A dull roar from the washing machine drifts into the living room in line with the sweet smell of a freshly baked Banana cake, which fills my senses with comfort, as it cools down on the kitchen bench. Small tweets from the sparrows flow through the house as they sing amongst the vine covered veranda in celebration of a Spring resembled day. The cool and wet atmosphere outside seems alive and peaceful due to the warm Suns kiss carried on top the most gentle of breeze. The grass is lush and green, winter coats shred from the horses bodies in preparation for the longer days and warmer nights. Spring is on its way, the peaceful renewal of nature is soon to flourish.
Competition season is about to begin.
Right! Now that I’ve painted the creative picture for everyone, it’s time to get to the not-so-beautiful tails of my life; my horses (pardon the pun). What on earth would we do without No-Knots? Having run out a fair few months ago, it’s safe to say my horses’ tails have only been washed, not brushed. In fact, I’d attempt to brush them after having been shampooed and conditioned, but soon gave in. Until yesterday; when my mum brought home the beautiful white spray bottle with the pink logo that is my miracle. Finally, I was able to brush my horses’ tails to make them gorgeous! I don’t know what’s in this magic bottle of miracles, but there is NO WAY I’m able to successfully brush my horses tails properly without it.
Our 4 year old Filly, Wyuna Take a Chance, doesn't look like a baby anymore standing at 16.3hh!
Having brushed both Winston (Wyuna Distant Music) and Ace’s (Wyuna Clear Image) tails and feeling oh so proud as they gleamed in the sun, and gently flowed in the breeze I popped them onto the float and headed to my jumping lessons.
As mum had to stay home and wait for the electrician who said he’ll be there between 9am and 5pm (how handy), she sent me off all by myself for the first time. Just before I left, she came and put her car on the float, helped me pack ensuring I had everything then gave me that sweet ‘my girls’ growing up so fast/ why the hell am I letting her drive my car and float by herself?’ look about her face. In an odd way, I felt like this was a much bigger deal to her than it was to me.
All in all, my lessons were really great and I always come back having something new to do and at hand on the journey home. This week I learnt that Ace is incredibly responsive to my voice. So towards the end of our lesson when he was becoming tense and worried at a few fences I was literally talking to him in a soothing voice telling him he was fine and to steady.
In all honesty, it probably worked because I relaxed while talking; but I like to think he finds comfort in me and needed his mum for some emotional support!
This was taken just before one of my weekly lessons with Winston pestering Ace.
Winston: "Hi friend!"
Ace: "What did I do to deserve this kid"
Winston, on the other hand, ended up jumping almost everything Ace did. In this regard I was absolutely wrapped with him. The two extreme versions of him wanting to poke his head out and be stiff and low over the fences compared to the soft, supple and responsive light jump was rather confusing. Though he’s only been ridden a handful of times so he was actually incredibly well behaved for his inexperience.
Apart from learning a few new things and becoming more aware of my body and position, Sue has also sent me home with some homework. Each time I get on a horse I have been set the challenge to warm up for 5-10 minutes without stirrups. That’s not difficult I hear you say? Well I have to do it at the rising trot. This will certainly increase my leg strength!!
Having a rather late ride on Winston! I think we'll both be pleased when summer comes
(or when my parents put lights on the arena, hint hint!)
So as I endeavour to prepare for VEA combined training day on both the boys, then Friends of Werribee on Ace I wish you all a happy and sunny(er) month ahead!
Happy Riding,
Lil xx
