In tune, in Control

The horse I was riding today had just come in from the field and instead of being the pretty white horse he is, he was more like a muddy grey. So our task was to brush him, as you do before any tacking up anyway. I could not believe how filthy he was and apparently this handsome fellow loves to roll in the mud. After brushing him, I can definitely tell this. We continued with the following of another horse again today. I do enjoy doing this and for part of it, the girl walking at the side of me had to run back to the stables so I was truly on my own. I was able to hear when the horse stopped and started with ease and keep my horse behind it. The only issue I had with this today, which I need to fine tune, is keeping my horse from getting too close. I did this quite successfully when it was pointed out to me. And I think with a few more tries, I can judge the distance between the two horses relatively well. It feels now like I am in true control. My tall white friend is much more responsive to me now too. I can truly feel he's listening to me and taking my instructions well. Just the slightest squeeze on his side would speed him up, the transition to a trot was easy and even to a canter was fabulous. When he was getting too close to our lead horse, I used the half halts to slow him down which he did beautifully. It feels more and more like a team effort and that he's feeding me information and I in turn receive it and give him instruction that he now understands. There was a pony in a field which we were walking alongside and the pony was running along the fence which my horse decided was a big and scary prospect so I just stroked his neck, half halted a little as he was speeding up and managed to keep him calm and let him know that the little cute pony was no threat to him. It's an amazing feeling now knowing he's looking to me for guidance and instruction and not the person walking beside me. I cannot wait to have this kind of relationship with my own horse one day but glad my tall white friend is here for now to help me explore the possibilities. Thanks for reading, And until next time, Marie

My Horse advertisement

I'm on the hunt for a loan horse, at the right price, maybe even buying one. However, I'd prefer to loan to begin with but I'm not ruling buying out as it's a good market at the moment. But I have been looking in this area and so far haven't found anything suitable just yet. I know it takes time so I thought I'd write down all of my requirements as they stand. Loan/buy: open to either but prefer part loan to ease into the responsibility of taking care of a horse. Purpose; This sounds obvious right, but even this question in my head needs to be answered. so

• 1. for riding and to get me into more regular riding than my current two days a week lessons.
• 2. Training. I'd like to learn the disciplines of dressage and maybe jumping so having access to a horse on a more regular basis would be great for my training.
• 3. Competing. Yes, it's something I'd like to see how far I can go with.
• 4. Becoming a better horse carer. Learning a horse's needs on a day to day basis and knowing how to take care, groom, care for when, God forbid they're sick, feeding, learning behaviourisms, and all that goes along with owning a horse.

so those are my reasons behind this new venture. We all know once you catch the bug, it generally gets worse not better. hee.

Breed: Cob preferably.
age:8/9 to about 15/16
Colour: No preference
gender: Gelding or filly. Maybe a mare.

I need the horse to be well accustomed to riding with a bridle and saddle, [broken in well]. A calm disposition yet very willing and responsive. No biting/kicking or other majorly undesirable habits. I know no horse is perfect but bad behaviour to the minimal. Well mannered and halts well. I am totally blind and although I know some horses may kick out on occasion or bite, I really don't want to deal with that on a regular daily occurrence. It would be nice if the horse had been socialised around dogs and was comfortable around them as I have a guide dog and he'd be with me most of the time.

an open medical history should be disclosed wherever possible.

size: at least 13.3 HH max 16.5

experience: intermediate or advanced, no novice or retired horses. I need one that is still going to be ridden. Preferably trained in dressage/jumping.
Shoes: This doesn't matter. Whatever is best for the horse.

Loan requirements: to be discussed.

If any of you wonderful horse people have any ideas to add to this, as it's my first time writing an advertisement for a horse, please comment and leave feedback. It probably sounds too simplistic, what I've written.

Thanks again,

Marie