‘My Little Pony’ Small, cute fluffy and basically a real life ‘My Little Pony’. Has tiny hooves and ears. Looks like butter wouldn’t melt and could get away with murder for looking so damn cute. ‘I’ve Totally Got This’ Very confident pony who is happiest when the rider holds the mane andContinueContinue reading “Common Varieties of Riding School Pony”
Tag Archives: ireland
8 Simple Tips To Clipping Safely
Use Your Head If you are clipping, wear a hat. I keep an older skull cap in my kit for clipping so that I don’t end up with hair stuck to my good hat. Clipping out a horse will involve leaning in under the horses belly and having your head in close proximity to theContinueContinue reading “8 Simple Tips To Clipping Safely”
The Reality of Riding A Dressage Test
Because sadly we all cannot be Charlotte…. Dressage test movement: “Enter at A, proceed down centre line in working trot” Dressage test reality: Attempt to get straight before entering arena. Deep breath, enter at A. Realise you are a little to left. Left leg, left leg, damn too much left leg, right leg. Okay that’sContinueContinue reading “The Reality of Riding A Dressage Test”
25 Things Riding Instructors Understand
1. Why 200 euro is way better spent on a top quality pair of waterproofs than on a dress or a pair of heels. Anyone who feels differently should have to stand for four hours in monsoon rain without said waterproofs to see if they still feel the same afterwards. 2. How to recognise thatContinueContinue reading “25 Things Riding Instructors Understand”
RDS Dublin Horse Show – Things To Look Out For
A teenager that looks like a Spooks or Kingsland stall threw up on them. A child with a face plastered in chocolate or ice cream. A child crying because they want ice cream. A pony with a cracking jump. A child jumping higher on a 12.2 pony than you would everContinueContinue reading “RDS Dublin Horse Show – Things To Look Out For”
A Dressage Clinic with a London 2012 Champion
Back on Easter bank holiday weekend I attended a dressage clinic at Toberton Lodge. Now you are probably thinking sure that’s a good while ago, and it is but I figured it made sense to work on what we covered and see how it went before I wrote about it. Our clinic was with IrelandsContinueContinue reading “A Dressage Clinic with a London 2012 Champion”
When Opportunity Met Preparation
“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” is one of my favourite phrases. So often in competition, especially when things go wrong, we talk about what you can buy – the best horse with the most potential, the expensive clothing, the sessions with the best coach / instructor / sports psychologist. However it is the existenceContinueContinue reading “When Opportunity Met Preparation”
Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips
It is almost time for the annual riding clubs festival. Times have been issued, weather apps are being consulted, child of prague statues are being plonked out on doorsteps, plans are being made and lists are being written. You can check out what I learned at last year’s festival here. In the meantime, considering IContinueContinue reading “Riding Club Festival – Survival Tips”
The Reality of Being A Hobbit Height Rider / Groom
Having to teach yourself to mount up using a block / fence / gate / anything available as there is little hope of you making it from the ground. People thinking your horse is way bigger than it is. “Oh my god she must be 18 hands!”. Eh, no, I’m just really short.ContinueContinue reading “The Reality of Being A Hobbit Height Rider / Groom”
People You Are Likely To Meet In A Stable Yard
The Fictional Show Jumper “I can jump 1.20”. Sure you can……at home…..badly….over a single fence. The miraculous feats achieved by the fictional show jumper will often happen when there is no one around to see, video or photograph it. Likewise, none of these skills have yet been displayed at a competition where theContinueContinue reading “People You Are Likely To Meet In A Stable Yard”
Equestrian Reality 