40 Things for 40

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Happy 9 year owniverary to the best chestnut mare, Amber. It's been a roller coaster but I wouldn't without her. by Hazel Watts August 29, 2015 at 09:57PM from Facebook via IFTTT from Facebook via IFTTT

To my family and friends, I know I am the worst for not keeping in touch but on this day, I want to tell you all I love you and I’m sorry for being who/ the way I am. Give all you hold dear a big squeeze, and remember to tell those that you care about just how much you care. Too often we take life for granted and only is it too late do we regret not making that phone call, not going for that visit, not giving that hug. Thank you all for being you and for being part of my life. by Hazel Watts August 27, 2015 at 12:36PM from Facebook via IFTTT from Facebook via IFTTT

3 birds with 1 stone - ride Amber, led Matti and Blue came along with us too. All were very well behaved :) from Facebook http://ift.tt/1JyDi9Q via IFTTT

Had a good lesson on Amber with Jamie Wright Equestrian today. She was a bit grotty to start with, but by the end she was fabulous. It's still a learning process with her as what works one day, may not work another day, and just focusing on one thing when she is grumpy takes the pressure off and helps her relax. from Solstice Dressage http://ift.tt/1dZceUn via IFTTT

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Had a very insightful and interesting coaching session with Flying Changes Coaching today. Did in hand and ridden work to get some ideas and strategies to help with my nerves/ tension which I can use anywhere. Also realised just how sensitive Amber is to me as did transitions just using my seat and breathing. from Solstice Dressage http://ift.tt/1dZceUn via IFTTT

The horses had a visitor today, Angie, so we took them out for a little hack accompanied by Blue. Both were very well behaved, Angie rode Matti and he looked after her. Blue did a good job of flushing out squirrels but thankfully he's not so good at actually catching them. from Solstice Dressage http://ift.tt/1dZceUn via IFTTT

Took Amber out on a quick hack too. She was very good and was quite forward going for a change. Although she did have a spook at a log. from Solstice Dressage http://ift.tt/1dZceUn via IFTTT

Which isn't as rude as it sounds, I promise. It's an old stirrup leather I put round the horses's neck so that I have something else to grab if they decide to have a moment! Matti's injury is healing well, so I've been back in the saddle. Lets just say he was rather full of beans! Went in the school for 20 minutes to check we had brakes (just about), then went out for a hack with Blue. Spent most of the time in trot as Matti didn't want to walk. Or trot for that matter - forgot how well he can canter sideways. Let him have a blast down one of the tracks, which was fine until he spooked at a butterfly. After that he did settle and we finished the hack slightly more calmer than we started. from Solstice Dressage http://ift.tt/1dZceUn via IFTTT

Amber had another physio session with Laura from LAW Animal Physiotherapy today. She was a lot looser and more comfortable than before, so hopefully we've got her management right and she should only need 'maintenance check ups' from now on :) from Solstice Dressage http://ift.tt/1dZceUn via IFTTT

Today I had another fab lesson on Amber with Jamie Wright Equestrian. Amber was a lot more soft and willing from the start. We worked on moving her neck, and inside bend as last time, but we also worked on exercises to help with stretching down to the contact and asking for a bit more roundness. She was not quite as consistent as last time, but was really stretching down even in the trot so although it didn't look so pretty, she was actually working better. With Amber, it can be a bit of a knife edge to ask enough so she with listen and understand, but not too much that she resists, but we didn't really have any over-reactions today, just a super-duper, happy willing pony. Homework is to keep working on flexion and softness and the contact should come in time. from Solstice Dressage http://ift.tt/1dZceUn via IFTTT