Flat Work Lesson – Murphy 5/11/11

Went to the yard on Saturday and saw a 5pm cancellation, so I knew I’d be riding. Score! I felt a bit bad as I’d already complained to someone who’d asked me if I was riding that I didn’t know – I’d come along and hoped to, but that it hasn’t always come to fruition. To be fair, I didn’t say anything inaccurate and nothing I wouldn’t say to my RS so it probably doesn’t matter too much. Guaranteed riding was a pleasant surprise!

RS asked me who I wanted to ride and while I wanted Murphy, I told her it depended on what kind of lesson she wanted to give me. The lesson before me was a lovely girl and her young pony Splash, who were having some flatwork frustrations. So,  I hoped and was delighted to find out I’d be doing the same: RS kept the girl there too to watch my private lesson as a yard stick, given Murphy’s about 10 now, so isn’t new to the ideas of collecting, extending and so on. I’m also not new to them, where this girl’s education has only recently stepped up this notch (and I’m glad it has cos she’s fab, and I love the way she rides).

I mounted up on Murphy and with the arena to myself, just walked him for 10mins until RS turned up. He had his alert face at first, but then it disappeared as we meandered round to warm up. I didn’t push him then as I knew once I’d flatwork coming up and my legs would be squeezing for all their might shortly. I also know that I can get forward-going Murphy to come out even when he’s not giving himself freely.

So, in came the instructor and on came the trot. Murph tried to dilly-dally but quickly found out that if he slowed, he was given lots of leg, so maintained a fair pace for a warm-up trot. My back however’s been bad all week (and stopped me going to the show last weekend) and I really felt it. I was sitting perfectly: heels down, shoulders back, body tall and in balance. That’s what was hurting my fatigued back a bit! Normally I’m fine to ride with a niggley back: the only thing that upsets it is lots of jumping as you bend from your back to balance with the horse over the fence. I didn’t speak up though: I enjoy a good bit of flatwork too much to be forced into taking it lightly cos of injury!

So, after trot on both reins Murphy was warm so we cantered. It felt so clumpy at first: I’m the first to admit when I’m having a bad balance or posture day and consequently I’m interfering with the motion. Everything was good my end – it was really clicking, so quickly worked out it was Murphy taking the mick. Supporting my leg with the crop, he soon realised squeezes are best attended to. We then had a magnificent working canter that I’m told was as lovely to watch as it had been to ride. By the time we switched reins, he’d already tuned in so the whole thing felt perfect. I’ve also noticed a cardiovascular improvement since returning to the gym – I did lots of straight laps of canter and could have done more. I didn’t feel puffed out at all!

Sitting trot was great: someone told me the secret is to relax the muscles in your backside and when I can do it, it works a treat. I was glued to the saddle with my heels down, and I didn’t commit my usual sin of letting my shoulders creep forward. It’s not my favourite exercise on Murphy because of his strides, but I’d no complaints this time!

After that, we moved onto some proper dressage work: working walks, trots and canters in set figures and from and to set letters of the arena. I find once a horse is listening to you in walk, the rest becomes easy: getting a medium or extended trot from an ambling walk is impossible.  The transitions were perfect. The only time one went wrong is when I was meant to hit a canter transition at F, just in front of my instructor, but Murphy freaked at the extendable measuring rod she was lengthening at the time. He sort of lept sideways (a bit like a twisty buck) then tanked for a stride. He never unsettled my balance though, so I just rode him positively and had a gorgeous canter transition before even reaching B.

The word of the day was soft: my instructor said my hands and elbows, transition, seat, everything was beautifully soft. I’m so glad because while I’m not hard on a horse’s mouth, I have got out of synch when jumping  on occasion so not given enough rein over a fence. It only happens rarely and when it does, it only happens once: I hate a horse being pulled at the mouth, and when I do it accidentally (well, it’s never deliberate) I feel horrid and it doesn’t happen again. So, given that minor paranoia about my hands on occasion, I was delighted to be told they were soft.

At one point I went for a collected canter – I got this beautiful impulsion by containing the energy my legs and voice created, rather than letting it be used for break-neck speed. It was gorgeous: a beautiful lap to experience on a notoriously lazy horse who has such a short stride, people don’t think collecting him’s possible. WRONG! Then, after that, I kept the impulsion and had one of the most gorgeous trots I’ve ever experienced: the only one to compare was on Guinness a few weeks ago. My seat was light, Murph gave energy without too much speed, I could see his silhouette about an inch off the vertical. It felt utterly amazing, especially as his choppy stride can leave his trot bumpy and uncomfortable. 

I think that the experience on Guinness’ only beats this floating, energetic trot with Murphy because in general I prefer his stride and paces to Murphy's, and because Guinness can be so hard to work. Murphy’s lazy, but if you ask him correctly and firmly enough, he’ll give you what you want. Most people don’t do one, the other, or beginners often miss at both to start off. Guinness however, you can ask him correctly, tell him firmly, give the clearest aids as can be, use the crop appropriately and still he won’t give you what he knows you want because he doesn’t feel like it. They say you tell a gelding, you ask a mare and you negotiate with a stallion. Well, Guinness rides like a stallion. It’s not a bit of wonder that when he came off the lorry from Ireland aged 4 or 5 that they had to check he’d been gelded, that’s how wild he was! I was delighted when the audience said it was the nicest trot they’d seen Murphy perform 80)

At the end of the dressage work RS told me to go for a canter just for fun. She’d told me earlier in the lesson she was watching me as a judge today, not a friendly RS, and would be considering everything a judge would in a dressage test. This was her telling me she was ending judge mode and I was to relax and enjoy it. I was already both, but I appreciated her marking it out. I put him into canter, put the leg on, but instead of containing and collecting this time, I opened the engine and we had a beautiful, energetic, pacey canter. I grinned from ear to ear the whole time! Murphy seemed to be enjoying letting off a bit of steam too. While doing the dressage stuff I’d my serious concentrating face on, but went to perma-smile as soon as an exercise was over. The continuous grin was a joy – it’s been a while since I’ve had so much unadulterated fun on the back of a horse.  So, combine that with some beautiful dressage work, and not being held back by my common weaknesses, it was fab! 

RS told me it was a delight to see a RS pony worked so well: so often they get away with murder and are lazy as can be because riders let them away with it, ether deliberately because they think horses are too lovely to be firm with, or because they’ve not mastered the skill of being firm, clear, fair but discliniplined with him. I know I can work a horse well, but it was a delight to hear how chuffed she was that Murphy was made to work and use up more of his potential. Part of me wants to get stuck into Bailey now cos while he’s so honest, his laziness has got worse as he’s now got so many beginners but so few experienced riders on him. Let me at him! Lol.

After a long walk off I had to rush to get Murphy stabled, untacked, rugged and leave. I said to RS that 6pm wasn’t working for me as a lesson time: she said this 5pm slot was much better and wrote my name in next week at 5. I think I’ll go back to doing what I did with my old slot: penning myself in every week. Assertive the only way things are going to change I think.

So, all in all, a great day, an amazing lesson, and best of all  lots of kisses and cuddles with Murphy, who has always been my fave. Even now I’m still beaming 80)

Oh, and Spot’s owner was there and offered me a ride while she had him tacked up. I said no: I knew I’d be riding later, and I still feel kind of bad, though I know she doesn’t have a problem with me riding him. I might ask if I can have a lesson on him: if that goes well, I might take her up on that if means I can ride twice a week again like I used to.

Blog Relocation

I got a text from my best friend at the yard last night. Her and her daughter were looking for ideas for dressing up their pony for the Halloween show and managed to find my blog. I immediately went into panic mode and started rereading the whole thing to make sure I didn't say anything that might upset  anyone, and finding out how they'd found me and how I could break down that chain.

I was pretty sure I hadn't offended anyone: I'm not that kind of person. However, the think I hate about blogs or diaries of any description is that they're just a snapshot of how you're feeling at a moment in time. Despite the fact that you might write in the heat of a moment that doesn't last, those feelings in that moment might be strong enough to hurt someone that you wouldn't dream of doing once you'd calmed down. So, while you've moved past those feelings and they've died down, someone else can come across them and read them days, weeks, months even years later. All of a sudden, those fleeting thoughts and feelings instead of disappearing have stuck around, and have upset someone who you've long been happy with. It can feel like a breach of trust, even though they're thoughts everyone has at some point. That, in essence for me, is the danger of writing these thoughts down.

Regarding the text message, I'm not sure I should have panicked so much. She basically said she couldn't believe how I receiving such shitty treatment and that I could ride their pony Spot anytime. (He's the little tank of an Appaloosa, about 14.1hh, who I rode once and liked, but I was literally bouncing out of the saddle as it was too small for me, and just couldn't stay in it when he tanked off. He was just playing catch up though, and as soon as I fell he stopped dead and started nuzzling my head, almost apologetically, wondering if I was alright down there). I thought it was an amazingly sweet offer, but I'm a shy person, so the idea of taking someone else's pony out once a week without them there seems a bit odd to me. So, I said I literally couldn't fit in his saddle so couldn't ride him. Turns out they're using a different saddle entirely, and I'm much more likely to fit into that. She basically said she had too much work to do to come on a Saturday as well, that being there when I saw her this Saturday left her running ragged, and she only asked Troy's leaser to ride him so he got exercised as she didn't have the time.  I offered to muck out or do anything else that needs done on a Saturday e.g. grooming, turn-out, and she said I'd actively be doing her a favour if I rode him when I went down. So, if I can pluck up the courage to be bold enough to nab someone else's pony for an hour, I might just do that.  She also told me that I don't need lessons, and that she doesn't allow me to leave! lol.

She also told me why she distanced herself from my RI, and why she uses another RI at the same yard. She also said she's sure her RI would fit me in and pretty much be free to teach unless she's at a show. I know her RI is much more competitive which might well be good for me, but I've also been told by others that she teaches because she has too, not because she wants to. So, it's an option for staying at my current yard that I need to think about.

I said I'd see her for the Halloween Show this Sunday. I've just checked the bus timetable and there is no early morning bus as it's a Sunday. Balls! So it' either lean on a friend to stay the night in my Uni town, or get an early train down. Spot's owner told me before I moved that I could stay with her pretty much anytime, but she's so lovely that I'm not sure I could burden her to ask!

Lesson Report - Guinness (22/10/11)

I got  text back on Saturday morning saying I could ride at 6. It's not ideal: I need to leave at 6:45pm for the bus, and the lessons never ever run on time. I decided to get the train home though, despite the fact that it angers my heart and damages my pocket, just so I wouldn't be in a rush and could get a chance to talk.

Had a fun afternoon at the yard catching up with folk. All the kids are getting excited about the Halloween show next weekend bless them, so I was quizzing them all about their outfits as they were happy to tell me. I'm known as the chief keeper of secrets! It'll be fun to go, but not sure how that'll work at the minute. The first bus on a Sunday isn't until 10am or so. Might have to get the dreaded train again 80(

I thought  I might be nervous about my lesson, not because anything has shaken my confidence, but just because it's been 6 weeks. I needn't have worried - not a single butterfly appeared, and Guinness was in a good mood. He didn't try to nip when I did his girth up and stood like an angel for mounting.

Got up, fixed my stirrups and started warming up. I was smiling - it was so nice to be back, and in terms of build and height, Guinness really is just about about perfect. RI came in and the trot work started. There was a little bit of rust but not too much: took me a little while to stabilise my core to hold my shoulders that bit further back. I really felt the heat of using my calf muscle to keep my heels down - a nice sort of burn though!

First canter felt a bit sloppy.  My heels were done and hands soft, but he wasn't giving me his all so it felt clumpy. Not quite tranter, but as little beyond that as he could. He wasn't listening at this point, even with a crop over the rump. Overall, I was just pleased that my position and heels were good, and hadn't slipped a little without being in practise.

Then came another rider into my private lesson. My chance to chat was gone 80( RI had been chasing people out of the arena in an attempt to make it private, but with the addition of another student it didn't last. The other lady hasn't that long started back and really had zero confidence - I honestly think it did her good to have someone to compare to. I mean, she didn't even know how to change the rein properly. I can't believe RI hasn't taught her that yet actually, since she's been riding about 3months now!

I'm not quite sure when it happened, but Guinness turned on. In fact, I think it was the start of the pole work, which was to work on straightness, but I'm not sure. Every squeeze he listened to (and believe me, Guinness can listen so little to the leg that he pretty much needs thumped with a crop), and our transition work was beautiful. We could go straight from halt to trot. I know that doesn't sound like much, but on the most stubborn horse I've ever met, to get that single stride transition beautifully really feels like an achievement! He also picked up well and never hit the poles.

His bends and turns were beautiful because he listened to my leg when I pushed him through them. The only thing I ever had a problem with was the canter poles. If it's less than about 60cm, Guinness doesn't consider it worth going over it in anything less than a trot. He finally cantered them for me, but I think part of it was the stride we got - really there was no room for error, so I suspect part of the reason he broke down to trot was the stride wasn't quite perfect.

We then did some work without stirrups. We were told to trot a bit, walk a bit as we felt comortable, but I was fully happy so just continually trotted until told otherwise. Beautiful down-transitions from Guinness every time too 80)  I actully wanted to canter, but didn't want to make the other rider feel left behind as I know how nervous she still is and how she's not got Guinness to work when she's ridden him so I didn't even asked. Usually canter work without stirrups and jumping over 75cm are activities that really show up how high (or not) my confidence is, so I'm pleased it's so buoyant even after a break 80)

After working without stirrups, I had this trot on Guinness and I can only describe the sensation as floating. I really lightened my seat and he was really working underneath me. I think it may have been the most beautiful few circuits of trot I have ever felt, on any horse, at any time in my life. Guinness can be a nappy pig who doesn't move and slows down when you use the crop. When you've got him on side though and he decides to give himself to you, boy is he a joy beyond compare. This makes him marmite, but I'm in the love camp. Yes, he can be so stubborn sometimes that he can make you feel like a worse rider than you actually are. Stick with him though, and he'll provide you with some of the best fun you could ask for on the back of a horse.

Guinness was listening so much, and my RI was concentrating so much on the other student who was struggling to get Bailey trotting, that I decided I'd work on getting him on the bit. I'd spent a whole 45mins trying to do this once and he resisted the whole time - not once did he even think about it. This time, he listened first time! When I put that inside leg on he sped up, but I used an elastic outside rein to contain him in  walk. I opened my inside hand, fiddled the bit in his mouth, and lo and behold, from his shadow I could clearly see him silhouette - settled on the bit!  I don't have strong enough legs to maintain the pressure Guinness needs to keep engaged like this so just did it on the long sides and he settled every time. RI was shouting "OMG, Guinness is actually listening!" That made me feel good. Roll on the day when I've iron legs and can maintain that frame and really get a horse settled, working from behind. His trot with impulsion was gorgeous - I can only imagine how wonderful it would feel to have him working even more over his back, really using his hocks!

Even after the lesson there were so many people around that I couldn't talk to my RI, so just gave up. A friend's mum gave me a lift to the station, where a train was just leaving. I wasn't disappointed about that - I was planning on gettng the bus so that early train was never an option. I only had 10mins or so to wait until the next one anyway...

WRONG! Was just about to move from the waiting room to outside when the station manager told me that, due to engineering works, the next train wasn't coming so I'd have to wait almost an hour for the next one, with one change along the way. Doh! I was freezing cold and going through my two packets of tissues at an alarming rate. I even double up my dose of Sudofed to try and stop it but it didn't work.

So, sat freezing cold in the station with niagara falls for a nose and the train came. Got on it, and it was also cold. I also reached my last tissue only halfway along that journey. Yuck 80(

Got to the change station to find out that it was in fact a replacement bus service and not a train taking us into the city. Most folk grumbled, but I was delighted. Not only was it a coach, but it was toasty warm! It was so much comfier than the train and was by far the best part of the journey! It also arrived at the final destination only 5mins later than the train - impressive given that the main street the station's on is closed to traffic so the diversions add to the total distance that needs to be travelled!  So, for that privilege I spent £11.90 on a 1h 50min journey. The 1hr 45min journey on the warm bus I get home is only £4.50 if you've a return ticket. No effing contest....

The Plunge

I've got in contact with a riding school here in the city. Of the two on main bus routes, this one at least at has some positive feedback and, to be fair, some of the negative reviews are clearly written by teenagers. I know how fickle the teens at my current yard are, so I've taken it with a pinch of salt. With so many mixed messages though, I figured I need to see for myself in order to make any kind of informed choice.

I emailed the local RS and they're happy for me to drop in as a visitor any time and take in a lesson from the viewing gallery. What really excites me is that they have XC schooling facilities (I've never been XC but always wanted to) and lots of hacking. I love hacking but haven't been since I was on holiday in Portstewart circa 1994! (Been out on 20min rides as a teen, but they weren't long enough or far enough to truly count).

So, let's see wat the local place has to offer and what my current RI does to rectify the problems. All of a sudden moving yards doesn't seen so unattractive or scary a  prospect...

______________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: got this message back from my RI when she got home last night.

"Hi debs i'll have a good look in the book tomorrow and sort something out for you, miss having around your companys always welcome. Half term is manic lol but with the help of a few of my little friends i get by lol. I'll be in touch soon xxx".

So, if things can be repaired at my current yard then I'll stay for the meantime. Once my degree's over though and I don't need to head so far from the city, that could be when I leave (end of Feb is the current prediction). In the long term however, I do need to know that riding and livery in the city is doable, and I think the hacking and XC at the new yard would do me a world of good before buying a horse. So, whether I visit in the next fortnight or leave until the new year I don't know, but I'll definitely pursue the new yard as a longer term option at least.  For all its faults, I love the community of people where I am now. Here's hoping the the best of both worlds!

Wasted Journeys

After last weekend's travel debacle, my instructor told me I could come Tuesday for a lesson. I went to town to do some Uni errands, went to the yard and found it was Own a Pony Day, meaning it was always going to be too manic for RI to be free to teach. So, 3.5hrs round trip for two short messages and no riding. I wasn't best pleased.

Then, came Saturday when I have my usual 5pm lesson. I went in and a new customer who I've seen ride on Thursdays was in my slot - I didn't have a good feeling, but last time RI put me in a group lesson to make up for it somewhat. Not this time: in fact, all she did was ask me to take 2 mini lessons for kids that had helped out and deserved a free pop on a pony, and to build some jumps. To not even mention to me that I might not be able to ride/ask would I like to etc I just thought was the height of rudeness. That was literally my whole day and £9 down the drain. Troy's leaser, RI' right hand girl at the weekend, asked me if I was riding. In a disappointed tone I just said "I don't think so: someone's in my slot, with Sharon to follow so there's no time before my bus. All this way and no riding 80(". I wasn't rude or snidey in tone - I said it in a glum, disappointed one. Once I'd said it though, I realised there was no point in hanging around, checked my bus timetable and found that if I left immediately, I'd make it on time for the next bus. That, or wait an hour. I decided to go without goodbyes, rather than bid farewell and miss my bus.

I'm not easily annoyed - in fact, I'm quite an easy going person but it really irked me to have wasted so much of my time and money for nothing. I'd much rather get a phone call to say "I'm double booked - can we arrange for another day?" than to waste potential quality time with Tom for nothing. I love being at the yard for the horse's sake and did it a lot when I was 5mins away by bus and it cost a couple of quid. However, 1hr 45mins is a long way to go to do nothing (and with no income, the £9 isn't exactly well invested). I think this is where the problem stems from: the ever-flexible Debbie who'll fit in around whatever schedule no longer can, but is still being treated as such.

I seriously thought on the way home about leaving the yard and never coming back. If the two riding schools in the city turned out to be that bad, then I'd just give up riding all together until I'm in work, get my driving license and have my own car to drive out to some of the great but difficult-to-access yards in the region. I even took the photo of Guinness off the screen on my phone.

So, it's now two days later and how do I feel? Still annoyed: things haven't been great in terms of service since I moved, and to have such poor treatment twice in one week really upset me. However, I've decided to paint a smile on and have a go at resolving it. If I get a regular slot that doesn't get mucked around with, I'll happily stay. For all its faults I'm happy there, or at least when I get to ride (like every other customer does) I am! So I sent this to my instructor:

"Hi RI. How are you? I was just wondering that if the Saturday 5pm slot has been filled permanently while I was out injured, when we could set up my weekly lesson for? Unfortunately because of the buses I can't be as flexible any more and just fit in as the day unfolds: I need a fixed time (ish) so I can be off the yard for 6:45 to catch the bus from Guardbridge. Weekend's are still best for me, with Thursdays at a push (though preferably not as it's my office day and while I'd rather be at the yard, need to do some work. Boo)! Just let me know what suits 80)

Hope the the half-term week isn't too manic, and that the weather picks up a bit!

Debz 80)

  x"

Hopefully it sounds light hearted and jovial, but it does make the point I need a lesson time and I need it to be stuck to. I tried ringing to catch her beside the lesson book and failed, but hopefully she'll check it and get back to me rather than giving me a 'come down and ride anytime' response. That just doesn't work with a 3.5hr round trip 80(

Across the Bridge (Or Not As the Case May Be)

No riding this weekend: went to the bus station to get my bus. It turned up 45mins late, then announced that the service wasn’t going as far as its end destination, which is where my yard is. All that waiting in the rain and I couldn’t go! I could have waited an hour in the rain to get a connection from the town it terminated to the yard, but given that I get the last bus home in the evenings, I wasn’t prepared to risk that journey being screwed up or cancelled. Turns out I was right as the traffic increased to 3hr delay, not 45mins. I didn’t know whether to fume or cry: was so disappointed 80( RI says she can fit me in today or tomorrow, but if it’s still one lane contraflow then I’m still not risking being able to get home. Bridges SUCK!

The Dream

So, all this horse riding, collecting knowledge, voluntarily getting involved in yard duties: what is the point? Well, put simply, a horse. I want to be an owner: I want the chance to bond one-on-one with a horse, rather than being just one of a hoard of carers that a horse recognises and likes. I want to be the one who's whinnied at from the field when arriving at the yard. I want to play the 'scratch me here' game. I want to relax by grooming a horse who's enjoying my company and gentle touch so much that he/she falls asleep. While really I'm not fussy: I'd take pretty much any shape, size and colour (just 14.2hh+ and no TBs: both for practical reasons) as long as we're the right pairing to make each other happy. A girl can dream however and I suppose than in reality, I have 3 dream horses.

(1) The Perhaps Unobtainable Dream: The Fresian

I am Fresian mad, and have been for as long as I can remember. I can even picture my first horse care book: I got it from Bargain Books with my pocket money when I was at primary school, and it had loads of hand drawn breed in there.  Even from that drawing, that I can picture now like a photograph, I fell in love. The only creatures to come close were our native Dales and Fell ponies (also known as Britain's mini-Fresians, with some Fresian blood in their heritage). So, black, powerful, and  gorgeously hairy obviously appeals!  In fact, here’s a prime example or two:

NB: I in no way endorse riding a horse without a hat, but unfortunately there's few  professional dressage photos where the rider is wearing a safety helmet).

(These are both the baroque type and not the sports type: I'm all about the chunky, hefty baroque)!

I only got to meet my first Fresian last year though: I met not one but four of them, all in old-fashioned driving livery. They were more Sport types than Baroques, but I was still in love! Here’s a photo, though I have about 100 from that day:

  

I also love that they seem to be the film industry standard of the beautiful horse. Do you remember Antonio Banderas’ sexy black Andalusian stallion Tornado? Well, that was actually a Fresian. Lucretzia Borgias’ horse, stolen from Gianni Schwartzer (his hunting and war horse)? That’s a Fresian. I could go on all day: if you’ve seen a war film and one of the leaders of the armies is on a black horse, you can bet your pension it’s Fresian.

Their characters are also to die for: they're people lovers. In fact, most people say Fresians don't realise they're horses. They're more like big dogs, and often seem to prefer human to equine company. Imagine that, a stunner of a horse who just wants to spend time with you... heaven! It does mean you need to teach them their manners well, as they can be bargey as they like to be close. However, I'd be teaching any horse it manners, so that doesn't worry me as  breed trait.

The downsides? Well, bred as driving horses in the Netherlands, they have powerful back-ends (perfect for driving and dressage) and impressive front leg action: this can make them very bouncy trotters, so much so that many find it uncomfortable to ride. Imagine the heartbreak of sitting on your dream horse and not enjoying riding it? Also, as their preferred gait is trot: most are horrors to teach to canter, often taking years to get the hang of it. Add this to their slow physical maturation (keep growing ‘til they’re 6), their expense (those that are on the studbooks the Dutch don’t want to let go and consequently cost a fortune. There’s a lot of cowboys out there breeding poor quality Fresians but selling them to ill-informed buyers, even though their confirmation is awful and they can’t ever be papered). So, buying young and buying smart is the way to go: I’m nowhere near ready to back and bring on horses, so I have that fear that I might never be, or never find someone I trust to do so with my dream Fresian youngster.

Here's what a Fresian Spanish Walk looks like -a common movement taught as the front leg action of a Fresian's so beautiful and flexible. This horse is actually a Fresian x Appaloosa, but as can be seen the only think it takes from it sire is its coat colour thankfully: it's 100% typically Fresian bar the colour!

(2) The ‘Real’ Dream Horse – the Grey Irish Draft

I love Irish horses: always have, always will. There is nothing as straight forward or as hardy in terms of breaking down as an Irish horse, be it a papered draft or a bog pony. Many professional eventers choose them precisely because they’re not pampered: they live and are ridden in all sorts of ground conditions, making their liability to go lame low and their ability to be ridden over a range of competitive grounds unbeatable. Here's a true draft though: one of the heavier, more traditionally built IDs than is common though (as they do come from true drafty to thickset WB type shapes):

Add to this I hate TBs and TB-like horses: those neurotic horses with skinny legs that look like they’ll snap in the breeze, and a body so fine it doesn’t look like any adult over the size of a jockey should actually ride them.  I do like to jump however, and the perfect compromise of solid build, Irishness and ability to jump is the Irish draft – a breed often found in SJs, or crossed with TBs all of the equestrian Olympic disciplines (e.g. Mary King's Imperial Cavalier is from ID stock, with blood added for XC stamina).

Now to add my favourite colour: grey. Pretty much any famous horse I’d like to own is grey, because they catch my eye: Carlo, Coronet Obolsenky, Corradina… I could go on all day (and will do a separate entry on them at some point). I know they’re hard to keep clean, but I actually think there’s nothing more wonderful than washing and grooming a grey horse (unless they’re a pain in the wash bay and kick at being groomed – difficult horses aren’t much fun at all in that respect). I also love all the greys: iron, dapple, steel, rose, 'white', flea bitten – I think they're stunning in every form.

My friend has the most perfect specimen of an Irish draft mare, Jessie, Roman nose and all. If she wasn’t 17hh I’d have gone to the North East and stolen her by now! Here she is:

So, a chunky 15.2hh grey Irish draft is the highly achievable dream horse, and a type that will catch my eye in any field, stable or ring on any day of the week.

(3) The Draft Dream Horse

I’m not into tall horses, not any more. As a teen I’d ride anything just to ride, and often rode 17hhs without batting an eyelid. As an adult, I’ve not broken the 16hh barrier yet and am happy at that. It’s big enough to feel grown up (i.e. riding a horse and not a big kid’s pony) and to feel suitable for my height and weight, without being high enough to increase nerves. In saying that, I'd still give it a go cos it might just be in my head. However, there will always be one exception to this height rule for me: the gentle giants. (Here's a great photo for proof - when a Clydie met a Shetland)!

I love shires and Clydesdales: seeing them clad in their show wear as a young kid just absolutely captivated me. Not only were they super huge then (me not even reaching the top of their legs as a tot), but their tack and trim was phenomenal. I remember being set on one’s back while his straw was being fluffed up, propped on side ways at a 6yr old with no hat. Train didn’t even seem to know I was there, and I felt safe: so different to the mischievous 12hh Misty who could make me nervous! lol.  I also love that they’re native breeds and to buy one would be to support our own.

As a youngster I always preferred shires: they don’t carry the sabiano gene, and I find the resultant minimum white more attractive. I also think their leg to body size proportion is better than the Clydesdales. However, Clydesdales have in recent years stolen my heart, even though they’re not as physically beautiful. They’re also a bit shorter typically (more like 16-17hh rather than 17-19hh)! The best thing about Tom being in hospital so unwell was the bus trip: I went past the local Clydesdale breeders and showers twice every day, and enjoyed the beautiful sight of all the mares with foals at foot 80)

I also imagine that, if Tom was ever to take up riding, he’d be happy to get on my dream Clydie, but perhaps not the ID or Fresian. I know he wouldn’t be worried about the weight/height ratio, and the gentle nature would help. I hope my dream Clydie isn’t a plod: I want an off the leg, friendly and helpful soul. That’s a lot of horse if it threw tantrums! I can see it being my big happy hacker though 80)

So there we go: in my dream stables I’d have a Baroque Fresian (not over 16hh, but I’d stretch a bit as I love the breed so much), a 15.2hh robust grey ID and a lovely tank of a Clydie. Fingers crossed that over my lifetime I achieve even one of those… However, people joke that you always come home from horse shopping with the very horse you set out not to buy: so perhaps I’ll have a WB/TB who’s 16.2hh+ and is dark bay! lol.