First canter!

Got the vet back yesterday afternoon just to check on G's leg. It's still a bit puffy but the vet wasn't concerned and said it could take a couple of weeks to get back to normal. He had a steroid jab and another long acting antibiotic and vet was quite happy for me to continue to ride him.

Had a lesson tonight with Emily. Started off showing her how much he's improved on the lunge. Then we worked on bend in walk, asking him to move away from my leg in walk and trot, transitions and finally a canter :) Only down one long side as he's still falling in pretty badly so didn't want to set him up for failure by asking too much.  He was so good and tried his little heart out :) Love this boy! He was knackered after about 20 mins and so was I!

He'll have 2 days off now as I'm working. Then hopefully a little hack on sunday if Lee's up for walking with me.

All by myself :)

Yesterday I decided to ride first thing. I took him in and gave him a brush. As usual, he was fine being in alone. Wasn't sure that he would be after being out with the other 2 boys all night but he was.  Popped him on the lunge for 5 mins to get his attention and he was really good.  Hopped on and did 10 mins of stuff just in walk. Just wanted him forward and paying attention. Asked for some softening in halt. He was soooo good. Especially since the much heap is still smouldering away from when Lee set it on fire the other day.

Then same again today.In for a brush. Noticed a bit of heat and swelling on the right fore again so hosed it off after I rode and applied more gel.  Lunged again for 5 mins before I got on. He really listened well this time which was fab as the cows are now in the field behind the school and I thought he might worry, but he didn't :)  Trotted today too. Just concentrated again on forwardness and steering :) and softening in the halt.  Really, really pleased with him!!! Love this boy. Might have to look at changing his feed though as he's really not that bothered about eating it! He's got the hang of carrots now tho, bless :)

Dude!!!

We have spent every day since thursday hosing and gelling George's leg. It's been absolutely roasting every day and I think he probably appreciated the cold water. His leg has gradually come down each day and today it was nearly back to normal :)  Yesterday, I took advantage of the heat and gave him a proper bath. He was so good. Just stood there and let me do it. Then I razored his mane as it was so long. Again, not bothered :)

So I'd arranged with Elizabeth to go for another hack again today. It's been exactly a week since he was last sat on  so I thought I'd better lunge first. Especially as it's much cooler, the girls have been bombing round their field all morning and the farmer had just turned his cows out. Also, Lee had set the muck heap on fire a few days ago and I wasn't sure how he'd react to the smouldering.  So he was a little bit high to begin with but actually listened really well and calmed down very quickly. Lunged both ways and he was so good. One little spook at the smoke, then ignored it :) Paddy was having a little broncing session with elizabeth so she got off and lunged him too.  I asked her if she still wanted to go out but she was fine about it.

Set off with George in front again. Jane and Elizabeth's boyfriend walking. He was much less concerned about Paddy's whereabouts today and marched on pretty well.  Got to the house at the end of the road and not only were the dogs playing with a squeeky toy in the garden but the man was also burning his garden rubbish. Little spook from the boys. Nothing major. Then along the road again and back home. The girls were all still bombing about and Ricco came galloping over to say hi but George was good. Just stopped for a minute then walked on quite the thing. So pleased with him!

Turned him out with Ricco and Paddy when we got home. He really wasn't too concerned. Just had a wee chat with Lola over the fence and set about finding the best grass. Love this boy :)

25/5/12. Poor George.

Yesterday morning I found George with a front foot stuck in his haynet. Managed to cut him down without him freaking out and walked him out straight away. It was slightly puffy but I thought if I turned him out it'd probably go down.  2hrs later, his leg had blown up. Called the vet who came and said that he was worried about lymphangitis and gave him 4 IV jabs of an anti inflammatory, antibiotic, painkiller and a diuretic.  Left me with Danilon and Antibiotics for his feed too. He was so good. Never moved a muscle :) Cold hosed it for 40 mins and again twice more yesterday. Vet said leave him out to help walk off the swelling.

Went out at 6.30am as I couldn't sleep any longer for wondering how he was. He was lying down and I thought, Oh God, but actually, he was just having a sleep.  His leg seems to have gone down a teeny bit but is still huge so have cold hosed it this morning and Lee did it at lunchtime. I also gave him another IM diuretic jab that the vet left me while Lee held him and he was a star :)  Gave him all his sachets in his breakfast and thought there's no way he'll eat it, but he did.  Working tonight so Lee is going to hose and gel him again later and give him his tea.  Poor boy. He's been such a star.

Hot hot hot!

So hot today! About 25 degrees and spent the whole day outside getting brown :) Mucked out 3 stables and then once there was a bit of a breeze, took George in for a lunge.  He was much better than the last time I lunged him. He listened much better and wasn't so nosey at what the other horses were doing.

Then I attempted to show him the hose :) I had seen him being hosed at Janet's and he stood like a rock. But today he wan't so sure, bless. In the end, I used a sponge and bucket of water so I could get him nice and cool.  He did let me hose 1 hoof for a millisecond :)

I'm having a slight worry though. I've been watching him and whether he's loose or working, he sometimes throws his head really violently. It reminds me of what head shakers do. He also does a lot of snorting, like he's trying to clear his nose. I really hope he doesn't turn out to be a headshaker or I'll be gutted :(  I've emailed Janet to ask if he did anything like this at home.  Fingers crossed it'll turn out to be nothing.

21/5/12. Mini lesson and a hack.

Yesterday I had Emily Anderson-Green and her sister Gillian come over to see what I was doing with George. I'd asked Em as she's very experienced with youngsters and is also really good with people who are lacking confidence.  I started by lunging him where he showed that he wasn't actually going to listen to a word I said and was much happier dragging me around and staring at the girls. Em took him off me and got him in a corner and really made him focus on her instead of gawping around him.  I got on then and did a bit with Em walking beside me but soon we were off into trot. She showed me how to get his attention away from the others and onto me by sponging the inside rein and using my voice and a little scratch as a reward.  He was sooo good :) Still all over the place but he really tried his heart out. Em and Gillian thought her was wonderful. They are coming back on wed to help me again.

Today, Elizabeth came up and we went for a hack. No lunging this time. Straight on and round the school once and out the gate. Jane walked with us to stop traffic if need be but all was fine. He dealt with barking dogs, flappy plastic, cars, tractor and the horses being silly in the field. Good boy :) We went back into the school for 5 mins when we got back which he seemed to think meant follow Paddy and was a bit nappy, but he walked on and turned away from him when asked. Out the hack,he was in front all the way.

Very pleased!!!!

Pics from yesterday.

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN1064.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN1056.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN1052.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN1036.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0996.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0995.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0990.jpg

19/5/12. First Ride :)

George seemed to have had a quiet night. Turned them all out by 7.30 and decided to give him some leg stretch time in the field then bring in and ride.

Got him in about 11. He was a little upset being in alone. Had a few wee panics til I eventually tied him up. Had to adjust D's bridle quite a bit to fit him. Not too sure about the saddle. Might have to get Karen out pretty quickly. Got Lee to come outside with me a put George on the lunge to begin with. He was really not that bothered. More interested in staring at the girls who had all lined up to watch him:) Got on after 5 mins of lunging and though he had a little nap, it was more lack of education and confidence than anything else. The farmer appeared over the hill in the tractor fertilising the field and George didn't care. Had a wee trot both reins and finished there. He was really good and has settled down nicely.

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0958.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0957.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0955.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0949.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0936.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0931.jpg

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0929.jpg

18/5/12. Sad and happy.

Gillies turned up just before 9.30 this morning. We had been ready for ages and I'd given D a tube of calmer as we had to lead her to the end of the road to load. It ended up that she had to go in the side ramp rather than the rear which meant the driver couldn't reverse in like he did once before, but just parked across the end of the drive.  Anyway, she messed about a bit, then the driver put a chiffney in. She had another mess about, mainly because she couldn't work out how to turn at the top of the ramp, but Lee and the driver did a good job and she was in within 10mins. She looked out through the window as he was driving away and it made me a bit sad. I had a little sob at the brief thought that I perhaps should have tried harder and I was letting her down. But I soon came to my senses. This was the only option for me and I'm sure she'll be perfectly happy having babies.

So then we quickly legged it over to Fountain to get George. I was worried about him being upset if the other horses had all gone out but he was standing contentedly at the back of his stable having a little kip :) We mucked out around him and he introduced himself to Lee. Apparently he likes to nibble :) Then straight out round to the trailer. Good boy just walked straight in, no hestitation, and started munching on his haynet.  He had a little stamp around when I moved off, just finding his balance then travelled so quietly all the way home!

Elizabeth was riding Paddy when we got back so they spoke over the school fence while we put a rug on him. Then turned him out in the rain :) He had a prance about, showed off his extended trot, had a roll and then a squeal with Paddy and Ricco and then settled down to eat which is pretty much what he's been doing all afternoon.  I'm going to head out in a minute and take them all in and try on his new rugs :)

So a good day with a little bit of sadness. I'll feel better when D has arrived safely in her new home on monday I think. Fingers crossed she settles there and has a great life.

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/Georgefirstday.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/GeorgeandRicco.jpg

17/5/12. He's Here!

What a long day waiting! Finally George arrived at Fountain at 6pm.  He was tired, a little sweaty and had a tiny cut above his eye but came off the lorry calmly and marched straight into the stable and right to the hay.  He's lost a little bit of weight but that'll soon go back on.  He was nice and calm and seemed quite content when I left him.  We'll head over as soon as D is gone in the morning and bring him home in the trailer. Can't wait to see him in the field and tucked up cosy in his stable and start pampering him :)

Here he comes.
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0899.jpg

Down the ramp.
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0905.jpg
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0906.jpg

Heading for the stables.
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0907.jpg

Handsome boy.
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0909.jpg

Bum label.
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0911.jpg

Munching.
http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz114/jobaxter1/DSCN0914.jpg

16/5/2012. Travelling with royalty!

Just gave Gillies a ring to check on Georges progress and apparently he's sharing a lorry with the Queens ponies :)  They will be getting dropped off at Balmoral tomorrow before George gets delivered to me! I wonder if he'll meet the Queen?

15/5/12. The Journey Has Begun!

George is on his way. He left Janet's 15mins ago!!!  He apparently loaded beautifully and was fascinated by the ponies he's travelling with. Bless. Can't wait til he arrives now. I doubt I'll sleep til then!

14/5/12. The Liveries Have Arrived!

My new liveries came today! 2 geldings to be pals with George.  Paddy is a welsh sec D gelding who my friend used to own. I've known him since he was a baby and even helped back him in my braver days! Then there's Ricco. He's a welsh sec A/B that Elizabeth the owner bought off some gypsies as a weanling for £75! She said he was so small, they used one of Paddy's neck covers as a rug tied on with string! Well, I know nothing about welshies or showing, but he's a stunner! He's so well put together and flashy. I think he'll win A LOT out showing.

Of course, the girls all acted like complete tarts when the boys arrived. Lisa came into season immediately (gross) and Lola has been stood staring at them for nearly an hour :) The boys had a wee prance about then heads down and on with the serious business of eating. Elizabeth says she'll give them a few days to settle as they've not been away from home for 3yrs and Ricco has never been near other horses before. Then she's going to crack on with getting Paddy back to competition fitness and Ricco backed and behaving well. I hope it all works out as well as I hope! She's going to hack out with me and George and come places with us. I can't wait :)

Paddy and Ricco


As for George, I spoke to Janet last night and she said that Gillies are collecting him tomorrow but not sure what time yet. She's been really busy nursing a sick foal so she's going to ring them today to find out.  She thinks he's in a 7ft rug and a 6 inch bit, but she'll check.  I asked her what I should do with regards to getting him settled etc and she said that he'll be tired when he gets here so just turn him out and let him chill. Show him round the place before bedtime and the next day give him a gentle lunge and hop on for 5 mins.  By the time I bring him home from Fountain on friday, he'll have been loaded 3 times into both a lorry and a trailer and will have spent 3 nights at 3 different places! The poor sod will be exhausted!

13/5/12. A New Beginning.

This is my first post in my new blog, designed to be a tool for me to track the progress of the relationship between me and my new horse, George.

Indigo Lord George, (to give him his proper name), will be arriving from Indigo Stud next thurs the 17th of May and I can't wait! He's a just 4yr old RID by Kensons Aragorn out of Wickmor Rosie O'Grady (King Elvis). He's bright bay with a white stripe down his face and a couple of little socks. He's standing about 16.3hh at the moment and hopefully his front will catch up with his rear and he'll end up just over 17hh.

I tried him out the last weekend in April in a really nice visit to the stud. I flew down and was met at Birmingham airport by one of the members of a FB group I started.  We had a lovely horsey afternoon though were frozen and filthy by the time we left!  I rode George in the school for a good 20 mins and then took him for a hack with John, the guy who rides all the young ones. George has only been broken 4 months but he didn't really put a foot wrong.  The tracks were really boggy and muddy with all the rain they'd been having but George just ploughed on through, never batting an eyelid.  We were passed by a van and a car on the road which he didn't bat an eyelid at and the only thing he had a spook at were some bins but when I took him back for a look, he wasn't bothered by them.

So, he was vetted on thurs this week. He passed though did have an active splint, but Janet who owns the stud has said she'll take him back should it cause any issues but I doubt it will.

So Gillies are picking him up on tuesday and dropping him off at Fountain Equestrian on thurs. I'm going to leave him there for a night as Duchesse is leaving on fri morning and once she's gone, we'll go and collect him in the trailer! I really can't wait!  All his insurance is organised (full loss of use this time) and we're ready to go!!!        

 George on trial day.