My little Pony has come a long way!

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Yes! Definitely an adventure! Lots of things for him to process and, of course, things a horse has seen a 1000 times always looks different between a bridle!

How old is he? I apologize if you posted that already!

I think he's turning 8 or 9 this year?
Spring 2015 he was born, I believe.

 

[MaryFlora]

He may have some opinions at his age now!

I like Marsha’s idea of posting your adventures in the Adventures thread, only if you are comfortable with the idea. You may receive more feedback and tips!

He is a good looking horse and sounds like fun even if a bit of a challenge now!

 

[secuono]

He may have some opinions at his age now!

I like Marsha’s idea of posting your adventures in the Adventures thread, only if you are comfortable with the idea. You may receive more feedback and tips!

He is a good looking horse and sounds like fun even if a bit of a challenge now!

I'm restarting him, he threw me August 2022. Hadn't ridden a horse until last month when I started taking lessons to get confidence back. And decided now is the time to reteach him. By the time he's ready to ride out again, I'll hopefully have learned how to stay on and not panic. Been riding a bit of a spooky mare, so progress is happening on my end.

My other gelding is 19 this spring? He needs more weight/topline before I can start him back up.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

I'm restarting him, he threw me August 2022. Hadn't ridden a horse until last month when I started taking lessons to get confidence back. And decided now is the time to reteach him. By the time he's ready to ride out again, I'll hopefully have learned how to stay on and not panic. Been riding a bit of a spooky mare, so progress is happening on my end.

My other gelding is 19 this spring? He needs more weight/topline before I can start him back up.

I know what you mean about the "confidence" thing. Hopefully you are working through it.

 

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"Am I a bad poni?"
Ugh, yes & no. We'll figure it out eventually....
Swapped back to his sidepull to test bit/teeth issues. But falsely thought we could go without the surcingical. That's where I messed up.
We went out mostly fine, less annoyed, okay turning, good stops and waits.
On the way back, he waited fine, until we were by the big rock. Started to have fits about waiting. Then once by the cows, he had a bit of a meltdown.
Not having the surcingical meant I had to lead him back home...
In hand, he is not barn/buddy sour. He's willing to stand & wait. He does not rush home. If something spooks him, he's quick to stop on his own & not run off. Totally different than if he's "alone" out front.
I won't forget the surcingical next time. And we're going to try turning sooner and working on waiting. Maybe try walking away again if he can't wait. Idk. Going to try every method I can find to see what works.
Turned the phone off before we got back. A squirrel spooked him. He trotted up fast a couple strides until we were eye to eye again and he froze. Squirrel cursed at him, jumped higher and he spooked(head shot up) again, but didn't move.

 

[secuono]

Been taking lessons since I haven't ridden in 1.5yrs when the little poop threw me. I'm terrible at multitasking, lol. Last week, we trotted a pattern, at the sitting trot. *phew* Sitting trot alone is difficult, I'm a natural poster. Even posted randomly during. Lol. Then keep using leg on horse to keep her going, and turning and my memory is bad, so remembering the pattern...
Yeah, I clearly just wander calmly at home with my pony. Lol
Most are rounded up mustangs from out west, this girl they broke to ride. Such a mare. So glad my mini mares have all been sweet and loving. It's such a detachment point when the horse doesn't like anything or anyone...hah.
View attachment Video_2024-02-06_09_04_17.mp4

Anywho. We went outside yesterday. Lots to be nervous about, the trip hazards and spooky monsters everywhere. She spooked at several things while leading her. Oof. Then she glared at a lot of things. The tires are definitely going to get her. I couldn't trot, just too nervous. Couldn't even stay sitting up and back. Next time, though...

So, the little turd had yesterday off.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Regaining confidence is so challenging. I never had a cart wreck, but I've worked with some wackos. A few years ago I had two in a row that were beyond me. I am slowly regaining confidence with Billy, though he is also challenging, but not a wacko (thank goodness).

 

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Musical saddles while older ate his food.
1 made for older pony. 1 made for younger pony. 1 pre-made for older pony. Only 1 actually fit. Ugh, okay then...

 

[secuono]

Phoenix, lots of turns n stops.
Funny how they're both great at stops when everything is chill. Even before I finish asking, they're already stopping.
But if they're spooking, close that dang window! Cus everything is going out of it! Lol True for me as well, though.


Dunie marching along, just another day in the neighborhood.

 

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Put out cones for turns & weaving practice.
Tried to practice longer overall, but he got annoyed after the Cottonballs left, so I didn't push my luck & ended it after we walked & weaved to the front. Was longer than previously, just 3min, but that's still good.
Hopefully longer than hardly 9min tomorrow! Lol

 

[secuono]

12min today!
Gotta add more interesting things to walk through and around. Mostly for me, as I get bored and can't think of what else to do.
He walks at a snail's pace, he did march a little in the middle. Used a pad and surcingical w/pad to give him comfort from my boney bum. Lol. He seemed to appreciate it. But even shape conforming 2in feels and looks different from my perspective. Took a minute to get used to the change. A saddle feels even more detached from the horse.

 

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Taking too long to find them.
DIY again. Triple layered.
Next comes holes and burning them. Then removing the old and sewing on the new!
Going to remove the leather over the edge of the surcingical, then holes can go up higher and fit smaller ponies better.

 

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Fully replaced and new holes in.

 

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Barely got wet, gotta roll dry!

 

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[MaryFlora]

Not sure how I missed your earlier posts but glad to have found them this morning!

Your home is beautiful and I just love the rolling hills!

All of your horses and critters look both sleek and content. How is the riding coming for you? That was a great idea to take some lessons and also to do things at your pace (and your horse’s). Our horses are a real investment in time and resources and should be enjoyable and safe. That is one of the really magical things about horses - their versatility and ability to fit into our lives in so many ways from simple companionship to international competition.

I’m firmly in the simple companionship group.

 

[secuono]

Not sure how I missed your earlier posts but glad to have found them this morning!

Your home is beautiful and I just love the rolling hills!

All of your horses and critters look both sleek and content. How is the riding coming for you? That was a great idea to take some lessons and also to do things at your pace (and your horse’s). Our horses are a real investment in time and resources and should be enjoyable and safe. That is one of the really magical things about horses - their versatility and ability to fit into our lives in so many ways from simple companionship to international competition.

I’m firmly in the simple companionship group.

Ehh, it always stalls out, so many different reasons. Now, it's too hot and muggy. I can't tolerate heat n humidity and cold n wind/wet very well.
An hour+ driving each way is absurd, so I had to stop that, plus I felt a bit rushed.
Having no one to ride with is highly discouraging. I hate doing it alone, so boring and zero encouragement.
They're back to being pets. I'm about to list their carts and harnesses, too.

 

[MaryFlora]

Weather certainly affects all of us to some extent. We have definitely noticed an increase in windy afternoons in our area. The mosquitoes have also been ferocious the past couple of weeks but should settle down with some drier weather, hopefully!

Like you, there is no one in my area to horse around with and I do miss that camaraderie. This forum, however, has been very helpful as it provides a chance to share, even though if it is via the internet and long distance!

My horses are all in the pet category now and that is ok. Tiffany is 24, DD is 22, Maddie is 20, and Tinker is a sprightly 17 . They’ve played and worked with the grandkids and myself for years, it is good to live a different rhythm. Selling the carts and harnesses may be a great change for you and your horses!

This month I have done some walking with the minis but more time has been spent grooming and just hanging out together. It has been simple and good. Maybe June will be more active or maybe the minis will just be unbelievably well groomed..

I wish you well as you continue to figure out how you enjoy your horses best!