The Daffy Diaries

[Daffy Dilly]

We've started something new, so decided it was as good a time as any to start a training log. The pictures (at least from the past events bits) don't necessarily fit in right, as I don't have the oldest ones on here.

Where it started

I started searching for a horse to buy when my loan pony was taken back with no notice. I worked with Daffy's owner (who had him for 6 months), and had seen him ridden to the shop once. He was grumpy, and nowt special. Long story short, in February 2004 I convinced his owner to let me go and see him. Although he had been for sale a couple of weeks, she expected him to be too strong for me. I fell off a black welsh cob which bolted with me in the morning, putting a hole in my hat and soaking my jacket. I rode Daffy in the "school" in the rain with a holy hat and no coat, a muddy patch of flat ground with a very big drop on one side, and no fence. I was very tense and kept making him canter, but I felt safe. Hacked him out the week after, and took him on a weeks trial the week after that.

During that week he;

Jumped down a 6ft wall/banking onto the road infront of two arabs
Ran off during the vetting
Ran off during the vetting again
Tanked off with me in a race with another horse (resulting in a slipping saddle and a rider with a bust lip and cheek

But we bought him anyway, and on the 22nd February he was mine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/2004_0805Image00612.jpg

[Daffy Dilly]

Since then

Manners
In the months (and indeed years!) that followed he was generally a very stroppy sod. He would run through you, rather than around, and if you opened the stable door you were asking for it. If you didn't open the stable door you were asking for it too mind, and I vividly remember being squished between his chest and the stable door. The stall guard lasted a couple of days. He watched me go under it, he watched mum go under it, and then *he* went under it. On his third escape, he just walked through it. Yes, that's galvanised steel, and he broke it at a walk.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/16thJanuary002.jpg

His manners are much improved since moving yards, and ditching the person that used to look after him half the time, they didn't get on it turns out. He did barge past mum the other day, but its a rarity. He'll even back up when you want to enter the stable now, something unthinkable at the old yard. Generally he's a happier pony.

Training
We've done quite a lot of training, but most of the improvements have been made over the last few months. Having never been taught to work a horse in an outline, we're now getting glimpses of it. We've gone from this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/daffybirchridden.jpg

to this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/scan0002.jpg

and then some since. Also improved our jumping, to the point of him confidently dragging me around a course a month or so ago..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/untitled.jpg

compared to

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/th_capture0016.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/?action=view&current=capture0016.flv)

where clearly things needed a lot of experience, nevermind improvement!

Still got a way to go on the training things, the shift towards classical dressage has definately been a good one, but we'll get there one day I hope.

Physical
I'll never forget the weekend when I made a major c*ck up, resulting in box rest and sore legs for Daffy. :( I went away, and at the time he was wearing boots in the field. Because it was muddy Mum didn't realise they were on, and they rubbed his forelegs raw, and infected. He has some barely noticeable scarring, and he's forgiven me, but I still feel awful when I think about it. I have however, done better in other respects.

I know I was a fairly novice rider when it came to schooling, but I eventually decided to get his back seen to. Turns out he had a twisted neck and pelvis, possibly due to the arthritis in his off hind. That resulted in lots of longreining, meaning the bit of muscle wastage he had (I think stemming from before I and his previous owners bought him) disappeared and I bought this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF0920-1.jpg

Still trying to pay off the overdraft now. :rolleyes:

We got fixed, and things improved. He then pulled a muscle in August, so he had more time off. He came right, and we started having some hacking issues, and then I noticed some problems in the school, which brings us to where we are now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/April009.jpg

[Daffy Dilly]

This last week or two

I noticed he wasn't as forwards as normal. He's quite laid back anyway, but usually transitions and a wipwop will get him forwards off the leg. He went off my leg, but not forwards off it. He seemed to be struggling in trot and canter, but I could find nothing obvious. Had the vet out on Monday, who thought he was lame on his off fore (although hard to see), but we couldn't do flexion tests on his near hind. Vet prescribed a week of box rest and bute, working at the end of the week to see if there is any improvement.

He's still on bute, and I freeschooled this morning. Plan was if he was better today/tomorrow, to take him off the bute and try him sat/sunday. I couldn't tell really, although I don't think he is. I'll be trying him under saddle tomorrow in the hope that I can feel better than I can see.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/5thOctober0312.jpg

[Daffy Dilly]

So finally (for tonight at least!) the reason for me starting this thread.

I recieved my copy of Clicker Training For Your Horse (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clicker-Training-Horse-Alexandra-Kurland/dp/1890948357/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/202-7180756-7403005?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190326080&sr=8-1) today, and of course I had to try it out this afternoon.

Well I cannot believe how clever that horse is sometimes. The book recommended to start with target training, so that they learn to associate the click with the treat. I chose the lid off a supplement tub, as it was quite big and yellow. He's a nosy boy anyway, but he touched it almost straight away, and I clicked and treated, got another treat ready.

He touched it again - click-treat - and before I could get another treat out of my pocket, he touched it again. This happened a couple of times, I had to encourage him a little after my lack of clicks, but I realised I had to move the lid away so he couldn't touch it, I'm not quick enough to respond to that. On the 2nd go he had it sussed. :D

We did some more, and then I let him into the school for a bit. I went out with the lid and clicker to the gate, and he was looking away. But he came over, touched the lid straight off.

Later on he was 40metres away at the other end of the school, I stood outside the gate, called him, he walked over, touched the lid. He touched it high, low, and out to the side. Tomorrow I might try getting him to touch it when I'm not holding it, but I must read more of the book first. :p

Even though he's grumpy with being in, he loved this new game, and I think I do too! ;)

[capalldubh]

Tee hee, first rule of clicker training - read two chapters at a time so you are always one ahead of your horse - they are always smarter than we give them credit for (or possibly they have already read the book ;)).

I like your update, nice story! Hope he continues to feel better :)

[tabithakat64]

Lovely looking horse, you can really tell how much work you've put in , he goes so much better than before.

[PonyGirlAsh]

Aw I love this! Keep at it so we can see the progress!

[Daffy Dilly]

Well his week is up. I freeschooled thursday, not sure so rode friday (just walk/trot/canter, no proper warmup as don't want to push it) and he was forwards as normal. Based on that he had his last sachet of bute friday morning, and I jumped on him last night.

He was reasonably forwards (although less so than when he had the bute, could be down to his arthritis) but kept breaking his paces, and on that alone I'm not convinced. So, vet (same one) coming back tomorrow and we'll go from there.

Also noted, although I picked up on it when the vet was here first time, he has tickly withers again (vanished when his neck/pelvis were fixed), so he needs a visit from the physio if I get the all clear to do so.

On the clicker training front, started trying to attach a cue to the touch. I don't know if he's got that yet, he still touches it, but a bit more reinforcement with that and I'll progress to clicking only when he's given the cue to touch first. He's still enjoying it.

I've decided that the first thing I want to work on is standing still and relaxed. He gets so bored outside his stable, and when he's pawing the ground it would be great to say "stop" and him actually stop. Similarly when someone let him into the field yesterday morning (he barged out of the school after them) and he was running around it would've been nice to say "stop" and him stop and stand to be caught. :rolleyes:

That will then translate to the mounting block which he is being a sod with, and also bridling which he wasn't impressed with yesterday although we rarely have a problem, far too grumpy to be ridden. :rolleyes:

[Daffy Dilly]

Well, Daffy has been referred to the horsepital, and is due to go in on the 15th of the month, must get the insurance claim in ASAP or he can't go. The more I think about it the more I think it's in one of his hocks, but we shall see what they come up with. I hope he can take at least one decahedron, he'll be absolutely gutted if not. :rolleyes:

Clicker training is going reasonably well. He doesn't seem to have the "touch" command down yet, but then I'm not certain how to test that he does. As long as I don't throw it too far away, he'll touch it. Have had to withhold some clicks though, as he's started just dipping his nose (quickly quickly mum!) rather than actually touching. Clever boy, but I'm not falling for it. :p

Then his lateral work is also coming on. He understands now, we can do a turn on the forehand/haunches, and I started trying to introduce about the haunches yesterday, but that will take some more work. We had a couple of steps though, cue lots of clicking! :D

He's also been moved onto hayledge (mixed with hay atm) and is he wasting it? Not a chance. :p :cool:

[Tesh_Tesh]

very gooood diaries!! :):):):):)

[horsesforever]

These are great to read! :)

[Denbenj]

great diary really enjoyed reading that!..

Well done to you for all the work you have put in :D

[Daffy Dilly]

I haven't updated this for a while, but there hasn't been much to say. He most definately did not go to the Equine clinic on the 15th, nor in fact, does it seem like he'll be going at all at this rate. I find myself getting rather irritated having to ring and chase people every day, and I can tell the insurance peeps are getting annoyed with me chasing them - "well nothing has changed since yesterday" so perhaps if they did the chasing of the vets rather than me.... ;)

On the plus side, since having his shoes taken off on Monday (it was that or they fell off, and I didn't want a new set putting on) he seems rather forward going. Still not 100% when he's off bute, but back to where I don't think he's lame. Absolutely dying to get his physio done again so I can start longreining him, seems unfair to ask him to work correctly with a sore back, but playing the waiting game on that too. :rolleyes:

I went to Tesco after work (some right weirdo's in there at 10.30pm!) and bought him a turnip and a parsnip, which he will get on Friday, I don't get to go up tomorrow night. Big ones of course, he likes to crunch them. :D

We aren't making massive progress with the CT, I really need to crack on with that, I've let it slip over the last week.

Some recentish pics, he is rather furry! I don't think I've put them on this forum yet, I lose track. :o

Filthy!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DaffyOctober2007001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DaffyOctober2007002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DaffyOctober2007003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DaffyOctober2007004.jpg

Clicker training, please ignore my trainers in the video!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DaffyOctober2007005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/th_DaffyOctober2007006.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/?action=view&current=DaffyOctober2007006.flv)

[Cheeky]

Wow you have come so far :) I love the clicker vid .. that a clever lad :)

[Daffy Dilly]

I don't know how many people remember, but last year he had an acident with some electric fencing and bolted into a wall. He's been terrified of the stuff ever since, to the point of my leadropes not being long enough to let me reach the fence if I'm holding him.

Well today I saw him plucking some (it's off!) with his teeth. He did a couple, but then he pulled too hard, and it bounced up his face and he ran off to poo himself. :D

I put another horse out, which basically involves lying a strand on the floor whilst you take them through, and who cantered over it into the next field? :rolleyes:

At least he's getting his confidence back, he used to go under it and all sorts! :cool:

[stevielee]

Aww i hope he's feeling better soon. Looks like your doing well with the clickers training to!
Also if he does have arthritus then you will find that taking his shoes off helps alot its something to do with heat in their legs, it improved my hoses arthritus alot :)

[pedilia]

Really great to see the progress you have made, makes for interesting reading.

[Bay Mare]

Well done :) It's really interesting to follow your journey with him :D

I hope that you can get him sorted soon x

[chickflick1066]

He's a chunky lad isn't he. How a proper Section D should be in my opinion ;) :D None of these sporty types you can get nowadays! :D

[Daffy Dilly]

I require a license to kill.

Honestly, so much messing around between the vets and the insurance company, "we haven't got this" or "well it was sent xxx", and in the mean time Daffy could be doing himself further damage in the field or by the time he gets to the clinic, he could be completely sound. Who knows? :rolleyes:

Also been told not to get his back done, but he's so tight, and it's really limiting what I'm willing to do with him. I want to get an EP out to look at him, but again I think the vets will say no, and I still think that if they say correctional shoeing, it would be a problem if he'd been seen to.

On the barefoot front, I took him for a mini hack earlier, just inhand and up the road 40 metres, but he wanted to trot bits and eat bits. Typical pony. Going to see how he feels tonight, and might take him for another mini hack tomorrow morning, it's about the only thing I can do with him, and he is getting FAT. :o

[Daffy Dilly]

We are making progress. In several areas, although of course not as much as I would like in one. :rolleyes:

Vets have finally gotten details to the insurance company, so if everything goes to plan we should know next week. I want to know now, but at least the "end" is somewhat in sight. Either he'll be taken for testing (sounds ominous) or he'll have his back/feet seen to and brought back into work slowly.

His new feed is on its way, should be here in about 40minutes. It will be interesting what he makes of it all, and he had better eat it! Hopefully it will spur me on to take more photos (need a new camara, or unlimited batteries really) to see what changes, if any, the different feed brings.

The clicker training is going rather well. Following on from a discussion on another forum, where it was said that I'm confusing his impatient behaviour for his personality, I've been clicker-ing none stop. Not like I'm doing much with him, but he'll now stand and wait, even if he knows he has a feed waiting. Before he'd just power walk, or even trot, through the barn. :cool:

[Daffy Dilly]

Hurrah!

NFU have gotten back to us (the day after the vets got the information through after a bit of a rant from me ;)) and have said that provided it's not related to one hock, they will pay. Dad has agreed that he can go, so I'm going to book him in tomorrow and hopefully he will be off on his not-so-jolly hols next week. :cool:

Oh, and he likes his new feed, but personally I think it looks gross :p

[HorseManiac]

Yes is it SS?

If yes, i think it looks like green and black POO.

Percy enjoys it !!:)

[EmsnMaisie]

And her I was getting all interested in the Simple systems.....until you told me what it looks like. Will you keep us posted on how Daffy gets on with it? I'm quite interested in the tailored diet each horse is given.

Glad to know everything is finally getting sorted out. Red tape and paperwork = :mad: Stress

[Daffy Dilly]

He's going on the 26th, kicking my heels until then! :)

RE the Simple Systems, which yes, does look like sloppy cow poo!

He's quite tubby atm, due to being off work. They still have some grass in the field, he's out roughly 8am-4.30pm everyday, and he gets ad lib hayledge during the night.

I've built his SS up to about the following over the last week;
- 0.2kg luciestalks
- 0.5kg (dry weight) luciebix
- 80g Total Eclipse

Split between two feeds, with the evening feed being about 3/4 of the relative amounts.

He's neither gaining, nor losing weight, so I'm going to stick at around that for now. I almost put some purabeet in to soak on Sunday, but took an objective look at him and thought I'd better not. :p I imagine that he'll start losing a bit of weight in a couple of weeks when the grass runs out and the temperature drops.

I've seen no other effects so far, his personality doesn't tend to be affected by his feeds, and as he's not in work I don't know what it might have done to his energy levels. I can't really comment on any improvement to his feet either, they weren't chipping as such, although they've been a consistent shape for the last couple of days. I put that down to the seaweed in the TE, good stuff. Gonna have an EP in December after the vet visit, so I'll know more about feet then!

What I have noticed though, particularly last night, normally when he goes in he goes straight for his feed and barely comes up for air. Yesterday he checked what was in the bucket, pushed it out of the way and played with his carrot balls. It was of course, all gone this morning. ;)

ETA, I suppose the sloppy chaff (luciebix) doesn't look so bad when it's mixed with the dry chaff (luciestalks), and it smells fine, and he likes it, but I try not to make it too sloppy incase he decides to kiss. :o

[bexj]

I find you do have to harrass the vets somewhat......they are a little sluggish at communication to say the least!

Hope everything is ok on the 26th - what are they testing for?

[Daffy Dilly]

They're trying to find the cause of his lameness. The vet said he was lame in his off fore, but Daffy wouldn't hold his weight up for a flexion test on his near hind. Vet said the problem could, therefore, be in that hind leg with them being a diagonal pair.

Really I just want to know what I'm dealing with so I can manage him appropriately, be it moving yards and retiring him or box rest or whatever.

[Daffy Dilly]

We had a good day today. :D

I decided to do some "work" on the way to the field - meaning after he'd stopped for his roll in the menage on the way out, we briefly did some turns on various hands.

He can do a rather good turn-about-the-forehand-backwards, in that rather than moving around as he goes forwards, he moves around as he goes backwards. I think I need my whip back out for that one so he's not backing up to keep his head level with my shoulder.

We're at the stage where he'll back up or move his hind end away purely with a move towards him from myself. I've noted that there has to be some sort of intent there though, or he just stands.

I did some more of the forehand moving. Not quite got it from a touch on the shoulder alone, (the theory behind doing it there as opposed to on the girth is that at the moment i still often need to flex him in the direction i want him to go, and I can't do that from down there yet) but definate improvement - he's not forgotten it. He does try and back up a lot, he's good at backing up, so I'm trying to teach him the difference between chest pressure (back up) and shoulder pressure (move over). Easier said than done it seems!

This evening he was absolutely thrilled to find out I'd bought polos. I even got a front-and-back-sideways-at-once-step, although I couldn't pass it off as any of the named and defined lateral movements, for a horse that a couple of months ago would not shift his forehand sideways at all, its quite a big achievement. Ok it wasn't exactly what I wanted, but maybe it's what I asked for. I often think that I'm not teaching him the aids that somebody else might use, but if they work for us...

So he got lots of polos. He also stood perfectly to have his bandages put on, merely with four polos (one after each), although there was a small feed there, he just wasn't interested! Polos are much better. :p :D

On a slightly bad note, he weighed in at.... 560kg earlier. He's meant to be about 480! I think he's putting weight ON! :eek:

[Daffy Dilly]

Just found out that Daffy will be lunged for up to 20minutes, up to three times a day when he's at the vets next week, on a hard surface, which I think will be concrete. :eek:

I don't intend to get him shod again before he goes (can't imagine the concussion) but I can't exactly condition his feet up well in 4 days. Oh well, if he gets foot sore he'll have to come home. :rolleyes:

[Daffy Dilly]

HE'S HOME!!!!!! :D :D

After abandoning him on Monday morning at a strange place with strange needle bearing people ;) my baby is now back in his stable, no doubt munching his carrots.

Diagnosis wise - there wasn't one. They couldn't see anything wrong with his front (I went up today to ride him and see if I thought he was still off) although he is unsound on his right hind, the one that had a potential problem during the vetting. They suggested that either he had come right following two months (how long it took from first vet visit to getting him to the clinic) of rest, or that his back end had made him uneven in front.

Plan is, he's coming back into full work as of tomorrow morning (well, getting fit before heading for full work) and then if the foreleg flares up again he'll go back, or if we have the money to investigate the hind he'll go back. I definately want to do the latter, but we'll have to see. If it turns out to purely be arthritis then I'm sure some will say it wasn't worth the investigation, but at least I'll have a solid "yes do this this and this with him to help that". They said as well that often you can get a better picture when a horse is fit and well, which in hindsight I agree with.

He was very well behaved, although seeing me this morning really stressed him out. Ended up not riding as could see from the lunge that he had improved reluctance wise, although the lots of lunging had highlighted the issues with his hock, and even I could see he was a bit lame on it.

As well as irritating his hock, the sand has also completely worn away his front feet, they're down to the soles. Going to contact an ep for asap (say that fast :P) and hoof boots are now the extent of my xmas list. He should last that long, he's not yet footy (fingers crossed) and will be staying in the school for a month, but going to ask for them to be bought soon so if he suddenly needs them they are there.

A wordy update, but I think a good one! At least he's home. :D

ETA, Bowen coming wednesday, and we'll get his magnetic rug sorted then too. In the meantime - the longreining begins!

[Daffy Dilly]

STOP!

Daffy has a tendancy to get bored when he's stood outside his stable. This usually involves swinging the door around if I didn't shut it properly, pulling faces at everybody or pawing at the ground. :rolleyes:

The latter is a major issue right now given he's no forefeet left anyway. So yesterday, armed with clicker, I taught him a new cue - Stop. Basically meaning, stop pawing the d*mn floor now or you're going to get it mr. ;)

Today it had really "clicked" in his mind, and he was stopping as soon as the words left my mouth. Once, he stuck a foreleg out to do it, I started saying stop (got as far as s..) and he left the foot right there, shot his head up and waited for his treat. Clever boy. :D

Also discovered that I can shout the word from 55ft away (other end of the barn), or upstairs where he can't see me, and he'll still stop. Wish I'd taught that one earlier. :p

I've also been lunging him twice daily (except yesterday evening, couldn't get into the school) mostly in walk, but today we did some trot too. The clicker is helping me to sharpen his transitions, which I'm trying to do a lot of to get his back end really working. I'm going to need some different "woah"s though, as walk-halt is great, but trot-walk-halt isn't so good, he just walks slower and slower, although I don't think it's yet a counted walk. Still, progress!

I swear his back has already started muscling back up, he's tracking up in walk (not back to over tracking yet, will need longreining for that) but he's undertracking by about 3 inches in trot. There was an improvement after the transitions earlier, but again I think we need to do some longreining, which I'm leaving until after his physio on wednesday.

A slight thread hi-jack... ;)

Although I've not been riding him, I feel my riding has been improving as I've been having a weekly riding lesson with the Uni team, and I've now had two private jumping lessons. Sometimes I think I've actually got a lot of concepts I read in books, and then I think no, I mustn't have, because I just can't be doing it right, I've never been shown how.

I read on the EE forum about opening your elbows when you rise to the trot, and voila, much better hands. I've also had a thing about my rising trot since seeing a video I think Raingodz posted on here with Heather Moffat doing rising trot. I am not going to manage it half as well as she can, what with the saddles I ride on and my riding in general, but I've been working on shifting my weight down into the backs of my legs (not heels, although I think it has that effect) and leaning forwards slightly (feels like a lot!) and my god, the improvement! I've been riding a trotter x, and I was being flung out of the saddle. Now I'm better able to slow his rushing and generally feel more like a competant rider. :cool:

I do have a bone to pick though. Amanda and Daffy have broken me. Last year I could not jump a strange horse over a 18" straight. I just could not ride into the fence, no confidence whatsoever. Well on friday, after one jumping lesson at the RS on the trotter x I had ridden once before that, I had my second jumping lesson, and we did a 2'6 straight, from canter. No trouble. :D :D

[anna15]

aww what a lovely boy, will you be doing shibden dale next year? if so we might be against each other in m&m and working hunters:D will have to look out for you and daffy!

[Daffy Dilly]

Should be. Workers I'm not so sure about now, depends on how things go with bringing him back into work.

We might actually get to do a whole points series for the first time ever next year, although I'm on the club committee so I might not manage. We will see :)

[raingodz]

I've also had a thing about my rising trot since seeing a video I think Raingodz posted on here with Heather Moffat doing rising trot.
Nope... was not me!! But you can see her in real life doing a demo at the Northern Equine Event on 8th Dec at the Yorkshire Show ground.

[Daffy Dilly]

Ah well, don't know who posted it then! But it's in my favourites. ;)

And I'll be at Harrogate on Sunday, so I'm hoping I pick up some tips.

[Daffy Dilly]

So Amanda came out today. Daffy had forgotten that a) she makes him work and b) she prods and pokes until he's sore, so there was none of his usual horrified expression as soon as he realises who's walking towards us. ;)

I'M RIDING HIM TOMORROW! :D

We've concluded that although his off hind is still giving him a bit of bother and he's wearing his feet a strange shape, he's pretty much just unfit and his feet aren't as bad as I thought. So, we're going for a ride before I go to uni tomorrow.

We're going to stop using the point strap on his saddle to free up his shoulders, and there's room for him to muscle up in it. Still planning to get the saddle fitter back, but might wait until I think it either needs adjusting, or he's as muscled as he's going to get.

When we start schooling again he'll either be straight into a pelham or double (not convinced he'll take a pelham again) and the dreaded spurs. I'm not 100% about the idea of using them, but Amanda says she thinks I can handle it, and I do feel that I've improved my rising trot at least at the riding school. So I'm on the hunt for the smallest spurs I can find that aren't dummy ones. :o

[Daffy Dilly]

So we've had three rides so far. There have been a few general trends;
- getting wet & cold
- eyes on stalks
- getting wet & cold
- telling mummy he wants to go that way :rolleyes:

But overall we've enjoyed them. We've been on some lightly stoney surfaces and he's seemed fine with no shoes, he's not footy yet, so I'm just keeping an eye on him. :)

He insisted on walking on some grass earlier though, didn't want to get his feet wet. :p

[Daffy Dilly]

We spent half of todays ride going backwards. :rolleyes:

Same point as I was having trouble with a few months ago, same scenario - nothing there, nothing changed since Saturday when we went down exactly the same road. I wish I knew what it was. This time though, I had the clicker to help me get him past it, so we're going to work on it.

He had his magnetic rug on earlier for the first time, just 10-15minutes after the ride. Don't know if it had an effect, he was more interested in the gold sparkly tinsel tied to next door's gate. Maybe I should have bought a bling bridle after all! :p

Although I did go upstairs to do some feeds etc and forgot I'd left him tied outside his stable he was stood so quietly. :o The stop cue is fab, and as long as I remember not to groom him with wellies on he'll stand really well whilst I faff, not even moving his feet to get a treat, he waits until its within range. :D

[Daffy Dilly]

Got some photos from our hack and before yesterday. It looks like we were setting off in the dark, but the street lights hadn't come on when we did. ;)

Handsome boy!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1089.jpg

With a big bum :o
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1091.jpg

Grass!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1094.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1096.jpg

Ready to go
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1099.jpg

And they're off!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1100.jpg

No wait, Daffy's disappeared. (Grass!)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1101.jpg

And some feet photos
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Daffys%20Feet/11th%20December%2007/

[Daffy Dilly]

We stole Bay Mare's rider/trainer/instructor Emma for an hour yesterday. Well actually, probably nearer 4-5 if you take into account all the driving she had to do. :o

The route guide she had took her on A & B roads, which were packed, so she was over an hour late, but the motorway was better on the way home. Daffy got rather impatient, but was actually very good when it came to doing some work.

He didn't want his bridle on (he's not normally that bad, but he had been waiting a while) so we did some work on that. Click & treat when he opens his mouth for the bit, click and treat when he's held his head still to have the headpiece over his ears. He did improve. I altered this slightly earlier to work with his headcollar - click&treat for putting his nose in, click and treat for the headpiece going over his ears, and then another C&T for fastening it. By the end after I'd put him in his stable and taken it off, he was looking for it to put his nose back in. :p

We got our first proper strides of leg yield, tiny, but there and I could see them. We did those inhand first, I need to work on him going forwards as well as moving over, and I need some longer reins as mine are pulling my hand forwards to the shoulder when it wants to be where my leg goes.

Then I jumped on him bareback, and it was a bit of a leap because I got him too far from the fence. But he stood really well, that's something I did quite a bit of work on a few months ago. Yet more faults came to light, and I've become more disgruntled with the BHS teaching I've had in the past, and still have on a Friday morning. To name a few - looking too far ahead instead of between his ears, as a result turning my shoulders, trying to tuck my bum under when it's not possible and moving my hands too much, too independantly.

I got some softening in my hands (bearing in mind he's not been properly schooled for months I was quite impressed) although he is quite stiff through his body, and also building muscle where he doesn't really want to have that much. We got some leg yield under saddle too, exaggerated so I could feel it with Emma's help, and then by ourselves. I learnt when to apply the aid, and I'm finally starting to learn feel! I then managed to get some LY out hacking today, and it was manageable in my saddle, I wasn't sure if I'd struggle as we need quite exaggerated aids whilst we're learning.

We had a trot on the roads as well, there was a tractor behind us and I didn't want him getting too close as Daffy is scared of them. He was getting wound up so I chose a brisk 50metre trot rather than an attempted bolt. ;) Didn't seem to be any after effects, but I had planned to stick to walking until mid January. We're on stage three of the fitness plan now - 20minute hack as opposed to 10. I've done the 15minute one once, but it's up a bridle way and it's too wet. Stage four is doing the 20minute hack, but up the big hill instead of down! :p

Darren is coming to do his feet tomorrow (there will be photos) and I'm excited about that, so I'll get to see how he's progressing. :D

[Daffy Dilly]

I could've sworn I'd updated this, but hey. :rolleyes:

Daffy has had quite a good xmas in terms of his pressies - rugs, hoof boots (although we haven't got them yet), treats, carrots, apples.... and a week on bute.

Brought him out to ride on christmas day and he was barely walking once I was on his back. As he wasn't unsound and I am aware he gets stiff, I rode through it (albeit slowly and gently). I believe his is/was footsore, and so I haven't hacked out since, but primarily I think it was stiffness, and that is the worst I have ever seen him. So he had a week of bute, and he started on Cortaflex today.

I wasn't sure whether to go for something like NoBute, or Cortaflex, but decided I wanted long term use rather than courses as needed, and also I believe that Cortaflex will aid him whilst my concern with NoBute (and indeed Bute) is that it will mask any other problems if/when they develop. Fingers crossed I made the right decision, it's tough when you have no clinical evidence to back up your gut feeling. :o

I stayed away Sunday night down south, so he was seen to by Mum all Sunday and Monday morning. Apparently they had a good time running around the menage together, as I decided freeschooling would be easier than trying to teach her to lunge! Only he didn't really want to run by himself, so she ended up being the leader and he followed. :p

We also got a new bridle from Arabmare through the secret santa; he's wearing that in the photos. I was tacking up for longreining at the time, and I think it was raining, so we didn't use the noseband. I longreined this evening, and I think I found the reinback button! It needs work (and reassurance to him that he's doing what I ask) but then that gives us more transitions to do, and will help get him back on his haunches.

I'm still loathe to trot him in the school due to our fittening work going down the drain, although I did a bit bareback this morning and I don't recall his back swinging that much before! Perhaps it was due to how I was sitting the trot following watching a Heather Moffat demo, but it was almost like sitting sideways on a see-saw! :eek: :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1110.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1111.jpg

Been trying to get some pictures of me actually working with him, no luck so far, my assistants are most definately not willing! :rolleyes:

[Daffy Dilly]

Forgot to say, upon seeing how stiff he was on Christmas day I decided we were moving yards. Easier said than done and we haven't found one yet, but I'm spending the week looking in earnest, and if it comes to it I will either try and get a space on a yard I can't stand as a stop gap, or I may sacrifice a menage if there is somewhere else I can do his longreining and schooling.

Wish us luck :o

[Daffy Dilly]

Things like him more or less standing still for two and a half hours to be clipped yesterday (he had less patience today!), blowing kisses constantly if he thinks you want them and coming in from the field across the school when he realises I'm on the yard.

Due to him being clipped out now and me leaving my saddle at home, I decided not to ride/inhand work, as the rug would dull some of the pressure, and I couldn't be bothered tacking up for longreining, so that left us with target training, which we haven't done for weeks.

He sure as heck remembered. Put his headcollar on over his gate, opened the gate and held the target (yellow lid) out. He walked straight up to it and touched it. :D

Then we played in the school for a bit. Up really high, no problem - click, down really low, click, out to the side, click. I balanced it on top of a cone, and click. Then once he'd had his treat, he touched the top of the cone again. Na ah, no target. :p

I decided to see whether he would touch the target if I was some distance away. This basically involved us trotting, me stopping and turning and running in the opposite direction, dropping the target as soon as he'd turned around so it was just there. Well no trouble, and he never once came towards me first. Last time I had some trouble getting him to focus on the target instead of me. :cool:

It's the little things like this, and his attitude earlier tonight, that make me realise we are on the right path together, even if we wobble sometimes. :o

[Daffy Dilly]

Oh, and we have found a yard. We shall be moving on the 20th, it has turnout and a floodlit school. Fingers crossed it goes well, but current YO has said we are welcome to return if it doesn't. :)

[Daffy Dilly]

Decided I should update this, we've done a few things recently. :p

We've had one hack out since Christmas, I think it was Monday of last week. My days are a blur at the moment. He was ok, but ok rather than good, so I haven't taken him out since. However, getting his boots sorted tomorrow, and then we can get back out and about.

Emma came again on Tuesday, we had a good lesson, ridden this time. Worked specifically on reinback, a little on leg yield, my position and rising trot. He was going backwards really well, we had a couple of "proper" steps, and he's also getting the hang of leg yield even if those are baby steps.

Darren came today to do his feet. He said that he had had low grade lami about 6-7 months ago, and we are going to treat him as though he still has it as he is a little sore and we aren't 100% sure why. I'm annoyed that the vets didn't pick up on it back in November, but then I'm not sure they actually did any investigation.

Still, no more carrots and apples for Mr D (having LucieNuts in his feed balls instead!) for the time being, and he's started on Magnesium Oxide (which looked suspiciously like cocaine... I told him he'd better not have mixed any talcolm powder in ;)), and my nearly fully clipped gee gee - he's staying that way now - is merely wearing a cotton sheet in the barn last night to let a bit more weight drop off. He was plenty warm enough with no rug having been stood around for ages, but I felt really mean. :o

Moving yards on Sunday, his turnout will be restricted regardless of weather as he's had 3 days on grass since mid November, but hoping he gets on with his new field buddies. Although the sand school is smaller, it's not as deep as the rubber one we use now, and it doesn't flood, so we'll be able to use the whole thing rather than half. Unfortunately the best hacking is where we are now, the good stuff on the other side involves some real trekking, so these boots had better be tough. :p

eta, not that I use cocaine or anything, but it's a white powder, we got taught that at school ;)

[Daffy Dilly]

Daffy is moved, some of his stuff is still to follow!

He's already let himself out of his stable, he likes being able to stick his nose out into the elements again (good job I left his face hairy eh?) and he generally seems content.

How did I amass so much stuff? :eek: And there is quite a bit at home, quite a bit to come home, and I've chucked some. :p

He didn't load too well, he assumed a look of moderate horror as soon as he saw his trailer. Ended up with two of us behind pushing him forwards with Dad leading. As soon as we got him between the lunge lines and crossed them he went straight up, but it's obvious he doesn't like travelling in the trailer. I intend to do some work with it, but I am going to have to think carefully about the outings this season, as Dad dislikes towing as much as Daffy dislikes being towed! :o

[Daffy Dilly]

We're settling in well. Daffy still won't drink from his own trough, he drinks from next doors instead, but next door shares his hayledge so maybe they have an arrangement. He's been in the school every day to stretch his legs - he likes looking at himself in the mirror, and of course rolling. :rolleyes: He also had a nosy in the field on Tuesday, but didn't want to stay out long. YM was going to let them all out (with Daffy seperate) for a bit this afternoon.

We've been for a few hacks, Monday was probably a bad idea (very wet, very windy, and we went around an exposed route!) but I really wanted to try his boots. Much much better, and on tuesday we even attempted some passage when he didn't like a pink kids ride on toy thing. An oncoming van driver must've thought I was nuts grinning whilst Daffy was pratting about. :o

I tried him in the school yesterday, no boots. He wasn't great, felt off again. I rang Darren, and we agreed I'd try him with the boots today, and decide where to go from there, as it sounds like he doesn't like pressure on his sole, but he's "wrong" rather than lame.

So today, all booted up, we did a bit of walk to warm up which felt quite good, a little trot which again felt odd and I decided to put my stirrups back up as Emma dropped them last week and I haven't quite adjusted to the new center of balance yet. What little trot I got after that felt better, but it was mostly leaping into canter and then struggling to make the turns in the little school. Muppet. :cool: So we went for a short hack, before deciding I didn't want to ride pushed over onto his neck by the wind. :p

I've decided that he will only be worked in his boots for now, we'll get some foot put down and see how he is then. Going to scrap proper schooling for a while and focus on the inhand/longreining stuff, and will introduce ridden schooling in a couple of weeks, until then, more hacking! :D

[Daffy Dilly]

Everything Daffy wise is going well. He's had days out, we've established that he stands better tied up than left loose in his stable (not a problem now I have a tie ring in there) and also that even though the headcollars spent a week on the hook to the right of his stable, they can't live there anymore, Daffy says they belong on the floor. ;)

I on the other hand, am a bit broken after a fall on Saturday. The mouthful of sandschool I acquired has resulted in an infected gum. :rolleyes: It's not pretty, but thankfully it doesn't hurt as the earliest I could get a dental appointment was Monday, and having decided to get an emergency appointment (Doctors won't look at it) the phone is busy busy busy.

I also have a sore back and a tense everything after jarring something, so we're having physio next week. I'm being nice and letting Daffy share. :p

Daffy has been labelled as "the weirdly clipped pony that escaped" :D by somebody on the yard over the road. I know her, and they thought he'd escaped into the paddock he was in (he was put there), and wondered why on earth his clip wasn't finished. :o

Photos earlier this week modelling his boots, weird clip and humongous belly! Even though he's on bare minimum feed, and turned out without a rug, he's not losing weight!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Newyard001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Newyard002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Newyard003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Newyard004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Newyard005.jpg

[Daffy Dilly]

We're on the mend - hurrah! :D

Had Amanda out for some much needed physio. Daffy first, she was extremely pleased, said he was better than ever (perhaps the Cortaflex is working, hmm?) and explained why there was a build up of muscle behind his saddle - he's not working through because he's not using his shoulders properly. Apparently there is less muscle than there used to be, I was convinced it was fat previously, but now I know we need to do a lot of work on him using his shoulders. She then did me, and I was a right mess, my entire left side out and stiff, and a lot of my right side in a similar state. It hurt, some of it so much that it was laugh or cry, but well worth it. :o

We've been doing some hacking and longreining, no apparent hoof growth but we'll see when Darren comes again. Went out for a lovely hack this morning with someone from the yard, and then all three boys went in the same paddock for the first time. I am pleased to say, not a problem, they more or less all ignored eachother.

He's had a snotty nose since last Monday, I booked the vet for tomorrow, then rang and asked them to come out earlier instead, and then cancelled because he had improved, but now I'm not 100% sure. Need to keep an eye on it, really gloopy stuff [if you want to continue enjoying easter eggs, look away now] like the white bit inside a Cadburys creme egg. :p

Got another lesson with Emma on tuesday, going to retry him in a pelham. Ordered a cambridge mouth, so will be interesting to see what he does. I also found a cracking long whip recently, perfect for longreining because its a good 15-20cm longer than my standard one. I love it already :D

[Bay Mare]

Here's to a full and quick recovery :)

Isn't it always the same that we get them fixed but ignore ourselves!

Good luck with the lesson :) You could have tried my Magic bit if I'd have known (assuming that it was the right size) before you ordered one. If he likes the Magic it might be a good idea to try a WE pelham. I'm hoping to try one on Saff (am borrowing one first).

x

[Daffy Dilly]

He actually seems ok with the cambridge mouth pelham. Last night he flat out refused to have it on before relenting when I held the curb chain (which is absolutely huge for some reason) so it didn't jingle. He didn't try and catch it in his mouth once today, which I think is a good sign. :p

Ended up having vet anyway yesterday after recieving a phone call "is that Kate? Vet is about 5 minutes away" so I thought sod it, and cue frantic rush to yard to get him out of the field. :o

Vet said it wasn't on his lungs, and that his glands were a little swollen but as his temperature was bang on 38degrees, he should be fine. Bute and antibiotics for the week. He was definately off in the lesson, so we didn't do much on the physical side. Homework - stop with the inside hand to turn, sort my leg aids and get him lighter off the leg. Daffy also likes the new "back" game to try and teach him the voice command, so we'll possibly do some of that during the week or two he's having off work, and just maybe we'll have managed to try shoulder in (inhand) before Emma comes back in March.

He's now sharing a field with his buddies, and so far, so good! :)

[Daffy Dilly]

Daffy is better - hurrah!

We'll have to see how he is though when he comes back from his week down the pits, he ripped next doors stable rug (whilst next door was wearing it!) so I've told him he's paying for the repair. Thankfully it's not a big rip and they weren't cross with him, so I'll fix it at the weekend. :o

We did some inhand stuff yesterday afternoon - reinback on a hand/voice cue, and reinback from a rein aid, walking on with the reins, and we attempted leg yield but he had a rug on and wasn't listening. His walking on is much better, and his reinbacks are getting good.

So today I went in the paddock to put a neck rug on, no headcollar, just about to fasten the front, and he sets off walking, then stops.. right outside the menage gate. Open the gate, and he goes straight in, then stands in front of me ready to start. So we do some inhand stuff, reinback and "wait". Glad he's enjoying it as much as I am. :D

[Daffy Dilly]

I love my pony. :D

We let them all out in the paddock this evening, weather was awful this morning so they stayed in, nobody could make it up this afternoon to let them out. I'd already decided to do a little groundwork tonight so after mucking out etc I started walking across the paddock towards the school, called him and he trotted over to the menage gate and waited for me there.

We did some waiting, some following, and lots of backing; halt-reinback-halt, halt-reinback-walk, walk-reinback-halt, walk-reinback-walk, halt-reinback-trot. :D Didn't attempt trot-reinback as he has a tendancy to get a little close when he stops trotting. Need to increase his spacial awareness, but all this should do that. :p

He then, minus leadrope, followed me out of the school, turned and waited (as he would be expected to if led) then followed me round to the yard and stables, before standing perfectly in his stable (I led him in, we don't allow him to freely walk in and out with people) to have his rugs changed. :cool:

Going to longrein tomorrow hopefully if it's not too windy. Not riding at the moment (unless we happen to have the perfect day for a hack) as I want to make sure his saddle isn't causing him to not use his shoulders, so going to have the fit checked when I can get hold of the guy I want to do it. I'm 99% sure it isn't, but it's due a check anyway.

Forgot to add, after the Creme Egg analogy earlier, I have apparently put some people off them. Well I had one earlier, and it was lovely. :p

[Daffy Dilly]

"No Daffy, I don't have time for that now. Come on."
"No, I said I don't have time, we have to go to the field."
"Look, I'll take you in the school tonight to do some inhand stuff, but right now, you have to go in the field, ok?"

Bl**dy hoss :p

[PonyGirlAsh]

Ew I don't like Cadbury Creme eggs at all, and now I think I like them even less! Glad Daffy is better anyway.

Hope you don't mind, I stole your thread title (and the name of that movie) for my own thread...It just seemed so fitting! :D

[Daffy Dilly]

It never occurred to me that it was almost the name of a film. I had a diary with all Daffy's stuff in it, and on the yard it was known as the Daffy diary. I decided to move it online to keep it clean. :p

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thought I'd give an update on Daffy's feet, Darren came out on Monday. He is putting foot down, and his feet are getting more concave, although it really does seem to be taking forever! He has a bit of hoof wall infection, so he's going to get his feet scrubbed 2-3 times a week with a Milton solution.

He's recommended we do short hacks (15-20 mins) without his boots 2-3 times a week, longer hacks (30-40mins) with boots 2-3 times a week, inhand work in the school (20-30mins) 2-3 times a week and ridden work in the school (30-40mins) 2-3 times a week. I seem to be really short on time at the moment (too much group uni coursework), so hoping to change my sleeping patterns so I get up much earlier to make that possible.

I've not really spent any time with him this week, not properly, and yesterday he was watching me go over the field gate and I very nearly stayed a bit longer. :o So tomorrow, will be up at the yard all morning making up for it. :)

Hopefully over the next couple of months we'll get some really good stuff to work on, with a Heather Moffat demo, an Anja Beran clinic and a Becky Holden clinic too. Daffy isn't coming to any of those, but I'm hoping I can remember it all! Then we're looking forward to a clinic with Becky at Bay Mares (we think) which Daffy will be attending for some major inhand fun! :D

And in two weeks (easter hols) it's time for the big pre-show season tidy up. I'll have to tidy him up again in May with easter being so early, but expect photos. :p

[Daffy Dilly]

Daffy is 16 today! Appropriately named after St David (being welsh and all) and from research a couple of years ago, it means "much loved" which I can assure you is most definately the case! ;)

Woke up this morning to the most glorious blue sky out of my window, and got really excited about going for a ride, the first in almost 3 weeks. Got to the yard, and it was bl**dy windy, and raining. Decided that since I'd lugged his saddle up there, and put my boots etc on, we were going anyway.

Surprisingly, I was a little nervous about it, but we went, and we conquered, even the two plastic flappy things we had to walk between, and didn't like. I think my nerves came from the change in my position and the lack of rebalancing I've been able to do, so I wasn't sure I could sit a spook. Was ok though, we didn't really have any, and we were able to over come the plastic with our new found clicker training skills.

He's now out in the field getting muddy, he's not getting anything special etc as we've tried to cut as much sugar out of his diet as possible, so he got some nice scratches instead! :D

[Daffy Dilly]

Daffy just did...


some absolutely cracking shoulder in! So proud of him, we were struggling with anything at all inhand on the left rein (need to become ambidextrous I think) so stuck with the right, and decided to ask for it. Well he did it first time, and every time after that. Both from halt, and from walk! :D

[Bay Mare]

Fantastic :D Well done to you both :D

You've had quite a journey but it seems to be all coming together :)

[Daffy Dilly]

I hope so, it's cost me a fortune so far. :p

What I like best about it all now though, is how the little things are such a big deal. Like him no longer barging through the stable door as soon as you undo the latch, like a couple of strides of shoulder in. :) When I had loan ponies, coming home with a rosette was a big deal, jumping a certain (bigger) height was a big deal, but I never really noticed the little things, I just took them for granted and it was all about competing with your friends and charging about like nutters. ;)

[Daffy Dilly]

I'm trying to recall what we've done this week.

Monday was inhand work with the bridle. I jumped on bareback too, first time he's been ridden in the school since our last lesson. Didn't do much, Mum had put my jeans through the tumble drier and they were far too tight for riding. :o

Tuesday we did more inhand work. I didn't bother with the bridle, or even a headcollar, which presented a problem. He followed me into the school and we did the entire session with the gate wide open, and he didn't move to leave once, even when I stood him facing out of the gate. Only then I struggled to get him out of it when I wanted his butt in the field, because he would follow me out, then I'd turn and go back for the gate, he'd follow and walk through the gate, then wait for me to go back in to do more. :p

Today (was Wednesday when I started the post!) we did more unaided inhand work. As he seems to have forgotten that whilst I can mount during the process of cantering up a series of 1ft steps, nevermind at walk, I much prefer it when he stands still, I decided to work on standing at the mounting block. We got somewhere, he'll stand at the mounting block and let me move a bit to the side, about parallel with the front of his shoulder. It's a start. ;)

Daffy also wanted to do target training - with the mounting block I was carrying. "oooh, she's holding it, quick it must be a target". So... we played target training with the mounting block. Daffy wants, Daffy gets. :p

[Daffy Dilly]

Oooh we were having a naughty day today - Daffy barged out. :eek: Well he didn't, he walked past, but he didn't stop when asked. :p

They were out all day, had just been brought in when I got to the yard. Faffed around for a bit, then opened his door and moved to push the barrow in. The last few days he has stood perfectly, but today, perhaps because his mate was in the barn eating from a huge bale of haylage, he walked out. And into next doors stable, and he intended to walk right through but S shouted and he didn't.

So I pushed him out of B's stable, then I started pushing him away from the other stables too, no shouting, just "back, back, back" and turning his head away from me. If he wanted to go out, he was going out and he was staying there. :p To his credit he was backing up very nicely, and once he was where I wanted, I left him and went back into his stable. Called him, and in he came. Shut the door, and mucked out around him. :rolleyes:

3 months ago he would've flattened S, so he wasn't as bad as he has been. I think being effectively told to shove off was punishment enough for him, he was quite affectionate after that. ;)

I think there was something in the air, as F also barged out tonight.

Lesson tomorrow, and if it's still raining we're going to spend it doing things in the barn/stable, such as not snatching treats, and letting mummy muck out in peace. :p

[Daffy Dilly]

Emma was rather surprised on Tuesday to find out that Daffy has almost zero bend through the first part of his ribcage - hence why he finds the lateral work hard on the right rein (he's better on the left) and also why he has the bump behind the saddle - he is not able to work through his back because of that stiffness/tension behind his withers.

We started off with longreining, I was struggling to get used to the reins on top instead of down low, but Daffy didn't want to do more than plod around. That meant we couldn't reward him because he wasn't doing anything, which meant that he didn't get motivated, which meant that he didn't move forwards, etc. Out came Emma's driving whip with a white lash, and off he went, so we were able to reward more often and build his motivation. Got to attach a white fillet string to my long schooling whip before we longrein again.

Emma got him doing little leg yields in the long lines, and I had a few goes, but I need to practise. Next lesson will probably be ridden, so I have 8 weeks to crack the LR. :p

Then we did some work inhand, where Emma found his stiff spot. She used a "butter" analogy, I asked "Anchor block, or Anchor Spreadable?" and the ideal is apparently Anchor Spreadable. ;) Spreadable Light in Daffy's case, he's still a bit fat. :p I think we managed to get Anchor Block, it became obvious that he had been lacking bend as once we'd worked through the stiffness, you were able to push his ribcage away a bit without his feet shifting.

Theory is that if I continue working through his reluctance, he'll become more flexible and the reluctance will eventually vanish because the stiffness will be gone.

We just played for a bit then. Daffy didn't want to play with Emma though, so I had to jump over the fence and hide. Just jumping the fence wasn't enough. :p Got to play after every session in the school, because then he should associate ridden/longreining with fun and get more motivated, making it easier to treat him and then ridden/longreining should be more fun. ;)

[Daffy Dilly]

Day one of the "I hope this stuff really does make his feet grow faster" gunk test.

Following several really good reviews, I bought some of the Eyquss MegaTek Rebuilder in the hope that we could get Daffy putting foot down quicker. His feet *are* growing, just not particularly fast given the time of year, and a bootless hack yesterday showed that they can still get a little uncomfortable - we went 5 mins down the road before turning back.

Would've got pictures, but his mates went out whilst I was washing his feet and he got a bit fidgety, so I just shoved him out as soon as I was done. I do have a panoramic view of half the tackroom (there's like a dividing wall) but that's for coursework purposes. Pics tomorrow. ;)

Our first show is due to be the 11th May - Emma thinks this is reasonable if he gets enough of the right work between now and then, and just waiting to see if Darren gives the go ahead for us to up the pace a little, at the moment we're sticking in walk with baby trots, and a little trotting in the school. We need to be jumping 2'6 in the last week, and obviously for workers/flat classes - walk, trot, canter and a little lengthening in canter.

[elaine@dow-evan]

Thanks for this - its lovely hearing about Daffy. And the pics as well.

[love song]

This is great!!! im loving it! :D Emma sounds great too?! - pitty i don't live closer!

[Daffy Dilly]

So, some photos. A couple of these are reasonably old, one was back in August if not earlier, but it shows how his plait is done for shows. As I seem to fit back into my really nice tweed, we'll be using burgundy/cream this year instead of the navy/gold.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF0989.jpg

The rest are from yesterday, not fantastic so will try and get more later. It might just be possible to see his dapples - his summer coat is growing, thank god!

Kisses!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1159.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1161.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1162.jpg

If only it had been lighter...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1163.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1164.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1165.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1166.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1167.jpg

[Daffy Dilly]

Prior to the rolling photos, we had a not-so-good schooling session, cross posted on EE..

Schooling is not my forte. I find it boring, I find it repetitive and I find it difficult to focus on, so we tend to stay in about 25-30minutes, unless we're having a lesson, in which case I can go forever. I do, however, like the results of schooling brings, and I like playing with jumps.

He has very very little balance. I, with the longer stirrups and classical seat, have very very little balance. The school is only 15x35m wide, not a lot of room to play with when he doesn't want to use the corners.

Today I felt like we were totally incapable of trotting, I felt like I was all over the place with my rising, he clearly felt like I was all over the place with my rising, but when I sit I'm obviously blocking the movement because he slows to a walk. The walk was ok to start, the trot completely lacked impulsion. Walk-canter got him going forwards, only there would be a half jump into canter, and a fall flat on the forehand into trot, no decent canter strides. After some of those though the trot felt more alive. Even when he started anticipating we couldn't maintain a canter, and he was light off the leg.

I gave up, we went back to walk. I was getting annoyed that he wasn't working into the corners, I reverted to trying to pull him out with my outside rein, which obviously didn't work. So we spent 10 minutes working on working on the track. About the only good thing about todays session - I got the hang of turning with outside rein and leg, but quickly learnt the importance of inside rein to flex a little, and inside leg to stop him drifting in. He's very stiff through his front, so the bends aren't that bendy. Also worked on some leg yield, which I think is improving, and then worked on using leg yield to keep him on the track.

Although both Emma and Darren have said aiming for the 11th May as our first show this year isn't unrealistic, today made me think that it is, and it'll be a long time before he can canter in that school. I know show rings are bigger etc etc, but I cant enter ridden classes, never mind the workers, being unsure of whether we'll manage. However, we're going to try, which means longreining every day (he can be worked twice a day mostly from now on) to try and balance him up again.

On the bright side, went to dressage this aft, and am happy that I am a quieter rider with a more responsive horse than 99% of the ones there, including an instructor. I came home with 14 boxes full of rosettes, so must be good eh? ;)

[Daffy Dilly]

I think I'm getting the hang of the classical longreining lark now after the lesson with Emma last week. As with the ridden stuff, ended up focusing on trying to work on the track, but given I could hardly steer him the first few times I tried this way, that's no mean feat.

Is he on the forehand? I think he is, but I don't think he's heavy on the forehand... I also think I have a tendancy to try and duck in behind him, so I was concentrating on trying to stay out to the side. He was definately more forwards than in the lesson (I'm sensing a theme here) which helped, and he got the idea of "over" almost instantly today, and Emma only taught it last week. I also seem to be losing the contact sometimes, especially when I try to use the whip, practise will sort that I hope.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining001-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining011.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining010.jpg

He's not very up for trotting, so as with the ridden we're going to focus on walk for now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining015.jpg

More to come...

[Daffy Dilly]

We did some inhand too to finish off. I'm bringing my girth hand forwards, I think I could probably do with being a couple of inches further back in general.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining017.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining018.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining021.jpg

Some vids... batteries cut out on the first, we were trying shoulder in. The second was on our worst rein, he's very stiff on that one so he braces, hence why I look like I'm pushing a boulder on the first go at LY! :-[ Thats also why I start off rewarding baby steps, he hasn't got the reach on that rein yet, but I'm pleased with the way he's starting to go forwards more.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/th_Longreining025.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/?action=view&current=Longreining025.flv)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/th_Longreining026.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/?action=view&current=Longreining026.flv)

Then we did some very quick "wait, come here" type stuff, which he seems to be getting the hang of.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining022.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/Longreining023.jpg

[Daffy Dilly]

What can you do with a hula hoop? Scare the heck out of Daffy. :D

Mum bought a hula hoop ages ago with the intention of losing weight, and used it like once. I've been eyeing it up for a while, and remembered to pick it up on the way out today. Thought was I could get him used to standing half in it, and then practise staying in it for turns on the haunches etc, not to mention the possibility of playing that fairground game where you have to get the hoop over a stick or something.

Left it in the middle of the school, brought him in and "Oh, My, God, Mum!" *snort*. Gradually got him walking nearer, and then I picked it up. Well it obviously has grains of rice in or something, because it makes a noise like a rain tube. And that was that. :o

Lots of proper firey welsh trotting and extended canters (looks like the balance problems are all mine) and a snorty fire breathing Daffy. Thought is now that a maracca could be perfect for getting that trot inhand and winning lots of prizes with it, he has the most fantastic trot when he does it. :cool:

Clearly we aren't going to play put the hoop over the cone, but we did end up playing touch the cone, a lot, once the hoop was removed from the school and we'd calmed down. ;)

I might try again and get some photos, but it seems a bit mean. :p

[Element]

Haha...no,no photos are good ;)
Very nice to read how your both growing close and improving! Keep enjoying!

[Daffy Dilly]

Daffy has ribs! I wasn't sure, but its now possible to see their shadow. He could still stand to lose a little more, but that needs to be alongside getting fitter and more muscled. He's not nearly there yet.

Started the tidy up - jawline. Can't do a right lot with it at the moment when its all winter coat, so waiting for his summer coat to come through before doing it properly, but did a little.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/21stMarch08001.jpg

It'd help if he stayed still for his condition photos.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/21stMarch08005.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/21stMarch08006.jpg

He was getting ratty with next door ("My Mummy!") so I took him outside. Straight on with the saddle and exercise sheet (against my better judgement - very windy!) because he tucked up, and we tried on his new hunting breastplate, which I think looks fab, and will be even better once he's got some muscle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/21stMarch08007.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/21stMarch08008.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/21stMarch08009.jpg

Then we went for a ride...

[Daffy Dilly]

Because it was so windy (see haylage bales lower down), went down into the valley. Decided to go on the main road, which he enjoyed, actually striding out. Given how windy it was, how many scary things we passed, and how long it has been since I took him on the main road (crossed it quickly when we moved yards in January) he was absolutely excellent. We came back down the valley then started to climb uphill, and went on a track we'd not been on before. Just in walk, although we had the odd mini trot on the road - my stirrups feel too long. Testimony to that, I lost one on the track, and was looking too high up for it with my foot. :D

All in all, a very good hack. Feeling more secure in the saddle/with the longer stirrups in walk, and he seemed to enjoy going somewhere a bit different again. I was going to take some ears shots, but all things considered, decided to leave the camera in my pocket just in case.

When we got back, the wind was blowing next door's haylage wrappings around like crazy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/21stMarch08011.jpg

As per not-being-cruel-to-your-horse requirements ;), Daffy gets ad lib haylage.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/21stMarch08015.jpg

Which makes him go to the loo.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/21stMarch08016.jpg

Actually, his haylage is carefully measured and restricted, but he gets as much as he needs. I just shoved him there whilst I mucked out, and came back to the pile of poo - typical. :rolleyes:

For anybody considering weighing out feeds/hay exactly for the weight you want your horse to be, I would recommend it, Daffy has lost the weight really well.

[Daffy Dilly]

Led Daffy out on the roads today... in a headcollar. :eek:

It was ever so slightly against my better judgement, then I thought sod it, I have to test his manners eventually. Our other field (the currently not trashed one) is down the road, you have to cross a small junction and it's used as a bit of a rats race at time. We took F and Daffy down to get some grass, B was being prepped for a competition tomorrow.

He had his hoof boots on so it wasn't like he would run away and get sore, but he walked very calmly next to me at all times. Ok as soon as we got in the field his head shot down, but they ran out of grass on the yard a few weeks back so it was to be expected. No hooley's, just chomping, although when we went back down 30minutes later there were skid and roll marks. :p

Caught him fine, he kept snatching grass as we led across but again, understandable. Walking up the road he was again perfect, I rewarded him regularly for behaving, and so he kept kissing my shoulder for more treats. ;) I made him wait at the junction long after a car had passed, even when F moved off he still stood like a rock.

Plan is to take all boys down at the weekend for a short nibble (or we'll trash that one too) and I will take Daffy down as often as possible to get him used to the journey before YM starts taking him down. I can handle him, just not sure he'll be as good for others and I want to minimise that risk.

Other things we've done this week - a couple of hacks, a tail trim (again needs washing before a proper tidy up) some longlining and some inhand stuff. Weather still bl**dy awful, meaning I often need to force myself to tack up! Darren is coming on Monday so planning to take him down to the "new" field and we'll discuss Daffy's diet and restrictions for the next few weeks, hoping we can up the workload, need to hack further so we can find interesting places to go. :rolleyes:

ETA, now it looks like we might just do the show season inhand, I'm confident we'll be showing in a white halter again. I wasn't sure I'd manage a second time once he realised there was little control in one, but if we can handle walking down the lane in a headcollar, inhand classes won't be a problem!

[Daffy Dilly]

Went down to the field again today, in the headcollar, this time on our own. He was good as gold again, well until we got to the field, then he tried to push the gate open with his nose so he could barge in and start shovelling. It also took a while for him to stop shovelling and let me get him out of the field. :p

Back on the yard he ate haylage whilst I mucked out. But then, he heard the rustle of a carrier bag, and came to investigate.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1232.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1233.jpg

He'd found my stash! :eek:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1234.jpg

I had to defend my stash with my magic hand :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1235.jpg

Then I distracted him with a herby treat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1237.jpg

And buried my treasure ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1238.jpg

[Daffy Dilly]

This picture limit thingummy is irritating. :p

Then I suggested we play in the school, but Daffy didn't think he could squeeze through the gap.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1239.jpg

We didn't do much work. It was too windy apparently and he'd already waited lots today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/th_DSCF1240.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/?action=view&current=DSCF1240.flv)

I'd be interested to see how people think he's looking, I think he wants to lose a little more weight and regain some topline.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1241.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1242.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1243.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1244.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1247.jpg

Then he had a good scratch at his unclipped bit. I followed it up with a rubber curry comb, and got some rather rough grooming back!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1246.jpg

[Daffy Dilly]

Oh B*ll*cks. We're having a bad week so far. :rolleyes:

Sunday - B has accident in trailer, pulling both hind shoes off. Staying in until farrier comes (thurs evening), F staying in to keep company. Daffy has option, as Darren coming Monday, choose to have him kept in Monday AM.

Monday - Daffy has LGL, suspected cause - first batch bale of haylage. Fine on previous however many bales, but this was strong stuff. Still an improvement in feet, going to pad out boots next visit (May) to encourage quicker growth. Daffy out briefly down the road, try to drag Mum off to grass walking back up road.

Tuesday - Daffy goes out pm, but rather be in barn eating haylage, give him the option. New haylage bale delivered, 1st batch, but more like the other stuff. Guy going to get back to us about acidity levels, bale will last one week, expect to see improvement in soreness soon. If next bale is same, going to get it analysed.

Wednesday - ride in school, Daffy very scared of haylage bales flapping. Stupidly take feet out of stirrups to lengthen thigh, cue spook and unscheduled dismount. Upper back hurts. Can do rising trot again - whoopee! Fabby but unrecognised lateral movements across diagonal (with stirrups!). Upper back hurts. :rolleyes:

Things I did after hitting the ground (with the middle of my back)
- Sit bolt upright immediately - Daffy ok? No immediate danger? Grand
- Flop to floor.
- Swear.
- Ring mother.
- Cannot ring mother, no calling credit.
- Cannot reverse charge home phone.
- Could text, no, won't pick up.
- It's 999 or nothing.
- Do I need an ambulance?
- No.
- Ok.
- Swear.

:o

[Daffy Dilly]

My neck and right shoulder feel a bit stiff today, but apart from that, I think I'm ok. :p

We had a better session this morning. Was short on time (have to factor post-work foot scrub into equation) but Daffy has had the cheek to start popping weight back on (it's a tiny amount, but still) and combined with the fact that I have even less time tomorrow morning, I decided I'd regret not working him today. So we lunged.

Just in walk, about 15 minutes in total, 5 of which he had the bungee on. Bungee not stretched enough, so had to attach it to the roller with baler band, or it would've cut off the circulation in his hind legs. It's been on the gate for weeks, I stretch it out further every few days, I dunno how it hasn't stretched loads. :rolleyes:

Got some nice work once we got into the end of the school away from the haylage bales, and it wasn't as windy today so that helped. I don't need rope burns to add to the stiff neck. :p

Hoping I have the motivation to get up super early and ride in the school tomorrow, doubt it! :o

[eventerbabe]

Daffy is looking super! in one of those last pics you can see the weight he's lost and he certainly looks to have gained some muscle. I hope your back is feeling better soon.

[chickyd444]

never caught this thread before, its wonderfull, just read all the way through *dont tell the boss* youve made some wicked advances with Dilly and i think he is looking fab ! shall be waiting for next up date now so i can follow the storry - hows your back :o :D

[Daffy Dilly]

Friday 13th.. err, 4th April.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/7777.jpg

Subsequently I was late for uni, left my memory stick and money at home (no cash machine on campus) and had 5 (ok, 4 3/4) hours solid. :rolleyes:

Oh and no, I don't have a black eye, my boot didn't give off red sparks when the zip gave, Daffy is still not totally black, we used the pelham not the snaffle, and I didn't cut my fingers. But my hair often looks like that in a morning. It's all for artistic effect, savvy? :p

[Element]

Savvy! But I do love the use of the pictures haha! :D

[Daffy Dilly]

From our last trip down to the field;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1248.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1249.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1250.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1251.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1253.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1254.jpg

And from our hack today. Big steep long hill, which he mostly powerwalked up. Camera died shortly after the video, which is sideways and I can't seem to edit it, so you might get a sore neck. :p

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1258.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF1259.jpg
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/?action=view&current=DSCF1260.flv

He doesn't walk like that all the time, just when a) we're on the home straight or b) we go somewhere he actually finds interesting, which usually means going quite far afield, or not going places for ages before re-discovering them, which is what we did today. :D

[Daffy Dilly]

We've decided our shows too. :D

26th May is the first one, the next isn't until August unless we have a charity show in between, which is a possibility.

On the 26th we're doing inhand classes - M&M large inhand (PUK qualifier), condition inhand, senior handler, pre-veteran (VHS qualifier) and another M&M large PUK qualifier. Won't be going to anything we qualify for, just off for a day out. :)

First ridden class is likely to be in August at the local agricultural. Need to have canter nailed by then and we might be in with a chance. ;)

And it's snowing again so I guess I'd best go bring the boys in, they wanted to come in before I left (after an hour out) but I wasn't having any of it! :p

[sharpsky]

have fun :D

[capalldubh]

Love the comic strip :D I have days like that too (all too frequently). I need a PC to do my lectures, and the other week I was so zonked by having to get out of bed at 6.30 to sort out the patient on box-rest, I turned up at the university with no PC and no memory stick. Had to go begging for someone to print out the overheads on their printer, and then had to spend the whole lecture with my head canted sideways because the stuff on the slides is my prompt and I need to see what it says which I can't, when it's stuck on a creaky old projector off to the left :rolleyes:
Then I got home to get hoss sorted out, he managed to kick over the bucket of fancy schmancy cider vinegar stuff for scrubbing his feet, and the poultice I was supposed to be putting on ended up in his sugar beet.

I guess we need days like that to er, make the other days seem OK in comparison? :D

[chickyd444]

is he black or really dark brown?, i am slightly colour blind , and cant tell, have always had trouble with me eyes- :) , he looks almost dappled, he is a stunning spesamine of a lad though isnt he:), how's your canter going ?:)

[Daffy Dilly]

He's actually black, just looks dodgy because his clip is growing out and he gets spotty when that happens. :)

We haven't tried canter again yet, although when I risked the ride on Friday I did rising trot without reins, and I was surprised at how good it felt to be. Decided letting go of the reins seemed safer than taking my feet out of the stirrups again! I think I definately did something to my back when I fell off, the physio was a temporary fix, and it took falling off again to sort me! Who needs a chiropractor? :p

Got a lesson (ridden) tomorrow and I'm pretty sure that the outcome will be I'm trying too hard and that's why he isn't able to canter. I can canter on YM's horse, it's rather frustrating not being able to on my own. Still, we don't need to be introducing canter until July, and jumping until August. Just flat classes at the agricultural, so I'm not rushing it. :)

I was going to longrein or lunge today, but I bought a mounted, err, sports day kit at Tesco so will probably play with that instead. It has sacks, beanbags and eggs/spoons. I can already picture Daffy's face when he sees me in the sack. :D

[chickyd444]

He's actually black, just looks dodgy because his clip is growing out and he gets spotty when that happens. :)

We haven't tried canter again yet, although when I risked the ride on Friday I did rising trot without reins, and I was surprised at how good it felt to be. Decided letting go of the reins seemed safer than taking my feet out of the stirrups again! I think I definately did something to my back when I fell off, the physio was a temporary fix, and it took falling off again to sort me! Who needs a chiropractor? :p

Got a lesson (ridden) tomorrow and I'm pretty sure that the outcome will be I'm trying too hard and that's why he isn't able to canter. I can canter on YM's horse, it's rather frustrating not being able to on my own. Still, we don't need to be introducing canter until July, and jumping until August. Just flat classes at the agricultural, so I'm not rushing it. :)

I was going to longrein or lunge today, but I bought a mounted, err, sports day kit at Tesco so will probably play with that instead. It has sacks, beanbags and eggs/spoons. I can already picture Daffy's face when he sees me in the sack. :D


this all sounds like wicked fun, i didnt realise tesco were selling mouted games kits aswell ;):D , i think once you know/ feel how you acheive your canter it will be like CLICK, i have to say i love cantering more than galloping, jasper has a rocking chair canter:) keep all the hard work up , would love to see pics of the egg and spoon Daffy race ;):)

[Daffy Dilly]

Daffy wasn't quite right in the lesson today, we've decided his pelvis is out again. Amanda is coming on Friday morning to fix him. In the mean time we have some new games (smile, say yes, potentially lie down) to play as I've decided to pull him out of proper work until then, it's only 3 days. We have some stretches too, so plenty to keep us occupied. :)

Because of this the lesson, although it ended up being almost 2 hours long, wasn't strenuous. We worked in walk for the most part (some trot to assess him) and focused on me. Emma told me how to ride the walk the EE way, which clicked when I rode F after my lesson. He's more forward so things were more obvious.

The gist of it is, instead of swinging the left hip down at the same time as the right hip goes up, then vice versa, you allow the hips to independently move forwards and ever so slightly upwards with the horses back. As the outside hip goes back it goes slightly down and in with the swing of the belly and that puts the leg almost on the horse, you just have to create the pressure at that point. If at the same time you allow the inside hip to move slightly out as it goes forwards (or in our case, exaggerate a bit for now) you are freeing up the space for the horse to move into for a turn. So, as your hip dips back slightly, the horse's hind leg is lifted, and leg aids should always be applied as the hip dips. :)

Hoping I can remember all that when I ride F again tomorrow, but the trick for me is to not try to hard and to just allow it. ;)

[Daffy Dilly]

Hacked F out today, and a few observations.

1. The faster the walk, the harder it can be to absorb correctly.
2. Set back stirrups, or a saddle that doesn't pull your leg forward, is surely going to be more helpful as theoretically better position = better capacity for absorption?
3. It is all too easy to start thinking forward, and riding forward, as opposed to letting forward happen of its, or the horses back, own accord. Must just let it happen.
4. Impossible to absorb a shortened-downhill walk. Ended up going "hip up, hip down" as per before. Not sure whether the problem was that my legs shifted forwards, and my weight shifted to the back of my seat instead of remaining even, or whether a shortened stride results in less forwards and more up/out. I think it might be a bit of both, but more the former.

Again I noticed that as my hip came down and back, my leg moved into a proximity where it had the potential to be applied. I think that this proximity (on a constant basis) is what we are trying to achieve with all the leg lengthening and wrapping around stuff, but right now I can't imagine being able to both absorb the movement and keep my leg on at once.

In other news, Daffy will be glad that YM is back on Sunday, as he rather dislikes me riding and faffing around with F. ;) Reminded him that I am *his* mummy, and his alone (thank god) and slapped some more Megatex on his forelock. It's making it rather silky and less frizzy if nothing else. :D

[Daffy Dilly]

So Amanda came today. When she arrived, he was loose in the barn eating the big pile of haylage. She set to work almost straight away, prodding and poking. There were a few kicking threats (she is the only person he would properly threaten too) but no moving around all over the place like he normally would. Until he decided he was thirsty, and wandered off into his stable for a drink. So we carried on loose in there.

She was able to pinpoint exactly where the problem was stemming from. I might not have put the red in quite the right place, difficult to see the actual muscle contours from that photo, but the only decent right side one I believe I have. We have some stretches and stuff to do as well, our daily routine is getting longer by the month! ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/DSCF12512.jpg

His magic snaffle came today too, so back into full work tomorrow and we'll see what he makes of that. Intending it mostly for longreining/inhand, but if he prefers it to his eliptical snaffle then we'll do ridden stuff in it too. The mouthpiece is thinner than that of the pelham, so there's a possibility he won't like it, but it wasn't expensive. :)

We also took a look at his saddle, and there is space for him to muscle up another inch on each side before it needs widening. So when it gets to about 1/4" either side, out will come the saddle fitter, which is rather more expensive. :p

[Daffy Dilly]

I think that has to have been the most frustrating ride I've ever had. :( Still no canter, the weather was awful for it, and when he complete ignored my aids for leg yield, it was the last straw and I promptly dismounted and walked away. Ended up doing some work inhand, leg yield and shoulder in are both improving and getting more equal on each rein.

I simply do not understand why he will not canter. I knew we should've gone for a hack as I hate schooling in the rain to start with, so we're ditching schooling, and going to alternate between hacking (pretty much just long distance walking) to build his fitness and strength, and longreining+inhand to improve his balance, strength and suppleness.

One major positive of the day though - he stood perfectly, loose, outside the barn, to have all four feet thoroughly scrubbed. :D

[Daffy Dilly]

We had an argument this morning. I had to muck out with Daffy in his stable (F tied in barn) and when I wanted to take the wheelbarrow out, Daffy wanted to go too. He tried, several times, but a wheelbarrow handle sticking between his legs dissuaded him. ;) I would back him up, he would look suitably contrite, and then try again. :rolleyes:

Ended up in cross "I don't want to look at you" mode, and pushed his backside to the far end of his stable with the broom so I could otherwise ignore him. Did the trick. :p

We went for a hack today, in the rain. I watched it rain solidly from 6am-10am before deciding that it wasn't going to stop so I might as well just go up to the yard and get wet. It actually dried up about a quarter of the way into our hack, which was nice. Pootled off through a national speed limit (read, muppets do 80mph) to another main road which was interesting enough to start striding out.

Have decided that I'm just going to accept the initial 5 minute plod for now, until I can work out exactly his reasoning for it. Also noticed that I don't get a lot of backwards pelvic movement in walk, and currently trying to figure out why. Can however, absorb correctly going downhill as he extends rather than shortens. ;)

We came back across the rather soaking wet playing fields. Asked for trot on a deserted not so wet path and got..... CANTER! :D Went up the track with the stupidest grin on my face, and luckily it had calmed down a little before we ran across (not literally) any people. I think he enjoyed it as much as I did, he was rather on his toes afterwards. :)

Obviously the problem is that he doesn't feel balanced enough for the school. So going to continue the hacking/longreining plan, with some faster hacks thrown in (not many of those around here mind) and then next month will either have a lesson down the road, or hire his school for an hour as it's bigger than ours. I think I need to get Daffy cantering well in a larger school before trying in ours again, so he knows he can do it. :cool:

[Daffy Dilly]

Batteries cut a few seconds into the good one. :rolleyes:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/th_DSCF1265.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/?action=view&current=DSCF1265.flv)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/th_DSCF1266.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/?action=view&current=DSCF1266.flv)

[EmsnMaisie]

The chesnut's behaviour in the first video clip is hilarious. It seems shocked when Daffy takes umbridge to being bitten on the bum, it seems as if the bucking/galloping fit is in shock at being told off. :o

Daffy seems like a sturdy and fun character, who wouldn't be without his amusing moments.

[Daffy Dilly]

We had a fabby longreining session today. So much so, that I was reluctant to end it. I think we must've been going on for 45minutes, which is quite a long time in the school for us.

We did cone work and pole work. I started off walking to the side, but the lines seem to catch in my roller easily and I reverted to walking behind. Much better, and more like winter 06/07 when I didn't have a saddle. We had lots of correct work for his current level of muscle, fitness and training, and even got some trot work in.

Finished off quickly with work inhand, just shoulder in and leg yield once on each rein. His leg yield is really starting to come on, he just needs to flex through his body more in shoulder in.

Then, as I was putting things away....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/th_DSCF1271.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/?action=view&current=DSCF1271.flv)

No extended trot, which is a shame as it's really something, and I missed the longer strides that he did do as the batteries don't seem to last long. :rolleyes: We'll get it on camera eventually :p

He then stood perfectly, completely loose with nothing on him, around at the barn to have his feet done. He's getting much better at holding them for longer periods of time; I can pick them up, remove his boots if he's wearing them, pick them out and scrub them thoroughly before putting them back down without protest, unless he's stood funny. He also seems to be taking the weight more himself. :cool:

[Daffy Dilly]

We went on a fast, windy hack this lunchtime. I say fast, it was mostly walking, but the backwards stuff was fast, and some of the canter. :p

He spooked at; purple flowers, yellow flowers, a bush, a crisp packet, a rope, a bath (in a field), a rock and a pile of dirt, to name a few things. We had lots of backwards movement at the flowers, but eventually he consented to risk his life and go through. ;)

We went onto the playing fields to have a few canters. Some of it was too wet, and one of the better tracks had dogs on so we walked down that. We managed a trot first, and then three canters. I'll admit to being a bit nervous beforehand, clearly still not over all the history we have up there. But once we were cantering, no problem, and he came back to trot nicely. Still not sure I'd have group canters up there... time will tell!

[Joyscarer]

Now just think how beneficial that backing up work was to getting him to lighten his forehand :D

Sounds like you had a good 'un today :p

[Daffy Dilly]

Friday saw the wind come back up. :rolleyes: It was longreining day, but when it's windy he won't go into 1/4 of the school. I decided not to press the issue, at the moment I'd rather have decent work in a smaller area than spooky nonsense all over the place. So we lunged with two reins, he did work well, although the circle was smaller than I would've liked. We finished off with some inhand work, massive improvement in his LY/SI and then he blew me away by backing from H to E. Ok he went a little wonky, but it was fluent and I was able to bring him back to the track.

Yesterday we went out for another hack, just walk, because *everything* was out to get him. ;) Even a haylage bale in the field, which looked exactly like the one he'd been eating in the barn that morning. :rolleyes: He rarely spooks, but he stops and stares, and if its life threatening, will back up. Admittedly he's fun to ride when he's breathing fire, but I get a bit sick of walk on meaning walk on backwards sometimes. Still, better than spinning and bolting. :p

Today is another longreining day. He does seem to be walking on his hind soles more now, so he's obviously getting off his forehand. I might have to start doing his school work in boots to compensate!

[Daffy Dilly]

By the time it came down to it, Daffy wasn't really in the mood for work today, so I kept it brief. We did the BUSA dressage test in the longlines (just walked it all) and he was spooking in one corner. Did some inhand work, focused on seeing just how light I could give the aid. Leg yield was almost just a touch, shoulder in still needs more bend so I'm having to put more pressure on to encourage it.

I decided he was being silly about that corner, so I fetched the offending article into the school. Basically, next door's yard overlooks ours, and is about 8 feet higher. A blue barrel had blown down their path and been stopped by a retaining wall, so it was clearly giving evil looks over our fence, as Daffy decided it was scary. ;)

Bearing in mind he was about 10ft from where I threw it over the fence (had to climb out of the school and onto the wall to reach it) he wasn't bothered, and proceeded to touch it when asked. Then he touched it on the other side of the fence, and when I threw it back over the wall, he was willing to stand in the corner. All that fuss for nothing. :p

[Daffy Dilly]

Daffy seemed a bit miserable today, he didn't want his breakfast at all, and then eventually ate half. Unfortunately it's finish-uni-at-5-meant-to-be-at-work-for-5-with-a-1hr-drive-in-between day, so unless I do another late night visit, I can't get back to check on him. He doesn't seem unwell though, and I know YM will ring if she has any concerns.

He's not done any work all week, but they have been out for a bit every day. When turnout is restricted, and I only have limited time, I prefer to let him spend that time out than being worked. As a result, he's not had a groom since Sunday. :o

I went up to the yard just after midnight on Tuesday, well, Wednesday. Tuesday is one of my "nights off" and I went out with OH. Had left Daffy unrugged, and then walking into the cinema at 10pm decided it was a bit cold, so fell soft and went to put his rug on later. Did let YM know in advance just incase the neighbours rang her to say somebody was snooping. :p

All three boys were rather sleepy, but Daffy had already eaten 4/5th's of his hay. Have increased it slightly whilst I decide what to do about it. I don't want to leave him without, but he is, aside from eating it too fast, getting the amount he ought to have. Need to have a word with YM about feeding straw, and we'll see where we go from there.

Hacking day tomorrow, and also my last day of lectures until September 09 (hurray for placements!) so I'm definately off out for a blast. ;)

[Daffy Dilly]

We didn't hack on friday, we ended up just doing inhand work. Then I jumped on briefly (bareback) and reminded him of his flexions.

Saturday we jumped a little from trot, just a straight and a cross, not even 1ft I don't think. First time jumping on that yard, and the first time since August. He wasn't particularly forwards (if only we could extend the school!) and wasn't picking his back feet up, but I was pleased that he jumped them both first time every time. :)

He had yesterday off as I went to help at the stressage. Friends are trying to convince me to ride at the shows next month, but I must stick to inhand, and if I tell myself the reasons often enough, we might manage! :D


No show boots
Potential to cause sore feet if no hoof boots
Not fit enough
Not done much schooling


It's really only the thought of making him sore that's putting me off, we've shown when we were below par before. Probably going to do riding club pony or similar on the 25th (hacking up to a local show) and then I'll leave my tack at home on the 26th so we can't do ridden. :p

Today we went for a short hack. Really striding out, and several trots too. Could've gone further, but he seemed so energetic I didn't want to spoil it. :p

Back on the show theme, Solocomb arrived today and I'm itching to tidy that mane. Still waiting for the shampoo etc I ordered, although I only ordered enough for one bath to see if I like it all. :cool:

[Daffy Dilly]

I gave him a brush, and then I did his mane. Theory being, if I messed it up, it'd have another month to fix itself. I don't believe I messed it up (hard to tell when his nose was buried in the haylage on the floor) but it'll probably need tidying up a bit again once he's had a bath in May. He usually shakes his head when I'm faffing with his mane (not keen on it being pulled, usually takes a week to do the whole length) and he started off doing that, then realised it wasn't being pulled, and kept pretty much still.

Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08005.jpg

After:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08006.jpg

Not the best photos, will get some better ones at some point, but I think they show that he looks tidier. Then we went out for a hack, the weather was far too nice to stay in the school.

Off up the hill
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08010.jpg

Just to show how fast he goes downhill (and that's nothing really!)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/th_29thApril08033.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/?action=view&current=29thApril08033.flv)

Then down into the valley;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08012.jpg

Through the village onto a busy road
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08013.jpg

Then up through the edge of the estate
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08014.jpg

And through the fields.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08016.jpg

We trotted from the houses to the stone wall, then opened the gate (he pushed with his nose, and I caught it :D) and then cantered across to the trees. When I first got him, you could canter all the way up from the stone wall to where the photo was taken. Now we're forced through the trees on the non-rider friendly track, simply no way to open the gates on horseback without hitting your head on branches, and it can get really muddy!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08015.jpg

[Daffy Dilly]

Then we got onto an adjoining bridleway;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08017.jpg

There are a couple of steps through this bit, and once he's fitter, we'll probably trot and canter it. Typically though, most of them are either at an angle, or under trees!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08018.jpg

On the top
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08019.jpg

Met the tractor again so no more photos until we were coming back onto the road;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08020.jpg

And heading back down into the valley
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08021.jpg

Down the cobbles, the not-so-steep bit, he wanted to trot down them, I didn't! His boots didn't slip a bit, and if they were going to slip anywhere, it would be going down there!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08022.jpg

Back in the village
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08023.jpg

The river we can ride alongside
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08024.jpg

On our way home
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08025.jpg

And stopping for a breather
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v315/Daffydilly/29thApril08026.jpg