Sunday, December 27, 2009
What We've Been Up To...
I have managed to ride Drum most days of the week lately. We generally go down the road but sometimes 'school' in the paddock. Its a bit difficult because of all the stones so thats a bit frustrating. Drum is fine going out by himself and going to new places by himself. Hes also being very brave about cows, sheep, birds, dogs, cars, cyclists, runners etc when we are out. We actually have very few problems. The sandflies are just bloody awful and it's hard to concentrate on schooling or keeping a constant contact as I am constantly swatting flies. He tossed me off on Xmas eve, got a fright from some horses and did a 180 and flung me. I hopped straight back on and rode the 5km home with no problems, but had to do it one handed because of rein burn. Must remember to wear my gloves!! Have absolutely no confidence issues at the moment so really need to get onto more trotting and cantering in a controlled environment. I would in the paddock but dont want to because of stones.
Goals for us for 2010: trotting and cantering confidently. Start some jumping. Get out for a few new rides ie beach.
Goals for us for 2010: trotting and cantering confidently. Start some jumping. Get out for a few new rides ie beach.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Great End To A Great Week!!
Thursday: tacked Drum up, got geared up to ride but chickened out and just lunged him.
Friday: fluffed around wanting to get on, but chickening out. Finally got on and had a wee plod around the paddock! No problems, yay!
Saturday: had a day off as was working.
Sunday: came to find cows in our riding paddock! Lunged near house and didnt think I would get on as horses were running and neighing, cows were running, hadnt ridden Drum out of the paddock... but did get on and have a good wee plod around lawn, yard, driveway etc
Monday: rode around lawn etc again and did a wee 'jump' over an old axel with wheels at each end [Drum casually stepped over]. Gave Drum a massage.
Tuesday: rode around both big paddocks, Drum was a bit nappy but I was firm and made him go away down the ends. Finished on a good note doing some collected circles near yard.
Wednesday: had a day off and lead Drum up road as a break since I was hard on him the day before.
Thursday/today: went for a 2.5hr ride with paddock mate around the road! Did a couple river crossings, trotted, cantered, a wee gallop! A few slips and trips on stones so hopefully he doesnt come up lame tomorrow, but he can have next 2/3 days off. Got off and lead him the last km or so. Am so proud of the both of us!!! <3 my Drum.
Friday: fluffed around wanting to get on, but chickening out. Finally got on and had a wee plod around the paddock! No problems, yay!
Saturday: had a day off as was working.
Sunday: came to find cows in our riding paddock! Lunged near house and didnt think I would get on as horses were running and neighing, cows were running, hadnt ridden Drum out of the paddock... but did get on and have a good wee plod around lawn, yard, driveway etc
Monday: rode around lawn etc again and did a wee 'jump' over an old axel with wheels at each end [Drum casually stepped over]. Gave Drum a massage.
Tuesday: rode around both big paddocks, Drum was a bit nappy but I was firm and made him go away down the ends. Finished on a good note doing some collected circles near yard.
Wednesday: had a day off and lead Drum up road as a break since I was hard on him the day before.
Thursday/today: went for a 2.5hr ride with paddock mate around the road! Did a couple river crossings, trotted, cantered, a wee gallop! A few slips and trips on stones so hopefully he doesnt come up lame tomorrow, but he can have next 2/3 days off. Got off and lead him the last km or so. Am so proud of the both of us!!! <3 my Drum.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Too Long Since An Update
I went to the chiro and got my hip bumped back in and my back was better!
The week I was meant to bring Drum home, I went up for one last ride. Stephanie, Gemma's mum, was going to give me a lesson. Unfortunately I didn't check Drum's saddle fit since he had put on weight and only a few minutes into the ride, he bucked me off. I bashed up a hip really bad and hit my head [was wearing a helmet] and felt quite dizzy. Steph lunged him over and over until Gemma got home, they swapped saddles and she continued to give him a good ride. He was much better with a better fitting saddle. We made a mounting block out of steps, boxes and barrels so I was high enough just to slip back onto Drum and not have to use my very sore left hip. I had a good wee walk.
Finally I got to bring him home. He went on the float well and was very patient while we did a tiki-tour around town and even through a mall car park while we picked up some stuff and did errands. He was very happy to be home in the end and settled right back in.
We had a few ups and downs until his saddle was refitted properly and I got a front raiser which hopefully will keep his Wintec 500 up off his shoulder. I rode in both mine and Gemma's saddles, with different gullet plates and front raisers on for the saddle fitter until we got a good fit. My silly brother was jumping on the trampoline near by so I didn't continue to ride after the saddler had been. Drum was also a bit jumpy at Mum's, with the wind, different noises and distractions etc and probably slightly affected by rye grass even though he was on a toxin binder.
Finally some great news!! Someone saw my ad at the local store and offered me FREE grazing only 5km up the road from home! Drum loaded well and is moved up there. He lives with 3 other horses in biiig hilly paddocks with trees and creeks and I think he is very happy there. He does a big extended trot up the paddock to me when I arrive. We have been for an in hand walk up the road but due to the rain, havent got any other work done yet. Hopefully we will be riding soon =)
The week I was meant to bring Drum home, I went up for one last ride. Stephanie, Gemma's mum, was going to give me a lesson. Unfortunately I didn't check Drum's saddle fit since he had put on weight and only a few minutes into the ride, he bucked me off. I bashed up a hip really bad and hit my head [was wearing a helmet] and felt quite dizzy. Steph lunged him over and over until Gemma got home, they swapped saddles and she continued to give him a good ride. He was much better with a better fitting saddle. We made a mounting block out of steps, boxes and barrels so I was high enough just to slip back onto Drum and not have to use my very sore left hip. I had a good wee walk.
Finally I got to bring him home. He went on the float well and was very patient while we did a tiki-tour around town and even through a mall car park while we picked up some stuff and did errands. He was very happy to be home in the end and settled right back in.
We had a few ups and downs until his saddle was refitted properly and I got a front raiser which hopefully will keep his Wintec 500 up off his shoulder. I rode in both mine and Gemma's saddles, with different gullet plates and front raisers on for the saddle fitter until we got a good fit. My silly brother was jumping on the trampoline near by so I didn't continue to ride after the saddler had been. Drum was also a bit jumpy at Mum's, with the wind, different noises and distractions etc and probably slightly affected by rye grass even though he was on a toxin binder.
Finally some great news!! Someone saw my ad at the local store and offered me FREE grazing only 5km up the road from home! Drum loaded well and is moved up there. He lives with 3 other horses in biiig hilly paddocks with trees and creeks and I think he is very happy there. He does a big extended trot up the paddock to me when I arrive. We have been for an in hand walk up the road but due to the rain, havent got any other work done yet. Hopefully we will be riding soon =)
Friday, October 9, 2009
A Fall, A Trek & Hacks Alone
After a pretty good hack out where I cantered plenty, we were just at the gate when a motor bike came up behind us. Drum spooked and tried to run forward but crashed into Katie, then swung around and backwards when the motor bike passed and I fell down his right shoulder. I felt ok about it, a bit shaken, but lead Drum back to the yard and got back on to do some circles. He was very relaxed and not worried at all about what had happened.
The next day was our big 12km hill trek with some others. It was incredibly windy and there was a silly horse coming to ride with us. I had an extra few RR lozenges as I was worried about Drum playing up. He did a wee bit but nothing too silly. He has a bad habit of walking up other horses bums and Azja kicked him in the chest at one stage. Some of the other horses were walking much to fast and Drum kept trying to hurry to catch up, so we did heaps of cantering and I just tried to relax and go with it. He does have a really nice canter but he wasnt being sensible and looking where he was going, tripping in holes, stumbling on stones and ploughing through boggy patches so I had to keep trying to guide him and pull him up but he wasnt really listening which was frustrating and a little worrying. When we got to the top of the hill, some of the horses got waaay ahead and Azja wouldnt go through a gate for Gemma and Drummer started to play up and run sideways as he wanted to catch up. I got really upset about it but Gemma caught Drums bridle and I got off, and we both walked our horses for a while. I got back on and we continued on and I did better with pushing him around. Then we all got off to go down the steep side and got back on at the bottom and I did some really good leg yielding on the final stretch home. It was very satisfying in the end, but not as much as my next paragraph.
The last two rides Ive done, me and Drum have hacked out on our own =) And we did a route he hadnt done by himself before so that was great. Although on the first one, we got to the point where he really didnt want to go forward so I got off and lead him down to the stream where I got back on, rode around the trees and stream and then home again. He was very good apart from lots of neighing out for his friends.
And the next day we went again and I got him much further than where he stopped the day before, but he stopped again, so I lead him forward and got straight back on and rode him down to the stream. This day, instead of stopping lots, all slight leg pressure and he thought we would trot! I did lots of 'juuuuust waaaaaalkiiiiiiiiing' to calm us both down and we had a really good ride. I am so pleased!
I hope to bring him home next weekend but my back has gone out twice in two nights so Im not sure whats happening at this stage. Still want to bring him home though. Hope my back is ok!
The next day was our big 12km hill trek with some others. It was incredibly windy and there was a silly horse coming to ride with us. I had an extra few RR lozenges as I was worried about Drum playing up. He did a wee bit but nothing too silly. He has a bad habit of walking up other horses bums and Azja kicked him in the chest at one stage. Some of the other horses were walking much to fast and Drum kept trying to hurry to catch up, so we did heaps of cantering and I just tried to relax and go with it. He does have a really nice canter but he wasnt being sensible and looking where he was going, tripping in holes, stumbling on stones and ploughing through boggy patches so I had to keep trying to guide him and pull him up but he wasnt really listening which was frustrating and a little worrying. When we got to the top of the hill, some of the horses got waaay ahead and Azja wouldnt go through a gate for Gemma and Drummer started to play up and run sideways as he wanted to catch up. I got really upset about it but Gemma caught Drums bridle and I got off, and we both walked our horses for a while. I got back on and we continued on and I did better with pushing him around. Then we all got off to go down the steep side and got back on at the bottom and I did some really good leg yielding on the final stretch home. It was very satisfying in the end, but not as much as my next paragraph.
The last two rides Ive done, me and Drum have hacked out on our own =) And we did a route he hadnt done by himself before so that was great. Although on the first one, we got to the point where he really didnt want to go forward so I got off and lead him down to the stream where I got back on, rode around the trees and stream and then home again. He was very good apart from lots of neighing out for his friends.
And the next day we went again and I got him much further than where he stopped the day before, but he stopped again, so I lead him forward and got straight back on and rode him down to the stream. This day, instead of stopping lots, all slight leg pressure and he thought we would trot! I did lots of 'juuuuust waaaaaalkiiiiiiiiing' to calm us both down and we had a really good ride. I am so pleased!
I hope to bring him home next weekend but my back has gone out twice in two nights so Im not sure whats happening at this stage. Still want to bring him home though. Hope my back is ok!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
More Riding and a Show
Oops, have forgotten to update the blog, and I wrote it all out and then the inet lost it!! Argh! I have been out to visit and ride Drum a couple of times since and we have even been to our first show!
I have done a few more rides in the paddock, trying to get rid of old bad habits and start back at the basics with my riding skills and aids. Trying to let go of my inside rein and have a good contact on the outside rein has been very hard work. And then trying to keep Drum on a circle and not let him drift out with my outside leg, and not over bend his neck with my inside rein, but asking him to turn with my inside leg. Yesterday we were working much more consistently in an outline, lifting Drum up to the outside rein with my inside leg. We work much better when we are alone, Drum tends to duck and dive and try to go to other horses or Gemma on the ground and it makes hard work for me to keep my balance and guide him properly. Obviously we need to be able to ride with other horses and people around, but I still need to relearn my aids properly first. I cantered him and did a flying lead change - by accident! We got a bit fast and confuzzled on one corner and he started cantering and did a lead change to rebalance himself before coming down to a trot as I was squeezing my legs frantically to slow down, phew! Talk about giving me a heart attack!
I rode Gemma's school mistress Katie after riding Drum yesterday. She was really lovely with an enormous walk and was very sensitive. I could hardly get her into a trot as even though I wasnt nervous, my thighs were still instinctively tense from holding on and she just thought I was putting on the breaks. After doing a few rounds with her, I managed to completely loosen up and today I will ride in longer stirrups on Drum and see if that helps us.
We did our first in hand show on Sunday. Gemma kindly dropped Drum off on her way to a Blyth Tait lesson and he was very good tied to the float and when we started walking around. I shouldve entered much more classes but only entered 3 for our first show. Our first class was 'best stallion/gelding over 4yrs' and Drum tanked around, wouldnt stand still, head butted me, neighed and was over all, very frustrating and embarrassing. We didnt place. We left the ring, gathered our wits about us and went back into 'mannered' which I thought we'd flunk, but we placed 4th out of 10! Hooray! Our first ribbon, and a green one - our colour. We were then in 'suitable dressage' which was supposed to be jumping, but either way we didnt place. The rest of the day we walked around the floats, other horses, up and down the stable aisles, tied to the float, grazing and standing in a yard near the arena, watching the other horses and talking to friends. Later when Gemma came to pick Drum up, she threw his lead rope over his back, poked his head in the float and he loaded himself up!
Another small ride today and tomorrow and then we are doing a 12km hill trek on Saturday! Shawn, Riley, me and the dogs move into our new home near the Alps on Sunday and I am hoping to bring Drum home a week later.
I have done a few more rides in the paddock, trying to get rid of old bad habits and start back at the basics with my riding skills and aids. Trying to let go of my inside rein and have a good contact on the outside rein has been very hard work. And then trying to keep Drum on a circle and not let him drift out with my outside leg, and not over bend his neck with my inside rein, but asking him to turn with my inside leg. Yesterday we were working much more consistently in an outline, lifting Drum up to the outside rein with my inside leg. We work much better when we are alone, Drum tends to duck and dive and try to go to other horses or Gemma on the ground and it makes hard work for me to keep my balance and guide him properly. Obviously we need to be able to ride with other horses and people around, but I still need to relearn my aids properly first. I cantered him and did a flying lead change - by accident! We got a bit fast and confuzzled on one corner and he started cantering and did a lead change to rebalance himself before coming down to a trot as I was squeezing my legs frantically to slow down, phew! Talk about giving me a heart attack!
I rode Gemma's school mistress Katie after riding Drum yesterday. She was really lovely with an enormous walk and was very sensitive. I could hardly get her into a trot as even though I wasnt nervous, my thighs were still instinctively tense from holding on and she just thought I was putting on the breaks. After doing a few rounds with her, I managed to completely loosen up and today I will ride in longer stirrups on Drum and see if that helps us.
We did our first in hand show on Sunday. Gemma kindly dropped Drum off on her way to a Blyth Tait lesson and he was very good tied to the float and when we started walking around. I shouldve entered much more classes but only entered 3 for our first show. Our first class was 'best stallion/gelding over 4yrs' and Drum tanked around, wouldnt stand still, head butted me, neighed and was over all, very frustrating and embarrassing. We didnt place. We left the ring, gathered our wits about us and went back into 'mannered' which I thought we'd flunk, but we placed 4th out of 10! Hooray! Our first ribbon, and a green one - our colour. We were then in 'suitable dressage' which was supposed to be jumping, but either way we didnt place. The rest of the day we walked around the floats, other horses, up and down the stable aisles, tied to the float, grazing and standing in a yard near the arena, watching the other horses and talking to friends. Later when Gemma came to pick Drum up, she threw his lead rope over his back, poked his head in the float and he loaded himself up!
Another small ride today and tomorrow and then we are doing a 12km hill trek on Saturday! Shawn, Riley, me and the dogs move into our new home near the Alps on Sunday and I am hoping to bring Drum home a week later.
Friday, September 18, 2009
I finally went riding!!
17 & 18 September 2009
Since we are finally home in CHCH I can start riding again. I went to see Drum on the 17th and Gemma tacked him up and got on for a ride, walked, trotted and cantered and then I got on. Had some RR lozenges before hand. Fumbled a bit getting him to stand beside a barrel for me to mount from... and then we were away! He was so cruisy. We just walked and trotted to begin with, with lots of reins changes. It was hard trying to co-ordinate my hands and legs again, fumbling around a bit there but Drum was pretty patient. I kept him away from his girlfriends with my outside leg and had him flexing nicely on some corners and taking a light contact on the bit when I got all my aids right lol. I was really stoked with how my first ride back went!
On the 18th - yesterday - I had the saddle fitter out and he was really lovely and explained things really well. He showed me how to check the right gullet size and then put it in the saddle and showed how to fit the saddle properly. Drum is in a blue [med-wide] gullet and his new saddle fits nicely =) He may go up to a red [wide] gullet when he gains a bit more of a top line as he lost a little condition while he had a sore foot. Saddle fitted usually cost $65 but since Gemma had a saddle checked, we both got a discount and it only cost $45. He also is wearing a normal saddle blanket and then a half pad type blanket between that and the saddle. The farrier saw Drum last week and was giving him another week to let the wee hole grow out, then a trim and he should be pretty much better!
I tacked up Drum and mounted up and rode in a different area to the day before. One of the dogs was pottering about in the pretend arena but Drum ignored him. I did lots and looots of trotting and rein changes, again trying to co-ordinate myself and get the aids right. We were doing really well but when Gemma got the camera out, Drum got all camera shy and went camel haha. After a tiring schooling sesh, we went out for a long hack with Gemma and Lenny, her eventer. We went past some cars, a stallion, across and bridge, through some paddocks, through some streams, past some curious cattle, Drum led Lenny through a scary gate!
It was such a great ride and I am sooo stoked! RR has been a life saver, I feel like I did before my accident! And Drum is so cruisy and quiet.
I cant wait to go ride again and have him home! Next ride is Tuesday. And we have entered a all breeds in hand show next weekend, sport horse section. Just for the experience out and about.
Since we are finally home in CHCH I can start riding again. I went to see Drum on the 17th and Gemma tacked him up and got on for a ride, walked, trotted and cantered and then I got on. Had some RR lozenges before hand. Fumbled a bit getting him to stand beside a barrel for me to mount from... and then we were away! He was so cruisy. We just walked and trotted to begin with, with lots of reins changes. It was hard trying to co-ordinate my hands and legs again, fumbling around a bit there but Drum was pretty patient. I kept him away from his girlfriends with my outside leg and had him flexing nicely on some corners and taking a light contact on the bit when I got all my aids right lol. I was really stoked with how my first ride back went!
On the 18th - yesterday - I had the saddle fitter out and he was really lovely and explained things really well. He showed me how to check the right gullet size and then put it in the saddle and showed how to fit the saddle properly. Drum is in a blue [med-wide] gullet and his new saddle fits nicely =) He may go up to a red [wide] gullet when he gains a bit more of a top line as he lost a little condition while he had a sore foot. Saddle fitted usually cost $65 but since Gemma had a saddle checked, we both got a discount and it only cost $45. He also is wearing a normal saddle blanket and then a half pad type blanket between that and the saddle. The farrier saw Drum last week and was giving him another week to let the wee hole grow out, then a trim and he should be pretty much better!
I tacked up Drum and mounted up and rode in a different area to the day before. One of the dogs was pottering about in the pretend arena but Drum ignored him. I did lots and looots of trotting and rein changes, again trying to co-ordinate myself and get the aids right. We were doing really well but when Gemma got the camera out, Drum got all camera shy and went camel haha. After a tiring schooling sesh, we went out for a long hack with Gemma and Lenny, her eventer. We went past some cars, a stallion, across and bridge, through some paddocks, through some streams, past some curious cattle, Drum led Lenny through a scary gate!
It was such a great ride and I am sooo stoked! RR has been a life saver, I feel like I did before my accident! And Drum is so cruisy and quiet.
I cant wait to go ride again and have him home! Next ride is Tuesday. And we have entered a all breeds in hand show next weekend, sport horse section. Just for the experience out and about.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Drum Has A Sore Foot
I think I lost the original txt from Gemma re his foot. But the jist of it is, he was living with Wendy and she had the vet out to see his foot and they dug a hole in his foot (to relieve pressure?) which caused a secondary infection - abscess. Here at the txts and emails I still have to update.
25 Aug
Dum dum still a bit sore, after the bruise and everything went away he got a dam secondary infection :-( he was been on Anti-biotics and is now heaps better. I will be working him again after his little unplanned break as soon as he is happy on his foot again.
31 Aug
Drum still has a hole in his foot, damn vets, I could kill em :-( Dont worry, you'll not get his vet bill. My friend is paying it.
Drum will be coming back to my place this weekend and I will work him all week (foot permitting). I was so wild about the vet digging holes! It would have been better to have left it, as it was just a stone bruise to start with and only abcessed due to the digging argh. But Wendy thought it was for the best. Her hearts in the right place anyway.
She has fallen in love with Drum Drum and is very sad he is has to leave. She has offered him a home if you ever not want him, I have told her it is not at all likely! LOL You love him far toooooo much :-)
4 Sep
He does have really great feet, just a shame the vet made a hole in it! I am very pissed with the vet to say the least!!!!!!!!!!!
It is padded with a vet shoof boot, as there is a bit of mud where he is. As soon as he is here, where it is dry he won’t wear one.
He is heaps better; the shoe will only be if the farrier thinks it need protection. I am going to try without but that is worst case scenario!!
The lad should be fine for you to ride, and yes he has started moulting out! Hair everywhere.
I will give you an update on Sunday when he gets back here from his little break. It should have done him good anyway despite the foot.
7 Sep
Dum dum's home :-) looking fab, sporting a nice new cover! A present from Wendy lucky boy :) His foots ok he jut a little lame. Farrier out tomorrow.
Wendy likes to spoil ponies! Lol. Yes will keep you posted bout foot. Want to get some work into him before he heads home :) He'll be sweet though. He's a good boy
25 Aug
Dum dum still a bit sore, after the bruise and everything went away he got a dam secondary infection :-( he was been on Anti-biotics and is now heaps better. I will be working him again after his little unplanned break as soon as he is happy on his foot again.
31 Aug
Drum still has a hole in his foot, damn vets, I could kill em :-( Dont worry, you'll not get his vet bill. My friend is paying it.
Drum will be coming back to my place this weekend and I will work him all week (foot permitting). I was so wild about the vet digging holes! It would have been better to have left it, as it was just a stone bruise to start with and only abcessed due to the digging argh. But Wendy thought it was for the best. Her hearts in the right place anyway.
She has fallen in love with Drum Drum and is very sad he is has to leave. She has offered him a home if you ever not want him, I have told her it is not at all likely! LOL You love him far toooooo much :-)
4 Sep
He does have really great feet, just a shame the vet made a hole in it! I am very pissed with the vet to say the least!!!!!!!!!!!
It is padded with a vet shoof boot, as there is a bit of mud where he is. As soon as he is here, where it is dry he won’t wear one.
He is heaps better; the shoe will only be if the farrier thinks it need protection. I am going to try without but that is worst case scenario!!
The lad should be fine for you to ride, and yes he has started moulting out! Hair everywhere.
I will give you an update on Sunday when he gets back here from his little break. It should have done him good anyway despite the foot.
7 Sep
Dum dum's home :-) looking fab, sporting a nice new cover! A present from Wendy lucky boy :) His foots ok he jut a little lame. Farrier out tomorrow.
Wendy likes to spoil ponies! Lol. Yes will keep you posted bout foot. Want to get some work into him before he heads home :) He'll be sweet though. He's a good boy
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
What's New?
via Email: 11 Aug
He has been enjoying running with the gang, especially play time and gallop races! Hazel and I have been sharing the work so he gets used to a different feel of rider. She is not as effective with her aids but still a nice rider.
We have worked through several different areas with him, from a little jumping, hacking out (alone and in company), pony club, canter work to gallop work. We have taken him through creeks, up banks, down steep hills etc...
One ride was about 2 hours where he was one of four out for the ride. This was the ride he picked up a stone unfortunately as Hazel trotted him on the gravel farm track a few times.
He likes to stick close to the other horses when out which is funny! He is like glue, where Lenny goes he goes. But on the other hand he is great on his own! Funny little fellow.
He is no longer spooky with most things, though he does spook when another horse does. We are not sure if he is getting a fright from the source of the other horses spook or from the horse spooking itself!!!
His flat work is going well, he is much more obedient to the aids, Hazel tends to make him trot a little fast but normally he is pretty lazy.
When he spooks it is a "legs splayed" sort of movement not a "turn and run" or "twist and jump" sort of thing.
Currently he is over at a friends place keeping her horse company for a few weeks until I get back from Invercargill (there for four days next week). He went on her float after only two attempts. He is getting much more happy to go on, though still a little impatient once on and waiting for the float to move. Digging holes is a new trick maybe?
She will do some loading training with him while he is there and I will ride him twice a week on my way home from work, once his foot is better. They have an arena so I can play in there with him.
via Txt: 10 Aug
Poor little Dumdum has a stone bruise. Must have been from big ride out two weeks ago. He's ok, we are monitoring it and will let you know if he needs anything. He has been out for floating trip over to his new temp digs.
12 Aug
Wendy had vet out to Drum to relieve pressure and now he is very happy.
My friend is TOTALLY in love with your horse! :) He's spoilt rotten. Just hope she doesn't feed him too much! Lol. He'll probably be very pleased to see you :) We'll have to t-up some lessons when you're back and settled. I think we'll start you back up with ground work since you've been apart so long. That should make you feel calmer?
He has been enjoying running with the gang, especially play time and gallop races! Hazel and I have been sharing the work so he gets used to a different feel of rider. She is not as effective with her aids but still a nice rider.
We have worked through several different areas with him, from a little jumping, hacking out (alone and in company), pony club, canter work to gallop work. We have taken him through creeks, up banks, down steep hills etc...
One ride was about 2 hours where he was one of four out for the ride. This was the ride he picked up a stone unfortunately as Hazel trotted him on the gravel farm track a few times.
He likes to stick close to the other horses when out which is funny! He is like glue, where Lenny goes he goes. But on the other hand he is great on his own! Funny little fellow.
He is no longer spooky with most things, though he does spook when another horse does. We are not sure if he is getting a fright from the source of the other horses spook or from the horse spooking itself!!!
His flat work is going well, he is much more obedient to the aids, Hazel tends to make him trot a little fast but normally he is pretty lazy.
When he spooks it is a "legs splayed" sort of movement not a "turn and run" or "twist and jump" sort of thing.
Currently he is over at a friends place keeping her horse company for a few weeks until I get back from Invercargill (there for four days next week). He went on her float after only two attempts. He is getting much more happy to go on, though still a little impatient once on and waiting for the float to move. Digging holes is a new trick maybe?
She will do some loading training with him while he is there and I will ride him twice a week on my way home from work, once his foot is better. They have an arena so I can play in there with him.
via Txt: 10 Aug
Poor little Dumdum has a stone bruise. Must have been from big ride out two weeks ago. He's ok, we are monitoring it and will let you know if he needs anything. He has been out for floating trip over to his new temp digs.
12 Aug
Wendy had vet out to Drum to relieve pressure and now he is very happy.
My friend is TOTALLY in love with your horse! :) He's spoilt rotten. Just hope she doesn't feed him too much! Lol. He'll probably be very pleased to see you :) We'll have to t-up some lessons when you're back and settled. I think we'll start you back up with ground work since you've been apart so long. That should make you feel calmer?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
New Tack
Got me a new saddle. Near new, no marks or wearing what so ever. 17" Wintec 500 mounted. Hooray! I folded up a blanket and put it over the oil heater so I could have a sit lol. Drum also has a new bit - KK training type and a new bridle with braided browband and noseband - pretty, just like Flow's old bridle! So he's been decked out with a new outfit and has new pjs.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Moving On Up!
Txt updates:
20 July: Drummer had another wee jumping session yesterday after some flatwork revision :) lol he wont be a GP star! 50cm seems his happy height!
My pupil Hazel will be taking over riding him soon. Will do him good to have another rider before you get home and start riding again. She'll even bring him to PC! [first day this Sunday]
25 July: Drum just completed 12km hill ride with Hazel :) She likes him so they should make a great team over the next few months.
I'll take some photos of the two of them at PC tomorrow.
Did him good today :) [the ride] he was a bit tired after though lol won't be too long and you'll be riding him again [hooray!]
26 July: Drum had so much fun at PC! He loved it, was an angel and even worked better than most of the other seniors!
5 August: Drum is going great. Came out for a gallop with me and Lenny on monday Hazel and he get on well. He was cool calm and collected :)
He's going pretty well even going cross country, riding through water, up and down banks etc Getting lots of experiences.
20 July: Drummer had another wee jumping session yesterday after some flatwork revision :) lol he wont be a GP star! 50cm seems his happy height!
My pupil Hazel will be taking over riding him soon. Will do him good to have another rider before you get home and start riding again. She'll even bring him to PC! [first day this Sunday]
25 July: Drum just completed 12km hill ride with Hazel :) She likes him so they should make a great team over the next few months.
I'll take some photos of the two of them at PC tomorrow.
Did him good today :) [the ride] he was a bit tired after though lol won't be too long and you'll be riding him again [hooray!]
26 July: Drum had so much fun at PC! He loved it, was an angel and even worked better than most of the other seniors!
5 August: Drum is going great. Came out for a gallop with me and Lenny on monday Hazel and he get on well. He was cool calm and collected :)
He's going pretty well even going cross country, riding through water, up and down banks etc Getting lots of experiences.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Drum Out Hacking
Here are some photos of Drum out hacking last weekend... and an update from Gemma: "PS he is now out with the herd, about mid field and loving every min! There are 7 boys all together!! They were racing today and guess who was winning!! DUM DUM!"
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
What Has Drum Been Doing?
Some email updates from Gemma:
July 2
Here is a quick up date for you. Drummer is getting better with his jumping, flat work seems to be pretty consistent now and I have started hacking him out on his own. We have now completed the main workload for him. It is intended that when my riding pupil comes back from the UK she will take over riding him, hacking him out, he may even come up to pony club a few times. We are working on a report for you on his progress, detailing what we have been doing with him, how he has gotten on etc…
July 11
Took Dum dum, (the name has stuck since your visit!!!) out yesterday with a mate who rode the schoolmaster. He was great, a bit tired when we got home. We went out for 2 and a half hours!! Lots of cantering and trotting. He had a ball. Was very well behaved only shied once and even lead the other horse for a few hundred meters with a real beginner rider.
So I am very happy with the wee chap!
Other news, I went into labour 3wks early and had my baby, Riley James, on the 2nd of July. We got out of hospital 9nights later. He is a feisty wee savage at feed times but otherwise very placid and laid back. It means that I have an extra 3wks to get fit again for riding! So excited. And I think introducing Riley to Drummer will go much more smoothly than the intro to Jethro who was waaay over excited and just about flattened the both of us!
July 2
Here is a quick up date for you. Drummer is getting better with his jumping, flat work seems to be pretty consistent now and I have started hacking him out on his own. We have now completed the main workload for him. It is intended that when my riding pupil comes back from the UK she will take over riding him, hacking him out, he may even come up to pony club a few times. We are working on a report for you on his progress, detailing what we have been doing with him, how he has gotten on etc…
July 11
Took Dum dum, (the name has stuck since your visit!!!) out yesterday with a mate who rode the schoolmaster. He was great, a bit tired when we got home. We went out for 2 and a half hours!! Lots of cantering and trotting. He had a ball. Was very well behaved only shied once and even lead the other horse for a few hundred meters with a real beginner rider.
So I am very happy with the wee chap!
Other news, I went into labour 3wks early and had my baby, Riley James, on the 2nd of July. We got out of hospital 9nights later. He is a feisty wee savage at feed times but otherwise very placid and laid back. It means that I have an extra 3wks to get fit again for riding! So excited. And I think introducing Riley to Drummer will go much more smoothly than the intro to Jethro who was waaay over excited and just about flattened the both of us!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Visit to see Drum
I went to see Drum the day after my birthday. He seemed very happy and ho-hum about everything, so he was pretty relaxed. He was still very licky and cuddly. I took some gingernuts for him and got a few photos. Gemma just hopped on and rode him out to the paddock, he thought a cover on the ground was going to eat him but walked on no problems when told to, he also thought there was a monster in the hedge a couple of times (only Liam the dog) and he would stop to look, but didnt play up. He trotted and cantered in both directions, changing reins a few times and did some lead changes which was great to see. He still has his head down quite far while he tries to find his 
balance but he is working happily. I didnt get very good photos but I will add a couple of the better ones. Gemma also FB me last night and said: "Hiya! guess what! Drummer is learning to Jump! He is getting the idea, is VERY careful and pretty sensible. Will take some vids tomorrow if I have someone with me to do the recording." So that is pretty exciting! Cant wait to see the video if she gets one.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
More Updates
8 June
via txt - Had canters around big paddock yesterday. He was good and pretty balanced. Will start working on canters in smaller areas this week. He is a very sweet young fellow and seems to be enjoying his work. He wasnt sure about the neighbours pig though!
Get to visit Drummer today next week! Really looking forward to it, even Shawn reminded me we had to buy gingernuts for Drum - brownie points for Shawn! Hope the weather is decent. Really like to see how Drum is going ridden.
via txt - Had canters around big paddock yesterday. He was good and pretty balanced. Will start working on canters in smaller areas this week. He is a very sweet young fellow and seems to be enjoying his work. He wasnt sure about the neighbours pig though!
Get to visit Drummer today next week! Really looking forward to it, even Shawn reminded me we had to buy gingernuts for Drum - brownie points for Shawn! Hope the weather is decent. Really like to see how Drum is going ridden.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Some Photos
Here are a few photos of Drum. He is going better every day! He was getting the hang of going in circles during these photos. His head is a little all over the show but I am just working on "bend and forwardness". His head will become more stable and pole high as he gains balance. He is pretty green but is getting the idea!He is really enjoying the hacking out each day too! We do a little schooling the a hack most days until he is fitter then he can do more in the arena.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Emails From Gemma
To keep updated on Drum, I will post relevant emails and txts from Gemma.
May 20
Drum worked really well on the lounge, was not keen at first on the side reins but i had them nice and long and in the end he lowered his head and accepted them well. Mum will be working him again today on the lounge as I am working in town. PS once he was working there was no sign of wobbles! When I put him out after work and a little food he even went charging about bucking and kicking up his heals! Hard thing!
May 22
[via txt] Drums working well. Will have one more session on lunge then will ride him all next week.
May 23
Mum worked him yesterday and was pleasantly surprised at his good manners and work ethic! The weather here today is horrible to say the least so he may not get a ride today, mind you he has been worked every day this week except wednesday it snowed that day! Brr
May 25
[via txt] Drum had a good hack out today. Little lumpy to start off but really enjoyed it in the end.
May 26
Drummer was good today, had his toes done and was pretty sweet to ride.Will take some photos now the weather is better, prob on thursday as tomorrow he will be lounged as I am working in town.
May 29
Drum has his first really schooling session in the arena yesterday.He did ok! I have changed his bit as he was not 100% happy in the one that came with him. Mum long reined him and it really improved his contact, steering stopping etc... It obviously made a difference cause he was heaps better yesterday.I am working on fitting a saddle to him, as his own sits down on his whither and may cause issues in the future which I would like to avoid? This may improve once he starts to build some muscle across his back, so will periodically check the fit. The vet was out yesterday so he was injected for worms rather than drenched. This brings him in line with our lot so can now go on regular rotation with the gang. We have a bachelor pad with five geldings together at present and it is a good number, any less and they squabble! Two will be going this weekend so once they go Drum can enter the gang!! If there looks to be any problems we'll put him back on his own. I prom to get some photos to you this weekend.
[via txt] Drums starting to get the idea of being commanded from on top rather than on ground. He keeps looking for mum when I ride.
May 20
Drum worked really well on the lounge, was not keen at first on the side reins but i had them nice and long and in the end he lowered his head and accepted them well. Mum will be working him again today on the lounge as I am working in town. PS once he was working there was no sign of wobbles! When I put him out after work and a little food he even went charging about bucking and kicking up his heals! Hard thing!
May 22
[via txt] Drums working well. Will have one more session on lunge then will ride him all next week.
May 23
Mum worked him yesterday and was pleasantly surprised at his good manners and work ethic! The weather here today is horrible to say the least so he may not get a ride today, mind you he has been worked every day this week except wednesday it snowed that day! Brr
May 25
[via txt] Drum had a good hack out today. Little lumpy to start off but really enjoyed it in the end.
May 26
Drummer was good today, had his toes done and was pretty sweet to ride.Will take some photos now the weather is better, prob on thursday as tomorrow he will be lounged as I am working in town.
May 29
Drum has his first really schooling session in the arena yesterday.He did ok! I have changed his bit as he was not 100% happy in the one that came with him. Mum long reined him and it really improved his contact, steering stopping etc... It obviously made a difference cause he was heaps better yesterday.I am working on fitting a saddle to him, as his own sits down on his whither and may cause issues in the future which I would like to avoid? This may improve once he starts to build some muscle across his back, so will periodically check the fit. The vet was out yesterday so he was injected for worms rather than drenched. This brings him in line with our lot so can now go on regular rotation with the gang. We have a bachelor pad with five geldings together at present and it is a good number, any less and they squabble! Two will be going this weekend so once they go Drum can enter the gang!! If there looks to be any problems we'll put him back on his own. I prom to get some photos to you this weekend.
[via txt] Drums starting to get the idea of being commanded from on top rather than on ground. He keeps looking for mum when I ride.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Picking Drum Up
Gemma turned up a few days ago to pick up Drum and take him away to her place for the next few months. She txtd me repeatedly while she was there, keeping me updated on what was happening. As soon as she turned up, Drum neighed and ran over for licks and kisses! Lol.
Apparently he was a bit of a prat to load. He wasn't over the top, but he was reluctant and kept trying to go off the side of the ramp, getting halfway up and then looking anywhere but into the float! Mum got home and was a bit stressed about having to help, but she put her arm around Drum's bum and Gemma presented a bucket of nuts and he went straight on!
He travelled fine and as far as I know has settled happily. Gemma's place is non rye pasture so he will get to graze full time, and there are plenty new horses to become friends with. I should receive his full training schedule soon and Drum is starting work tomorrow!
Apparently he was a bit of a prat to load. He wasn't over the top, but he was reluctant and kept trying to go off the side of the ramp, getting halfway up and then looking anywhere but into the float! Mum got home and was a bit stressed about having to help, but she put her arm around Drum's bum and Gemma presented a bucket of nuts and he went straight on!
He travelled fine and as far as I know has settled happily. Gemma's place is non rye pasture so he will get to graze full time, and there are plenty new horses to become friends with. I should receive his full training schedule soon and Drum is starting work tomorrow!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Hes off next week
Gemma is picking Drummer up next week and he is to start his schooling work the Monday after next. The plan is to school him for four weeks and then Gemma will keep him on until I get home later in the year, just keeping him in work, at a fantastic price.
His schooling work entails 6 days a week of work, including lunging and long reining work, hacking out and basic schooling (both work over poles and small jumps to start with, and dressage training).
After his schooling he will be put onto the 'ticking over' work which is a few rides out, or schooling sessions a week plus handling.
The pasture at Gemma's is non rye so hopefully he can pretty much be 'weaned off' his hard feed (which is just to get his toxin binders into him) and just live off pasture and hay. He's a fatty so he will do well.
I will post again with an update on his ride to Gemma's and how he settles. And updated posts on his progress over the next few months. I hope to visit him in June.
His schooling work entails 6 days a week of work, including lunging and long reining work, hacking out and basic schooling (both work over poles and small jumps to start with, and dressage training).
After his schooling he will be put onto the 'ticking over' work which is a few rides out, or schooling sessions a week plus handling.
The pasture at Gemma's is non rye so hopefully he can pretty much be 'weaned off' his hard feed (which is just to get his toxin binders into him) and just live off pasture and hay. He's a fatty so he will do well.
I will post again with an update on his ride to Gemma's and how he settles. And updated posts on his progress over the next few months. I hope to visit him in June.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Long Over Due Update
12 February 2009
Wow it's been like six months since I last posted. I never had time for Drum when I went back to work end of July, I was working 12hr days, 9days in a row. I saw him on my 3days off but because he hadn't been worked, it just wasn't a good idea to get on and go for a ride. He lived at my Mum and sisters farm and they looked after him. He went a bit wild they said, he was only settled and happy on days I had visited, the rest of the time he thought he was a wild stallion. I felt awful for neglecting him.
Early Decemeber I found out I was pregnant so quit work just before Christmas. Let me tell you, morning sickness and 5am milkings do not mix well. Nor does all day sickness and bouncing around on motorbikes and tractors during the day... Then milking in the heat of the summer afternoon. So glad to get out of there.
Anyway my partner and I had decided we were going to move to the deep south, Invercargill, home of Burt Munro, Worlds Fastest Indian back in the day, to work and study for the year. Partner is earning the big bucks, Im finishing my second year of vet nursing and popping out a baby in July. We searched for grazing down here for Drum but found none in time before we moved. Drum stayed home as I probably wouldnt have time for him again. Im sorry Drummer.
I had arranged for some girls to ride Drum for me but none were confident enough. My sister arranged for Drum to go away for schooling for at least a month. My sister is a good, confident rider but didnt really have the skills to bring him back into work. And because of my confidence issues, I know I will never be in the position to school a young horse again. Some say I should sell Drum and buy something more experienced and safe but I would rather keep Drum and spend some money getting him to the point where I wouldve considered buying him as a more experienced safe hack. So off he goes. When he comes back my sister will ride him for the rest of the year, then we will share him when I get home. I will have a baby then so will still need help with him. The trainer he is going to requires that all horses she schools, continue to get lessons from her after they go home to ensure horse and rider still understand each other and are still heading in the same direction.
So I hope it all works out. He is only rising 7. We have plenty of time to get back in the saddle, he doesnt mind living the good life! Big paddock, good feed, good mates, no work. Lucky boy.
Wow it's been like six months since I last posted. I never had time for Drum when I went back to work end of July, I was working 12hr days, 9days in a row. I saw him on my 3days off but because he hadn't been worked, it just wasn't a good idea to get on and go for a ride. He lived at my Mum and sisters farm and they looked after him. He went a bit wild they said, he was only settled and happy on days I had visited, the rest of the time he thought he was a wild stallion. I felt awful for neglecting him.
Early Decemeber I found out I was pregnant so quit work just before Christmas. Let me tell you, morning sickness and 5am milkings do not mix well. Nor does all day sickness and bouncing around on motorbikes and tractors during the day... Then milking in the heat of the summer afternoon. So glad to get out of there.
Anyway my partner and I had decided we were going to move to the deep south, Invercargill, home of Burt Munro, Worlds Fastest Indian back in the day, to work and study for the year. Partner is earning the big bucks, Im finishing my second year of vet nursing and popping out a baby in July. We searched for grazing down here for Drum but found none in time before we moved. Drum stayed home as I probably wouldnt have time for him again. Im sorry Drummer.
I had arranged for some girls to ride Drum for me but none were confident enough. My sister arranged for Drum to go away for schooling for at least a month. My sister is a good, confident rider but didnt really have the skills to bring him back into work. And because of my confidence issues, I know I will never be in the position to school a young horse again. Some say I should sell Drum and buy something more experienced and safe but I would rather keep Drum and spend some money getting him to the point where I wouldve considered buying him as a more experienced safe hack. So off he goes. When he comes back my sister will ride him for the rest of the year, then we will share him when I get home. I will have a baby then so will still need help with him. The trainer he is going to requires that all horses she schools, continue to get lessons from her after they go home to ensure horse and rider still understand each other and are still heading in the same direction.
So I hope it all works out. He is only rising 7. We have plenty of time to get back in the saddle, he doesnt mind living the good life! Big paddock, good feed, good mates, no work. Lucky boy.
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