Pj.

[jonto]

He's been with me for two days now, I'm very pleased, in fact the more time I spend with him the more I like him. Yesterday morning I spent out with him doing fencing jobs. He would'nt let me touch him, he did'nt run off, just stepped away and turned his back to me. Today I spent the morning pushing the barrow up and down skipping out, he took an interest but still was a bit shy. This afternoon the girls who own the other horses on the field came and he accepted them. They put his head collar on and had him on the tie up ring. I trial rugged him and after a bit of fuss and grooming, the girls got a bridle on him and I picked his hooves, then we let him off. Late yesterday afternoon I gave him a feed which he took but today he would'nt, shy again. Later, 9pm in the darkwhen I was out again he was more trusting and had a love, there was some firework activity so I guess he was glad of the company.:)

[Tim]

I'm assuming Pj is a horse??:D I had to ask.....


www.tjsmith.fsworld.co.uk

[jonto]

Yep Tim, one to you:D :p . Here's a better picture-

[jonto]

... and a morning rest.:cool:

[bexj]

Hey Jonto - is PJ yours? He's gorgeous! Tell some more about him! Please?

[Tim]

Oh, yes, he is an unusual looking horse......what is he?

[nat17]

Where did you find a handsome chap like that jonto? He is a real stunner.

[Ginger Thing]

Congratulations on your own horse at last Jonto!:D
Your thread was the first thing I ever read on this site and got me hooked!

[jonto]

Well folks. Pj's a dapple grey, but very dark. Does someone know if there is a name for this colour? He's 7 years, 16-1 and a geld. I have no papers, "irish draught cross", is what I'm told, think thats a general term for dont know. I am in touch with his pevious owners. He's a very hansome lad and I hope just the job for me as he will live out with a rug and field shelter, a TB probably would'nt. I think he's been very much a ladies horse as he turns his back to me, he does'nt run away just steps around and ignores me mostly but will come to me occasionaly. When the girls ( they have the other horses on the field), are around its a different matter he just stands there while they fit his head collar then I take him and he's been no trouble at all really. He's quite laid back, just stands there on his tie ring while I give him a brush, pick up his hooves or fit his rug. He's had a bridle on but not yet a saddle. The girls are going to lunge him before we back him. Yesterday the weather here was pretty dissmal cold wet and dank, so we just loved him and rugged him, hope its better today so we can do a bit more. I am very pleased with him, he's lovely, but there's that little worry that there may be something wrong and I wont really know untill Ive ridden him.:)

[Showjumper]

He's a gorgeous boy - congratulations! :D

[tubby]

He's an iron grey Jonto , & don't worry too much , though everyone does with a new horse , he looks a sensible fellow ( though how we know that from a photo I don't know ). He does have the look of the Irish draught crosses , & they are usually good allrounders . Good luck, enjoy :):):)

[kedwards]

Aw, he's a very good looking boy. Congratulations!

[jonto]

Thanks Tubby, thats nice and to KE and showjumper to. Yesterday he let me handle him a bit but sometimes ignored me, as if to say "clear off, do not disturb". :) The girls did'nt come yesterday so I did'nt do any work with him. gave him a small feed, skoop and a bit of nuts with a couple of handfulls of chaff and some bits of carrot, not sure he needs it really as there's still quite a lot of grass and he's not being ridden. Its a bit difficult as the others ar'nt being fed and get a bit upset, but he was being fed at his previous home and I want to interact with him. We've kept a couple of acres fenced off for some late grass and they are spending half a day on there for now till its gone. Going out now to check 'em, will see if I can say good morning to him and hopefully he will be lunged this afternoon. :)
PS. Anyone care to estimate his weight, he's 16-1 and quite trim. Beginning to think about trailers and towing. :eek:

[FRED]

:) with one of these you can tow 2700kg{braked}
no worries

;)

[jonto]

.......or this Fred. Ghost's heavy enough to tow anything! :D

[FRED]

:D :D
prefer 'C' type Jaguar, but I guess there to light.:)

[Laetitia]

He's lovely, Jonto. Stop looking for trouble, he'll be fine. Good sensible sort.
Stop showing off your cars you boys.
Get yourself a lorry Jonto, much more comfortable, and you can make a cup of coffee, and somewhere to dry out.
Had a riding lesson with nag today, both knackered at the end of it and we only did transitions. Another one tomorrow, and its RAINING. if it stops my lesson I shall spit. L

[jonto]

D's quicker fred. :) I'm sure your right L, 7.5's same tax anyway. Its raining here to, miserable but not so cold. Pj's wearing his head collar left it on for the day. When I take hold he just stands there no bother quiet as a mouse, took off his rug this morning. This afternoon clipped on his lead rope and led him on through the gate in the electric field fence up to the shelter behind the house here, no trouble at all, fed him, kiddies around, (school holidays), he loved us all then I took him back to his field and his friends. He's made some already, hangs around with Chyanne. Peggy's upset though makes faces at them. He's lovely, I'm very pleased. :)

PS. Come on someone, whats his appox weight?

[FRED]

;) I have no idea about weight...but to get to the Olypmics you will need this too....

[Laetitia]

What a glorious idea - here comes Jonto ! BOOM !
Horses are approx 500-600kg weight. To be accurate you need to invest in a weigh tape ( inexpensive) which you put round the girth area and read it off. Have you wormed him - you need to give him 5 day Panacur for starters and then sort out a worming programme. How did the lungeing go? L

[tubby]

Weights a difficult one to just guess Jonto , would suggest ,like letitia, that you get a weigh tape they don't cost much & his weight will change according to the time of yr & how much you are feeding him . At his height he could weigh up to approx 750 kilos so you need to know how much his weight is. My fellow is only 13.3hh but with beingof a heavier build weighs in at between 470 & 520 kilos depending mostly on whether he's in or out.:):)

[HAYLEY GITTOES]

Wow, what a stunning horse.

[lisae]

Guess there are a few of those models parked in a second hand lot somewhere! Concorde just flew it's last flight a couple weeks ago... not that I ever could afford that ticket.

[jonto]

Dont think I'll get one of those Concord things , even though they're being remaindered off just now. How could I feed that and Pj to. He's having a scoop and a bit of standard nuts, couple of handfulls of chaff, bit of garlic and some chopped carrott or apple. Have someone coming on Saturday to assess him and advise on tack and what training he might need. He's only been here just over a week yet, still a bit nervous sometimes but better really than I expected, I can catch him any time, he interacts very well. I hold his bucket while he eats, scrape the remains together and he takes them from my hand then licks it, stands quietly when brush and rug him, lifts up his hooves for me and does'nt take off when I let him go. Hope he's not going to be too difficult to ride for me. :)

[Laetitia]

Jonto, I'm going to be cross with you. You are behaving like me and its got to stop. He is NOT going to be difficult for you to ride. Stop setting yourself up to fail. You must be positive otherwise he will pick up on it straight away, its truly amazing how they tune into one's slightest thought, hesitation, fear etc. Make sure you have somebody experienced whom you trust with you, and have a go in a safe area, one of your smaller paddocks would do. Just go for a walk round.
Don't give him too much hard feed if he is not in work, he doesn't need it and it might make him a bit jolly. Clover is in full work and has a scoop of Dengie and under 1/2 scoop Quiet Mix + supplements +succulents + what grass there is. As her work increases her mix will increase. Sorry to sound bossy, I'm not, just want you to enjoy your chap and not have any preconcieved ideas about him. Cheers L

[jonto]

Thanks L, I'm not concerned about being able to handle him, just a little worried untill I have ridden or seen him ridden that there might be something wrong and he wont be able to work.
Anyway here he is on the lunge, no whip just vioce commands.:)

[jonto]

He knew his paces and set off straight away. He's going away for a few days schooling and to be fitted up with tack, I shall ride him first there.:)

[Laetitia]

That's alright then. He looks as if he knows his work. At least he doesn't argue like Clover does, you should hear it, then she has a temper tantrum. How exciting, bet you can't wait. L

[tubby]

Is he going up to your riding school Jonto? Also when he's been restarted will you do your lessons on him? Actually Jonto I've thought of how you could spend more money , you could buy a trailer or box & then you could go for lessons on him every time ( please note how good I am at "helping" people spend spend spend.:D:D:D:D )

[FRED]

He's looking good John, can you tell us anything about Pj's history and what he's been doing? with previous owner.

I watched Heather Moffett today:cool: :cool: and she was ridding a horse named Pj too:)

[jonto]

He's very much out of condition Fred, he knows his paces well and has been ridden, but not for a while and is is a bundle of flab.:) He's doing a bit of schooling just now, took him on Monday, left him to settle in for a day. Wednesday he began work, just half an hour on the lunge, phew, puff puff. :) Then backed him, just standing for now. Been along again this morning, gave him half an hour lunging, then backed him and walked him around the school. Am going again tomorrow for some more work. He's lovely, I'm very pleased. :)

[tubby]

:):) Excellant news Jonto ,sounds as if all is going well. Keep us posted. :):)

[Laetitia]

Have you moved PJ somewhere Jonto, as you say going again tomorrow. He does sound a real sweetie pie. L

[jonto]

Pj's schooling for a few days. He thinks he's on holiday in a Hilton hotel, an' its especially good cus' I'm pay'in.:)

[jonto]

Morn'in promanade. :)

[jonto]

Ooooohhh, weeeeeeeee...... :D

[tubby]

Lovely horse Jonto & it looks as if he's got a nice little pop in him , glad everythings going well good luck:):)

[FRED]

:) well done Pj and Clare, he's looking lively John:D

[jonto]

Early days yet, still having a bit of bother mounting. We are not sure if he's just very green or has had a fright. Softly softly is the approach for now, I hold his bridle and tease him with a carrot while Clare mounts. He's improving, not so tense now, yesterday he stopped tewing when he took her weight, today he did'nt notice. He's fine once your on. :)

[Laetitia]

Sounds as tho' he's really responding to the fact that he is being allowed to go at his pace. After all you're not in any hurry are you. So pleased for you Jonto. L

[jonto]

Hello well we have started again from scratch, Clare's been on and off him several times again, he's getting used to it now. He's a lovely lad no harm in him at all, I can do anything at all with him, he's really very kind but they wont let me mount him yet! :eek: :)

[Tumbleweed]

He is a really handsome boy Jonto, and you are a lot more capable than you realise. What you are doing in your lessons now means you have come a long way.

Try TTouch, that is very good for relaxing animals and it helps with the bonding as well. http://www.tellingtontouch.com/. This has been helping one of my dogs who is terrified of fireworks.

[jonto]

Pj's done a weeks work on the lunge, we put the side riens on and he just did'nt know what to do, must'nt have seen them before. He's come on a little during the week, backed he has some contact now.

[Alex]

ROFL Fred!!!! lol *looks up in the sky for jonto and PJ*

Jonto, congratulations! He's GORGEOUS! What a stunner! He's very handsome and it sounds like you and he are bonding already :) yay!

[FRED]

Visited Pj today:cool: , he's a very friendly chap..and huge,I think he could walk over a 4ft jump :D never mind jump it!

[jonto]

He's 16-1hnds Fred, just about what I'm used to, Harvey's 17 you know. He's lost some weight what with all the exercise on the lunge and backed in the school. We give him twenty minutes on the lunge, both riens and with side reins to finish, then back him. He's got used to Clare mounting and doesnt tense now, she does whatever ridden work she thinks he is happy with, he can do quite a lot now as he's a lot fitter, lost some flab and does'nt sweat so much, he got very wet around his shoulders at first. Really looking forward to see him going outside the school and when will I ever be allowed to back him? Will have to be patient.:(

[tubby]

You're just going to have to be patient Jonto, it's going to take time & if you rush you're going to end up on the floor .If he finds he can get rid of you he's going to slip right back, "he's worth waiting for", so be good.:):):)

[jonto]

Pj had his teeth done on Thursday, dont think he's seen the dentist before, he was a bit put out, oo, oh, what are you doing?:) He's six, so thats established that. Yesterday he did his lunge work and then Clare backed him. She did walk on both riens and rising trot on his left. He's going well now, getting used to the work, I'm sure he's enjoying it, he's so happy. Here he is with his side riens.

[jonto]

Today saturday its a bit wind, we thought it best not to do to much today as it might set us back a week with the schooling. We did his lunge work, then Clare just sat on him without going forward,m we will do some extra time tomorrow. Here he is in the field with his friend Choco. :)

[FRED]

Hello John, I have never seen side reins before, what are they about?
I bet your real glad Pj's age is now known, must have been a great worry after the doubts.I hate dentists too.
Fred.

[jonto]

Fred side riens I understand are to simulate some contact on the bit as you would when you ride. He's continuing with the schooling, hope to have him of the lunge this weekend and ride around the school. His walk is quite active and he's done rising trot on both reins now but still with the lunge line when backed.

[jonto]

Pj ad Choco waiting for room service. :)

[Laetitia]

He's looking good Jonto. Expect by winters end you'll be on board and doing some schooling work with him. He will be fitter by then and more balanced and more able to do the work. Roll on. L

[jonto]

He's coming along quite well now,getting a bit cocky to, likes his work, his lunging is good on both reins now, coming on backed on his right rein. He was having a bit of difficulty on the right rein. We had him off the lunge today riding round the school just walking. Hope the weather is not to bad tomorrow looking forward to working him again and Clare's teaching me to lunge, want to keep up with that.

[LindaAd]

He's a lovely chap, Jonto - what's his story? Why did you buy such a green one, and why hasn't he done any work.....? Maybe you told us on another thread, but I missed it, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.....pleeease?

[jonto]

:)

[ggabby]

he looks loverly how long have you had him for, which sale did he come from ? good luck with him.

[LindaAd]

That's a really happy story, Jonto - he was obviously meant for you. It looks as if you're doing brilliantly with him already. Does that mean you'll stop the lessons?

[Laetitia]

Sounds as tho' PJ is coming along a treat, Jonto. No rush is there, you've got all winter. He's obviously got a fair bit to either learn or freshen up on. Have you tried long reining him, does give a bit more control and is useful for road work- traffic etc. Have you been on board yet. L

[jonto]

Certainly is the middle of winter here L, Its cold and damp, worse than we've had for a few years. He's getting quite trim now, lost some flab, likes his work and a bit of fuss.

[jonto]

How's this for progress, rising trott on the right rein. :) We've had him by the mounting block for the first time this week, stepped to one side as they do. Shall have to work on this then when he's happy with it I shall climb on. :eek: :D

[Laetitia]

Looking good. Bet you can't wait. L

[jonto]

Well Clare and I have been working steadily on the last few days. Pj's come on quite a lot, Clare's been riding large in the school with him, changing rein, doing figure of eights with no one else in there for support, she's walked him around the yard to but with me leading. I've been working on getting him used to a mounting block, starting with a small bucket inverted and building up to a large one which he's accepting now, I'm standing on it putting a foot in his stirup and some weight on his back.:)

[jonto]

Pj's been doing really well, he's a qood learner. He's taken his first walk out in the yard, not led, Clare's mounted him today from the mounting block for the first time, he did'nt bother at all. All being well tomorrow I'll have a try. Here he is after all the scarey goings on, relaxing with his other friend Harry.

[jonto]

Guess who?

[jonto]

Walk on, good boy. :)

[FRED]

well done John,Pj and Clare:)
Im sure you will treasure that moment,
ace camera work if say myself *cough*;)
onward with the good progres.

[tubby]

Ah Fred you're in charge of photos then are you? Excellent news Jonto good to see you on board.:):):):)

[jonto]

I think you ought to take something for that cough, Fred. :)

[Tim]

You look good on Pj, Jonto, nice horse.:D I am looking at a share horse this weekend meself, an old timer, (the horse, not me!), but a good starting place and a good way to learn about looking after horses. Good luck with Pj, and it seems you're making good progress:D

Tim

www.timagesphoto.co.uk

[Laetitia]

Brilliant Jonto. Looking really good. How does he feel? So pleased for you. L

[FRED]

Good luck Tim.

John your pm email is full, hope you had a good week and a little more walk practise with Pj.Remember Clare is a gem of good advice, you have found a very good trainer
:)
Best regards,Fred.

[jonto]

Hello L and Tim, did you look at the share, what was he like? Pj's very green, he's quite hard work to keep going, but then he's only a begginer has to take it a bit at a time and you have to be so carefull as any upset at this stage would set us back. I've trimmed his forlock back to a fringe, just like "Billy Bunter", he was a school boy to.:) Rode him again yesterday, managed several circles hardly round and not always twenty metres but we got back to where we started from. Finished with a half circle, turned him down the centre line and rode him out though the gate, there's progress for you. :D :o

[Tumbleweed]

Well done Jon, :D you will be hacking out before this year is out.

What I do when riding a new or young horse, is to concentrate on me, my position, I keep checking, and my aids, again I keep checking.

Going into a corner, I check my position, check my aids, check my position, then give the aids keeping a quarter of an eye on the track my horse is taking, and three quarters on my position and aids. If he starts to fall in, you can correct immediately because you are aware of what is happening to you and your horse. If you are right, your horse doesn't have a lot of choice but to be right, although some are clever enough to still avoid.

Hope this makes sense.

Margaret.

[jonto]

Your right T, concentration is very necessary, just a little imbalance would ruin everything. Am able to use inside leg with outside rien, I think thats enough for him to cope with for now. Hope to have another go in the morning, perhaps a little bit more.:)

[Tim]

Originally posted by jonto
Hello L and Tim, did you look at the share, what was he like? Pj's very green, he's quite hard work to keep going, but then he's only a begginer has to take it a bit at a time and you have to be so carefull as any upset at this stage would set us back.

Jonto: Shane is a very experienced horse! His present owner has had him for 18 years but she has also got a pure bred Arab who is 4 and she wants to ride him soon. Shane's a Palamino Arab cross about 15.2hh but stocky with solid legs and although he ain't a spring chicken, there's plenty of life in the old 'oss yet!:D Once we can get some of the fat off him (he's got a bit fat as he hasn't been ridden for a while), he'll make a great hacker for me.;)

www.timagesphoto.co.uk

[FRED]

Pj did some nice leg~yeild last Sunday at walk when Clare was ridding , he's doing great really.

[jonto]

Leg~yeild my foot, sorry I meant my hoof. He was falling in to Clare standing in the middle! She moved and I was on my own.
Took him out with the hack this morning, not mounted walking alongside, about a mile. After we got back Clare rode him around the yard a bit. My turn tomorrow.:)
Well Tim are you going to help ride Shane? Sounds as though he's looking for a good friend to ride him and a bit of exercise is just what he needs. :) But watch trhe Polo mints they are fatening.:( :p

[FRED]

hey up john, did you not see Clare ridding doing leg yeild.
My hoof indeed! mate.

[jonto]

Sorry Fred, musthave missed it, thought yuou meant when I was riding. Long way from leg yeild then.:( :)

[Tim]

Yes, Jonto, I have tried Shane out and he's just what I need!! A great horse to ride, very easy and laid back although marginally spooky at times, nothing serious. Been out today for a good hour hack round the lanes and he was fine, 100% in all ways. I can take him out every week from now on and in the summer I can have him on full loan. For an old timer he is a sprightly chap and a pig at feeding time. Right, where did I put those Polo shrub cuttings..?

www.timagesphoto.co.uk

[jonto]

Go for it Tim, but do watch the sugar, its bad for u! :p :D Let us have a picture. Mounted my lad again this morning, Clare lunged him for ten minutes then I climded on, thats eight mounts from the block now. Rode him around the school, both ends and reins. Then tried trott, he's not as bumpy as I expected, easyish to rise to, but he kept pulling me forward, I got a little unbalanced and so we had to stop. Walked him on again to the far end of the school, then turned him down the centre line rode him out of the gate and round the yard. :)

[tubby]

Sounds as though you're romping away Jonto. Don't worry too much about the circles as you practise you'll find he'll get more supple & things will be easier for you. Guess what I've moved Ben to Chesterton as a temporary measure, so he's down the road a way from you. Will keep my eye out for a grey horse when you get PJ home.

[Laetitia]

Jonto, that's wonderful news. Any answers as to why he kept pulling you forward at trot? You'll soon be up and away with him. L

[jonto]

Head movments L, he pulls on the reins and I'd let him pull me forward. We had to stop as he's not used to being unbalanced and could have spooked. Will try to do better next time, have'nt didden him since Sunday. Mondays his day off, yesterday I had other commitments, today it was'nt fit, I did go along and help't with the chores but we could'nt ride in the conditions.:(

[tubby]

However did you get up Mowcop Jonto I set out at 7.30am & only got as far as Talke where I had to turn back & leave Ben to my friend to look after. I hate snow!!!!!!!!

[Tumbleweed]

Originally posted by jonto
Head movments L, he pulls on the reins and I'd let him pull me forward. We had to stop as he's not used to being unbalanced and could have spooked. Will try to do better next time, have'nt didden him since Sunday. Mondays his day off, yesterday I had other commitments, today it was'nt fit, I did go along and help't with the chores but we could'nt ride in the conditions.:(

Concentrate on your position:D and when he tries to pull forward, let your arms go forward then stop. If you are right, this will help him to be right, if you are wrong, he will be wrong.

think Position Position Position, all the time.

Keep your shoulders loose so that your hands can go forward when he stretches his neck, and think Position Position Position;)

[jonto]

Hello T thanks for the advise, position is very important, but he's begining to trust us now and enjoying all the fun, he really likes the work. Clare rode him on Friday, we've cut the lunging down to about ten minutes now, then we back him. He went like an old hand, figure of eights, surpentines, his first diagonal changes, Clare was very pleased with his progress. So saturday I had another go, it was very windy quite cutting in fact, so we decided just to circle on the lunge line. Well he was'nt happy at all tried to turn in to Clare, he trusts her. Managed three rather wobbley circles then called it a day riding out of the school and into the yard before dissmounting. Today Sunday Clare decided to ride him before me, so we did the bit of lunge work and it had been a pleasant morning up to then, but the wind started to blow again!!!:( But he coped with it and did all the work he had done on Friday without a spook at all. We decided that that was enough because in the conditions I might upset him and that would put us back. If he can do it for Clare then its up to me to ask him to do it for me. :) So as soon as we have another nice day, this week I hope, I'll be on him again.:)

[jonto]

Dam weather, :( beg pardon! Wind and rain everey day, hav'nt been on him since. Clare rode him Sunday in the gusty winds and he coped very well, sepentines, eight's, diagonal changes for the second time. Dreadfull morning again today so we just lunged him and poped him over a little jump a few times. Then we took him for a walk along the roadway for quarter of a mile or so, he did'nt bother about the bit of traffic that went past. There again in the morning but the weather man says its going to rain and blow yet again!:(

[Laetitia]

Frustrating isn't it? L

[jonto]

Got wet this morning, the school was like a bog so took Pj out for his first hack or rather Clare did with me walking alongside. Went quite a way, must have been a mile, he was a bit tense at first but not jumpy, soon settled down and greatly enjoyed it. He was looking around and listening, taking in everything around. Clare says if we can get another weeks flat work in, she'll take him out with the crowd unaccumpanied. :D :cool:

[Laetitia]

Nearly there Jonto. Bet you can't wait. L

[jonto]

Pj,s worked in the school this morning, first nice morning we've had for ages. He was bone idle, Clare had to squeeze and shout at him to keep him going. :) He though it was boring in the school after all the excitement going out in the big wide world on Wednesday.:p He's going to have to work in the school again tomorrow, might need to carry a crop.:eek: . Might push him on to canter to. :)

[jonto]

Well weather's been against us hav'nt been able to do to much with my lad, mostly a just a little time on the lunge. Yesterday was much better though there was a steady wind from the north west, he can cope better with that now. He was a bit upset to begin with as Choco and Harry his mates had jumped the fence into the next field during thr night leaving him all alone, came to the gate asking me to bring him in. He has a habbit of pushing a the stable door, its quite alarming you should see the bow he makes in it, so May the yard owner showed him the crop a couple of times, that upset him a bit more. Groomed and tacked him, Clare took him into the school and worked him as usuall exept that she carried a crop for the first time, though she made no use of it just carried it. She got him "revved up" hoping that he'd break into a canter, nothing doing just a little buck, so he's not ready yet. When she'd finished I climbed on first time for a day or to, he did'nt like it, went sideways, backwards every time I pushed him forward he got more tense so we called it a day. Dont think he likes crops and we dont now whats happened to him in the past. Lovely morning today, warm and sunny, no wind, groomed and tacked him, took him into the school and started him off with his lunge line then Clare took over and had a few minutes with him on side reins. Then she mounted him and worked him for five minutes walk and trott, then came in and I took over. Well he was a different lad alltogether today, did every thing I asked, longest ride I've had to date, he trotted nicely for me to.:) Shampoo'd his main and tale after, really looking forward to Friday when I go again. :)

[jonto]

Got a really good ride in this morning, weather must help him a lot. Been a bit unpleasant for him out in the cold and rain, going to try him out in the field in the morning, sure he'll like that, then we'll take him out on a hack again as soon as we've a big enough party, this time unled.:)

[jonto]

Fred, please look in your PM's, urgent. Rode Pj in the school again this morning, slight change of plans as someone came to look at one of the other horses. Clare mounted without any work on the lunge did a few minutes working up then came in and I took over. Had a good half hour on my own. He's a bit lazey, but getting used to it now and I can bully him on a bit. Worked on both riens getting into the corners and transitions, stop, start and putting in a few strides of trot. :)

[cate-e-kins]

What a fab looking horse, just the sort I would buy if I could....all your work will pay off I'm sure, enjoy him, Cate.

[FRED]

John and Pj at work,

[FRED]

He will not canter{my hoof;) }:D
ok theres plenty of time to go on to this when riden.

[FRED]

Well done John,Clare and Pj.
Im so very pleased for you, thanks for a great afternoon.
What do you think guys?
Best regards, Fred.

[Tumbleweed]

Wonderful piccies Fred, thank you.

The reason why a lot of horses when just starting off not cantering is because they can't, they are not balanced enough to strike off. You will often see green horses buck into canter, and this is for the same reason.

Don't worry about the canter, it will come, but concentrate on a really good walk, a good walk will often lead to a good canter, and of course a good trot, you need that for comfort.

I have always found that riding to music helps a horse's paces, and with green horses, it helps them to find a good, even rhythm. As well as helping the horse, music also helps the rider to relax and be soft and supple.

[Laetitia]

Super photos Fred, doesn't John look good on him. PJ is certainly coming along in leaps and bounds. L

[jonto]

He's done lotts of canter on the lunge T, just hav'nt had it yet backed. He's improving daily just now, did a super ride in the school yesterday, was really forward and did everything I asked.:) Took him out on the road again today, Clare riding and me walking in front with Lizzey.

[Tumbleweed]

He really is doing well Jon, well done.

When we run we are balanced, but if we are giving a child a piggy back and then run, we have to change our balance, and this is what horses have to learn to do, change their balance to cope with our weight.

Everything is going very well, just don't worry when he is trying to sort himself out, because this is all that is happening.

You are going to have a wonderful summer with him, just because you are taking is slowly and letting him worth it out for himself.

[jonto]

Ive had to take the decision to sell Pj, it was going to take some time to bring him on, I'm very sad to see him go, he's now gone to some some nice people nearby who already have another horse so now one each. They love him dearly and are younger than me with the time to bring him on. He really is a star, loves being with you, grooming, tacking etc, do you know he walked straight into their trailer, out though the front, then round and straight back in again, as if its all a bit off fun. Its just that he's to green for me to bring him home, so I've taken on Harry the bay who you can see in the picture on a previuos page with Pj. Harry's eleven and knows his stuff, a schoolmaster, I've hacked him out a few times over the last few months, we get on quite well. Sad sad sad, I'll have to get over it and Pj's not far away. We can keep in touch.

[FRED]

I know what a very hard decision this must have been for you John, Im sure Pj will be eternaly gratefull for all you have done for him.

Well, Harry is going to be Lord of The Manor:D , you can dust off that suit again!
I still yearn for a fjord, but Harry did catch my eye

Good luck Harry at your new home:)

[Tumbleweed]

I know this must have been a very hard decision, but you have put his needs before your own. You have also given him a very good start and he can carry on getting stronger and stronger because of this.

You have also gained a lot of experience which you wouldn't now have thanks to PJ, and this will help in the future.

Just look forward to a good year enjoying your horse.

Well done, it is a pity more people don't put their horse's needs before their own.

Will there be a new thread? ;)

[lizzy]

Jonto,

As a regular reader of this thread, rather than a poster, I am sorry to see that you have decided to sell him, but I am sure it is for the best and you will have a good time with Harry. This is a good time of year to start with a new horse - you have all that fine weather to look forward to, have a good summer with him and keep us all posted.

Lizzy