Another Talland Lesson
I can't believe it Pammy Hutton was pleased with me and no crying this week. We also had a heart to heart chat and chuckle about my "Tears at Talland" blog.
At home after last weeks lesson I rode Take It 2 The Top for 2 days with no reins. I taught him to walk, trot, canter and halt and turn just by using the weight in my stirrups. He transformed into a relaxed horse with a more correct outline and when I eventually took the contact he remained relaxed.
My friend Bernice kindly videoed the lesson, which we have just watched back and Take It 2 The Top looks amazing. Pammy taught him her half pass for baby horses and also went over some exercises from the previous two weeks.
We are now (according to Pammy) ready for a BD Novice test. I have entered and I am to email Pammy the results.
Excellent Online Saddlery Company
This year I have bought some lovely equine items from www.equestrianclearance.com I have found their service really excellent and fast delivery. I am competing in Saddle Cloths and Mark Todd Breeches purchased from them. Also I bought a really nice bridle from them but sadly after a few months a tiny crack appeared in the leather, I returned it and today they have refunded in full with no fuss.
Monday, 17 December 2012
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Tears at Talland with Pammy Hutton
Pammy made me cry today, I am far too sensitive. I was frustrated in the lesson with Take It 2 The Top, I had worked really hard on last weeks exercises at home. Yet today in Tallands indoor school he began spooky and not taking the contact again. I was so looking forward to impressing Pammy with how hard I had worked, instead it took ages to get us working well into a good contact, even then I was using far too much hand. Eventually Pammy swapped my bit and even resorted to getting us to pop a jump.
She got an amazing canter out of us with her turn on the forehand, walk to canter exercise, although I was very slow understanding the exercise. Which meant I was confused and Pammy was exasperated!
At the end of the lesson Pammy said if I bring another horse on the lorry I can work it in Talland after my lesson and she will be able to keep a quiet eye on me while she is teaching someone else.... now thats a kind and fabulous offer.
She also told me a couple of home truths
1. Take It 2 The Top is good enough to be a 4* horse.
2. I had better stop being proud of doing so well with so few lessons and come more often.
It was the 2nd point that made me tearful, good job it was the end of the lesson as by the time I was in the lorry untacking I was sobbing my heart out, I cried all the way home, its hard driving a lorry and crying at the same time.
Not sure why this upset me, maybe because it was a miserable foggy day or more like it hit a nerve.
I felt like I had been told to stop being proud of my entire personality. I know Pammy didn't mean it quite like that, so I had better toughen up.
I am going back to Talland soon and I am determined Dressage God Pammy will be impressed with me one day.
She got an amazing canter out of us with her turn on the forehand, walk to canter exercise, although I was very slow understanding the exercise. Which meant I was confused and Pammy was exasperated!
At the end of the lesson Pammy said if I bring another horse on the lorry I can work it in Talland after my lesson and she will be able to keep a quiet eye on me while she is teaching someone else.... now thats a kind and fabulous offer.
She also told me a couple of home truths
1. Take It 2 The Top is good enough to be a 4* horse.
2. I had better stop being proud of doing so well with so few lessons and come more often.
It was the 2nd point that made me tearful, good job it was the end of the lesson as by the time I was in the lorry untacking I was sobbing my heart out, I cried all the way home, its hard driving a lorry and crying at the same time.
Not sure why this upset me, maybe because it was a miserable foggy day or more like it hit a nerve.
I felt like I had been told to stop being proud of my entire personality. I know Pammy didn't mean it quite like that, so I had better toughen up.
I am going back to Talland soon and I am determined Dressage God Pammy will be impressed with me one day.
Monday, 3 December 2012
Nightmares At Talland Turn Out Fabulous
I decided at long last to have some dressage lessons on my lovely 5 year old Take It 2 The Top.
I was looking forward to it until 2 days prior I dreamt I arrived at Talland and couldn't find my gloves, whip or spurs. In my nightmare the inside of my Lorry turned into a jumble sale pile and I was searching for said items under piles and piles of clothes. Eventually I was 20 minutes late for the lesson and woke up in a state of panic.
Then last night I dreamt I drove all the way to Talland, arrived, got out of vehicle and then realised to my horror I had driven down in my car and not in my Lorry and had no horse to ride!!!!
The real life lesson was fabulous, I went in early as everyone was at lunch and began working Monty in. As I quietly concentrated I heard a voice say loudly "that's a nice horse". I checked that (a) I was riding the only horse in the school and (b) it was Pammy Hutton's voice. A huge compliment from a dressage God, I felt like I had won a gold medal. Pammy loved him and make big inroads into getting him to stop hiding behind the contact. Pammy is a genius. I have loads of homework to get him more off the leg and to work in a more correct outline.
Can't wait to ride him tomorrow to practise everything.
Other News
3 year old Twilight competed in his first ODE yesterday, finishing in 3rd place, he adored the XC.
4 year old Mika won the 90 cm class, both went like superstars. We had a fab day with lots of my pupils having a go at their 1st ODE, they all jumped really well with lots of clear rounds and not one refusal or elimination.
Also I have a new horse which is me being completely crazy as I have too many already. He is called William, is still very green, piebald (going grey and white so Skewbald really) , 16.1 hh, 4 years and will be evented at the lower levels next year. More about him in a later Blog.
I was looking forward to it until 2 days prior I dreamt I arrived at Talland and couldn't find my gloves, whip or spurs. In my nightmare the inside of my Lorry turned into a jumble sale pile and I was searching for said items under piles and piles of clothes. Eventually I was 20 minutes late for the lesson and woke up in a state of panic.
Then last night I dreamt I drove all the way to Talland, arrived, got out of vehicle and then realised to my horror I had driven down in my car and not in my Lorry and had no horse to ride!!!!
The real life lesson was fabulous, I went in early as everyone was at lunch and began working Monty in. As I quietly concentrated I heard a voice say loudly "that's a nice horse". I checked that (a) I was riding the only horse in the school and (b) it was Pammy Hutton's voice. A huge compliment from a dressage God, I felt like I had won a gold medal. Pammy loved him and make big inroads into getting him to stop hiding behind the contact. Pammy is a genius. I have loads of homework to get him more off the leg and to work in a more correct outline.
Can't wait to ride him tomorrow to practise everything.
Other News
3 year old Twilight competed in his first ODE yesterday, finishing in 3rd place, he adored the XC.
4 year old Mika won the 90 cm class, both went like superstars. We had a fab day with lots of my pupils having a go at their 1st ODE, they all jumped really well with lots of clear rounds and not one refusal or elimination.
Also I have a new horse which is me being completely crazy as I have too many already. He is called William, is still very green, piebald (going grey and white so Skewbald really) , 16.1 hh, 4 years and will be evented at the lower levels next year. More about him in a later Blog.
Monday, 26 November 2012
Hartpury Twilight Wins and a Training Award
Stella Baylis Eventing - Training Award 2012
I am awarding one of my pupils a training award at the end of this year. The winner already knows who she is and is sworn to secrecy.
The award includes
Free lessons during 2013.
An embroidered rug.
Award Winners Jacket.
Riders BE membership paid for 2013.
I have chosen a rider that has had success at British Eventing Grassroots Level in 2012. She has successfully bought on a very young horse, despite being in in full time employment, has no training facilities and with no horse keen parents as back up.
I know how hard this is to do as I was once a rider like this. I am fortunate to now have my dream job, good facilities and super horses. There are almost no awards given to true grassroots riders like this and so I have decided to do something about it.
The Winner will be officially announced towards the end of 2012.
Hartpury Twilight Wins 1st Time Out (and a win for Amazing Mika)
Hartpury Twilights first competition was a combined training class at Allens Hill. He scored 71% in his dressage test and went clear SJ to win the class.
Amazing Mika jumped an easy peasy clear in the 90cm SJ and did a super dressage. I don't know his mark or place as the flood water around Pershore was rising fast and we had to come home before the results as the Police were closing all the roads. Impressive flood waters to view from the lorry but I was glad to get home safely.
Update- Just heard Mika won too.
I am awarding one of my pupils a training award at the end of this year. The winner already knows who she is and is sworn to secrecy.
The award includes
Free lessons during 2013.
An embroidered rug.
Award Winners Jacket.
Riders BE membership paid for 2013.
I have chosen a rider that has had success at British Eventing Grassroots Level in 2012. She has successfully bought on a very young horse, despite being in in full time employment, has no training facilities and with no horse keen parents as back up.
I know how hard this is to do as I was once a rider like this. I am fortunate to now have my dream job, good facilities and super horses. There are almost no awards given to true grassroots riders like this and so I have decided to do something about it.
The Winner will be officially announced towards the end of 2012.
Hartpury Twilight Wins 1st Time Out (and a win for Amazing Mika)
Hartpury Twilights first competition was a combined training class at Allens Hill. He scored 71% in his dressage test and went clear SJ to win the class.
Amazing Mika jumped an easy peasy clear in the 90cm SJ and did a super dressage. I don't know his mark or place as the flood water around Pershore was rising fast and we had to come home before the results as the Police were closing all the roads. Impressive flood waters to view from the lorry but I was glad to get home safely.
Update- Just heard Mika won too.
Monday, 19 November 2012
Shadowing Coaches and Qatar
Its been a very busy week, I have taken some afternoons out to shadow senior coaches, Pammy Hutton, Caroline Moore and David Austin.
Pammy Hutton
Watching at Talland is free and I am always amazed more riders and coaches don't make use of this. Today I sat with Pammy for 6 of her afternoon lessons, watching as horses and riders transformed in front of my eyes.
When I arrived Pammy was on her mobile.
"What do I have to do around here to get my 12.20 lesson to be in on time" she barked.
"Your next lesson is 12.40"
" Well they are late. What time is it now?"
I didn't hear the reply but I looked at my watch it said 12.39.
Pammy switched off her mobile muttering it was the showing the wrong time.
I sat a bit tense in my seat hoping her mood would improve, she is a big softy really.
Qatar Event Team were at Talland for the afternoon to be trained by Pammy. As the first rider trotted round nervously her mood softened immediately. There were 4 riders who were each to have a private lesson on a Talland Schoolmaster. Joss Gray of www.jossgray.com has the task of producing an event team for the Asian Games in 2014. He explained all the riders were experienced show jumpers so that discipline is very good. Their dressage experience is down to about 15 tests ridden in their lives (the total between them!)
It was a fascinating afternoon, Pammy worked each team member in different movements, so one did half pass, another medium trot etc. Due to their SJ experience the flying changes were good. She worked on rider position too. This way they could also learn by watching each other.
We had a hilarious last session as the final rider spoke almost no English, Pammy had to get her daughter Pippa from her sick bed (she had a nasty cold) so he could learn from copying her, see photo. We all ended up being in stitches as Pippa seemed to understand him completely, even when his Qatar team members couldn't!
I learnt loads and think I will have to up my game next season as these guys will improve quickly with Joss and Pammy's help. I am looking forward to seeing them all out Eventing in March.
Caroline Moore
The British u18 Coach and she was amazing, I had an inspiring day. Caroline was coaching riders from Novice to Intermediate, she gave me lots of tips and good exercises to help me coach my riders up to the next level. I was up at 6 am next day putting out Caroline's course so I could practise my horses through the exercises as soon as it was light.
Just like to thank all three Coaches for making me feel very welcome and for allowing me to share their knowledge.
Pammy Hutton
Watching at Talland is free and I am always amazed more riders and coaches don't make use of this. Today I sat with Pammy for 6 of her afternoon lessons, watching as horses and riders transformed in front of my eyes.
When I arrived Pammy was on her mobile.
"What do I have to do around here to get my 12.20 lesson to be in on time" she barked.
"Your next lesson is 12.40"
" Well they are late. What time is it now?"
I didn't hear the reply but I looked at my watch it said 12.39.
Pammy switched off her mobile muttering it was the showing the wrong time.
I sat a bit tense in my seat hoping her mood would improve, she is a big softy really.
Qatar Event Team were at Talland for the afternoon to be trained by Pammy. As the first rider trotted round nervously her mood softened immediately. There were 4 riders who were each to have a private lesson on a Talland Schoolmaster. Joss Gray of www.jossgray.com has the task of producing an event team for the Asian Games in 2014. He explained all the riders were experienced show jumpers so that discipline is very good. Their dressage experience is down to about 15 tests ridden in their lives (the total between them!)
It was a fascinating afternoon, Pammy worked each team member in different movements, so one did half pass, another medium trot etc. Due to their SJ experience the flying changes were good. She worked on rider position too. This way they could also learn by watching each other.
We had a hilarious last session as the final rider spoke almost no English, Pammy had to get her daughter Pippa from her sick bed (she had a nasty cold) so he could learn from copying her, see photo. We all ended up being in stitches as Pippa seemed to understand him completely, even when his Qatar team members couldn't!
Caroline Moore
The British u18 Coach and she was amazing, I had an inspiring day. Caroline was coaching riders from Novice to Intermediate, she gave me lots of tips and good exercises to help me coach my riders up to the next level. I was up at 6 am next day putting out Caroline's course so I could practise my horses through the exercises as soon as it was light.
Just like to thank all three Coaches for making me feel very welcome and for allowing me to share their knowledge.
Friday, 9 November 2012
Nines Ways To Cure The No Eventing November Blues
Ok all the mega rich eventers are flying off to beautiful holidays around the world so here is a less expensive way of keeping the Eventing flame going in No Eventing November!
1. Watch Downton on TV to try and spot the XC jumps from the defunct Highclere Horse Trials. So far I have spied the giant step down at the top of the hill.
2. Look at your horse and dream what he will look like in those posh stables at Badminton even though your not even qualified........yet!
3. Sell all your unwanted equine items on Ebay, bids on my unwanted BE prizes are up to £45. Thats half a BE entry fee, but sadly bidding on Ebay is almost as addictive as Eventing. So I better add to this point - ban yourself from bidding on Ebay!
4. Buy a 2013 diary and write all the BE 2013 dates in it, sooooooo exciting. Then tell all your family and friends you won't be able to make it to their Birthdays, Christenings, Weddings etc due to Eventing Commitments. Although Christmas Day is probably OK.
5. Go looking for bargain designer clothes in Oxfam that might get you in Eventing Mag for looking amazing at a trot up.
6. Pray for NO SNOW.
7. Dream of an amazing 2013 season, double clears, twenty something dressage, wonderful rides XC, winning everything and being interviewed by both Horse and Hound and Eventing.
8. While watching Downton (or Corrie) sit on a fitness ball, feet off floor, heels down and hands holding pretend reins, if you can stand the jelly legs afterwards your core stability is going to be the best there is by March.
9. Plan your countdown to your first event, lessons, training and competitions right up to that first BE event when your knees go weak with excitement as you drive into the lorry park onto real grass and see the dressage and the SJ and walk the XC course.....Eeeeeeeeek!
1. Watch Downton on TV to try and spot the XC jumps from the defunct Highclere Horse Trials. So far I have spied the giant step down at the top of the hill.
2. Look at your horse and dream what he will look like in those posh stables at Badminton even though your not even qualified........yet!
3. Sell all your unwanted equine items on Ebay, bids on my unwanted BE prizes are up to £45. Thats half a BE entry fee, but sadly bidding on Ebay is almost as addictive as Eventing. So I better add to this point - ban yourself from bidding on Ebay!
4. Buy a 2013 diary and write all the BE 2013 dates in it, sooooooo exciting. Then tell all your family and friends you won't be able to make it to their Birthdays, Christenings, Weddings etc due to Eventing Commitments. Although Christmas Day is probably OK.
5. Go looking for bargain designer clothes in Oxfam that might get you in Eventing Mag for looking amazing at a trot up.
6. Pray for NO SNOW.
7. Dream of an amazing 2013 season, double clears, twenty something dressage, wonderful rides XC, winning everything and being interviewed by both Horse and Hound and Eventing.
8. While watching Downton (or Corrie) sit on a fitness ball, feet off floor, heels down and hands holding pretend reins, if you can stand the jelly legs afterwards your core stability is going to be the best there is by March.
9. Plan your countdown to your first event, lessons, training and competitions right up to that first BE event when your knees go weak with excitement as you drive into the lorry park onto real grass and see the dressage and the SJ and walk the XC course.....Eeeeeeeeek!
Sunday, 4 November 2012
BT Are Rubbish and Hartpury Twilight In Work
I have not been able to update my BLOG for weeks as British Telecom have had a major cable breakdown and are unable to repair it until the 7th of November. How rubbish is that. I have had to walk to my Mums house to use her phone and Internet. When I ring BT to rant at them for not repairing it, I have been asked really stupid questions such as "Are you telephoning from the number that is broken?"
Anyway the big exciting news is that 3 year old Hartpury Twilight is broken and riding. He is young brother to my other two stars Top Gun and Take It 2 The Top. Hartpury Twilight has been to his first show and is the most amazing youngster I have had for a long time, very laid back like his Dad. He is hacking out alone and travelling in the lorry on his own and is so calm and easy at shows it is almost untrue. He moves like a warmblood yet is almost pure TB. Here he is at Hill View Arena schooling round some small show jumps. He is lovely to ride, it is like floating on air.
Video below is his first outing to a real show, Allens Hill near Pershore.
Video below is his first outing to a real show, Allens Hill near Pershore.
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