Post by blackjack on Jan 23, 2008 11:22:06 GMT -1
Thought that I would post you a quick update on how Thor's education is progressing. As most of you know, we have had him since a 9 month old foalie and he is now going to be 5 this year. It has taken a long time to get to the point where he is mentally mature enough to start proper grown up work !! He was backed in January 2007 and has been ridden a few times on and off since then but we have now started his work seriously. I have been having some lessons with him on the lunge as when he was ridden he did not understand what all this being poked in the ribs by someones feet was all about, so we went back a step and are really affirming the vocal commands to him so that hopefully once he comes to being ridden again, he will have a better understanding of what it is that we want from him.
He has been a total superstar in his lessons and is trying his heart out to please. I have never come across such a willing pony and my only hope is that I can be careful enough with what I am doing with him to preserve that willingness because if we can I think he has a very bright future indeed. We have now introduced sidereins into the equation which he has accepted without fuss and is starting to find his balance and the makings of an outline. Whatever you ask him to do, he really tries to do. He does not always get it right obviously but he does his best and I feel that I can ask no more than that !!
It has come as a bit of a shock because his manners in his stable still leave a bit to be desired sometimes despite constant reminders of the error of his ways but as soon as work is involved he is suddenly like a different pony.
You have probably gathered by now that I am a very proud mummy bless him and can only hope that I can do him the justice that he deserves.
Long term, I am hoping that he will be the one to give me my confidence to ride back as he is very level headed and calm and maybe eventually I will get to that dressage test that I so want to do. I just need him to get stronger and me to get lighter so that I can start riding him because I am not going to like having to get someone else to do the ridden work after starting him myself.
This has been probably the most rewarding thing I have done with my life so far !!
Nikki xx
He has been a total superstar in his lessons and is trying his heart out to please. I have never come across such a willing pony and my only hope is that I can be careful enough with what I am doing with him to preserve that willingness because if we can I think he has a very bright future indeed. We have now introduced sidereins into the equation which he has accepted without fuss and is starting to find his balance and the makings of an outline. Whatever you ask him to do, he really tries to do. He does not always get it right obviously but he does his best and I feel that I can ask no more than that !!
It has come as a bit of a shock because his manners in his stable still leave a bit to be desired sometimes despite constant reminders of the error of his ways but as soon as work is involved he is suddenly like a different pony.
You have probably gathered by now that I am a very proud mummy bless him and can only hope that I can do him the justice that he deserves.
Long term, I am hoping that he will be the one to give me my confidence to ride back as he is very level headed and calm and maybe eventually I will get to that dressage test that I so want to do. I just need him to get stronger and me to get lighter so that I can start riding him because I am not going to like having to get someone else to do the ridden work after starting him myself.
This has been probably the most rewarding thing I have done with my life so far !!
Nikki xx
Every right to be proud of the lad, and you should be very proud of your role as well 
That's really great news!!! Long may it last!!!