Firstly i will appologise with how slack i have been on this blog - but with Minke and Mines quickly progressing future i am going to update weekly, if not daily.
Anyway, its been a month and a bit since my last 'update' and i have been really busy riding and working.
Minke was clipped about 2 weeks ago! - It was her first clip ever and she was Peeerrrffeeecct! She actually quite enjoyed it - shes quiet a "itchy" mare so enjoyed the clippers loping off all that itchy hair. I clipped her right out - as i am hopeless at straight lines and im not very patient!
Riding wise, Minke has come along in leaps and bounds - She's odd though - very much a one person horse, a friend of mine had a ride on her the other week and lets say Minke put up a right battle for her, yet as soon as i got on she was back to her normal self - i was rather embarrased for my friend, but she just laughed it off saying "she knows who her mum is!" - Too true.
We have even started JUMPING! and i think jumping is her "thing" - she has a very calm and natural style and i can proudly say she has not stopped at anything...yet- not even the barrels, or tire jumps.
I have been concentraing mainly on her frame during our schooling sessions - she is finally beggining to get that feel for stretching through her back into the contact and not rushing and panicking when she feels me asking her to accept it. Her stride is also getting a lot less "ponyish" i had a couple of wow moments last friday when her stride got huge and slow - i actually felt some impulsion even!
Like i said jumping has been no problem for her although in saying that she does get a bit silly after the jump, and doesnt like it when i push her forward into a forward canter - but i think that is just balance issues.
Saturday 14th June - Minkes previous owner came and visited - she was Stoaked with how minke was looking and couldnt stop saying thank you for taking such good care of her she is so happy with you - but i was like "silly lady, it's thank you ! for selling me such a neat horse" I'm glad she is happy with how it's all going - she also cant wait to come and see us at out first "show"!!!
Saturday afternoon, Me&Minke, Kristin&"M", Ellie&Spyke, Sarah&Bert loaded up and headed out to Woodhill for Minkes FIRST!!!! ridden outing - and honestly, i could not have asked for a more brave well behaved mount, she marched out in front with her ears pricked the whole time! Even went for a canter and trot with three other horses up behind her - which can be exciting for a young horse, but she was to focused on doing her job and checking out the place to be bothered about what was going on - it was a lovely ride and i was definetly very pleased!
Next weekend - is our clinic with Vaughn Jeffries - i am VERY excited - and i think Minke is going to thoroughly enjoy it, afteral she LOVES her jumping :)
No pics today - as i have been riding by myself latley so no one on foot to take any - will defiently get some next weekend however!!
