Monday 13 July 2020

Progression

I’ve tacked up and ridden the banana pony a few times since my last post. I’m rapidly gaining confidence on her, but haven’t braved a canter yet. On the longe there’s usually a bit of bronco action and that sticks in my head. We’ll leave the first one to R, I think!

Indoor ride Friday morning. Pics didn’t turn out but I just thought this one looked artsy

We do now, however, have basic stop and go and even steering! That’s the rewarding thing with babies - from ride to ride you make huge progress. I was able to teach her some basic leg yielding a couple of days ago, and last night we figured out moving shoulders at a walk and did some half decent squares. She’s figuring out a rudimentary place to be between inside leg to outside rein, and there are moments where I can feel the potential.

She’s so cute and happy to have a job.

Right now, though, it’s all very wobbly baby where we find a sweet spot and loose it, find it again, then the wheels fall off a little again. I’m trying my best to stay light and balanced and to reward the good instantly, but if there’s anything that can make you feel like a terrible rider, it’s riding babies whose feet feel like they’re randomly able to be in fifty places at once:)

Anyway, here’s a little media from tonight’s ride for posterity:

Pre ride pep talk
I look miserable in every photo and Sophie is just all happy and excited :)

Trotting outside in the “big” arena. I’m getting braver.

Cones! That weren’t there last time! Lol

“Wheels falling off“ face


I just like the lighting in this one 

Happy pony ears, focused rider face :D

Weaving through the cones

Golden pony bum

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21 comments

  1. What a good feeling to be settling into a routine! Her tail looks ahhhhmazing in that photo where you liked the lighting haha

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    1. Swishy tail is gorgeous, but she came with an awful thick pony mane as well so it all balances out :D

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  2. I always love those early rides where they make so much progress 😁 Sophie is looking great!!

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    1. Right? It's amazing how 'easy' some of the bigger picture things are to teach and communicate, then you get stuck into details for months and months :D

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  3. You look beautiful together! Thanks for sharing your progress!

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    1. Thank you. I love sharing here, bloggers are so positive.

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  4. She is looking very pleased with herself. And rightly so. Such a good Sophie. and you look really nice on her.

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    1. Thank you <3 I'm dedicated to losing weight and she's growing like a weed again, so I'm allowing myself to hope she'll be a nice size for me eventually.

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  5. love all this so much!! She is coming along SO NICELY!

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    1. Fingers crossed, she's come out this summer so much more mature and ready to work. She's been a very good girl.

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  6. The first canter is always a bit disconcerting.

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    1. Yep, this time I'm taking a hard pass on that (unless Sophie just happens to offer it, of course)

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  7. How exciting that you've been getting some rides in on her!! You guys look great!

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    1. Thank you! Every day is easier and I'm to the point now I'm looking forward to it again rather than being nervous.

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  8. It sounds like you're having a lot of fun, even if you happen to not be smiling in the pictures! =) I was recently trying to find a photo worth framing and ended up with Cupid's headshot because I couldn't find a single one where I'm both smiling and in a somewhat acceptable rider position.

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    1. Story of my life...in pictures I either look like I'm over the top happy (and intoxicated) or seriously grumpy, despite feeling generally cheerful :D

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  9. You guys are looking amazing. Baby pony stuff is always tough to get through and I very much dislike the drunken pony thing. She looks spectacular though and I can’t wait to see where you are in the next year or so!

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    1. Thank you, I'm excited for the future :)

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  10. I love all of the hues of blue in your outfit! I also love her baby faces as she thinks through everything.

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    1. I was trying to be bright and colorful for the Pivo, sadly it tracked us but didn't save any video again. Sophie is so funny and expressive - you can see exactly what she's thinking at any moment.

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