My thanks to Claire Spelling,  an inspirational photographer, for taking such wonderful pictures.  With a busy time ahead it will be a few days before I can share the full excitement  of the weekend, but I will be back!  There was one lesson though, that helped me so much and I leave you with the thought; its ok to make mistakes so long as we learn from them, and its better for me to make mistakes than be too scared to try in the first place!

You can view more of Claire’s photographs at http://www.clairespelling.com

Twm in training!

A huge thank you to Polly Lloyd-Owen for organising a Trec training and competition weekend.  Twm and I had a fabulous time and made excellent progress! 

All we have to do is go through the gate to finish!

 Having entered an open class we were thrilled to come 8th in a comparatively close run contest and are now inspired to tackle our first individual competition at level 2.

We have our focal points to concentrate on not least of which is to practise remaining soft and relaxed even when the clock is running and people are watching us!

• Trecing  on 14th and 15th Kelly Marks Winter Series, Trewindsor, Cardigan - Training and competition!  We’re booked in! Thank you Polly, for this event not to be missed!
• Keeping it natural with Parelli on 27th Horseless Clinic, JRFS, Devizes – I am so looking forward to getting focused with James at the JR Foundation Station!  Learning to become the leader for my horse and get the most out of the Parelli program. I want to turn my ideas for the future into realistic goals that materialise!

April

• 9th & 10th Parelli Celebrations - This great two days of fun, learning, laughter and thought provoking horsemanship takes place in the NEC, Birmingham.  Hope to see you there!

May

• 14th & 15th  Trec-ing in North Mold. After an inspiring weekend withPolly Lloyd-Owen in March, Twm and I are training for our first individual competition!

• 21st & 22nd I am taking Twm to the Purpose to principles course with James Roberts at the JRFS and I am sooo excited!

June

• 18th & 19th –  An exciting workshop with Jim Masterson studying Equine Massage.  Jim was the Equine Massage Therapist for the United States Endurance Team at the 2006 & 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, and the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championships in Terrenganu, Malaysia. He uses this Method on U.S. and International equine competitors in FEI Grand Prix, Nation’s Cup, Pan American and World Cup show jumping events and on members of the USET Singles Driving horses and Jumping teams.
• 25th & 26th – Gaer Equine are delighted to be supporting  The Whole Horse Weekend at Crug Farm, Brecon, LD3 9LN

So amazingly loyal, too! Feeling rather fragile this week after my dog, Jack and I both had teeth out, Twm came in for supper and he stopped in the stable doorway. Todays’ story is….

Twm stopped in his stable doorway tonight and offered me his tail. I drew gently on the strands and he stepped backwards towards me. I stopped and sent his head left, drove his hindquarters away and lined him up to reverse into the stable. He waited until I asked and then reversed into his stable. It was all done at liberty and from a phase one. I did not move my feet once. Under normal circumstances this would be a source of amusement to lighten my day, but today it drew a tear and a smile. Today Twm offered me so much….even though his supper was in his stable!

It was unfortunate for Twm that we were chatting instead of map reading because we added an extra mile and a half to our orienteering (sorry Twm!) but good use was made of the grass verges and we cantered at every given opportunity to make up time.  Despite the pace and the extra distance Twm put in a good effort.  I do think that, under the circumstances, boots would have been appropriate but once the road work was completed he tackled the obstacle course with good spirit!

It was novel for some riders to see Twm compete in his halter.  He doesn’t pull in it at all and I prefer to ride in the halter when we’re unsure of ourselves because I find I’m too sharp with my hands when  I’m worried.  He is a typical cob and exceptionally sensitive, and its is easier to cause offence with an inappropriate action on the bit than with the halter!

Like I said, we had a Ball!  Thank you to the Cemaes Trec Club for a fantastic introduction to Trec competition!

A two pronged package was fomulated to help address the issue starting with acupressure at points along the bladder, gallbladder and liver meridians, and the conception vessel.  It was also suggested that a vitamin rich source, ie Rosehips and Seaweed, was incorporated into the diet.  The affects of  the acupressure to this chap  were immediatley obvious but to see improvements caused by a change in diet takes a little longer.  The quality of the existing hoof doesn’t change; what we have to look for are changes as the hoof grows down from the coronet band which should be visible within three months.  When the new growth reaches the bottom, then the shoes stay on and that can take up to nine months!

The course schedule is now being prepared.  Please contact Sue@gaerequine.com to register your interest.