Doing A Nic Again

[NoviceNic]

Still suffering from falling a fortnight ago I had a sedate lesson. :rolleyes: One hour into my lesson and things were going absolutely fantastically. Captain and I were jumping and my RI was over the moon with our progression as we came out of a spot on double with 2 strides in the middle. :D

Then RI asked me to have another go at the single then bring him round with impulsion but controlled into the double again. Shouting from the sidelines all I could hear was "Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant". Got to the double and he flew over the first but as he landed I knew instinctively that he was going to run out on the second so I grew with attitude and made him go on to the second jump of the double. It was bl**dy hard work with only 2 strides to make him correct himself. I was struggling and the plastic wing was right in front of us so I made him jump the wing. As he landed on the other side he fell onto his toes and collapsed onto his knees and chinned the ground. Well I was a goner. I hung in for dear life but gave up about 4 strides on and went for the "Doing a Nic". And what a graceful fall it was. :p I flew threw the air like an elephant with wings. I landed on my head and flatly thudded onto my back. :eek: My RI screaming "Are you alright". I sat up and absolutely wet myself laughing. 2nd fall in a fortnight and I have to admit I think I have lost the plot because I love it. For 5 yrs I have dreaded falling and this has really stopped me from progressing and getting my confidence levels up. Now I have done it and I am still alive. BONUS.:p

Please excuse the faces I pull. I am concentrating you know.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/novicenic/horses/000_0229.jpg

Here Captain is enjoying his hose down.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/novicenic/horses/000_0231.jpg

[domane]

First of all WOW! Look at that boy FLY!!!!

Secondly... oh my God - are you sure you are OK? Are you sure you don't just have hysterical laughing from landing on your head?? You have been soooo lucky to have got away with not being injured TWICE!!! I hope Captain is OK from his loss of balance...?

Glad you have "faced your demons" and literally come out the other side laughing Nic... I think you may have to change YOUR name to Not-so-NoviceNic.... but your namesake expression still sticks, I'm afraid.... :D

[curlycal]

Love the photos novicenic, wheres the one of you falling off:)
Glad its not just me!I too have fallen off twice in the last 3 lessons ( I'm learning to canter).the thought of falling off is worse then the reality isn't it

Cal

[Tots N Dots]

that is such a brill photo :D
I have to agree! I need to fall off, as daft as that sounds, no doubt I will at some stage backing Pickle :eek: but it is holding me back, I remember being on a lesson on Sasha and the most memorable part of the lesson was when I looked at the menage surface and thought "wouldnt be that bad looks quite soft really" after that was always fine in the school but am still wary out, it would do me so much good just to have a little tumble and be able to walk away laughing, as far as I remember its over 10 years since I last came off and I managed to put one of my vertebra back into the right place as it wasnt in the right place before I fell off, (dont tell my physio :eek: ) ummmm
I often think the fear of it is worse than the reality and it can build and build, good on you Nic, this time next year Pickle and I can toddle over to see you and hopefully join in, can tell my Physio I have Pickle once we are getting out there, he thinks I have an elderly very safe plod :eek: :D

do have to ask, where is your body protector?:eek: :D :eek: lol

[NoviceNic]

I have only recently decided to ditch the BP whilst having lessons as it inhibits my position. I think I may have to re-evaluate that idea and get used to wearing it again. Sorry but I have just read Jo's thread about Hector and I am sat here in floods of tears. Life's a b**ch. :mad:

[Little Dolphins]

FanTAStic, N'nic! What a great pic of you two flying over that jump. Wish I could do thaaaaat!!!
Captain has such a gorgeous mane-(want to get HQ's that long)- so it doesn't matter about the feathers:p

Yes, Jojoba's news is really very pants indeed :(

[NoviceNic]

When I started to jump he was very lazy and knocked some of the poles down. Then as I got a bit more confident and forward going I asked my RI to jump on and show me what he looks like. She jumped on and he started to mess her about. She noticed he always goes to the left as he lands so took him over again and then circled him and smacked him with the whip as he started to try it on with her. Thus he woke up!! :rolleyes: I got back on and he was really impulsive. :eek: She said that is the impulsion we need. I explained to her that if I was at a Show he would be like that and that I am always pulling him back so now I need to know how to control that impulsion. :eek: The first time he went round really well. It was like riding a TB.

LD - I am taking his mane off. :o I think he looks really pansified with no feathers. Also it gets in his way when we are jumping so I have booked the RI to pull it. I wont worry too much if I dont like it as it grows very fast. It was only half that length in April.

[CMR]

He's gorgeous! :eek: Looks like a colored Lippizaner to me :p I love that first picture :D

[Whatanejit]

Wow doesn't he fly like a bird - he really looks like he enjoys it.
Nic you look like you are holding in a fart with that face:D

Definately agree with jane re your name change but hey, like me, it wouldn't be the same would it!


Nooooooooooooooooooooooo! You can't cut his mane it is part of Catptain and his good looks:confused: :confused:

What about a spanish / arab plait when you are jumping to get it out of the way.

If you bring an umbrella with you it usually doesn't rain - unless you live in N. Ireland, of course. If you start wearing your body protector you probably won't fall off! Put it on you naughty girl:p
I remember reading a few righteous posts from you on BPs a few months ago!:rolleyes:

Step down off your soap box Dee. ;)

So glad you are ok, though.

Poor Jo and Hector - makes us doubly count our blessings.

xx

Dee

[RustyMary]

Captain looks fabulous in that pic - look at him go - well done Nic! I have to agree with Whatanejit about his mane though ;)

[crinks]

Well done NIc! THe piccie sums it all up................ jumping is for onemoment the two of you flying! And leave his mane alone woman!

[Lucyad]

Wow!!! He looks amazing! He is a flying machine!! He must be Soooo good at jump offs!

I agree about him mane - it is georgous!!!

PS. Do you show him in coloured classes? He is one good looking boy!

[BeachRiding]

What a jumper you got there! Lovely horse! Glad your okay!

[neen]

That's a really great picture and he looks lovely. Agree with the others about the mane!

[HairyCob]

Glad to hear you're OK, despite 'doing a (spectacular) Nic':rolleyes: Don't make a habit of it please;)

You and Captain look like you are really enjoying yourselves, I'm very jealous 'cause I'd love to have a go at jumping again, but I'm to scared:( Maybe one day...!

[Little Dolphins]

See what happens,' Nic? We all take on part-ownership of NR horseys, sort of corporate share:rolleyes:
So, we don't wanna pull Captain's mane, 'cos he's a pin-up boy, not a pansy!

But I do get what you mean about the balance between no feather and a long, long mane- a bit like an aristocratic hippy in a city suit, p'raps.

There's a lot of mane pulling on my yard; privately, I think the results look like a bit of trim glued on a lampshade, but I don't say anything, cos I know they are all looking with disapproval at Harlequin's wig!
It's the so-straight edge and the lack of movement that looks weird, I think. But then, I'm a child of the '60s...

[VickiGG]

I love that horse - he is gorgeous. Well done!!! Good you can laugh about the falls hey. You both look like you are having fun. Are you learning showhunter?

Mane pulling - ahhhh - don't get me started on that. I have a palomino and entered him in inhand Golden Horse shows where to win Best Mane and Tail you need a natural looking mane and tail. I actually don't like the look of the pulled mane in comparison - but I also don't like the long, split ends look, faded ends of some untrimmed manes, so what to do!

Well my horse (Garbo) - his mane was cut when I got him a year ago - quite short - looked hideous, so I was growing it, but everyone kept telling me to pull it. I had my RI pull it after she assured me it would look the same but shorter - and not cut. Now it looks thin and frizzy like all the ends have been snapped off. The shine and the way it just used to hang has all changed. *weep* :rolleyes:

BUT - moral of the story - do what you want to do and don't worry what other people think or say. :)

[icnmary]

What can I say Nic? You are my hero......:D I have had some setbacks of late and have gone back to walk/trot.....:o I always relate to your posts and read them with great interest. Thanks!!!

[RustyMary]

[QUOTE=Little Dolphins]See what happens,' Nic? We all take on part-ownership of NR horseys, sort of corporate share:rolleyes:
[QUOTE]

You are so right LD - I'm unlikely ever to own my own horse and take an avid interest in what you are all doing with yours - it's the next best thing! Also explains why many of us spent yesterday in tears over poor Jo and Hector.

ETA: Hope that comes over in the way that it's meant - 'part-ownership' in an interested way, not at all possessively!

[Dummer&Drummer]

sorry, not got time to read all of your replies, and sure im echoing the above comments but, bloody well done :D :) x

[carrimclaren]

Well done Nic! I'm impressed because from what i know of those jump blocks the height you are jumping is around 2"6/2"9 and that is brilliant! What a trooper he is, he's flying it.

[teabiscuit]

excellent position over those jumps :)

[cazrider]

NoviceNic you both look absolutely fabulous in the jumping shot. :D :D More power to your elbow. How you can say you are part of the Nervous Nellie club I don't know. No no no no no.

But, and here goes..... (hides against missles from LD, Domane, Wjit et all) I really don't like pulled manes on cobs, I think you either leave them as they are or...you hog them. :eek: As you know, Sennie, being a native is au naturel. But Apache, my first main man had his feathers clipped for the same reason you did Captain, and I hogged his mane as well. And you know what? he looked fab.:D The same people who said I'd be mad said they really liked it once I'd bitten the bullet. Not necessarily advocating it for Captain, but it is an option. Ok, I'll go and put my head in a bucket now.;) :( :)

[NoviceNic]

Wow doesn't he fly like a bird - he really looks like he enjoys it.
Nic you look like you are holding in a fart with that face:D

LMAO.:D Maybe that is why Captain jumped so high. :p

[domane]

Oh don't be silly Cazrider.... we are all entitled to our opinion and us "matures" are way past lynching you for speaking up!!! :D (or we can't get our tartan rugs off our laps quick enough to catch you.... :p )

I recently pulled some of Cherry's to get out some of the ends which have bleached so hers is shorter than it used to be ... I just think it matches her feathers but I'm sure in this weather she wouldn't object half as much as I would to having her hogged!!!!

And the lure of having the legs clipped for the winter will get stronger as the season advances.... :D :D :D

[NoviceNic]

All of your replies have made me howl. :D I would love to Show Captain. I know he has the most perfect markings as many people who meet him are in awe of his presence. But I have to clip his feathers. I have to admit I detest hogged manes. :eek: With a passion. **fetches bucket for cazrider to put her head into**. lol There is absolutely no way I would ever hog him. This is the reason why I dont show him. I love to jump. So this is my challenge to myself. I am a nervous nellie, I have a go at things but not without feeling extremely nausious prior. :o I am lucky though as i have a very strong bond with Captain and that is why I am able to do most things.

DD - Thank you. You are my jumping hero I love to hear your updates and success, I aspire to attempt the same this year.

icnmary - I am really pleased that my posts help yourself. I am thrilled to help. I too have had previous bad experiences and found my return to riding a very difficult one. :)

I really must stop falling off as my body doesnt heel as quick as it used to!!!

[Little Dolphins]

NoviceNic you both look absolutely fabulous in the jumping shot. :D :D More power to your elbow. How you can say you are part of the Nervous Nellie club I don't know. No no no no no.

my first main man had his feathers clipped for the same reason you did Captain, and I hogged his mane as well. And you know what? he looked fab.:D )

No, she ain't no N'vous N'llie, that N' Nic!

Bet Apache did look fab! Sometimes the radical approach works out brilliantly. But maybe hogged is a boy look? Bit butch for a lady-cob, who's meant to have a 'head like a duchess, tail like a cook'? Mind you, to follow through, HQ'd better get an up-do and a tiara!

[cazrider]

(or we can't get our tartan rugs off our laps quick enough to catch you.... )
so that was you Jane! That tartan rugged old lady chasing my zimmer frame yesterday evening with her wheel chair.... I'd often wondered what you looked like.:p Nearly caught me too.;)

Looks like I'll have to dig up the photos of Apache to show you. Just don't have time today as i'm leaving foir Bristol in five minutes.. Oh the horrors of work:rolleyes:

It's funny though, much as I used to love Apache hogged. he was a middle/heavyweight with a big neck, if anyone tried to do that to Sennie i'd lynch them. There's a new section d on the yard, whose previous owner hogged him, and I was at the front of the queue with his new owner saying what an utter shame it is. As you say HQ, certainly does depend on the horse.

[NoviceNic]

I would like to see the photo's of Apache. Have you got before hogged and after shots so I can see the difference please...

[cazrider]

Hi Nic

Apologies for the delay here, but I've only just got back from a working week away. I don't have many pics of Apache as I didn't own a dig camera then, so these are some a friend took. I should also add he was the most unphotogenic horse on the planet. Whereas Sennie is a natural poser, Apache always seemed to have an ear back or the whites of his eyes showing!

So I can't show you any before and after pics as I don't have any "before"s, and the "after" pics are a bit limited as you can see. But they are all I've got.:(
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/cazrider/ApacheEatingdinner.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/cazrider/Apache2.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/cazrider/ApacheCarol.jpg

I hope they give you an idea. Although I hogged him I did leave his forelock. It was too good a fly whisk. For shows I'd plait it.

Cazx

[Little Dolphins]

Lovely pics, CR! Tes, Apache does indeed look truly handsome with the sleek look:)

Guess what- I'll have to eat my words about feather! (Listen up, W'jit)- I've 'done a Captain'! Had to cut off HQ's lovely heel feather on her hind feet, cos I found more lurking yukky bits. Peeps on yard said it's the only way, so I did it. Someone gave me some gooey gunk- like honey it is?? Seems to be working.

[neen]

Oooh he looks great hogged Caz -- I was doubtful till I saw the pics. But then he has those excellent neck markings which I guess make up for the lack of mane. It would have been a shame to hide them!

[Whatanejit]

Have to agree he really does look amazing.

One of the cobs at our yard was very long and natural but had a mite problem.

His teenage owner went for it and shaved off everything - he looked sooo handsome - much better than with the feathers and mane.

I do think that is unusual, though.

Love the way you left the forelock.


Oh LD - needs must!

xx

Dee

[NoviceNic]

WOW *wolf whistles*. Gorgeousis he. Carol he is an absolute stunner. I like that look. Very nice. You are right Apache looked lovely hogged. I like the fact that you left his fringe. I think that is what puts me off hogging.

LD - Sorry to hear you have had to clip HQ's feathers off. Better to be able to clear up the problem and then let them grow back. :)

ETA: Change name of horse before anyone else realises I made an embarrassing c**k up. Sorry not feeling too good today.

[domane]

LD - Sorry to hear you have had to clip Chez's feathers off.
WHAT????? LD have you been at my horse with the clippers???? :eek:

See Nic???? I TOLD you all that falling on your head would damage it!!!! :D :D

[NoviceNic]

OMG sorry love I am not feeling myself tonight. :o I have been to A&E as I had the most painful neck and tingling down my left side and then I got a £30 fine and on top of that my baby goes tomorrow on loan for 6 months and I feel a bit like a broken biscuit. Crushed!! :(

[Skib]

NoviceNic,
I am sorry. I hope you are all right. I love your jumping and Captain but I have been sitting on the side lines like an old granny worrying about you falling so often. Not something to be taken lightly, even with a body protector.

I taped and watched some of Fools on Horses when we got in from a party last night and was appalled by the cavalier approach to falling off a horse. And the hazardous rides those people were put through. All quite wrong.

I hope this thread doesnt signifiy a shift in the sensible adult approach to riding and risk management among us Matures on NR?

Please take care of yourself. And that goes for the rest of you too.

[cazrider]

Rough time Nic.:( Please take care of yourself. What did they say in A and E re your neck? Not good about the fine. Your baby will be fine I'm sure. Its only natural to be worried though.

Thanks all for your nice comments on my lovely Apache.:( :D

And Nic, don't worry about naming the wrong horse, I just realised I called LD, HQ in an earlier post on this thread. Sorry LD.;) Definitely "matures" old age setting in.. what was that about tartan rugs Jane?

[domane]

OMG sorry love I am not feeling myself tonight. :o I have been to A&E as I had the most painful neck and tingling down my left side and then I got a £30 fine and on top of that my baby goes tomorrow on loan for 6 months and I feel a bit like a broken biscuit. Crushed!! :(

Ooh, that's NOT a nice set of events.... :( (((BIG))) hugs from me..... xxxx

Hope you feel a bit better today :)

Edit: cazrider: Tartan rugs? What? Did I mention them??? My memory is going..... what's a tartan rug?
Who am I??? .......

[cazrider]

(or we can't get our tartan rugs off our laps quick enough to catch you.... )
You did Jane...;) When I mentined you might be aiming missiles at me for hogging my horse. I have been giggling at the lovely pic of you riding Cherry in one..;)

[fishiz3434]

WOW!! you two look so cool i love the name hehe u know wat they say 7 falls and your a good rider lol only 5 more to go!!:D have fun!:p

[Little Dolphins]

And Nic, don't worry about naming the wrong horse, I just realised I called LD, HQ in an earlier post on this thread. Sorry LD.;) Definitely "matures" old age setting in.. what was that about tartan rugs Jane?

Heehee,Caz and Nic, don't mind what you call me or horse (within bounds of decorum, o' course!), it's just v. nice to get a mention or a reply or a hello
:)

Hope you're feeling better today, NN, and that you've got a good osteopath- I'm always banging on about this- cos they can really help in these situations, identifying things which doctors can miss, and then sorting it.
Be careful out there!!;)

[NoviceNic]

NoviceNic,
I am sorry. I hope you are all right. I love your jumping and Captain but I have been sitting on the side lines like an old granny worrying about you falling so often. Not something to be taken lightly, even with a body protector.

I taped and watched some of Fools on Horses when we got in from a party last night and was appalled by the cavalier approach to falling off a horse. And the hazardous rides those people were put through. All quite wrong.

I hope this thread doesnt signifiy a shift in the sensible adult approach to riding and risk management among us Matures on NR?

Please take care of yourself. And that goes for the rest of you too.

Bless Skib. Thank you for worrying about me but I am ok. I just needed to fall to break the worry and lack of confidence because of trying not to fall. I have a RI and we are trying to make mini showlumpers of Captain and I. I dont push it when we are on our own. I always meake sure that someone is about. ;)

Cazrider & LD - My neck is ok. They did relax and checked everything. Funny though I think it was because I was stressed about Bonnie going. :(