05.08.2016- Hacking, schooling and a guest appearance

First of all I'm going to rewind back two days to Wednesday as Jack had the physio out. I've been meaning to get him done since forever but recently he's been very stiff and uncomfortable through his left shoulder after having a kick in the field so it was kind of the kick up the arse I needed to try and organise something. He was a very good boy (after deciding she was terrifying for the first five minutes) and he's been given some stretches to do to loosen up his shoulder before she comes back to reassess it in four weeks time. 

 Fast forward to today again; I'm going to start today's blog off with a bit of a shock... it's about a pony other than Jack! Today I went to ride a friend's pony called Freddie who is super cute (despite having grumpy small man syndrome) and who's life I once saved (just saying, could be a vet me). I went for a hack with Emma & Sunny and they were both very good, chilled out boys and then I had a play schooling him in the field for a bit. Considering I rode like a sack of potatoes- and wasn't wearing any shoes may I add- he went very nicely and did some lovely trot work for me. I hadn't realise just how much confidence I've lost just around horses in general, so it was nice for me to ride a different pony for a change and realise that horses aren't that scary. I was pretty nervous (of a 13hh pony, woe is me) so my riding wasn't the best but it was a nice reminder that I can actually school ponies when they give me something to work with. I want to try and ride different ponies to improve my confidence, but, having no friends, this could be difficult. Still, keep your eyes peeled for more guest pony appearances!

                                

                         
                         
                         

Then it was Jacks turn to play at schooling. Like I mentioned earlier, he's been really tight and stiff in his shoulder which has meant that when schooling him his trot work has been very tense and hard to work with recently. For the first five minutes or so he was incredibly uptight and bit like 'ouch' through his shoulder but I think it's more out of habit because it's clearly been niggling him for a while and it's been playing on my mind for well over a month now; but I thought it was just me being paranoid. I was a bit nervous as well because there were a lot of people on the yard and someone else in the other school and well, I guess I am just a bit silly nerves wise at the moment. Once he warmed up though his trot felt so, so much better, it was nice to be about to work the trot for a change. He actually started to relax through his neck and use his whole body moving forwards nicely. It was nice to watch the videos back and see such a huge difference, however working on my riding is a must! I gave him a shower off after and he was perfect which I was so pleased with because it's been a week or so since I tried... have we cracked bathing?

Later on we took the ponies for a little evening hack in the sunset after I'd finished work, me on Jack, Emma on Sparkie. Well, we've still got the hang of leaving the drive and he started out in the lead then decided that actually, it would be rude not to let Sparkie have a turn. They were both pretty faultless though really, I think hacking with another pony or a walker we're pretty much okay with. Took them for a nice canter over the meadows and the stubble field which Jack took at his usual backwards pace... I honestly think his life would have to be under threat to make him ever break into a gallop. Overall a very good first two rides of the month :)

Beth & Jack x