morning, so I had the quandry of what to do with them all. Magic and Ben love to 'hilltop' as they can see quite a lot of the action from the top of the hill.... but didn't want Dan haring around.....

I bit the bullet and put them all out at the top, and then poo-picked, harrowed, collected up cut grass and generally hung around.... and they were fine.... they had the odd little trot around but they all herded up together and just followed Magic around wherever he went. It was really cute because whereas usually they all try to keep Dan away (esp Magic keeping him away from Ben as they'd like to be friends)... when there was a threat they all crowded round him and kept him safe in the herd!!

Til the danger was over, when Magic told him to p-off again. Fortunately Dan has worked out when he means it, when he's playing and when to ignore him.... and they would all rather be together than apart as shown when I took Dan down to have his Bowen the others stood at the fence and whinnied when he came back!

So after a non-stop morning, he had his Bowen, and she was very pleased with him. He was very good as they were still hunting and we could hear hounds in the distance and although you could see the blood pumping round him he stood really still!

His neck and pelvis is much looser and she was able to palpate it osteo stylee without him locking up. He was straighter in his pelvis and his sore shoulder was gone! The only place he was tight was directly behind his elbow on both sides.... it was identical and we decided it was partly cos he has changed his action already since he's been here, but also he's having to learn how to live on a hill, and that means also being able to gallop up/down/across it.

He's got a clean bill of health and will only need MOT's in future, yippee!!

Oh, he's such a star!

2007-10-21T19:26:00.000+01:00

Honestly, this horse is a saint!

Got him in when we got back, gave him a mini trim as he's got such laid over bars they are growing over his sole nearly to his white line!

He stood and munched hay.

Got bridle out, and roller, and put all on him.

He stood and munched hay.

Faffed about with lunge lines... having to thread them from the handle end through the rings on the roller... leaving trails of lunge lines slung over his back and on the floor.

He stood and munched hay.

Got behind him and asked him to longrein out of the yard.... I'm sure he'd have stood and munched hay if he could!! But he sashayed out of the yard, past the scary bin bags with hardly a glance and up and down the drive, stopping whenever I asked from voice and rein... and got progressively quicker to obey and softer too.

I even managed to kick all the horse poo off the drive each time I halted him... he's such an angel!! I couldn't do that with Magic EVEN NOW... the poo hitting the bushes would be terrifying!!

Once we turned for home each time he halted perfectly but wanted to walk off when I softened rein... so we practiced that a couple of times til he had it straight then he did it perfectly!!

Goodness I hope its all this easy!!

When we got back he stood and munched hay whilst I cleared up lunge lines off him.

Then I put pessoa on him.

He stood and munched hay.

Now I won't use a pessoa on established horses as it gives such a false contact, but I thought it wouldn't hurt him if I lunged him in it a bit to start with to get the stretch. So I walked him up and down the yard and he was soft straight away in it!

Then I took it all off whilst he ........................................... stood and munched hay.

Honestly, this horse is so easy!!! Bless him!

Wounds looking great, he'd got them all covered in poo this morning so I had to succumb and wash them off, taking most the scabs with me... but underneath was lovely granulating tissue, perfectly pink and healthy.... and by tonight it was scabbing back over again.

The aloe vera is great stuff!!!

We went a-hacking!

2007-10-20T18:16:00.000+01:00

Well, OK, I was on Magic, but Dan came with! :-))

He wasn't as forward as when we were out with Ben, but I think part of it is Magic's threatening persona! He did the usual hang back when he felt me ask him forward with the lead rope (pressure means stop doesn't it?) and we had one stop dead at the end of the drive when I was asking him to come up more level with my knee and he obviously got stressed by the pressure. We stopped and kept the pressure on til he stepped forward then relaxed it. (Good job I was on Mr Manouvrebility!!)

After that he worked out that sometimes he may need to jog up to catch up and I didn't need toput pressure on at all.... he listened to my voice. Trouble is Magic thought I was asking him faster when I really wanted him slower!!

Went as far as the wood and then back... thought he'd go faster going home but he didn't.... he did stretch nicely up the hill.

Worst thing is trying to tuck in behind Magic a-la racing string. I need to make sure he doesn't do it and I probably need to take him out on his own fairly soon, even if long reining so he doesn't think he never has to lead.

The best things?

He learns VERY fast.
He's VERY sound.

And............................................ he's landing HEEL FIRST!!!

Boy am I one happy bunny!!

He was toe first when he arrived..... how on earth has that happened so quick??

He's having another trim tomorrow and his two pock-marked soles (with holes in) O/F and O/H are exfoliating... the sole is peeling off like a scab... not scraping off as dry skin would....

:-)))

Its all good!

2007-10-19T19:04:00.000+01:00

Well, he's been out in the field ALL day today. Firstly with one other and by lunchtime with all the other 3. He had a few fence-walking moments, usually when he saw me and wanted to come in.... but he settled straight back down to grazing again. Thank goodness.

Then I went up 4ish to poo pick... he didn't follow me round hoping I'd take him in.... but he did follow me back hoping I'd take him in.... he came through into the paddock, but when he saw me leave via the garden (rather than down to the yard) he wandered back out to the others and carried on grazing. .. woooohohooo!!

Got them in 5.30ish. He did insist on galloping all the way down (I led the two most prone to gallop - needless to say one of them is Magic!) and yesterday he tootled down like a civilised pony... not today!

Then his new bridle had arrived so I irritated the pants off him trying three different bridles on and off and messing around when he wanted to finish his dinner.... and he was TOTALLY relaxed in his mouth when bit was in, yey!

I also started him on the Restore that was for when he arrived but has only just arrived due to VERY dodgy courier service! His wounds look almost scabbed over, which is no mean feat really. The neat Aloe juice is definately helping! I'm hoping to start leading him out a bit more next week.

Who's a grown up boy then?

2007-10-17T11:53:00.000+01:00

Well, the turn out thing seems to be a success. He's getting better at staying out longer and is not pushing his luck with Magic so much....

Yesterday and today I've been playing around with bitting and bridling. He's your usual ex-racer... you put a bit in his mouth and he starts the face pulling, lips contorting tension thing. So I fiddled with bridles then treated him so he'd at least chew and chomp rather than gurn in tension.

Then today I stuck different bits in to try.... having sold nearly all my 5" bits, of course he's a 5". Happy mouth was fine, but I'm erring towards a mouthpiece as different as possible to his old life so he drops some of the tension about the bit over time. I need to get him a neue schule but can't afford to yet... don't suppose he really needs it til I'm riding him on a contact anyway... I'd just like to find something he'll relax in. So my feeling is that single joint is too like old life, and double joint has too much 'play' and will make him enjoy the gurning tension!

Eventually ended up with copper roller bit. It made him play with it but not in a gurning fashion.

Then when Mum got back with Ben I stole him and rode him and led Dan up and down the drive (about 1/3 mile by the time you've done both ways). He was a bit shocked to start, then caught up.... then tried to motor past Ben so I had to ask him to come back, which he did straight away. Pootled all the way to the end, but I had Echo with me and I managed to tense them BOTH up by stopping her from crossing the road to bunny-hunting-ground. So when I turned at the end they both did a stride of mega tense walk, and then settled. And Dan walked back and STRETCHED his nose onto the floor!

He was totally quiet in his mouth once we were going, and even when I had to ask him to slow down he didn't gurn.... so that's a good sign for long term.

Went past home and up the drive the other way and they were both fine to turn at the other end.

I'm going to build it up so its totally no issue and no tension and then we'll take it from there.

But I'm pleased with him so far!! I'll know he's rehabbed mentally when he doesn't gurn with his bridle on!!

We're nearly a herd of horses, hurrah!

2007-10-15T12:45:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I put the four out for the afternoon. All was well.

This morning I put Magic and Dan out with Dubs as Ben went hacking. Dubs stood by the yard and Magic pushed Dan up to the garden, where they promptly had a mad rolling/whoopee through the trees session. I was poo picking and avoiding the flying hooves.... and wincing at the thought of what Dan's leg will look like after turning himself inside out.

Dubs came up to join them just as they settled down, and then all three decided they needed to gallop down to the yard........eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek.

I never thought I'd hear myself calling Ben a calming influence, but he must be because they were fine once he was back.

I took the staples out as a few had fallen out. The back wound is great... the front one is just a hole (and will remain so if he doesn't pack the eejit thing in!) but is healing from the inside out so seems pretty supported.

Needless to say taken a back seat today!

2007-10-13T19:14:00.000+01:00

But, as Magic should be tired/hungry I turned ALL five out on the bottom paddock this evening when they were hungry and whilst I did the yard so could see them.

Dan grazed/rolled/grazed/rolled for about 45 mins, then came in saying it was bed time and he didn't want to be out anymore :shrugs:

I just hope he does get used to being out for longer without being mad galloping through fences loon.

Mind you, loons fit in well round here!!

Wound looking good.... but think I'll leave staples in a bit longer as those left are still doing a grand job!

Am I brave or stupid?

2007-10-12T13:36:00.000+01:00

Don't answer that!

When I rode Magic yesterday I left Ben and Dan in the yard and Dan's ickle paddock together.... thinking I'd come home to carnage.... but no, all quiet and I think they might become friends if Magic ever lets them.

Then it was so nice that I turned the four of them out in the garden.... and shut my eyes to the hooning around that followed. I went in for lunch and everything.... sooooooo brave. And although Magic was very bossy, as long as Dan didn't come near him or Ben, he was fine.

They were out for a couple of hours before I got chicken enough to bring him back in!

Then when I poo picked his little paddock, I found loads of Dan skidmarks in there too. Tsk. Not an ideal 'staples in wound' healing exercise this....

I removed three of the staples now doing nothing. The back wound is ab-fab... the front one is pretty open but looks healthy enough. If he gets a scar it'll be this one that scars....

He's a happy chappy though. I've even had the three boys loose in the yard together (only when I'm there to chaperone!) and all's been quiet.

So am becoming much more hopeful, although I still think when I'm not around to yell at Magic he could so easily get pinned in a corner again. He's just like a daddy long legs.... only not as tough - those things can lose all their legs and still live!!!

Agoraphobia

2007-10-10T18:29:00.000+01:00

I had a proper poke about round the wounds today.... the scabs are lifting and the vet was spot on in his assessment - the straight (but deeper) wound round the side/back of the pastern is knitted together totally. The v shaped wound round the front is knitting well at the sides, but the two staples in the middle holding the V are now only attached to one side of the wound, so there is a little hole in the middle. I think it'll still heal up ok, but am getting more careful on the turnout front.

I made him his own little paddock so he could be in or out, and he chose to stand in the stable facing out with the door open.... old habits die hard and all that. He's definately not confident out of the yard.... fine if I'm on the end of the rope, but if I'm 'loose' in the field (hahahaha, I mean poo picking or such) he scuttles straight back into the yard and his stable. Ideally I'd like to get him more confident out in the field before he goes out with the others, as I think this is part of the problem with him.... poor lad, his owner did say it took him ages to work out the turn out thing.

So tonight he's back in his barn and the yard.... he likes the yard but would rather have a dinky stable than the big barn... but at least he's confident enough to lie down in it at night now... the first few nights he wouldn't even go IN it. Talk about agoraphobic!! How do you increase a horse's comfort zones when his concern is big spaces? Bizarre! And all the more scary that racing produces such poor souls in the first place.

Bowen and stuff

2007-10-09T18:59:00.000+01:00

Well I have de-robed the wounds totally now, and am just using the aloe propalis cream.... which worryingly seems to be healing it so well that the staples are disappearing! I might need to remove them before the 10 days at this rate.

So today he had Bowen and osteopathy... he was very tight to flex left in his lower cervicals, and slightly better to the right. He hated flexing round, ie head down..... and he had a slight tilt in his atlas/axis. His pelvis was slightly out, but could have been through Magic as much as through racing! She didn't work on his pelvis, as his sacrum was shunted right and she didn't want to put more strain on the wounded front leg.

She tested his medial/lateral flexions in his lower limbs, both forelimbs had better medial than lateral... and the near fore (suspensory leg) had even more limited lateral flexion. He had good range in his knees and shoulders though. Hindlegs felt fine.

He was VERY sore in his left shoulder, and tight in his neck to the right.... but the reaction the little chilled out pony gave when she gently touched his left shoulder had to be seen to be believed - talk about unleash the dragon!

I explained that when eating he ALWAYS sets off fore way out in front of him and near fore way out behind....

Then he had a rest over lunchtime and I put him out in the paddock for a mooch and roll and graze whilst I did pm stables.

He rolled - the first time! And he did a very odd manouvre, he rolled one side, sort of sat up with his hind legs still spreadeagled, and shuffled his front end round (leaving bum on the floor) to roll on the other side!! Never seen anything like it before!!

After 15mins or so he obviously got bored and decided to come charging down the paddock to see me.... so he promptly came in!! Can't have those staples popping out.

Hopefully I'll put him out with the other boys for a bit tomorrow. Don't want him getting too silly about turnout.

Wounds look healthy pink, having gone from looking infected pink to violent red, to this in 24 hours!

Fingerd crossed for no scarring!!

Feet!

2007-10-08T13:27:00.001+01:00

I've already trimmed them.... couldn't help meself! But haven't taken flare off the stapled one (off fore) as didn't want to stretch the wounds. So you can see how flared they all were (and still are but its the sort of flare you can't take off!)....

His triangular feet must be the result of him being shod so young and his heels running forward and under to quarters.... pushing quarters out and creating that attractive triangle look!

Off fore - the white cream is on his staples (:rollseyes:)

Near fore - the injured suspensory, but actually the smaller and tighter foot of the two fronts

Off hind, the only crack he has (surprisingly!) is this quarter crack

Near Hind

The whole hossie!

The wounds look very pink but are already knitted together, so hopefully won't be long before he can risk the wrath of Magic again.... sigh. Meanwhile we are doing a lot of trust building. He hated the fly spray bottle to start with but today he stood loose whilst I fly sprayed him all over. Interestingly he's much more nervous when there's more than one person about, but generally h's just a big softy!

A blessing in disguise....

2007-10-07T22:27:00.000+01:00

Well he's settled in really well to yard life, he's LOVING the huge tubtrug of feed he's getting twice a day and is a real EATER.

I was worried that he was a scrawny runt because he wasn't bothered about food.... but he's ever so bothered about food. Am planning on feeding him up a bit before the winter, I don't want him fat but I do want him covered enough to not need four hundred rugs!

He's such a lovely person, he's had two trims..... feet and hair! And a dressing change and all his other injuries creamed.

He's been going out for walks to graze and has already learned that walking beyond me and keeping going is not an option. So the in-hand training is going well!

Needless to say being TB he is a very fast learner. We are going to have fun!

He's also so stoical and unspooky. Yesterday I left an empty plastic bag in the yard and it blew between his legs whilst I was picking out his feet.... he didn't bat an eyelid!! And he's an angel with the dog.

He's about as opposite to any of the TBs that I've previously owned as I could possibly get, and for that I'm very grateful! :-))

He's also bonding really well to me, so maybe having to be independent and alone in the yard for the first week wasn't such a bad thing after all.... could have done without the vet's bill though!

Foot photos coming ASAP!!

He's having Bowen on Tuesday, and subject to the state of his staples, can go out as of Tuesday (although I've already had him out in the slip of paddock as its no bigger than the yard and the vet said he was allowed the run of the yard!)

Welcome home!

2007-10-07T22:18:00.000+01:00

He loaded in the trailer straight off, and travelled like a star (didn't know I'd got a horse on board, he's so much lighter than M!)

Off the trailer like a pro, no sweat... just desperately hungry!

In the yard to meet the other two over the fence, all fine. Turned him out with them and they all had a sniff and went off grazing together.... we watched for a few hours, and then when we weren't looking Magic decided poor Dan needed to go through the fence.... he didn't but his leg came off worse than the fence.

So it should have been welcome home, instead it was welcome to the emergency vet!

He's covered in cuts and grazes, Magic has got sharp teeth.

So he's now in the yard with a stapled pastern and a vetwrapped leg.

But here's the proof that all was settled for three hours before Magic let rip....

Meet Dan!

2007-10-07T22:15:00.000+01:00

5 year old ex-racehorse..... foot rehab and re-schooling project :-)

He seems to be a lovely person and deserves a chance, and due to Magic's new found perfectness in everyway (tongue firmly in cheek) I felt I needed a new project!

He's Irish. DOB 11/5/02. Bay gelding. Raced as a 2 yr old- 5yr old, then did a suspensory (near fore). The worst feet in the world.... although he's had 6 months rehab already and has had a proper trim throughout this time AND proper diet, so I'm very lucky to have him already well on the right road.

Sound as a pound, even on hard core and ROCKS. Naff feet and toe first landing. Feet wider than long. He's my 'TB's do go barefoot and their feet CAN regenerate despite being shod from 2' project!

I think if I can balance the work/feet ratio we could prove it too!

Right, his history as you can find it all on the net:

Pedigree: http://www.pedigreequery.com/diamond+dan

Form: http://www.racingpost.co.uk/horses/racing_horse_form.sd?horse_id=606447

So he won three times from 23 starts.

Pictures of racing: http://voltaireimages.com/diamondphoto/index.php?cat=9

Looks like a go-er huh? Bless him, here's hoping he likes his new career (whatever that turns out to be!) better than racing!

Then the boy himself before I got him.... He has taken a while to lose his racing muscle, but in doing so he has lost ALL muscle and now looks like a right weed. I was worried from these photos that he'd be too small, but he's actually a good 15.2hh and will bulk out a LOT I think as he grows and develops some top line.

Equally I don't want him carrying too much condition til I'm sure the leg will hold out!