since I had molly
here's the first entry of my earlier blog:
http://clairehodgson.20six.co.uk/clairehodgson/archiveofmonth/2005/07/00
and then i moved to blogger in summer of 2006
What progress has been made?
none.
the heading of this blog says
"This is the continuation of the story of my mare Molly and her retraining into, hopefully, a sensible horse, a safe hack, and a horse able to obtain decent marks at dressage as she has really nice paces when she's working well ...."
i haven't managed that.
I've learnt a lot in the time I've had her, spent a lot of money, improved my skill set no end...
but I don't have a "safe hack" (unless she's safe because she refuses to go, or sets off and plants, that's safe enough), and i don't have a horse able to obtain decent marks at dressage.
And we're reverting to where we were in terms of being able to have a bit in the mouth, and being mounted...
and she's 16, and has arthritic changes in both fetlocks, probably...
I've made up my mind to retire her and get another horse that I can enjoy for the ridden work...
I could put her in foal, but there's little point - I'd be 60 time any foal was ready to be ridden, would i really want to be backing a baby at 60?
I'll probably keep her going till i find something else; they do grass livery at the yard I'm on....
also, i really HAVEN'T the heart to keep trying - as my friend said in the spring, this was the year for her to come good...
edited to add: as and when i get new horse, that will mean new blog, i shall close this one then...
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10 comments:
I'm taking this as a positive post Claire. Things don't always work out the way we want them to with horses, but as you say, they teach us lots!
Molly's lucky to be able to spend her retirement with you and hopefully your next horse will be the one to fulfill your dreams.
Well, six years is a good go...sounds like a good effort. 16 is still young, she could come around with the right training. Have you ever tried any natural horsemanship techniques? I the mean time, ride your heart out on a safe lesson horse or lease.
yes i have - tried natural horsemanship techniques - go read back
Totally understandable, Claire. Tucker is kind of my Molly, although I have had success with him and will continue to, but having a horse with a super slow training curve and all kinds of "issues" is wearing.
What you need a a horse to have fun with now. If you can keep Molly, that's absolutely wonderful. Then, as she becomes a secondary priority, you can do little things with her--no pressure--and enjoy the horse you can ride as you wish.
Here, Toby's the retired guy, but I can ride him as I want so leave him out of the equation. Tucker's the problem child, and Chance is the fun horse to do most anything with--especially to take on a hack. It does work, so I know it's a positive idea.
I think that you have made the right choice. You have tried everything you could and spent far more time and energy than most people would have.
I know that you have tried many techniques (natural horsemanship, classical) and learnt many things, all because of Molly. It is now time for you to use those skills on a horse that will enjoy doing the same things as you.
Good luck for the horse hunting :)
I'm with Di, this sounds a step in the right direction! Molly has indeed taught you lots and with something more straight forward to apply it to I think you'll find it reaps huge rewards! Good luck with the search.
thanks all; i'd a feeling you'd all see where i'm coming from with this!
Sad but sensible - I'd forgotten how crotchety mares could be "at certain times"
Hope your next one is a star
best wishes
Christine and Danni
if it had only been "at certain times" i could have lived with it Christine! and we would have made a lot more progress...But thanks!
It's hard coming to the right conclusion but it sounds like you have chosen the right one.....best of luck in your new search and happy retirement to Molly
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