Still here. Here being not at home! I shall be away possibly until August. Perhaps I ought to have brought one of Himself's brushes with me to sniff...
I'm a little strung out with work and other issues right now so I feel blue. Away from home and everyone keeps telling me they miss me :( I think I will go to the gym because it always makes me feel happy, and it should help with the work-related nervous jitters I have. I have developed a twitch between my shoulder blades too :o Shall be digging out the sensible trainers!
I think Kate has cracked the saddle quandry, he seems to be happy in an Ideal Jessica she has procured for her mare. I haven't seen exactly what I want on eBay because I want havana, but will keep looking. Naturally would rather buy one second hand in case he changes his mind by the time I get home!
He is going well. His last schooling sesssion was fab from what I hear. Still having trouble lifting his back when he goes forwards from trot to walk, but that will come with time and strength.
He has had a couple of mooches around the fields too. First go he was inattentive but a good boy. Today...naughty Quadi thought he was going to dictate range, bearing and speed! More manners required for schooling in open fields methinks, so definitely a summertime task. Apparently front and back feet left the ground, mercifully not at the same time! After much discussion, it was decided that the rider should be in charge for everyone's safety :D I don't think he was terribly happy about it but tough!
He has moved fields today so perhaps a little on his toes...he'd better pull up his socks though, I don't think he realises how lucky he is to be looked after by Kate!
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
In other news...
A Quadi update :)
No massage for him beacause the therapist was sick, now on again for mid-July :)
After an enforced mini-break (isn't it annoying how life in general gets in the way of horsey business?!) Quadi was worked last night and I got a very good report from Auntie Kate :D
Even before the Pessoa he was reaching forwards and down, which is great to hear. I will have to keep up the good work once I get home. Lots of praise for when he does this, we might get to the point where the Pessoa won't be needed very much at all. Right bend still evades him, so more in-hand work showed him the way and bend was achieved very quickly. Even strides of trot. All great to hear. And Kate is fitting various saddles to him whilst I'm away. Hopefully it will mean all I have to do is try one or two once I get back. It's great to have a groom...*lol*
I'm afraid nothing interesting from me. I wasn't seasick on this transit just gone, which is great. I might, however, have to work into late July. Need the pennies!
Here is the view at about 5am today as we sailed in. Only from a camera phone sadly...
And some real sailors!
No massage for him beacause the therapist was sick, now on again for mid-July :)
After an enforced mini-break (isn't it annoying how life in general gets in the way of horsey business?!) Quadi was worked last night and I got a very good report from Auntie Kate :D
Even before the Pessoa he was reaching forwards and down, which is great to hear. I will have to keep up the good work once I get home. Lots of praise for when he does this, we might get to the point where the Pessoa won't be needed very much at all. Right bend still evades him, so more in-hand work showed him the way and bend was achieved very quickly. Even strides of trot. All great to hear. And Kate is fitting various saddles to him whilst I'm away. Hopefully it will mean all I have to do is try one or two once I get back. It's great to have a groom...*lol*
I'm afraid nothing interesting from me. I wasn't seasick on this transit just gone, which is great. I might, however, have to work into late July. Need the pennies!
Here is the view at about 5am today as we sailed in. Only from a camera phone sadly...
And some real sailors!
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Seasick :s
All my shift last night. Several sprints to the loo and the remainder of the time I had my head on the desk, quietly weeping and braying to myself into the fake grain of my grotty desk.
I managed to hold down a few Ritz crackers and some rice. A considerable truimph. Must remember seasickness pills for next time. I stupidly thought I'd be ok...which of course means I shall be punished every time we are corkscrewing through swell.
Today all that remains is a throbbing headache. Partly from not eating and partly from not drinking enough water. My decreased water consumption is somewhat deliberate. I can't bring myself to use the loo downstairs too often :x Ick!
My joints ache a bit from lack of movement, I really do need to dig deep and find some motivation to get to the gym. Of course, I just want to go to my OWN gym and see MY horse and ride MY bike! How childish *lol*
I am making do with regular viewings off all the Quadi pics and vids I brought with me. I have been watching the videos of my riding a lot, I am starting to see where Kate sees what I'm doing wrong. I suppose there's hope for me yet.
I also have some Monty Python with me to cheer me up :D Simple things for simple people!
I managed to hold down a few Ritz crackers and some rice. A considerable truimph. Must remember seasickness pills for next time. I stupidly thought I'd be ok...which of course means I shall be punished every time we are corkscrewing through swell.
Today all that remains is a throbbing headache. Partly from not eating and partly from not drinking enough water. My decreased water consumption is somewhat deliberate. I can't bring myself to use the loo downstairs too often :x Ick!
My joints ache a bit from lack of movement, I really do need to dig deep and find some motivation to get to the gym. Of course, I just want to go to my OWN gym and see MY horse and ride MY bike! How childish *lol*
I am making do with regular viewings off all the Quadi pics and vids I brought with me. I have been watching the videos of my riding a lot, I am starting to see where Kate sees what I'm doing wrong. I suppose there's hope for me yet.
I also have some Monty Python with me to cheer me up :D Simple things for simple people!
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Too lazy to even blog!
Not only have I not been to the gym, but I haven't even been energetic enough to blog that information! Actually, in my defence, the internet connection here is tricky...
I've only been away a week mind, and was quite seasick the first couple of days. Hopefully in the next day or two I'll feel like it.
Quadi is having a week off whilst Kate is away. She has been riding him and has noticed that he is blocking through his shoulders and instead of giving true bend, he is twisting at the poll. What a puzzle he is.
There is an equine massage person/body worker who comes to the yard and has been working with Quadi's physio, I'm thinking Himself might benefit from some massage. See if we can't loosen up his butch shoulders!
Mind you, when I have my shoulders round my ears most of the time, I can hardly expect poor Q to unclench!
Massages all round when I get home then. Ooh err missus!
I've only been away a week mind, and was quite seasick the first couple of days. Hopefully in the next day or two I'll feel like it.
Quadi is having a week off whilst Kate is away. She has been riding him and has noticed that he is blocking through his shoulders and instead of giving true bend, he is twisting at the poll. What a puzzle he is.
There is an equine massage person/body worker who comes to the yard and has been working with Quadi's physio, I'm thinking Himself might benefit from some massage. See if we can't loosen up his butch shoulders!
Mind you, when I have my shoulders round my ears most of the time, I can hardly expect poor Q to unclench!
Massages all round when I get home then. Ooh err missus!
Monday, 8 June 2009
See you soon Professor!
*sigh*
Last day with my favourite boy today :( I'm not due away until Wed but I've still no wheels and buses/walking will take up the entire day, which I won't have because I have to pack!
What a lovely evening to spend with him though. I decided earlier today that after the hack yesterday lunging in the Pessoa would be plenty work! And a good decision this was, a bit of a sleepy boy this evening.
Warm up wasn't the best we've done, but he was a bit 'lumpy' and tired. Not bad at all, he just found it a bit tricky. His head sometimes strayed above the forward and out shape that I like him to be in at this early point. Inside bend evaded him now and again, and I had to push him away from me. I think if I'd have allowed him to, he'd have spiralled straight into me looking soppy :)
There was a horse in the school next door who had a buck and a fart on the lunge, and Mr Fin was in with us working on canter. Quadi never flinched once, he really is a Professor!
Once I he'd shown me he could walk and trot on both reins with sufficient energy not to fall on his face, we tried again with the Pessoa. On the left rein he was great, he was seeking the bit and his head and neck carriage was, dare I say, moving into a slightly more advanced position from the novice outline I'd be happy to take at this stage. And he's really starting to engage his bottom, this Pessoa thingie really works for this sort of rehab. He was still being a bit slow off the aids at this point but I did encourage a cheeky canter for one circle. Halt to trot too. I was more than pleased with this so we switched to the right rein.
He curled back a bit, and since he was warmed up, I asked for trot. What a lovely trot, I'm so pleased! I didn't have to drive him on so much on this rein. I know he was probably tired and it was hard work so I'm not complaining. Another circle of canter and demonstrating a lovely square halt into an energetic trot. I called it a day and gave him smoochy kisses and a treat. He always gets a treat after work :)
We went up to help Fin with some light jump work in the field, Quadi was very good and stood with me on Pole Retrieval Duty, which we didn't even have to do once :D Lots of fuss and more smooches and back to the field.
I will miss him so very much, I am taking photos and video of him to cheer me up on the days I miss him. Kate will be looking after him in my absence (Thank You!!!) so I'm sure I'll get plenty of updates. For the next couple of weeks it'll be a gym diary from me again with a smattering of Pony Reports.
Last day with my favourite boy today :( I'm not due away until Wed but I've still no wheels and buses/walking will take up the entire day, which I won't have because I have to pack!
What a lovely evening to spend with him though. I decided earlier today that after the hack yesterday lunging in the Pessoa would be plenty work! And a good decision this was, a bit of a sleepy boy this evening.
Warm up wasn't the best we've done, but he was a bit 'lumpy' and tired. Not bad at all, he just found it a bit tricky. His head sometimes strayed above the forward and out shape that I like him to be in at this early point. Inside bend evaded him now and again, and I had to push him away from me. I think if I'd have allowed him to, he'd have spiralled straight into me looking soppy :)
There was a horse in the school next door who had a buck and a fart on the lunge, and Mr Fin was in with us working on canter. Quadi never flinched once, he really is a Professor!
Once I he'd shown me he could walk and trot on both reins with sufficient energy not to fall on his face, we tried again with the Pessoa. On the left rein he was great, he was seeking the bit and his head and neck carriage was, dare I say, moving into a slightly more advanced position from the novice outline I'd be happy to take at this stage. And he's really starting to engage his bottom, this Pessoa thingie really works for this sort of rehab. He was still being a bit slow off the aids at this point but I did encourage a cheeky canter for one circle. Halt to trot too. I was more than pleased with this so we switched to the right rein.
He curled back a bit, and since he was warmed up, I asked for trot. What a lovely trot, I'm so pleased! I didn't have to drive him on so much on this rein. I know he was probably tired and it was hard work so I'm not complaining. Another circle of canter and demonstrating a lovely square halt into an energetic trot. I called it a day and gave him smoochy kisses and a treat. He always gets a treat after work :)
We went up to help Fin with some light jump work in the field, Quadi was very good and stood with me on Pole Retrieval Duty, which we didn't even have to do once :D Lots of fuss and more smooches and back to the field.
I will miss him so very much, I am taking photos and video of him to cheer me up on the days I miss him. Kate will be looking after him in my absence (Thank You!!!) so I'm sure I'll get plenty of updates. For the next couple of weeks it'll be a gym diary from me again with a smattering of Pony Reports.
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Operator error
Another funny day weather-wise, thankfully we were all done when the heaven's opened.
I wanted my riding filmed today so I could see when I got it right and when I got it wrong. I'll post the links in a bit.
I got on, once again without lunging. He was somewhat distracted on account of another horse in the school and jumps being put away. Not an excuse really but I found it hard to be more interesting to him than the other happenings around us.
So I called him to a halt and tried some flexions. An unsuccessful attempt, culminating in my crying again! Mostly frustration, I wanted to be better than yesterday and instead I was worse :( I was doing everything the same as yesterday and it wasn't buggering working!!!
Kate stopped me and gave me a kick up the arse. I'm not allowed to be on a horse if I'm not happy, so I either had to get happy or get off. After more crying I decided I ought to get happy. But I needed help. It's obvious I was blocking Quadi in some way. We now know he is more than happy to comply with correct requests.
I took my feet out of my stirrups to relax my legs, took a couple of deep breaths and tried my hardest to smile :s
Anyway, I attempted gentle flexions from a halt. He complied almost straight away (if I was cynical I'd say he was doing it to show me up but we know it's me not him, it's never the horse!). So we moved off into walk. He threw his head up but we worked on correcting that. Kate had me tell her what I was doing. When it wasn't working, I had to explain why. It felt like he was solid through his inside shoulder.
And why was he blocked here? Because his muppet rider was clenched in the exact same place! More deep breaths and things got better from there.
There were moments where I could maintain his head carriage for almost a half a circle, but more often than not he was pokey-nosed. Sometimes he curled behind but we are still finding where we are comfortable.
After what was only a brief session it was hacking time!
How much better he was for being in company :D I think to begin with we were a little up Fin's bottom but we settled down. Quadi's pretty reliable in traffic, but on his own fast-approaching vehicles are a bit of a worry to him. Thankfully we were in company and most people slowed down. As Quadi settled he settled into a rhythm and stretched over his back, which was really nice. On the way home we were approached by lots and lots of cyclists, all heading in the same direction as us. Apart from one boy trying to overtake us as a car drew level with us in the opposite direction, no drama. But such a lot of bikes, I'd be impressed with any horse to stay settled due to the sheer number of them. Not the Tour de France, but about 40 or so and lots of kids! Quadi's lack of hacking fitness was evident by the time we'd ascended the hill up to the yard. He wasn't puffing, but he was sedate on arrival back home! A big kiss from me as it was a nice hack despite my getting a bit cold!
I wasn't finished yet! I was summoned, yes summoned, to the school to play on Fin.
I hopped on and almost fell off! My legs and bum just expected there to be a much wider horse (Quadi-width!) than there was, very odd feeling. Once I'd gotten my balance and gotten Fin going forwards, the objective was to swing my hips in time with Fin's walk. I found it quite hard. It shouldn't be, all I have to do is let his hindlegs swing me! Very hard work and I could only 'get' it for a couple of strides in all. I could, however, feel a great difference in Fin's walk between getting it right and, well, not so right. He stopped a couple of times, probably wondering what the hell I was up to! Driving with the handbrake on again. He got his own back, he stood on my foot good and proper!
Here are the video links. Comments are always welcome as long as they're constructive, I'm aware of the mountain I have to climb!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoapEo1qVYw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl7OOtrED-M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nti1GuPjyPc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr4wfQQHvNs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zri1o-Zpf38
I wanted my riding filmed today so I could see when I got it right and when I got it wrong. I'll post the links in a bit.
I got on, once again without lunging. He was somewhat distracted on account of another horse in the school and jumps being put away. Not an excuse really but I found it hard to be more interesting to him than the other happenings around us.
So I called him to a halt and tried some flexions. An unsuccessful attempt, culminating in my crying again! Mostly frustration, I wanted to be better than yesterday and instead I was worse :( I was doing everything the same as yesterday and it wasn't buggering working!!!
Kate stopped me and gave me a kick up the arse. I'm not allowed to be on a horse if I'm not happy, so I either had to get happy or get off. After more crying I decided I ought to get happy. But I needed help. It's obvious I was blocking Quadi in some way. We now know he is more than happy to comply with correct requests.
I took my feet out of my stirrups to relax my legs, took a couple of deep breaths and tried my hardest to smile :s
Anyway, I attempted gentle flexions from a halt. He complied almost straight away (if I was cynical I'd say he was doing it to show me up but we know it's me not him, it's never the horse!). So we moved off into walk. He threw his head up but we worked on correcting that. Kate had me tell her what I was doing. When it wasn't working, I had to explain why. It felt like he was solid through his inside shoulder.
And why was he blocked here? Because his muppet rider was clenched in the exact same place! More deep breaths and things got better from there.
There were moments where I could maintain his head carriage for almost a half a circle, but more often than not he was pokey-nosed. Sometimes he curled behind but we are still finding where we are comfortable.
After what was only a brief session it was hacking time!
How much better he was for being in company :D I think to begin with we were a little up Fin's bottom but we settled down. Quadi's pretty reliable in traffic, but on his own fast-approaching vehicles are a bit of a worry to him. Thankfully we were in company and most people slowed down. As Quadi settled he settled into a rhythm and stretched over his back, which was really nice. On the way home we were approached by lots and lots of cyclists, all heading in the same direction as us. Apart from one boy trying to overtake us as a car drew level with us in the opposite direction, no drama. But such a lot of bikes, I'd be impressed with any horse to stay settled due to the sheer number of them. Not the Tour de France, but about 40 or so and lots of kids! Quadi's lack of hacking fitness was evident by the time we'd ascended the hill up to the yard. He wasn't puffing, but he was sedate on arrival back home! A big kiss from me as it was a nice hack despite my getting a bit cold!
I wasn't finished yet! I was summoned, yes summoned, to the school to play on Fin.
I hopped on and almost fell off! My legs and bum just expected there to be a much wider horse (Quadi-width!) than there was, very odd feeling. Once I'd gotten my balance and gotten Fin going forwards, the objective was to swing my hips in time with Fin's walk. I found it quite hard. It shouldn't be, all I have to do is let his hindlegs swing me! Very hard work and I could only 'get' it for a couple of strides in all. I could, however, feel a great difference in Fin's walk between getting it right and, well, not so right. He stopped a couple of times, probably wondering what the hell I was up to! Driving with the handbrake on again. He got his own back, he stood on my foot good and proper!
Here are the video links. Comments are always welcome as long as they're constructive, I'm aware of the mountain I have to climb!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoapEo1qVYw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl7OOtrED-M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nti1GuPjyPc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr4wfQQHvNs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zri1o-Zpf38
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Rider issues
Not the best weather given we are supposed to be into summer now, but there was no hail so I shan't complain!
I decided to have a bash at riding Quadi without any lunge warm up. The poor lad always thinks he's finished after lunging, I feel a little guilty saddling him when he thinks he's all done!
He was very forward and marched off keenly. I think he was interested in the jumps being put away, I hope he doesn't get any ideas about jumpies too soon (although he did depart the field the other morning, we can only assume he went up and over as there were no open gates or disturbed fencelines!)
First things first. I got myself sitting up straight. Asking for flexions wasn't working at walk, I was really very cold (my hands and feet don't work so well in the cold!), so I halted. Same as the other day, just very gently asking for some relaxation of the jaw and lifting of the back. Once we'd established this we moved off into walk again. I didn't 'get' as much as I did the other day, I do blame my frozen hands, they were finding it easier to move backwards rather than vibrate fingers, which is obviously not desirable! My left is much weaker and less dextrous so my homework is to use the mouse in my left hand whilst offshore. I had to work hard to let the weight of my arms down to my elbows, instead of hiking my shoulders up! And I should also probably try to breathe more often, when I concentrate I hold my breath as if I'm swimming *lol*
I'm hoping to get some video tomorrow because I'd like to see when it looks right and when it looks wrong. I'm having trouble knowing when I've got enough flexion and when I can ask for a little more.
The great news is the problem is me, not Quadi. Kate had a little sit on for me and is far better placed to bring him on over these next few weeks. I have too many wrongs to right! I asked her if she'd bring him up to trot. At first it looked like he might not be ready for it, but once he's stopped looking for a battle he was soft and forwards and in a lovely outline. He was so funny, once he'd agreed to this way of going, I think he was surprised at how easy it was, just like me the other day! Whatever schooling issues we have now, they are no physical. Once he gives up trying to put up and fight and just gives a little, I think we'll be over the biggest hurdle. It seems the work so far has agreed with him, he looks fab :D
(I promise he was worked on both reins!)
I decided to have a bash at riding Quadi without any lunge warm up. The poor lad always thinks he's finished after lunging, I feel a little guilty saddling him when he thinks he's all done!
He was very forward and marched off keenly. I think he was interested in the jumps being put away, I hope he doesn't get any ideas about jumpies too soon (although he did depart the field the other morning, we can only assume he went up and over as there were no open gates or disturbed fencelines!)
First things first. I got myself sitting up straight. Asking for flexions wasn't working at walk, I was really very cold (my hands and feet don't work so well in the cold!), so I halted. Same as the other day, just very gently asking for some relaxation of the jaw and lifting of the back. Once we'd established this we moved off into walk again. I didn't 'get' as much as I did the other day, I do blame my frozen hands, they were finding it easier to move backwards rather than vibrate fingers, which is obviously not desirable! My left is much weaker and less dextrous so my homework is to use the mouse in my left hand whilst offshore. I had to work hard to let the weight of my arms down to my elbows, instead of hiking my shoulders up! And I should also probably try to breathe more often, when I concentrate I hold my breath as if I'm swimming *lol*
I'm hoping to get some video tomorrow because I'd like to see when it looks right and when it looks wrong. I'm having trouble knowing when I've got enough flexion and when I can ask for a little more.
The great news is the problem is me, not Quadi. Kate had a little sit on for me and is far better placed to bring him on over these next few weeks. I have too many wrongs to right! I asked her if she'd bring him up to trot. At first it looked like he might not be ready for it, but once he's stopped looking for a battle he was soft and forwards and in a lovely outline. He was so funny, once he'd agreed to this way of going, I think he was surprised at how easy it was, just like me the other day! Whatever schooling issues we have now, they are no physical. Once he gives up trying to put up and fight and just gives a little, I think we'll be over the biggest hurdle. It seems the work so far has agreed with him, he looks fab :D
(I promise he was worked on both reins!)
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