2022 Hacking and Riding

[Jane&Ziggy]

We had a nice ride yesterday. I was planning a long one, but I suspected we might have a busy day at work so cut it short. But I packed a bit of anti-napping practice in by taking Sid round all the little back ways where we don't normally go. He was really good until we found *scary music* THE TREE STUMP BY THE PATH!

He stopped, he boggled, he took a few steps backwards. He tried to turn. I blocked. He glanced at me, as if to say, "Hmm." I asked politely with legs and voice for forward movement. And forward he went! Right past the stump!

The rest was a breeze, though a very steep hill made him puff and open his nostrils to twice their normal size. We even got a nice little canter in.

I think this has been a good training week for Sid.

 

[Huggy]

We haven't been out for a few days, so I was glad to see a bright, if breezy, day when I woke up. Hogan was overly alert as I brought him in, and kept stopping chewing his hay as we got ready, and listening to something I couldn't hear. Set off, and he was a tad spooky, but nothing terrible. We went through some narrow muddy tracks and then up what we used to call "the hill of doom". He got a bit antsy going up, and I knew he was winding himself up for a paddy. Nevertheless, I pushed him into a long trot (very active!) and all was well. Finally, we trotted up the back lane home and he let it go - into an involuntary canter with a real buck - usually the bucks are teeny bum lifts, this one lifted me 6 inches out the saddle. Little booger. Still, a lovely ride. I can only think of three things that might have precipitated his mood - the wind, grass coming through, Hogan being Hogan

 

[chunky monkey]

Cheeky little man.

 

[Trewsers]

We haven't been out for a few days, so I was glad to see a bright, if breezy, day when I woke up. Hogan was overly alert as I brought him in, and kept stopping chewing his hay as we got ready, and listening to something I couldn't hear. Set off, and he was a tad spooky, but nothing terrible. We went through some narrow muddy tracks and then up what we used to call "the hill of doom". He got a bit antsy going up, and I knew he was winding himself up for a paddy. Nevertheless, I pushed him into a long trot (very active!) and all was well. Finally, we trotted up the back lane home and he let it go - into an involuntary canter with a real buck - usually the bucks are teeny bum lifts, this one lifted me 6 inches out the saddle. Little booger. Still, a lovely ride. I can only think of three things that might have precipitated his mood - the wind, grass coming through, Hogan being Hogan

Oh Hogan! What is he like?! Glad you had a good ride overall - probably just the combo like you say, wind, grass and Hogan being Hogan

 

[GaryB]

Friday was my first solo hack since Harvey's bolting escapade. I did his curb chain up tight just in case and set off! Inevitably we had an uneventful time even though it was windy.

Saturday was another wet and windy day but I managed a hack out in the afternoon with my friend L including a nice canter along the bridleway which was nice as it is rarely dry enough.

Sunday was forecast to rain all day with winds gusting to 40mph which was a bit annoying as A, L and I had a SJ clinic. It rained al the way there but miraculously slowed to drizzle as we arrived. Harvey went well for me - sadly my performance let him down a bit! On the final round I got a bit out of shape at fence 3 and then I was concentrating so hard on sorting things out for fence 4 I forgot where I was going! I was pleased though - the last fence was a 105cm oxer which he cleared easily. Once we set off home the rain started again - we were so lucky!!!

Fence 1 was only small but a tight turn off the fence

Fence 2

Fence 5

Fence 8

Fence 9

Fence 10 before it was put up for the round

Video of first part of course Video of second part of course

when we got back I added some bedding for Harvey - turned my back and he decided to help spread it out!

Hacking
10 miles
3 hours

Schooling
1 hour

Totals
Schooling
3 hours 50

Hacking
61.5 miles
19 hours

 

[Trewsers]

Friday was my first solo hack since Harvey's bolting escapade. I did his curb chain up tight just in case and set off! Inevitably we had an uneventful time even though it was windy.

Saturday was another wet and windy day but I managed a hack out in the afternoon with my friend L including a nice canter along the bridleway which was nice as it is rarely dry enough.

Sunday was forecast to rain all day with winds gusting to 40mph which was a bit annoying as A, L and I had a SJ clinic. It rained al the way there but miraculously slowed to drizzle as we arrived. Harvey went well for me - sadly my performance let him down a bit! On the final round I got a bit out of shape at fence 3 and then I was concentrating so hard on sorting things out for fence 4 I forgot where I was going! I was pleased though - the last fence was a 105cm oxer which he cleared easily. Once we set off home the rain started again - we were so lucky!!!

Fence 1 was only small but a tight turn off the fence

Fence 2

Fence 5

Fence 8

Fence 9

Fence 10 before it was put up for the round

Video of first part of course Video of second part of course

when we got back I added some bedding for Harvey - turned my back and he decided to help spread it out!

Hacking
10 miles
3 hours

Schooling
1 hour

Totals
Schooling
3 hours 50

Hacking
61.5 miles
19 hours

That's nice of Harvey to help make his bed
Isn't that always the case when you're prepared though (you said you'd done his curb tighter) they do nothing!

 

[Doodle92]

Would you like to go for a ride Robin?

“Nah I’m eating”
“Fair enough”
(Please ignore the chattering outside the window. The former was talking about farmery things )

 

[chunky monkey]

Thought id take the boys for an inhand walk this morning before that storm comes though.
One who cant cant get his legs off the ground and kept tripping. The other who cant keep them on the ground. Squeals and several mini bucks. Pulling my arms out the socket.
Oh an a fxxxxxxx dog walker who thinks that its ok to let her dog run up to the back legs of my horse. Cos she 'didnt expect to see a horse.' She'd just come up from a field and the dog ran straight across the road to chunkys back legs as im walking to the gate to head up the hill.
Fortunately it ran up the back of chunky. I hate to think what billy would have done. The fact that he couldnt keep his feet on the ground this morning. Mind chunky is in a foul mood lately and hes lashed out at billy several times so shes bloody lucky.
I moved out of her way once i was through the gate, with the boys. Then she informed me it was only a puppy. Gave me a filthy look. Turned to look at me as if she expected me to say well thats ok never you mind. I said that it was no excuse that she didnt expect to see a horse. If it had have gone in at the other horses legs he would have kicked it and probably killed it.
She said a good morning to you to in a rude sarcastic tone. I said well you made the comment. I even moved out your way so you could pass me and you didnt even say thankyou. Her response was to give me the finger over her shoulder as se walked up the track with her dog under her arms. To which i said well that says what kind of a person you are.

Think i was already a bit stressed as i was really struggling to walk billy today. But she should have had the dog on a lead. Especially a puppy. Not let it run across a public road in the first place. What would she have said if a car had come down the road. She didnt expect to see a car. She'd probably have yelled at the driver for going to fast.

 

[Trewsers]

Thought id take the boys for an inhand walk this morning before that storm comes though.
One who cant cant get his legs off the ground and kept tripping. The other who cant keep them on the ground. Squeals and several mini bucks. Pulling my arms out the socket.
Oh an a fxxxxxxx dog walker who thinks that its ok to let her dog run up to the back legs of my horse. Cos she 'didnt expect to see a horse.' She'd just come up from a field and the dog ran straight across the road to chunkys back legs as im walking to the gate to head up the hill.
Fortunately it ran up the back of chunky. I hate to think what billy would have done. The fact that he couldnt keep his feet on the ground this morning. Mind chunky is in a foul mood lately and hes lashed out at billy several times so shes bloody lucky.
I moved out of her way once i was through the gate, with the boys. Then she informed me it was only a puppy. Gave me a filthy look. Turned to look at me as if she expected me to say well thats ok never you mind. I said that it was no excuse that she didnt expect to see a horse. If it had have gone in at the other horses legs he would have kicked it and probably killed it.
She said a good morning to you to in a rude sarcastic tone. I said well you made the comment. I even moved out your way so you could pass me and you didnt even say thankyou. Her response was to give me the finger over her shoulder as se walked up the track with her dog under her arms. To which i said well that says what kind of a person you are.

Think i was already a bit stressed as i was really struggling to walk billy today. But she should have had the dog on a lead. Especially a puppy. Not let it run across a public road in the first place. What would she have said if a car had come down the road. She didnt expect to see a car. She'd probably have yelled at the driver for going to fast.

What an unpleasant person. Sorry you had to come across them like that - it would have really stressed me out.

 

[chunky monkey]

Better walk out this afternoon, nobody hassled me. My arms remained in there sockets too. Mind Billy had already got his antics out his system. Im trying to move the electric fence hes testing me. Everywhere i went, he went. The minute the wire went slack he looked at it, yep i can jump that. Its low enough. So i yelled and growled at him for even thinking. Im trying to move polys hes tracking my every move. Swung his backside on me numerous times and then stood. Im trying to walk it in towards him. It was still live too. I could have quite easily have plonked it on his bum. But id have probably got a barrel in return.
In the end for my safety i went to the end and took the wire down and i let the two boys through onto the bit im keeping them off. They both cantered up the bank. Whoopi. Billy letting out bucks for good measure as he went. Then they got there heads down on a fresh nibble of grass for 10 minutes whilst i finished moving the fence. So heads were chilled for a walk out.

 

[Trewsers]

Better walk out this afternoon, nobody hassled me. My arms remained in there sockets too. Mind Billy had already got his antics out his system. Im trying to move the electric fence hes testing me. Everywhere i went, he went. The minute the wire went slack he looked at it, yep i can jump that. Its low enough. So i yelled and growled at him for even thinking. Im trying to move polys hes tracking my every move. Swung his backside on me numerous times and then stood. Im trying to walk it in towards him. It was still live too. I could have quite easily have plonked it on his bum. But id have probably got a barrel in return.
In the end for my safety i went to the end and took the wire down and i let the two boys through onto the bit im keeping them off. They both cantered up the bank. Whoopi. Billy letting out bucks for good measure as he went. Then they got there heads down on a fresh nibble of grass for 10 minutes whilst i finished moving the fence. So heads were chilled for a walk out.

Glad you didn't get any hassle! Billy is quite a character isn't he.

 

[chunky monkey]

He sure is. He lacks manners, no respect. I was thinking everybody says that horses have there teenage tantrums at 7/8. He was actually really good at that age. Hes more of a handful now at 10. Mind most of it is because hes not getting the exercise. I so hope that he comes sound enough one day that i can get back out riding him. He feels good walking in hand, especially when hes forward, but as soon as he trots, hes cripple.

Got them both out today for an in hand walk, just before it got dark. The storm had calmed enough to get them out. Both were absolutely fab really. I think where ive consistently getting them out this week its finally chilling Billy. Mind im getting bored of the same walk. Will brave the track with billy in hand tomorrow if chunkys rider comes.

 

[Huggy]

I'm struggling this week to make myself take Hogan out. The weather hasn't helped, but it's more having so much on my mind, that I feel if we had a bad one, it would be the straw that broke my back. I dont think it's fair on him, to go out - stress is making me grumpy and intolerant. Usually riding takes my mind off things, but I'm too overwhelmed for it atm. Then of course, I feel guilty, as though I'm neglecting him. Sorry - what a drama queen I am. I know you won't know what you're crossing your fingers for, but cross them for me anyway.

 

[chunky monkey]

We all have weeks where we lack the enthusiasm. The changeable weather isnt helping.

 

[Trewsers]

I'm struggling this week to make myself take Hogan out. The weather hasn't helped, but it's more having so much on my mind, that I feel if we had a bad one, it would be the straw that broke my back. I dont think it's fair on him, to go out - stress is making me grumpy and intolerant. Usually riding takes my mind off things, but I'm too overwhelmed for it atm. Then of course, I feel guilty, as though I'm neglecting him. Sorry - what a drama queen I am. I know you won't know what you're crossing your fingers for, but cross them for me anyway.

All crossed for you. I think you’re sensible to not ride if you have a lot going on, sometimes it’s hard to leave all that behind and we can end up almost expecting way too much from them. And I have found In the past something that Storm might do seemed worse because I had other pressure and stuff going on. Lots of vibes for you anyway.

 

[GaryB]

Goodness - that was a rough weekend!

On Friday - I didn't even bother putting jogs on. I went out to lunch with OH, YO and groom

Saturday wasn't quite as horrid - In the morning I was grooming for L at a SJ competition - she did well with a DC and second place. Out groom was away having got marooned when the trains stopped running so I had to help muck out when we got back. It wasn't safe to hack in the high winds so I just took Harvey in the school and we worked on walk to canter transitions.

Sunday morning was another early start to help with the stables. L, the groom and I had a SJ clinic booked but the groom was still stuck and L didn't want to tow her trailer in the wind - also my OH was poorly and couldn't make it. So L and her boyfriend (and horse too!) came with me in my lorry. Tacking up was a trial in the wind but we managed. Fortunately the arena was a bit sheltered
.
I was a bit off colour and I have to be fully committed to jump Harvey so out performance was a bit so-so to start with. We practised at 95-100cm then for the last round put the fences up to 105-110 cm. I have only ever jumped 1 fence at 110. I started off poorly and took down 3 of the first 4 fences - then I got annoyed and rode properly. The last 3 fences were 110cm including a double and a decent oxer so I was delighted to clear them all.

Fortunately my friend S (our weekday groom) had come to help and she was able to help us untack as by then the winds were gusting to 50mpg. I was so proud of Harvey for jumping well and being good in the wind.

Harvey kindly left me a present in his corner feeder

And then he came in from the field like this ready for his clinic:

No SJ photos as my OH and photographer was poorly but I did get some video.

The was fences 3 and 4 - quite a tricky line on a big horse

Video of fence 3 and 4

and this was the final round with the last 3 fences at 110

Video of round

Schooling
1 hour

Totals
Schooling
4 hours 50

Hacking
61.5 miles
19 hours

 

[Trewsers]

Goodness - that was a rough weekend!

On Friday - I didn't even bother putting jogs on. I went out to lunch with OH, YO and groom

Saturday wasn't quite as horrid - In the morning I was grooming for L at a SJ competition - she did well with a DC and second place. Out groom was away having got marooned when the trains stopped running so I had to help muck out when we got back. It wasn't safe to hack in the high winds so I just took Harvey in the school and we worked on walk to canter transitions.

Sunday morning was another early start to help with the stables. L, the groom and I had a SJ clinic booked but the groom was still stuck and L didn't want to tow her trailer in the wind - also my OH was poorly and couldn't make it. So L and her boyfriend (and horse too!) came with me in my lorry. Tacking up was a trial in the wind but we managed. Fortunately the arena was a bit sheltered
.
I was a bit off colour and I have to be fully committed to jump Harvey so out performance was a bit so-so to start with. We practised at 95-100cm then for the last round put the fences up to 105-110 cm. I have only ever jumped 1 fence at 110. I started off poorly and took down 3 of the first 4 fences - then I got annoyed and rode properly. The last 3 fences were 110cm including a double and a decent oxer so I was delighted to clear them all.

Fortunately my friend S (our weekday groom) had come to help and she was able to help us untack as by then the winds were gusting to 50mpg. I was so proud of Harvey for jumping well and being good in the wind.

Harvey kindly left me a present in his corner feeder

And then he came in from the field like this ready for his clinic:

No SJ photos as my OH and photographer was poorly but I did get some video.

The was fences 3 and 4 - quite a tricky line on a big horse

Video of fence 3 and 4

and this was the final round with the last 3 fences at 110

Video of round

Schooling
1 hour

Totals
Schooling
4 hours 50

Hacking
61.5 miles
19 hours

Lol must be a gelding thing, the leaving "presents" in the buckets / feeders - Zi does it and J used to do it!!! Good lad Harvey though in the wind - sounds like he did well for you.

 

[chunky monkey]

In hand walk for billy sunday and chunky got his little ride out.

I got chunky out yesterday. It was blowing a gale up on the top road but he never batted an eyelid. I was on foot of course. We were heading straight into the wind which i did find a little tricky with some of the strong gusts. Chunkys little rider kept saying shall we go back. I refused and said it will be more sheltered once we drop down the hill at the other end of the lane. Can you imagine if we'd turned round, chunky would have been wind assisted. A bit of wind up his bum might have made him go faster.
Billy got the day off. I was going to walk him in hand once we got back but after the 4 mile loop, my hip was hurting too much. Must get my bike sorted. A 2 mile is my limit before the pain kicks in.

I didnt get up early enough today, nd although i had a part work day. I had no enthusiasm in the strong winds today, so the boys missed there walk today. They will get nothing for a few days now as im working too.

 

[Trewsers]

In hand walk for billy sunday and chunky got his little ride out.

I got chunky out yesterday. It was blowing a gale up on the top road but he never batted an eyelid. I was on foot of course. We were heading straight into the wind which i did find a little tricky with some of the strong gusts. Chunkys little rider kept saying shall we go back. I refused and said it will be more sheltered once we drop down the hill at the other end of the lane. Can you imagine if we'd turned round, chunky would have been wind assisted. A bit of wind up his bum might have made him go faster.
Billy got the day off. I was going to walk him in hand once we got back but after the 4 mile loop, my hip was hurting too much. Must get my bike sorted. A 2 mile is my limit before the pain kicks in.

I didnt get up early enough today, nd although i had a part work day. I had no enthusiasm in the strong winds today, so the boys missed there walk today. They will get nothing for a few days now as im working too.

Well the winds won't last forever at least that's what we tell ourselves here lol Four miles is quite a walk in hand though - I think my feet would hurt after that.

 

[GaryB]

Well the winds won't last forever

Its starting to feel like it!