The weather has been glorious the past few weeks and I never thought I would say it after the winter we had….but pllleeaaassseee an we have some rain?! The grass seed is struggling and the fields are not as green or growing as quickly as I would like! I’m supplementing the horses with hay still which has gone on longer than I originally planned and due to the odd cold temperatures and frosts they are still living in at night. Grrr I want them to live out the novelty of mucking out has truly worn off!
The schooling is still going well with Autumn and Bob, Autumns been very good and has even started to bend a lot more than she has before so I’m hoping we may achieve a small bit of consistent outline soon, although I’m not hedging my bets! She also had her 23rd birthday this week not that you would know it looking at her. Bobs becoming a bit better, I found he felt a bit awkward in the dressage saddle and I think it was because of me not being fully used to it and also his huge strides when he got excited in trot bounced me around like a water balloon at times (very inelegant!).
I’ve gone back to his jump saddle and we are both so much happier, he’s been doing well up until the last week or so where we have begun to do a bit more canter work – and in his mind this means we canter – Everywhere! The slightest shift in my seat or the rein and we were off! He wasn’t playing up or bolting just very forward and wanting to do it. I stupidly made the mistake of picking up his other bridle the other night with a weaker bit and lets just say we were pretty much without any brakes – I had to sit and wait until he tired out lol! Its nice that he’s enjoying his work and wanting to do it but I think I’ll have to take him back to doing a bit more transition work before we even contemplate jump work – although he stops beautifully in walk and trot just by voice.
I’ve booked me and Autumn in for another ride on the May bank holiday with the lady from the last ride, and we both cannot wait, Autumn’s a lot fitter now so I’m looking forward to a good gallop or two. Its not too far from our yard either which is another plus….especially as the horse box has its MOT this week – the day everyone dreads, wish me luck! Its getting on a bit now but still works well and is in great condition for 21 years old, but I fear even if it passes we will be looking for a replacement within the next 12 months…my partner is not overjoyed lol! I have to keep him sweet though as he currently building me some jumps at the moment from wood left over from the arena build - now we just have to paint them.
Riding your horse at night is something even the keenest of equestrians may have never even considered. Whether the idea fills you with excitement or trepidation, there might be times when it’s necessary to ride your equine after dark.
Whether you’re a weekend hacker or a serious competitor, tying a horse safely and securely is an equestrian basic. But there's much more to it than meets the eye. Here at Equesure we’ve got some important tips on how to do it safely and what to avoid.
The tables seem to have turned as to which horse is naughtiest now. Shockingly despite Bob ripping yet another of Autumn’s rugs (think that’s 6 this year already), Autumn has taken on the title as most troublesome! In the last few weeks she has taken on full diva status!
We’ve compiled a list of some of the main things you should be aware of, divided into three categories: horse welfare, horse management, and horse riding.