Dickens Diary - February 2008

As you will notice I have had to change the layout of Deekies Diary due to Deekies increased social life, which is resulting in a decrease in my spare time and total lack of social life - the things we do for our Horses!!!

February has been a busy time for the Deekie, he has ventured on new and exciting hacks with new equine friends from the yard, has had several training sessions on the flat with Jane Kidd - which were fantastic as always, and encouraging for me as we are now seeing more improvement and gaining some good consistency in the work that we are doing. Jane has also asked me to start lunging Deekie with side reins for one session and then using a Chambon for the following. The Chambon will encourage him to work over his back more, making him stronger over his top line, I am to only walk and Trot Deekie in the Chambon, the Canter work is to be done with the side reins for now.

As well as the flat work sessions Deekie has also been to a show jumping clinic with Wil Miflin, which was brilliant as we got to jump another water tray!!! - Deekie did however make sure he gave it plenty of room just in case there were monsters lurking in the bottom of it.

Later in the month Deekie went back to Wils with one of his friends from the yard and jumped round a course of simulated cross country fences in the out door school - this is really useful for Novice Horses or Riders as you are taught how to jump corners, coffins, angles, skinny fences e.t.c correctly whilst in the safe environment or the arena.

In between sessions with Wil, my mum has been the " eyes on the ground " helping me at home with grid work, figures of eight, pole work and telling me off if I'm not sitting correctly!!!

Deekie also went to another party this month - and a new venue. We travelled north to Solihull to do a Dressage test, Deekie was very well behaved and worked in well even when several other Horses in the warm up arena got very excited - Deekie kept his cool and continued his warm up without being distracted too much. ( Deekie came 4th in his class and went home with yet another rosette and a big cheesy grin on his face!).

February also saw the Equisea and New Barn Equine Competition winners come with their ponies to the yard for a pamper and training session. All of the ponies looked fantastic with their new clip, shampoo, trim and polished hooves. All of the riders had a lesson with me and had the chance to use all of the facilities that we have here at New Barn. During these sessions Deekie kept a watchful eye on the proceedings from the safety of the paddock.

March looks like a busy month as Deekie has Qualified for the Winter League Dressage Finals - Deekies first sleep over party, we will be away for 4 days, I had better start packing his Bags!

To find out more about the excellent facilities and services offered by Jonathan, Director of Equisea and his partner Kelly at New Barn Equine, a Livery, Training, Rehabilitation and Therapy centre situated in Chedworth, Cirencester in Gloucestershire, please click on this link.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Fear