Ace is like a different horse. Feisty fives? Nope, just acid indegestion. I have never tried a dressage test with him before but I thought I'd better, because he is booked to do his first one tomorrow. I am only taking him to see what he does in a warm-up with other horses, and what he thinks of a judge's box and white boards and flower pots, but I did think maybe it would be wise to see if he will even do a 10m half circle in trot first!
He was like a different horse. It was cold and windy and he was like a gentle old donkey. Quite responsive, but he popped into and out of all three paces without a concern in the world. Such a sweet, gentle boy that I feel guilty for not realising that he was not acting up because of his age or the grass, but just because he was in some pain. Still, he seems just to be grateful that I have finally understood and sorted the problem out. It is fantastic that he realised immediately that the pain had gone and then just got on with things as if it had never happened. What a forgiving temperament he has.
Jazz was very sweet today too. We focussed today on half pass canter, which he was struggling with a little. I worked on canter travers because he was trailing his quarters badly instead of staying parallel with the side. After that we got some better efforts. He has, though, absolutely perfected half pass canter left to flying change right. I must try it the other way round and see if that is as natural, because it certainly is fun :-) !
I am so relieved today. A few days ago I came inside to tell SH that we had bought an "unridable" horse, which on that day was the truth. To have resolved things and have Ace back to the sweet creature that we bought is SUCH a relief.
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After my experience with Tucker, I am not surprised. I am so happy for you and Ace. Now you can start a real partnership.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read stories like this, I have to wonder how many horses are out there suffering in silence, or worse, being thrown away by owners who do not even consider the possibility of something like ulcers.
I truly believe most horses "want" to be good and too often they do not get the benefit of the doubt as far as physical issues are concerned.
Wishing you a fun day with Ace tomorrow. You both deserve to enjoy a great day together, discovering your potential.
That is such good news good luck tomorrow :0)
ReplyDeleteSo pleased that it worked so well. And Good Luck tomorrow with the dressage and First Outing.
ReplyDeleteBut, it is so worrying that there are many horses with uclers. A few years ago a vet would have laughed at an owner wondering, and now it is becoming clear just how common the condition is.
It's incredible how many there are, isn't it Judith - they now reckon 80% of competition horses have them, don't they???
ReplyDeleteForecast tomorrow is rain and more rain. Damn, I wanted a good day for his first outing but I'm going with a friend and I already pulled out once last week because he was unhappy.
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Geez I am sooo thick, there I was readingthrough the last post again and wondering why ou hadn't posted anything new in ages....doh! its under April...now I have loads to catch up on LOL
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Mandeigh :-))))
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