Saturday 28 March 2015

Foam Faces

Apologies for the radio silence since my fist successful Wordless Wednesday - what a treat for readers that I managed to shut up ;-) - although I did leave Nancy talk for me teehee

All photos from Saturday 28.3.15

This week was another busy one & kind of low on saddle time although I did manage to ride Nancy Monday evening (no media) and despite our canter transitions again coming with some bucking & dolphin-flailing another yard friend was riding at the same time & she commented on how well she was going to which I scoffed and said I thought she was taking the mick out of me. Guess we looked better than it felt, in saying that though she was good for the most part. I guess I am a bad rider and focus on the negatives and things we need to fix. Although I do praise her in the moment when she is good it would appear I myself forget about it and only retain our mistakes and what needs more work.


I managed to turn them out Monday, Tuesday & Friday afternoons. Wednesday i couldn't make it at lunch time as i had a leaving lunch for a colleague who is retiring next month :-(
I spent Thursday at a driving center for a training day as the final requirement for my full license. Which was quite fun as they had 4 tracks set up with water works to test our reactivity in surprising circumstances in a controlled environment. I was luckily with a good group as it would have been an even longer day if i hadn't spoken to anyone for 8 hours!


I made my return to Kika's tack today (Saturday) and she was a very good girl. Some tense moments & our first canter was a bit of a shambles (as has become our norm) with front leg flailing, lead changes in front & behind as she hollows and generally acts like a muppet. When it becomes clear i can't save it and make a good attempt at canter from it we come back to walk and build backup again calmly. Thankfully all went really well after that ☺


Nancy was next and we had the largest arena to ourselves. Not having to pay attention to what others are doing made a positive impact on today's spin as we had much better work than our last three spins combined. Including lovely canters on each rein without a single buck or dolphin leap. Small victories & proof that I allow myself get distracted and probably subconsciously tense when riding with others. This too shall pass with more practice - we will get there.


First Steps to achieve better work is hopefully a stroll in the woods tomorrow and then lessons next week as I'm off work. One on Monday & Tuesday then two on Wednesday before I fly back to Ireland on Thursday for Easter weekend to visit my gran.

10 comments:

  1. Sounds like some very productive rides - I'm with you on the occasional canter flails, but of course they will get better as we go! Have a fun Easter trip :)

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  2. It can be hard to fit it all in for sure but sounds like lots of successes.

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    1. I take the spins where I can and always try to look at the positives, when my memory doesn't fail me ;-)
      I used to be ether at time management but then work, responsabilities & life happened :-p

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  3. Ries had a moment where all he did was dolphin leap. I was so freaking confused as to what was going on

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  4. fun rides, even with some canter shenanigans! and both girls look good! hope you were able to get out into the woods too :)

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    1. All time spent with horses is fun - that's for sure. What can I say I am a lost cause & total addict ☺
      Sadly no woods time on Sunday due to absolutely awful weather conditions

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  5. I get tense and self conscious when other people are in an arena with me too!

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    1. Glad I'm not alone we'll have to start a self - help group or something

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