One hell of a ride ...

On Sunday 23rd November 2014 'Mr F' and I joined up with other riders that belong to the local riding club, of which we are now members.

I really didn't want to do this. Mostly because I wasn't interested in riding with others. But I thought and was told that it will be good for 'Mr F' to ride in bigger groups. Alright, fine. And so I grudgingly joined the local riding club who organises these rides.

Our transport was to be 'Lillian's big horse lorry, offering space for three horses. It is too wide to come up the drive to 'Buttercup Farm'. We asked the local pub if we would have permission to use their car park as a pick up and drop off point. They very helpfully agreed to let us use it. 

'Mr F' and I prepared ourselves and then walked to the nearby pub car park where we would be picked up. He was fine with everything and 'Lillian' was already in the car park with the lorry, waiting for us.

The horse truck had room for 3 horses, it is a fantastic truck and very solidly built. Apparently it had been used for racehorses prior. Although it was a steep ramp and a VERY tight fit lengthwise for 'Mr F', he loaded and unloaded perfectly.

Little did I know what I let myself in for!

As soon as we unloaded at the ride's start point, 'Mr F' began fidgeting around. I had to keep him busy somehow, moving. I walked  him in circles to calm him down. There were 8 other horses, and only 2 of them he knew. But soon more horses arrived.

We travelled with tack on, just in case he would behave like this. The more horses turned up, the more he began to fidget and to throw around his head. We mounted (in a fashion!) and I had my legs full keeping 'Mr F' under control. I deliberately write 'legs' because that is what I mostly use nowadays, my legs and seat to control him. If I put pressure on his mouth it makes things worse. 

Clearly, to him it was racing day! What on earth did I let myself into. And what where the others thinking letting me take part? A novice rider on an ex-racehorse that hadn't done hacking out in big groups! 'Oh dear, oh I wish I was back at home - this is going to be difficult'. I had never in my life sat on a horse that behaved like this! 'Well, there is a first for everything - I can't go home now so I might as well brace myself.'

'Mr F' spend most of the first part of the ride jogging and I noticed there were only to options to get him relaxed: either by being at the front or by being in the middle but with large gaps to the front and rear group. Having any horse anywhere near him would drive him mad and he would shake his head just like he does when he herds his pasture mates. 

Even the steep uphill part didn't slow him down, he marched on like his life depended on it. Other horses behind him where breathing heavily and struggling to keep up.

But there were riders part of this ride that couldn't control their horse and some of them shut forwards to overtake 'Mr F', which of course made him want to go faster each time.

I didn't have a single minute to take in the surroundings. All my energy was taken up by finding ways to keep 'Mr F' somewhat under control. Looking back he was actually behaved quite well considering his history and the circumstances. He sure was extremely kind towards me as he could have bucket me off or at least he could have tried. This was the first time for him to be out with another group of horses without racing. He also didn't know the surroundings and to top it off he was with a rider he must have realised was everything but relaxed (me). I knew I had lost him, mentally, we were no longer partners but instead fighting one another.

By the time we arrived in Endsor (just outside Chatsworth) I could feel in every fibre of mine and his body that he was about to explode. On top of that we landed up in the middle of heavy queuing traffic, with loads of walkers and dogs japing and children playing.  'Oh god! I got to do something here, its not going to end well!'

 

The other horses were unruly too, partly because of 'Mr F' and also because of all the traffic. Apparently, this is classed as one of the spooky rides, where many horses tend to loose it a little, so I was told later! No words can describe how angry I was with this lot, putting 'Mr F' into a potentially very dangerous position.

It got worse; we had to go along that very busy road with all the queuing cars and people before we could get out of the way.  'Mr F' was by this time dancing around and he ended up loosing one of his front hoof boots. That was it! I sat on a rocket and I could feel every of his muscles tense up. I grabbed hold of the rolled up lead rope attached to the saddle and jumped off while holding on to 'Mr F's reins. I leave his rope head collar on under the bridle on rides out so that I can take off the bridle when we stop somewhere. And of course this was handy now as I managed to attach the lead rope so I would have something more solid to work with.

By this time both I and 'Mr F' had lost our tempers and I shall not repeat what I shouted as it wasn't anything pleasant. But yet in the all this chaos, I suddenly woke up: 'Hang on. 'Mr F' is in the same boat as I am. He too doesn't know better. Shut up you stupid woman and deal with your horse KINDLY.'

I shouted at the others asking that they could go ahead. I knew that the only way to calm him down was if the others would go out of sight. We have on our own,  just the two of us, travelled great distances and are most content with each other's company.

'Lillian's partner 'Tom' decided that he would stay with us, just in case things didn't get better. We waited for the others to disappear off into the distance before following them up the grassy hill.

I walked 'Mr F' up the fairly long hill. Rather than him trying to drag me along in any direction, I made him circle around me while moving forward. When we at last reached the top of the hill, after a good 20 minutes, 'Mr F' was a quite a bit calmer and actually ate some grass. I took off all his boots as we were now on grassy and muddy ground. 'Tom' offered to carry them on my behalf, I was very grateful for that offer.

Normally, I would spend as much time as it takes to deal with something the horse doesn't understand. On this ride however, time wasn't available. Therefore I could not give 'Mr F' the time he needed to make sense of it all. I was hoping that at some point he may begin to settle down more.

We had a lunch break at the top of the hill and I had a good portion of mulled wine, made by 'Tom'. It was delicious and it sure helped me to calm. Then we continued. 'Mr F' was back to just jogging now but no longer near exploding. At 21 I wondered where he gets the energy from. I had no idea of the route but seeing that was lunch, we probably were only just over half way. Although it looked to me like fairly straight terrain now, on open countryside. That is better than busy villages with lots of traffic. And so we went along for a little while, not much happened. Until:
"Can we canter up the hill that is coming next?" Someone shouted excitedly.
'HUH? Canter? Hill? Didn't it say in the ride description that this was a walking only ride?' By this time I was exhausted, not physically as I am a very fit person, but mentally!
"Is there a stone wall or a hedge up there to stop us all?" I asked, realising there was no way out of this for me other than to go along. My question was to assess our (mine and 'Mr F's) safety in among all this chaos. 

"Yes there is."
"Ok". Was all I had to say. 

I guess the wine helped because I though: 'Oh what the heck, let him have a go at winning once more. I can't hold him back forever and perhaps its time I am less of a chicken. After all I do trust 'Mr F'.' 

We reached the bottom of that hill. It became clear very quicly that some horses seemed to know what comes next, either because they have been here before or because of their riders becoming giddy. Either way, there was very intense energy in the air. To my surprise I shouted back ('Mr F' and I were by this time at the front) to the group: "Are we ready to go?" 
"Yes, go!" Was the reply.

And that is exactly what we did! The group was already trotting but now I let 'Mr F' have the reins, stood up in the saddle and just said: 'Go!' although he didn't need any encouragement and raced up that hill. The others followed behind us. Up ahead I could see a perplexed group of walkers at the top of the hill. I can only imagine how it must have felt for them: first a load of screams and then the feeling of a mini stampede, with some 15x4 hooves hitting the ground at rapid speed. Suddenly, we came into sight and several of the walkers decided to retreat behind the gate they just come through. I can't blame them because I was actually screaming because I enjoyed this moment so very much, to my surprise. To feel the fierce force underneath me and the speed, it was out of this world! I guess at this stage I was pure adrenaline!

We reached the top and 'Mr F' listened to everything I said and stopped, very calmly as though I was all in control. He was quite out of breath but not for long, and he was sure pleased with himself!!

I had a huge grin on my face! Never before had I experienced anything like it nor could I even imagine it.

After he 'won' the race, he was much calmer and the last hour of the ride he actually managed to relax  quite a bit.

At least I know now that all my efforts in keeping him healthy with feeds and herbal supplements have improved his breathing ... there was no weezing, no huffing and puffing anymore like he did a year ago.

By the time we reached the trailer, 'Mr F' was pretty calm, which allowed us to load up fairly soon and make our way home.

'Mr F' and I got dropped off at the pub and we walked back to the farm, very leisurely. I was absolutely exhausted but 'Mr F' was VERY SMUG and pleased with himself. He stood there happily eating his food, in his 'fancy' fleece blanket (another great 2nd hand purchase). I guess he felt he had won the race ... and I did give him much praise. Because looking back, he could have done much much worse.

Moral of the day:

Sometimes, both human and  horse are equally at a loss and it is important for me to never again forget this. Not at any point was 'Mr F' to blame for anything that happened, even though it made me 'feel' better at the time to shout at him with a fairly colourful array of words, none of which I am proud of. But while I am a silly human with little knowledge it was my first reaction, very much like 'Mr F' who too couldn't cope.

Winter tidings ...

... well, nothing indicates of winter being anywhere near except the ever shorter days.

I just hope it will not be as wet as last winter, the fields can't cope and we are all fed up of horses knee deep in the mud.

Memories from winter 2012/2013

First heavy snow arrived in January:

It all melted away in February 2013... 

 To make room for even more heavy snow in March 2013:

The bridle path ....

Winter 2014/2015 consists of December 2014, January 2015 and February 2015. It should be noted that while winter officially ends on the 28th February 2015, wintry conditions can continue to occur well into March which is officially a spring month.
WINTER 13/14 REVIEW: To help compare this winter’s forecast to that of the actual conditions of last winter, the following information will be of use; Last winter had a mean UK temperature of +5.2°C which is +1.5°C above the average in what was an very mild winter period. Rainfall totals were equally impressive in terms of being significantly above average with extensive flooding across parts of England and Wales. The winter period was dominating by a relentless amount of North Atlantic low pressures and storm systems that brought exceptionally wet and windy conditions to many areas over many weeks. Frost, ice, snow and wintry conditions in general were all frequently absent through the winter.
FORECAST PRODUCTION: When looking at the potential weather through the coming winter period there are a number of meteorological and climatological variables that are studied. It isn’t possible to discuss them all here, but some of the variables analysed include; El Nino (ENSO) and general sea temperature patterns, but particularly within the North Atlantic, snow cover over Eurasia through this current autumn period, the state of the QBO and stratospheric conditions plus other variables and indicators.
THE FORECAST: Combining the above information and other information studied, the preliminary forecast for the winter is; for temperatures to be below average and for rainfall to be below average.
Temperatures: Below average (between 0.5°C and 1.0°C below average)
Rainfall: Below average (50mm to 100mm below average).
FORECAST SUMMARY: There are some distinct signs and signals that the forth coming winter will be a potential opposite to that of what was experienced during last winter. There are a lot of factors that point towards the coming winter producing far less stormy conditions and more in the way of ‘blocking patterns’. These blocking patterns are what are often required through the winter to bring cold weather to the UK and at the moment a colder and drier than average winter is preferred.
DECEMBER: Cold weather is expected to develop at times through December, perhaps more significantly so during the middle and latter half of the month when cold weather may well coincide with the Christmas and New Year period. Temperatures, overall, are likely to be near to average through December.
JANUARY: A potentially cold month is possible with a greater frequency of cold weather developing, despite some milder and wetter intervals as well. Snow and wintry conditions may well be widespread at times and at the moment temperatures are forecast to be slightly below average.
FEBRUARY: Another potentially colder than average month is possible during February. As is always possible across the UK during winter some milder interludes are possible at times. However, the bias is towards February producing more in the way of colder and drier conditions than compared with average in what could be a particularly cold end to winter.
Chief Forecaster: MH – www.ukweatherforecast.co.uk
- See more at: http://www.ukweatherforecast.co.uk/uk-winter-201415-weather-forecast-predictions/#sthash.LX4XsXkX.dpuf

Winter 2014/2015 consists of December 2014, January 2015 and February 2015. It should be noted that while winter officially ends on the 28th February 2015, wintry conditions can continue to occur well into March which is officially a spring month.
WINTER 13/14 REVIEW: To help compare this winter’s forecast to that of the actual conditions of last winter, the following information will be of use; Last winter had a mean UK temperature of +5.2°C which is +1.5°C above the average in what was an very mild winter period. Rainfall totals were equally impressive in terms of being significantly above average with extensive flooding across parts of England and Wales. The winter period was dominating by a relentless amount of North Atlantic low pressures and storm systems that brought exceptionally wet and windy conditions to many areas over many weeks. Frost, ice, snow and wintry conditions in general were all frequently absent through the winter.
FORECAST PRODUCTION: When looking at the potential weather through the coming winter period there are a number of meteorological and climatological variables that are studied. It isn’t possible to discuss them all here, but some of the variables analysed include; El Nino (ENSO) and general sea temperature patterns, but particularly within the North Atlantic, snow cover over Eurasia through this current autumn period, the state of the QBO and stratospheric conditions plus other variables and indicators.
THE FORECAST: Combining the above information and other information studied, the preliminary forecast for the winter is; for temperatures to be below average and for rainfall to be below average.
Temperatures: Below average (between 0.5°C and 1.0°C below average)
Rainfall: Below average (50mm to 100mm below average).
FORECAST SUMMARY: There are some distinct signs and signals that the forth coming winter will be a potential opposite to that of what was experienced during last winter. There are a lot of factors that point towards the coming winter producing far less stormy conditions and more in the way of ‘blocking patterns’. These blocking patterns are what are often required through the winter to bring cold weather to the UK and at the moment a colder and drier than average winter is preferred.
DECEMBER: Cold weather is expected to develop at times through December, perhaps more significantly so during the middle and latter half of the month when cold weather may well coincide with the Christmas and New Year period. Temperatures, overall, are likely to be near to average through December.
JANUARY: A potentially cold month is possible with a greater frequency of cold weather developing, despite some milder and wetter intervals as well. Snow and wintry conditions may well be widespread at times and at the moment temperatures are forecast to be slightly below average.
FEBRUARY: Another potentially colder than average month is possible during February. As is always possible across the UK during winter some milder interludes are possible at times. However, the bias is towards February producing more in the way of colder and drier conditions than compared with average in what could be a particularly cold end to winter.
Chief Forecaster: MH – www.ukweatherforecast.co.uk
- See more at: http://www.ukweatherforecast.co.uk/uk-winter-201415-weather-forecast-predictions/#sthash.LX4XsXkX.dpuf

Winter 2014/2015 consists of December 2014, January 2015 and February 2015. It should be noted that while winter officially ends on the 28th February 2015, wintry conditions can continue to occur well into March which is officially a spring month.
WINTER 13/14 REVIEW: To help compare this winter’s forecast to that of the actual conditions of last winter, the following information will be of use; Last winter had a mean UK temperature of +5.2°C which is +1.5°C above the average in what was an very mild winter period. Rainfall totals were equally impressive in terms of being significantly above average with extensive flooding across parts of England and Wales. The winter period was dominating by a relentless amount of North Atlantic low pressures and storm systems that brought exceptionally wet and windy conditions to many areas over many weeks. Frost, ice, snow and wintry conditions in general were all frequently absent through the winter.
FORECAST PRODUCTION: When looking at the potential weather through the coming winter period there are a number of meteorological and climatological variables that are studied. It isn’t possible to discuss them all here, but some of the variables analysed include; El Nino (ENSO) and general sea temperature patterns, but particularly within the North Atlantic, snow cover over Eurasia through this current autumn period, the state of the QBO and stratospheric conditions plus other variables and indicators.
THE FORECAST: Combining the above information and other information studied, the preliminary forecast for the winter is; for temperatures to be below average and for rainfall to be below average.
Temperatures: Below average (between 0.5°C and 1.0°C below average)
Rainfall: Below average (50mm to 100mm below average).
FORECAST SUMMARY: There are some distinct signs and signals that the forth coming winter will be a potential opposite to that of what was experienced during last winter. There are a lot of factors that point towards the coming winter producing far less stormy conditions and more in the way of ‘blocking patterns’. These blocking patterns are what are often required through the winter to bring cold weather to the UK and at the moment a colder and drier than average winter is preferred.
DECEMBER: Cold weather is expected to develop at times through December, perhaps more significantly so during the middle and latter half of the month when cold weather may well coincide with the Christmas and New Year period. Temperatures, overall, are likely to be near to average through December.
JANUARY: A potentially cold month is possible with a greater frequency of cold weather developing, despite some milder and wetter intervals as well. Snow and wintry conditions may well be widespread at times and at the moment temperatures are forecast to be slightly below average.
FEBRUARY: Another potentially colder than average month is possible during February. As is always possible across the UK during winter some milder interludes are possible at times. However, the bias is towards February producing more in the way of colder and drier conditions than compared with average in what could be a particularly cold end to winter.
Chief Forecaster: MH – www.ukweatherforecast.co.uk
- See more at: http://www.ukweatherforecast.co.uk/uk-winter-201415-weather-forecast-predictions/#sthash.LX4XsXkX.dpuf

Health ... and sycamore trees.

'Mr F' seems to have been struggling with some form of stomach upset and I do not yet know exactly what the cause was. It all happened after he had been vaccinated October 14th. Pretty much at the same time him and 'Luke' had to move into the back field so that they could have access to shelter. However, I suddenly remembered about last years health warning regarding sycamore seeds and their possible toxicity. Not all sycamore trees seem to have the poison, it is not yet clear exactly which type is causing the deaths of horses but it is clearly a problem in many places and horses have been found dead in the morning near sycamore trees. 

I immediately moved the boys back into the front field and kept an eye on 'Mr F.' Perhaps he found the fairly rich grass hard to digest, perhaps he had a reaction to the vaccination (Tetanus and Flu) or perhaps he digested a tiny amount of the sycamore seeds. Although the symptoms he was showing did not aid in forming a definite opinion. I made sure that he had plenty of food in form of soaked hay in the front field so that his digestive system would be kept busy and it would work through whatever it was that bothered him. It took a good 2 weeks for it all to settle and I tired to aid him with adjusting his feed accordingly which did help along.

I am glad to say that 'Mr F' is now in good form again. I like to add that I did consult with 'Suzie'. And it is apparently possible for a horse to have an adverse reaction to vaccination.

 'Mr F' - "Its only mud .... "

So far no problems with mud fever. I do take Mr F inside to dry out every day for a good hour so the mud can be brushed out of his winter coat. 

'Hello....'

 Drying out in the evening before going back into the field, 'Luke' is also indoors, right next to 'Mr F' but you can't see him from where I am standing as he is behind the door.

A day without rain ... although it has not been too bad so far. Nowhere near as bad as last year.

Another regular resident:  'little Sam'.

The food island - 'Luke' and 'Mr F'. I do move it around the field so they don't make a mess of the field during the wet season. It is a well draining field and even after some days of very heavy rain,  most of it is still hard ground. It however means its poo picking time.

 'Madame' not so happy with her field mate 'Rose'.

Madame: 'Someone PLEASE take that horse ('Rose') away!'

Our first trip with the Trailer - proper canter time

'Lillian' and I have been talking about taking the boys out in the trailer so we all get to see different suroundings.

Which is exactly what we did yesterday.

I had been looking forward to it as I was a little bored with the local routes. But most of all I wanted to know if new surroundings would perhaps liven up 'Mr F' a little who had become a little 'lethargic' out on the rides recently and was once again not showing much interest. I felt that he did not quite see the point in it as there was no job for him and not much to think about as he's seen it now many times.

So, in  the morning I brought the boys in so they could dry out while having breakfast. Meanwhile I was preparing tack, hay and water. I have to say I was very excited, almost like a child! 'Mr F' probably realised that something was up and he too was more chipper than he normally is.

I had to borrow 'Jane's travel boots as I have not yet bought a set for 'Mr F'. After he'd been brushed I put on his hoof boots. I thought it is better to do that now because there was no telling how he would feel once unloaded at our destination.  I didn't fancy fiddling around with hoof boots on an unruly horse. You get kicked once and you know that it HURTS.

'Lillian' arrived and after we loaded all our gear we went to load the boys into the trailer.

'Mr F' suited and booted - he was very keen leaving the stable and showed great interest in what was happening and what might expect him. I did wonder if perhaps he may have memories from back when he was a racehorse ... there must have been excitement in the air. He certainly knew that I was very much looking forward to going out!

 

I wasn't sure how willing he would be to be loaded into the trailer but I had in preparation done some trials and training 'Mr F'. One would think that he should be used to this being a racehorse. Surely he must have travelled to the races in a trailer / lorry. Mind you, last time in a trailer was when they were unloaded here, and they were in quite a bad state then. After a few training and getting used to it days, 'Mr F' did eventually cope with being in the trailer and loading.

Not sure what to expect this time I just pretended that everything would be fine, had a few words with him and then walked into the trailer and 'Mr F' followed without hesitation! He was little fidgity once he was inside because 'Luke' was not so willing to follow. But once both boys were in, they remained calm the entire trip. Although 'Mr F' was sweating up quite a bit.

When we finally got to unload 'Mr F' was a quite unruly for a while but nothing too dramatic. We tacked up and off we went!

'Mr F' was a different horse! Normally not at all bothered about being ahead, this time he was leading the way, stepping out keenly with head up high observing everyone and everything but also enjoying the fantastic views we had - I felt like a knight on a mighty steed and probably had a huge grin on my face.

We had to pass cyclists, people with dogs, old buildings, big boulders (something MUST be hiding underneath!) and it was simply fantastic to feel 'Mr F' being so interested.

Finally we got away from all the people and reached foothpaths over open fields. It was canter time! As I have never before cantered for more than a few strides, this was new to me too. I feel fairly confident in the saddle by now as my body has learned to balance and I complicitly trust 'Mr F'. I have to so that he can feel relaxed and I can trust him easily because I know him quite well by now.

In one field I held him back a little, 'Jane' (she joined us for the ride) and 'Lillian' being ahead. We trotted behind them for a bit but then I told him to go! The first few canters I sat in the saddle which felt very comfortable but then I decided to stand; the ground was a fairly uneven and just in case 'Mr F' might stumble a little, I thought it would be more comfortable for both if I stand in the saddle.

What a feeling!! To me it was heaven - I never experienced anything like it before. I soaked in the whole feeling of this force underneath me racing up that field! Somehow it felt otherwordly ...

And he did everything so effortlessly! In fact the entire ride he behaved perfectly and he listened to all my aids.

'Luke' was also well behaved although his feet were a little sore.  He was not at all keen on some of the more stony parts of the route. He did the cantering extremely well - it was a first for him, with rider. Although at first he got a little spooked by the sound of 'Mr F's hoof boots so we had to keep our distance at first.

We had a quick break at a pub (as you do!) and did some more cantering on the way back.

Eventually it was time to go home. The boys loaded fine and once home they had time to chill out and dry out in the stable with well deserved hay. (they had food and water in the trailer, too)

Its just a little over a year since I started riding. I would say that 'Mr F' and I have come a long way since. And I am most grateful for having access to 'Rupert' and 'Lillian's knowledge about horses and riding. Whenever I get stuck with something I will ask either one of the two for possible solutions, if I haven't found them myself. What works for others doesn't always work for you.

What a fantastic day it has been! 

Like two brothers ...  'Luke' age 6 and 'Mr F' aged 21 ....