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?