It's Been Too Long!

As the title suggests, it has indeed be far too long since I last posted a blog.
I have now moved house, written a few more essays for university, met and ridden some new horses, and of course, been working on Evo and Honey with their training!
Spring has also arrived, bringing along with it as Rahn likes to call it "Spring Fever" and boy, do my horses have that or what?!


With Evo, I've been doing lots of trotting and with every ride I feel like I'm getting stronger in my position. He's been a rather super cool dude... with a couple of days in question, but he's allowed them now and then! He's proved just how much of an adaptable horse he is... we've been having some really bad winds here in Christchurch, and there are some days where I just can't avoid riding and have to get in a quick session or else I've just wasted more time... and each time I do ride him in the wind, he actually settles down in it... I've found he's been a bit of a prick for others in the wind... but for "Mummy" and the exception of Simone, he's been really good. It just makes me even more proud of him... not many horses can handle the wind, it messes with their brains... but he settles into his work, starts accepting the bit and trots around happily, as if the gale force isn't bothering either of us haha. To some, it is cruel to subject him to this... and I do try to be as accommodating as I can be... but I'm not going to baby him... and if he doesn't seem to be affected by it, I should count myself lucky, not guilty for it!


Honey... wow, where to start?! If I wasn't writing a catch up blog, I would go into more detail over my beautiful ginger pony. Today she gained the title of "Super Ginger", and that's exactly what she is. We've been working together getting ready to be backed and started... and although I've not been able to be consistent and train her daily, she does get the saddle on at least 2-3 times a week. I did make the mistake of missing a step in my training, and although I was like "ugh you idiot" for a couple of seconds, I valued the lesson I learnt! I mean, backing and starting Evo was like a blur to me... sure I soaked in all the knowledge I could like a sponge, but I was so stunned and "deer in headlights" about it all, that I was sure to miss things here and there. So this time is so much more relaxed, half because I am more confident and I do know what is expected etc, but mainly because Honey is pretty much relaxed too. Anywho, today was the big day. My exceptionally talented best friend Rahn (yes, I do mean this Rahn, so let that head swell, haha!) came out to help me with this procedure. Rahn is experienced with backing and starting horses, and has a really easy approach to it all, allowing for it to suit the horse and her. Honey had a bit of an issue with the bucket, but she had that problem with me too. We got passed the "fetlock biting bucket" and soon were swiftly going through the steps to mounting, till finally Honey is being led around at a walk with a rider on her back! I was so freaking proud of my girl! She was really cute, and got all proud of herself and found this really cool stride to her walk... and looked like she was nodding her head going "yeahhh I'm so awesome!" Lol. Then, and I knew since we'd had so much success, that Rahn was going to tell me to get up... I admit I was nervous... who isn't?! This is my baby pony, who although didn't put a foot wrong, didn't have any real knowledge of being a riding pony! But I sucked it in and got involved straight away, putting in a big effort and overcoming my nerves. I actually was up pretty quickly, and after lowering my heart rate, went for walkies on my own pony! The feeling was exhilarating! I slowly relaxed and found my balance, and enjoyed myself. Rahn quoted on my bebo that I said while I was babbling away with excitement on her back - "You're such a good girl Honey..you're just what Mummy's needed, a short strong smooth super ginger pony." And she's exactly that... to think not even 8months ago, I was too afraid to trot on Evo for long because I had no faith in myself... and even before that, I was struggling to overcome nerves that would sometimes leave me with panic attacks for no reason! And here I am, sitting and walking upon my pony who I've not owned long, who I've looked incredibly forward to backing and starting, not to mention rode her without stirrups for the whole time (if you don't know me, I am reliant on stirrups as I have balance issues and a bad knee) ! I was so proud of my Honey Bee, but also myself... who knew I'd come this far. Oh yes, the babbling has began again and all the thoughts are just poring out of me... but I guess the point I'm meaning is that I amaze myself. I used to think I was a rubbish rider... Evo soon took care of that, as you can't be a horrible rider to be on his back! He's trained me so much, and now I get the pleasure of using what I've learnt, on Honey! I'm so incredibly excited!!!


As for my gorgeous lil minx of a pony, Bailey, well the lucky toad has been enjoying life as a paddock ornament. I have unfortunately got her up for lease/sale to the right home, because of this fact. I'm not stupid, me and Bai will NEVER make an awesome team like me and Evo, or what me and Honey WILL make... and I've had so much fun with her, it's time for her to have some fun with a nice new person, who is lighter, smaller, and more determined... that and doesn't have two other horses to train and work, one who is an incredibly attention seeker, and also two more SBs to ride and start training too! I'll always love Bai... she was my first pony.. and if I had all the money out, and my own land, I'd put her into foal, and let her have her dream of being purely a paddock mate/broodie. But alas, the world has yet to be that kind, and although she will only go to the RIGHT home, she does have a "For Sale" sign above her head.


I've mentioned a couple of other SBs to muck about with, and this is true. I have a mate at my paddocks who is needing to gain her confidence back on top of a horse, and since I have more experience, I've offered to help her with getting her horses fit and ready to help her along her journey. The first is a bay gelding named Frankie. He's approx 15.2hh and a sweetheart on the ground... his history tells us that he's a bolter, and although I usually shy away from bolters (lol Bailey's done it to me enough thanks), he's been otherwise a gentleman to me! He is sore, and had a chiro visit, but I do believe with exercise he will brighten up a bit, and show me his naughty side! But for now, he's been really awesome, and I'm hoping that with some nice, consistent work, and enough exercises to occupy him, the bolting thing won't be an issue. He does pace, and I am working on correcting this... because when he does trot, it's rather lovely :)
The second SB is a lovely mare whom I've known for quite some time now, who my friend has recently taken on. Her name is Ocean, and she was one of Rahn's horses! Ocean is a beautiful big girl, who I've always been fond of. She's had a sketchy past, and therefore does have areas where she will look out for herself out of fear. But on a whole she's a lovely mare, that Rahn believes I can do a good job at backing and starting myself, of course with her advice and help if I ever need it! I'm in no hurry to get started, as my main priority is Honey's training and Evo's of course... but it's exciting to know I'm going to be extending my horse knowledge some more by learning how to work with her, as well as help her into a lovely riding mount!


So I think I've said far more than what is needed. I am excited, and anticipating more training with these lovely horses, and spending some special time with my wee minx of a pony!
Signing off,

Chelle.