I don't know what it is but I'm having a bit of a nostalgic/reflective day today!!
I usually spend so much time thinking of that needs to be done both in terms of my riding an C's progress that I very rarely take a step back and look at what we've achieved!
I'll be the first to admit that my own riding ability has suffered since taking on Mr C - the focus has been on developing his ability rather than mine but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make in order to bring him on although that's not what I'd looked for when buying a horse.
I'd initially considered him to be a well schooled horse - and he had been in the past for a short period but his time spent as a happy hacker left him unfit, uncoordinated and very unbalanced expecially in canter.
My RI commented after riding him a few times that he was not an easy horse to ride and needed support and confidence from his rider which in a strange way made me happy as in general I ride him reasonably well.
Looking at the video of him jumping last night I realised how far he's come - his trot and canter is balanced, controlled and steady, his jumping is, erm, enthusiastic and positive which is all I can ask for.
He's jumped cones, mounting blocks and anything I've asked him to and despite having never jumped anything than the odd 20cm cross pole before I bought him, we can now clear 2ft as a team and 2'9 on his own.
He's hacked out alone on busy roads and has behaved impeccably expecially for a horse that is only rising 6 and had come from a very quiet country yard.
I know this might sound like a bit of a self centred, self absorbed- I genuinely am so proud of my baby and have exceeded my own expections in being able to bring on a youngster despite my own doubts and I imagine the doubts of others!
I look forward to every minute I spend with him - he never disappoints only charms and amazes me!
Sorry for the long, soppy post! Here's a kiss from Mr C to make it worth your while!
I usually spend so much time thinking of that needs to be done both in terms of my riding an C's progress that I very rarely take a step back and look at what we've achieved!
I'll be the first to admit that my own riding ability has suffered since taking on Mr C - the focus has been on developing his ability rather than mine but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make in order to bring him on although that's not what I'd looked for when buying a horse.
I'd initially considered him to be a well schooled horse - and he had been in the past for a short period but his time spent as a happy hacker left him unfit, uncoordinated and very unbalanced expecially in canter.
My RI commented after riding him a few times that he was not an easy horse to ride and needed support and confidence from his rider which in a strange way made me happy as in general I ride him reasonably well.
Looking at the video of him jumping last night I realised how far he's come - his trot and canter is balanced, controlled and steady, his jumping is, erm, enthusiastic and positive which is all I can ask for.
He's jumped cones, mounting blocks and anything I've asked him to and despite having never jumped anything than the odd 20cm cross pole before I bought him, we can now clear 2ft as a team and 2'9 on his own.
He's hacked out alone on busy roads and has behaved impeccably expecially for a horse that is only rising 6 and had come from a very quiet country yard.
I know this might sound like a bit of a self centred, self absorbed- I genuinely am so proud of my baby and have exceeded my own expections in being able to bring on a youngster despite my own doubts and I imagine the doubts of others!
I look forward to every minute I spend with him - he never disappoints only charms and amazes me!
Sorry for the long, soppy post! Here's a kiss from Mr C to make it worth your while!
