40 Things for 40

Okay, so I have some gaps that I need to fill in for my 13 things, which could be a struggle as it took me long enough to decide on the original 13! 05. Cooking more 06. Take up Jui-Jitsu again 09. Be come a better horsewoman

Simon's first jumping lesson! Well, we just chucked him on Misty and told him to go over the jump.

Simon had another lesson of sorts today. We agreed that I would ride Misty in the accumulator if he would have a go riding afterwards. I held up my side of the bargin, so then it was Simon's turn. We just didn't tell him that he was going to jump. It took a little while, but eventually we pursuaded him to do this:

Once again we had a challenge at the yard to take part in, this time an accumulator. In this, you have 90 seconds to jump as many fences as possible. Each of the jumps is worth a number of points and the person with the most points wins. Jackie designed the course and it looked really good. The joker fence looked huge, and guess who was the only person to jump it? Yep, Jackie! Lisa went first on Frankie: Then Jackie went on Lady (this is them jumping the Joker): Then Lisa had a go on Lady: And Jackie jumped Frankie Chloe had a little go on Lady I rode Misty, the second time I'd ridden her and my first go at jumping her: Then JJ, who hadn't jumped for 2 years, had a go on her lovely boy. It's safe to say she was very happy! Finally, Jackie rode Marky and wiped the floor with the rest of us!  It was a fun afternoon, and I hope that we will get to do it again soon (and maybe I'll take my guys around). Video is being done, just been having a few technical hitches!

I schooled Matti again today, and took Amber for a hack. Matti did really well and I got him to do some nice leg-yielding work, a bit of shoulder in and turn on the forehand/ haunches. We also did some collection and extending work. He found it harder to collect in canter, but managed to get a few strides every now and again. We also practised flying changes, which he is very good at! I tried to ride without stirrups again today, but my legs were protesting after the amount I did yesterday! Afterwards I took him for a short hack on his own to cool him off. He was a little confused that no-one was with him, but was very well behaved. I then took Amber for a hack with JJ and Jodie. We did the training hack route and mainly walked with a nice couple of trots. Amber was very good, although was a little worried about going across the stream first!

After my confidence wobble, and having a day off from riding yesterday, I decided to work both horses in the school today. Rode Matti first and after warming up, I started to ask him to collect up more and to work in more of an outline. He began to work really nicely, bringing his head lower and working in a nice trot. I found it easier to do sitting trot but because I can't get my stirrups the right length  I decided to be brave and ride without stirrups... for about 10/15 minutes! Next it was Amber's turn. We worked on circles and turns as she has a habit of falling in through her shoulder when on the right rein. She did a couple of nice-ish circles, but still has a long way to go. I am hoping to find some exercises to try with her to help her do 'proper' circles. I was pleased with both horses though and they really did try for me, the only disappointing thing is that I don't have any photos!

After our shopping trip yesterday, we decided to do the same again today. This time, Jodie wasn't with us, but Jackie was. I took Matti and Lisa decided to take both her boys, riding one and leading the other. We set off merrily, but had to wait a few minutes for Lisa's two boys to decide to go through the ford at the same time. Once we got to the green, we took the horses bridles off (they had headcollars on) so that they could have a munch on the grass. Sue and I headed to the shop to pick up wine and ice-creams. Sue was extra prepared today and as well as getting 2 bottles of wine,she also brought some plastic glasses so we could have a sip on the green before heading home! Matti took a while to settle, and tried to have a roll- with his saddle on. Silly pony! When it was time to tack up, he was a right bugger to put his bridle back on, but I finally managed it. Scrambled back on board and we set off home. Matti was not happy being towards the back (even though he had been i...

After our adventure to the shops, I later took Matti out with Chloe and Brook. Rather than going round the forest, we decided to go to the common, which is on the way to the green. The hack started well as we had to first negotiate the horse eating children bouncing on the killer trampoline. After a few minutes of snorting and high speed reversing, we managed to get past. Both were fine on the road, but then we had to go across the ford. Again it took a few minutes to get them to go across- Chloe even got off, but decided that as she'd gone in two steps and the water was 3/4 of the way up her boots that it might not be wise to continue. By this point, both horses were in the water so once Chloe was back on board, we carried on our way. Once we had gotten to the private road, we headed up a bridleway and arrived at the common. We just stuck to the main track and had a nice walk round, before heading back to the yard. This time, both horses happily splashed through the ford.

What happens when you run out of wine at the yard? You hack to the local shops to get some more of course! Although I wasn't the one bemoaning the lack of wine, I may have been the one who joked about hacking to the local shops to get some. So we did. We being me, Sue, Lisa, Jodie and Paige. I decided to ride Amber as I had not ridden her for a couple of days. We set off down the track and were followed by the horses in the field. We then went down the road a short way and along a bridle-path to a ford. I thought Amber might be worried by this, but nope, she walked straight in like a pro. We then had to go along a slightly busier road- the local tip is at the end so we encountered several cars from both directions and a couple of dust-carts. No problems for super-mare. Then we went up a private road, past some decidedly non-scary road closed signs and onto the green. While Sue and Paige went to the shops, the rest of us held the horses while they had a munch on the grass. Sue ...

Not quite as nice as yesterday as it was a bit more windy and the sun kept hiding, but still so much better that the past few months! Blue was still shattered after yesterday, so after a quick leg stretch, we left him snoozing on the sofa for today. Got to the yard about 11 and got stables ready before bringing horses in for their brunch. Left them in for a while as there were not many posts free, and they seemed happy enough. Once there was more space, I tied them up outside with their haynets and gave them a groom. As it was a nice day, we had a BBQ again and there was loads of food, it was lovely too. Paige, Jackie and Lisa decided to do a chase me charlie today. This is where everyone taking part has to jump, then all those who go clear do the next round where the jump is raised. I wasn't going to take part, but Paige persuaded me. Chloe decided to join in too. Got Matti tacked up and went into the school. Once he was warmed up, we popped over the warm up jump, then is was...

Matti showing just how easy he finds jumping

It's big, bright and warm. And why is the sky a funny colour- it's BLUE! Safe to say we made the most of the weather by spending the whole day at the yard, complete with BBQ, drinks, friends and fun. Got to the yard about 10.30, took the horses rugs off and let them enjoy the sun for a bit. Brought them in for breakfast, although they were really not interested, so tied them up outside with a haynet each and a water bucket (which they both thought was fun to fill with haylage!) Simon took the opportunity to get the quad out and play around  I mean rake the school. Sometimes I think he's given up horse riding for quad biking! After Simon had lit up the barbie, Sue had dropped the ramp down in the horse box so I could practice with Amber. We had a simple aim today, two feet on the ramp. That was it. It took a little while, but she did it - twice! We were patient, let her take her time, paw the ramp and have a look. The only time I put any pressure on her was when she start...

Simon playing on his new favourite toy (there are now squabbled over who gets to rake the school/ take trailer into field for poo-picking etc)

Depending on your age/ music tastes, you'll either be thinking of Van Halen, The Pointer Sisters or Girls Aloud (I think it was them who did a cover) with that title. For me, it would be Van Halen. But I digress... After having an early breakfast at The Shack with Simon, Sue and Jodie, I had a pony day, well apart from taking any work related calls (of which there were 2, and I had to get Simon to call them back anyway as he didn't leave me the I-pad to actually be able to do anything). Anyway, fed and turned out horses, mucked out, did haynets, water and helped Sue to poo-pick her field. As it was a nice day, I took the horses rugs off for a bit, then got them in for a haynet and groom. Decided to ride in the school today and have a little play around with jumping. Rode Matti first, got him warmed up nicely, then popped over one of the jumps. He did it really nicely and just took me to it. Actually, that seemed to be his little plan, he'd lock on and take me to the fence- ...

Wilf and Blossom having a snooze.

I think I am in love with my new camera after playing around with the settings!

Had a great hack today. JJ boxed her lad over, Jodie rode Ali and Sue and Paige rode out too. I nearly didn't make it as the bus failed to turn up, but Paige came to my rescue by picking me up. Decided to take Matti out and hoped that he would behave. I didn't have to worry as he was a very good boy. He did have a couple of canters when we should have been trotting, but the first time it was because Tatty tried to kill him, and the second time it was because she took off in front of him so he wanted to catch up. When we do have a canter though, he never pulls to get in front, just sets a nice pace and keeps going. However, on the way home, we were heading towards the final (steep) downhill stretch, having a nice walk on the buckle. I was in front as Paige had just circled Tatty, when a Misty whooshed past me, closely followed by Ali and Tonto. I just grinned and barely had to push Matti on before we were galloping. Shot past Misty and Ali and carried on until I remembered that ...

Decided to take Amber out for a quiet hack today with Sue, Lisa and Jackie. Mainly did walking with a little bit of trot. Amber was very good, with just enough energy but not to much. I decided to try Matti's saddle on her as Bill said that she looked a little stiff in the shoulders when her shod her. Matti's saddle sits a bit further back and also has more clearance over the withers, so thought it was worth a go. I think it did help, so I think I need to get her saddle checked. Hopefully it just needs a slight adjustment, rather than having to replace the saddle. I do find it funny that I can still feel a little nervous on Amber sometimes, even though I have had her longer than Matti, and he is the naughty one. Saying that, I am definitely relaxing more on Amber and enjoy riding her and I think she enjoys going out too.

One tired pooch

Hacked out on Matti on and he was a bit of a tit, to put it politely. However, rather than me having a complete "I'm useless" meltdown like last week, I didn't let it get to me. To be fair, he was really good until we go to the last hill and a couple of girls from the yard appeared ahead of us, which set Lady off. When she went ahead to catch up with the others, he then turned into the piaffe/ passage machine. That was ok, until he started bucking, especially when one caused Misty to leap into a ditch to get out of the way. I'm not sure who looked more shocked - Misty or Sue (very sorry guys). Afterwards, we talked about it and decided that he was just over excited and it's worth cutting his feed down to see if that helps. When the next feed order is done, I am going to drop them both down onto Pony Nuts and only give them the conditioning cubes when they work hard (ideally before I know they are going on a long/ fast hack, if not, then afterwards). See, I can...

Just an update to show what we have achieved and what we still need to do. Have added a few more too. Groundwork Learn to behave for farrier Load Be bridled happily Improve lunging Improve long reining Hack alone - canter Schooling - canter Schooling to Novice level Get clipped Ride in the snow Ride on the beach Enter a showing class Enter a dressage comp Ride bareback Be stabled happily Hack in company - walk and trot Be able to ride without Simon leading Be able to ride without Simon Schooling - walk and trot Hack in company - canter Hack alone - walk and trot Start pole work Introduce jumping Jump out hacking

Thought it was time to update and add some more things to my list. We have achieved quite a few now! Put bridle on without taking apart Hack alone Be able to wear a fly fringe Be happy to be clipped Load confidently Dressage to Prelim level Learn flying changes Learn canter pirouettes Learn Spanish Walk Learn Passage/ Piaffe Ride on the beach Go drag hunting Get Simon to ride him Enter a dressage comp Complete a clear round class Enter a show jumping comp Enter a showing class Be fit enough to do two hour fast hack Be able to wear a browband Jump out on a hack Ride bareback Ride in the snow Be able to ride without needing to lunge first Be able to take off bridle without taking apart Hack in company Jump small course

After my last post, I've had a talking to and basically I need to stop being so negative and paranoid (I know, I've been told this more than once), so even on the bad days, I need to try and think of at least one positive thing. More importantly, if something goes wrong or whatever, I need to think about what I can do to fix it. A few of us decided to go out on a hack, so I got Matti in and got him ready. Tacked him up fine and was able to get his bridle on without any drama. I even managed to get on at the mounting block without the dance. Set off and even though he was towards the back, he didn't get silly. Had a long trot then a canter up one of the hills. I say canter, I think we did gallop when Matti realised how far ahead Misty was and he wanted to catch up. Once we had caught out breath, Sue, Jackie and I were in front of Paula and Lisa, and someone decided that we should canter off, then blamed me. I wonder who that was Sue? LOL. We then all managed to have a walk w...

...five steps back. At least, that's how today felt. Decided to ride Amber and Matti in the school, but ended up wishing I did not ride at all. Although Amber seemed fine coming in from the field, was great to tack up, and apart from doing the I-am-not-going-near-the-mounting-block-dance, was fine to get on. Warmed up in walk and again, all fine. Went to do a trot, and she felt awful. Attempted to trot a couple more times, and although she really tried and did nothing wrong, I could tell something was not right, so got off. I am not sure what she has done though as I cannot find any lumps, heat or swelling on her legs and she doesn't seem to be in pain. The farrier is due up on Tuesday, so I will get him to have a look, it could be that her back hooves are sore and she needs shoes on them. If he is not sure, then I guess it will be a visit from the vet. After I sorted out Amber, I tacked up Matti, well, tried to as he decided to do a Amber, but with more hysterics  Bloody dram...

It was a boring Friday afternoon working from home, so of course when I had a text asking if I would like to go for a hack as a couple of friends were boxing over to join us, I jumped at the chance. Toddled off to the yard and got Amber in. Gave her a groom and tacked up fine. Hopped on and she was ready to go! I think she's been talking to Matti as kept doing a slow, head tucked in jog, although he doesn't decide to wave his front leg in the air or paw the ground while we stop. We got to the step jump, which Jackie and Jodie wanted to do, then I was *ahem* encouraged to try Amber. Did a bit of a wiggly trot up to it, then two strides out she locked on and popped it like a pro. What a little star. Carried on and again waited at the next jump while some of the girls jumped. I decided not to take Amber over it as it was a solid log and did not want her to knock it and hurt herself or lose confidence. After that we had a long trot then a canter. Amber did really well at both, alt...

Bit of an odd month as did very well on some things, not so great on others and have found myself thinking of some more goals for the year. 1. Get Crafty Didn't manage to get anything done in March, but have lots of material and ideas for April. I am also going to take some basic bits and bobs into the office, so when I have a spare five minutes I can make a card or two. I am also tempted to do a couple of drawings. 2. Courses Nearly finished Sage course, although not doing very well on it. Should be starting my Customer Service one in a week or two. Have decided that learning Spanish is not as easy as I first thought. I have seen a couple of interesting courses on Groupon, but will wait until I have finished the Sage one first. 3. Matti We have had a good month! I can now get the bridle on over his ears if I take the bit off first (because otherwise I need 5 pairs of hands!), then do that afterwards. By the end of April, I will be putting his bridle on 'nor...