What a nice day for a ride :)

I headed out to Gladstone this morning to have a much needed ride on the ponies. Both of them loaded well, Alberto self loaded, I'm so proud of him. They got some lovely stables to hang in while I got things organized and rode etc. JC was a little on edge as usual, but Alberto just seems to take it all in and wasn't worried about the new surroundings or the little stallion in the box next door.

First up I rode JC, he was a bit frisky, but just like he usually is really. He needs heaps of schooling, he is heavy on the forehand so I'm just trying to get him moving off my leg and carrying himself again, I think once his fitness is better he will work much nicer. All in all he warmed up well, few pig routes and one buck! But he went pretty good. He was rushing the fences after a bit but we sorted that towards the end of the session. I am having his back done next week so I'm rather interested to see if we find anything, he has some sweat rash on him from getting in a lather the other week, so think that would be a bit uncomfortable for him. We only jumped about 85cm today, not a lot as he isn't fit.

Alberto was such a good boy, he wasn't spooking at anything alongside the arena and he just seemed really chilled out. I warmed him up, he still isn't working on an outline often, but he is moving forward and away from the leg nicely. We did a little circle work and he is starting to understand bending and coming up in the outside hand....he has a really good brain and I'm super excited about him. he reminds me so much of Jazz, just so willing and a good attitude towards his work. He popped straight over some poles on the ground and over a x bar no worries. We did a small upright and oxer with no worries. He knocked the upright and nearly fell over it as I let him canter and he isnt ready for that yet (still finding his feet). He jumped it huge after that though, which is awesome! He feels really willing and scopey...I cant wait to ride him more. My sis had trouble getting my rangy camera to work, so we didnt get any decent photos apart from the one pictured.

Tony goes, Alberto stays

Tony went to his new home on Saturday. Kate picked him up and had a flash new cover for him and is very happy. He loaded straight on the float and off he went! Kate and I plan to go for a ride together sometime soon.'

JC wasn't too impressed seeing his buddy leaving so decided to gallop round and round the big paddock like a complete idiot. Alberto thought he would join in, they must have done about 10 laps and Alberto showed his racing from out in the paddock, poor JC was snorting and puffing. They were going so fast they broke through the electric tape and galloped around the house, I was not impressed by this. I caught them once I fixed the tape, Alberto was pretty warm but not sweating, however JC was in a lather...white foam all through his rugs!

I have had Alberto 2 weeks, and have decided to buy him. I had a bit of a freak moment while I was pulling his mane. He was eating with his head down and came back up and made a noise which sounded like windsucking, it was really quick and he didnt bite and arch.....I have tied him for the last few days and nothing like it again, apart from biting the rails a bit....so fingers crossed its nothing (which is most likely the case). Alberto is starting to work in an outline now and is so quiet. I'm hoping to get some new photos of him under saddle in the next few weeks. I'll try get the farrier to put some back shoes on this week and go down to the arena for some schooling.

Lots Happening

I decided to sell Tony, I just wasn't that keen on his movement. I might regret it, but I'm going with my gut. He is a lovely willing horse and has all the makings to be a great sport horse, but I really want something flasher for the dressage. He has sold to a wonderful home in the Wairarapa, Kate plans to do some eventing and show jumping with him. It was also very important that she could just hack him out and relax. After a long road ride and pampering him as if he was her own, she bought him. I wish them all the best, I'm sure we will be seeing them out and about next season.

***ALBERTO***

He is my new pony. He is actually on a months trial...I wouldn't usually expect this offer, but I wasn't going to pass up this opportunity, seeing as I havent been overly excited with the last few ott's I have had.

He is a 15.3hh gelding. He has the most amazing trot for a tb, balanced and correct. He has got some pop on him over a fence too, taking to being a sport horse really well. I am mostly lunging at the moment, he is head high and very racehorse like. He is improving all the time. The only thing that is annoying me is he pulls back when tied, so ill have to try get this out of him. I would like to spend more time with him, but with selling the property and everything going on its been a little hard.

JC has just been getting road rides the last few weeks. He is hypo as per usual, I do love him and he is so funny! He is on the forehand a bit at the moment, but probably due to lack of fitness....so once life settles he will have a better fitness regime.

************FOR SALE************

I am currently riding a cute wee mare who's owner has come to realise she doesnt have enough experience for. I am selling her on behalf. She might appeal to someone who wants a second horse, or maybe lower level competition, here is the link for her trade me ad:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=228893901