I never gave an update about how things went at the show a few weeks ago. I entered three classes - Ridden hunters, Ridden foreign breeds and 2"3 jumps. Ridden hunters we came 3rd (out of 3 so no biggie) and foreign breeds we got a 4th (of 5). Concluded that we don't like showing :P Obviously we had tongue issues through the whole thing and kept picking up the wrong leg in canter. I wasn't especially gutted because I only really wanted to jump, and I wish that I had not bothered with the showing but done the 2"6 as well because despite being 1st in the ring we came third :) She did a lovely clear round and I played the corner on the turn to the last jump too safe so we lost of to (only) 2 people. So so so happy!
Here are some pictures from the day. My mum didn't enjoy the showing either so didn't bother with taking any pictures of it! I've also got 2 pictures pending that the show photographer took. I'll put them up when I get them.
Got a few things coming up before France, but I am so excited about it :) Just about everything for the way there is planned now, just a waiting game.
Jo xxx
It's Klaus Hempfling promoting his book/DVD titled 'The Horse Seeks Me'. I've not read it, but I am reading his book 'What Horses Reveal' slowly but surely. As you may have been able to tell from my bit down the side about horsemen that I admire, he is on there but I wasn't totally convinced. The video is obviously made to promote Mr Hempfling and show him in a good light so people buy his material and it has worked on me. The reason I dislike the book I'm currently reading a little is that the author comes across quite arrogant, and above it all. I find humility a really important aspect of being a horseman, in fact I think its an important quality in any career. There's no point saying 'I can do it all' because then your audience will just be waiting for you to get it wrong. I guess we can look at Pat Parelli and Catwalk last year at Stoneleigh Park, just as an example. Although the Parelli's maintain that Pat was doing the right thing, it just didn't look pretty or calm. I think horsemen should say as little and they can but show as much as they can. People are always more impressed when they are suprised. Besides, that way you don't set yourself up for a potential fall.
Anyway that wasn't the point of the blog. What I wanted to right, was that I really like the way Hempfling moves with his PRE Stallion. I thought there was such harmony there and it was pleasant to watch. I want to get that book and see what else he has to say in it. It was written before 'What Horses Reveal' so perhaps he isn't as arrogant in that one as he has become since gaining popularity.
Does anyone study much of his material and have any opinions? I'd love to hear from you. Jo xxx
I'm Jo, a 21 year old student who's been horse mad for the last 20 years and 11 months. I've been riding since I was 6, begged my parents for a horse for years and years, and finally was given the wonderful gift of my super horse Olivia. I've been working with Olivia for so long now, I feel like I should say we know each other inside out. She knows me pretty well and is forever winding me up but I'm still learning a lot about her. I've tried lots of different riding styles with Olivia, at the moment I'll do anything I can if I'm offered transport!
I hope you enjoy reading my blog and learning about my successes and failures, and that you may either take something beneficial away from what I write or have some beneficial to add. I'm open to (constructive) criticism and would love to hear peoples opinions on what I post, just please don't be rude!
Olivia - Huc/Mlp 2004 mare
Olivia is a very high spirited, opinionated mare. She's a great horse and offers so much; normally she is very forward going and listens. She is sensitive, and when asked too loudly she can throw a strop. I've had all sorts of challenges with her; rearing, bucking, refusing to move an inch! But as I always say, who on earth would want a perfect horse? She has loads to teach me and I have a feeling that our journey will be never ending.
