Arnie update, new Freeform, confidence returning (long)

[Skippys Mum]

Hello there,

finally an update on Arnie. My new (long awaited) Freeform arrived last week. It is a thing of great beauty and smells like a very (very) expensive handbag:D.

I have now ridden him every night for the last 5 nights AND I think I might have cracked it:D:D. He has been in the school (including the scary corners), out round our usual hack, walking, trotting and cantering, ridden in the field (including staying on when he did an almighty spook) and going out alone (trying to scare mummy but getting kicked on and told to behave - then getting a smack when he didnt:( - but now behaving beautifully:)).

The saddle is amazing. It just does not move:). Arnie is round and saddles usually roll on him which means I am forever straightening them up - this one doesnt even move when I'm mounting. We are also using a Dr Cooks bridle till we get his mouth fully sorted (vet says its just his age and I may have to live with it for a while)

I have no doubt my confidence is coming back because I feel secure and as though I am sitting "in" him rather than being perched "on" him.

here's a token piccie for those of you who have got through all this. And please have some wine and biccies (I cant join you as its impossible to eat and drink with the grin that I have on me - although, as you can see from the photo, this is not a common problem:D:D:D)

Thanks to everyone on NR who took the time to answer the multitude of questions I had before I made this decision xxx

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj244/torchy500/CIMG3808640x480.jpg

[palmerlover52]

Oh great :D So glad your confidence is on the up, Arnie looks great :D

[No_Angel]

really glad it working for you:D Keep us updated!

[Showjumper]

Yay check you out!! :D

[Skippys Mum]

I have to confess I fell off him last night:o - while he was stationary!!!!

I'm not quite sure what I managed to do but I was getting off and it all went wrong and I ended up on my ass. He just looked at me as though I was daft - and funnily enough, thats exactly how I felt. I do remember trying to avoid the zip on my fleece scratching the saddle so I think I just made a hash of it. Usually (with my old bones) I just put my left leg over his neck and slide but I've been trying to improve my general riding so thought I'd do it properly - never again:D

[Showjumper]

lol oops!

[No_Angel]

Oops! I wouldn't worry we all have mishaps.

I remember getting off Susie (shes only 12 hands) the conventional way, she put her head down, I fell down her neck and landed on my bum on the floor!

Then there was mounting Maddie (shes 16.3), I got on standing on a crate, got half way up and got my foot stuck in the crate, so I was hanging in mid air with a crate dangling off my other foot. Its a very good job my Ansur Konklusion didn't move.

[The Original Crazywoman]

I pretty much always get off by chucking my leg over her neck and then sliding off. I always get disapproving looks though, and often people explain to me why it is dangerous. :rolleyes:

Anyway, thrilled that it is working out for you and Arnie. I love my Freeform. :D

[capalldubh]

I do remember trying to avoid the zip on my fleece scratching the saddle

I see you have your priorities right :D

I once fell off my old share cob when mounting by just putting awee bit too much spring and boinging off the other side - she was a bit like Arnie, and did look down at me with mixed confusion and disdain ;)

I am really glad to hear it's all going well :) I have been practicing galloping around fields and have had some very well behaved hacks (including walking calmly down the dreaded downhill ;)) - and Lucyad is back from her hols, so we must organise a date for a meet up :D

[Skippys Mum]

I am really glad to hear it's all going well :) I have been practicing galloping around fields and have had some very well behaved hacks (including walking calmly down the dreaded downhill ;)) - and Lucyad is back from her hols, so we must organise a date for a meet up :D

Just tell me when:). I am on a roll just now and cannot wait:). You're off on mondays sometimes arent you. Or I could come over of an evening? I'm jump judging at Auchinleck next sunday but then I'm free.

[Skippys Mum]

And a last update from a successful week:) - another happy hack this morning. I now have a relaxed boy who is actually starting to take longer steps rather than his usual short choppy little stride. Its like riding a different horse.

He is standing still to be tacked up and even starting to put his head down for his Dr Cooks bridle (although funnily enough, he keeps opening his mouth looking for a bit:D).

I just flung my leg over his neck and slid off this morning though (I am finding my hips very sore but I think I'm just so out of practice with riding).

My confidence is just coming back in droves (although I know my limitations and I'm not rushing into anything too scary just yet:o).

Thankyou for all your help as I know for a fact that my confidence has only come back due to lots of support and advice from folks on NR:D:D

[Lucyad]

Sounds great!

I am back - thanks ever so much for seat savers - they were great! I would love to pop over to meet Arnie and give you your sheepskin one back, but would also love to have you over for a ride on Oscar, though I fear you might find him a little boring now!

[Skippys Mum]

Oh no Lucy - no such thing as boring from where I'm standing:). I did manage out on my own totally this morning - very scary as no one home at all - but it was really foggy so I didnt go out onto the road, just up and down the lanes.

Give me a shout when it suits you and I'll bring him over for a hack - or just pop over and visit him - whatever suits:). Cant wait to see the rest of your holiday photos!

[sancho]

Hey! Where did my pm detailing your last week go huh??!:rolleyes::cool:

Im soooo pleased for you both, you look really good together.:D