So at the end of my last blog, I was hesitantly considering climbing on board Aria for the first time. So did I or didn’t I?
Well what can I say, I’m ecstatic!! The impossible became possible and I did manage to get aboard and sit on Aria for the first time.
I felt so privileged to be her first ever rider, and had an overwhelming sense of pride knowing we had both worked so hard to get to this one moment. It has been a long time coming though, as Aria has had problems with the strength of her back legs and this will be something on going that with correct work will hopefully rectify.
We do have a long road ahead still, which I won’t rush, she’ll need to learn leg aids as despite her understanding of my commands from the ground, she was a bit confused when I was in the saddle - when asked to walk forward we seemed to go in reverse… a lot! Although we had some beautiful moon walk practice ha!
Aria waiting patiently for a treat!
Autumn proved her awesomeness again by escorting one of our friends and her pony on a stroll around the village, she’s a great horse for helping to boost confidence in both riders and equines. A lovely ride was had by all in the glorious early morning sunshine (before it warmed up too much) and it made a lovely change to schooling.
Bob has been brilliant again this week with his flatwork, all calm and no rush, and most importantly - no spooking at all! As a treat he’s been allowed to do a little more jump practice and he’s progressing incredibly well. Following on from being able to calmly go over trot poles, Bob can now approach a 2’6 fence at the trot and he’s finally understood that we do not have to fly at all jumps at full pelt! It’s also so much easier to see his stride on approach hurrah!
I’m that pleased with his progress that I thought I’d go mad and take him to the local Equestrian Centre in 2 weeks to do a few Show Jumping rounds – fingers crossed he remembers his training and doesn’t get too affected by the atmosphere! I’m really looking forward to having some fun with him :)
Bob enjoying the last of the summer sun
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Once again I threw Arlo in at the deep end, affiliating him purely for the Arena UK second round show, and once again he pulled it out the bag. How lucky am I to have such a wonderful little horse? We haven’t really competed this year. I don’t really compete over the winter, and also my horsebox was away for repairs up until the beginning of June, so I had no transport even if I’d wanted to.
With the dry ground we don’t seem to be having much luck with shoes, as little madam managed to pull both her front shoes off within 12 hours the other day! We entered the arena with two shoes on for a schooling session and left it with one missing (took about an hour to find it). Then that afternoon, as I went to put some hoof ointment on, I looked down and had to double take, thinking I was looking at the wrong hoof. But, no, the other shoe was missing too.
After having a long wait and some lunch at the onsite café, it was time to get ready for the Joan Wolfe Overall Supreme Shetland Pony Championship. I got changed out of my usual showing outfit into black trousers and a maroon top with white spots, as you are expected to be a bit more “bling” in the evening.
We were all set to go for our next outing, and were super excited. That was until I heard the dreaded clunk of a loose shoe! I checked it over, praying it wasn’t too loose, but, nope, it was going to need a refit.