I am so fickle.....

Thanks for all your comments from my last post - its all been very thought provoking.

Today, I took Max to a local show, sort of end of season thing.

He took out the Champion ribbon in his ring, which as you can imagine, I was absolutely stoked with. Just when we think all is lost, these horses throw us a curve ball!!

One of his owners was there also, and he was thrilled with the way he's going. I've had a bit of a breakthrough with bitting - he's very happy in a hanging snaffle - and that has made all the difference.

Righto, hungry kids to feed.... more later if I get a chance!!

Revelations for the week.

OK, so today I really am using this as a diary. This evening, something dawned on me. Since Max has been here, my feelings about Troy have been, well, different. Obviously, because of Troy's age, I can't do an awful lot with him anyway, but really, all my mental and physical energy has gone into this flash, well bred horse that has come to stay, and wee Troy has taken a bit of a back seat.

I have started my new job, and to be honest, although a great challenge, and a lot of fun, the last couple of weeks have been very taxing. Darcy has been away, and its been absolutely full on with working full time hours, 3 kids, and two horses, one of whom I'm supposed to be putting a bit of work into.

One hears about WB horses being "high maintenance", and today, it has just dawned on me that perhaps I am fooling myself to think that I can put the work into Max that he needs. Don't get me wrong, he is absolutely lovely, I love riding him, and we have a great thing going, but he is hard work. And when I'm absolutely shattered tired, I find it really hard to focus on a horse that takes every ounce of my attention and energy.

Which is funny, really, because the very reason I bought Troy, was because I wanted to buy a horse that would emulate my dear Belle - also a clyde cross, lovely temperament, nice looking, not the greatest movement, but just a generally lovely, pretty, easy horse to have around.

So - maybe I'm not at a stage in my life for the high maintenance young WB?? Who knows! I'll give it a bit longer, as I love having him here... but, food for thought anyway!

Lazy Saturday

All is well here. Horses survived the night together with no mishaps or injuries (thank god!!!) Brought Max in this morning for a bit of light work, nothing too strenuous as its all very strange here for him.

Spent about 5 minutes lunging on each rein, and then hopped on, he was a bit looky to begin with, but settled really well and did some lovely work. I left things just with walk/trot work, and kept things short. Will do a little more tomorrow. He seems to be enjoying being here - hangs over the fence with Troy whenever the kids are outside, looking for scratches! So cute...

He's Here!!!

Maxy arrived today. So far he and Troy have decided who's in charge, and all looks good!! I'm tired now so I've just added a couple of pics from the day - looking forward to a ride tomorrow though!!

And another quick update

Today I found out that Max is to come home with me!! I was concerned, as my time is getting shorter and shorter - I start my new job on Monday, the days are getting shorter, and he needs more work.

I'm thrilled - as it means that I can zip outside and put a little more regular work into him which is great, without the worry of travelling and the time constraints. Troy will be thrilled too!!!

I'll try and get some pics when he arrives - maybe this weekend!

Quick update

Had a call from Sue last night, who had been contacted by the treasurer of the show we were at on Saturday. Max won his first ribbon!! Came 2nd in his RTR jumping!! Clever boy, he is such a dude.

I'M BAAAAACK!!!!

Worlds most lazy Blogger. Thats me. OK, so whats new - Troy is super. growing by the day - I have quietly backed him, so thats very exciting! He's just laxing out now though, until he's closer to 3, as he still has so much growing to do.

In the meantime, I've been given the ride on a friends horse. Sue and Grant have kindly asked me to ride Max, their big chestnut Anamour horse. He was only started a couple of months ago, although he has just turned 5, he's still a very big baby. So, he's done nothing.

I am having an absolute ball with him. Today, we thought we'd take him to a local sports day, just for a look around, and the experience of going in a couple of flat classes. He was a star. Despite being somewhat....errr. excited on arrival, he soon settled down, and got into the swing of being a show horse wannabe, and was not fazed by other horses cantering around him, etc etc. Two classes and he was a very tired boy!!

Did one of the little RTR classes, and he jumped so well. His jump is lovely, just rolls into them which is great for the likes of me who can't see a stride to save myself!! We had planned on doing a little 70cm sj round too, but the weather packed up, and we both got totally soaked so decided to call it a day as the ground was so slippery, and the course quite tight - too tight in the wet for a Giant Ginga Giraffe!! Anyway, have included some pics of today - quality is crap as they were taken from the video camera, but you get the idea!!

I feel so lucky to be riding him - but a little nervous too - he's a lovely horse and I don't want to ruin him!!! Can't wait for some lessons with Mandy and winter dressage.