We're Jumping again!!

Well, after the last time out jumping a having a fall, I let Ainsleigh convince me to join the Te Marua Adult riding Club. Went along yesterday for their jumping practice day and had a blast. Gary was the instructor (who also spent most of last week encouraging me to go). He was a really good coach, especially as Tom was very "hot headed". I picked up lots of tips, like keeping him moving forward and letting him have his rein just as he takes off. Also taking a shorter route to the jump so he does not have as much time to muck around. Despite everything, Tom went really well and I felt very confident after I finished. I do think the Peewee bit made a big difference as I was able to keep him going at a nice pace and didn't feel like I was hanging onto his mouth for dear life. Can't wait to get out and do some more jumping.

Again I have to thank Ainsleigh for being my supporter, shes been just wonderful over the last six weeks, since I got Tom clipped. Lots of encouragement from her and I will catch up with Gary at work tomorrow to see where we should go from that lesson as he mentioned lessons at his place once he has some jumps set up.

A little success story at last

Well, I've moved next door and xcouldn't be happier. So relaxed, no do's and don'ts, no one on your face all the time. I just love it. Tom is on his own, so I manage his paddock as I want. I am poo picking up every time I'm down, so his paddock always looks clean.

On Wednesday I plucked up the courage to ride, Tom has been full of spring grass and really fizzy lately. I have been struggling with him over the last four years, especially finding a bit that suits. Well, tried the Peewee on him again but on a different setting. After a few minor adjustments i.e using his bridle noseband to help keep the bit in place, I finally have a horse with brakes. He was so easy to ride and responds so well to the slightest touch I was amazed and very relieved. In my last dressage test, one comment I got was about Tom thanking me for letting his mouth go. I've always been afraid to let him go as he just goes faster but on Wednesady we were doing canters on a loose rein, trotting around with no worries about him getting away on me. Just need to find out if I can compete in one now.

Moving Again!!

Well, I'm moving Tom tomorrow. Found out yesterday that madam likes to chase him on her quad. She feeds out hay to all the other horses except Tom and then chases him away. He doesn't understand. She has not communicated with me regarding hay feeding since new grazer arrived. I'm more than happy to pay for her to chuck him a slab when doing the other and she knows this as this is what she offered to do when Tom was in with her lot. So angry and so is friend who witnessed it all. If it happens again tonight then friend will be giving her a earful.

Makes everything she's about a bit of a joke really, holds clinics etc and is big on natural horsemanship. What a crock of shit, when you see someone chasing a horse like that on a Quad. What if he hurt himself! What would her partner say! He works for a very well known horse starter.

So best to leave before I have another verbal outburst. Not going to say anything, Tom will just go and we're using the gate as instructed. Phone will be connected to computer tomorrow ready for her text and then I will let loose. I can type faster on puter than on phone.