My little Pony has come a long way!

MaryFlora said:

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!

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

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!

MaryFlora said:

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!

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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.

secuono said:

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.

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

"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.

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.

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).

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...

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.

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

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.

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.

Fully replaced and new holes in.