Well Sheepgate didn’t quite end up the show that we had in mind – but its all a learning curve. Reflecting back on the whole 4 days Hubert seemed to loose his confidence in both the warm up arenas and in the competition arenas, and I now know when he isn’t confident in a situation then he backs off my leg completely and when you put your leg on stronger he stops, spins and bucks (great combination!)
As I am sure everyone does we analysed what the differences have been when he has been out to shows or training; his first unaffiliated show in January was the first time I felt him be a little naughty, Keysoe training (which was very busy with BYRDs camp going on) he was nervous but trusting, Ferry Farm BD he was a good boy & Sheepgate was a nightmare – there was one difference – Nupafeed MAH calmer. The first show and Sheepgate he wasn’t on Nupafeed but he was for Keysoe and Ferry Farm as I had a little bit left over from my old mare. So Thursday morning I had a delivery from Horse Health with a new bottle of Nupafeed and started to load him up again. Sunday we went out to Easton College unaffiliated dressage and rode one novice test to see if he behaved – it worked! Yes he was worried a little, yes it was a VERY rough and ready test, but I could put my leg on him without any antics. So now there is no doubt in my mind that at the moment Hubert needs the Nupafeed to help him get over his anxieties and concentrate at a competition – so back to Plan A and regional qualification.
The rest of last week was spent juggling Hattie as Ben had to work extra, and working with the youngsters. My back has been injured for a few weeks now and before Sheepgate was on the mend but after my fall from Hubert it was very sore again last week meaning that Giovanni W (Gio) had to start to concentrate with Ellinoré riding and me training them on the ground. It worked really well and he made some real progress and even got to go for a hack at the end of the week with Becky on foot (just in case!)
Again because of my back Hero and Tommy (Hilfiger) had a light week of loose schooling and for the first time we jumped them both, safe to say Hero is not going to make the best jumper but after a while he was brave enough to take himself over 40cms (to be fair on him thats braver than Bvlgari ever was!), but Tommy jumps amazing! A proper jumper clearing 1.40m easily and enjoying himself. We will loose jump him this week again and get some video this time.
Mondays is often spent in the office for me organising the week ahead but instead of looking after Hattie after feeding I helped turn out this morning as the horses moved to their summer paddocks! They were so excited as they realised they were not going to their usual fields and we have a good amount of grass now so there wasn’t much running around – heads down eating!
The sun is shining now and the forecast says 22 degrees today so fingers crossed – time to go work some of the horses #LoveMyLife
Anna-Lisa x
