Tonksy Pony being most accommodating! Loves her! ♥️
She's a cruiser! Clever Tonksy Pony!
Newhaven Rommy and Forever Everlasting...
Because who doesn't love watching a Waler foal playing with a Willy Wagtail then going for a hoon? <3
Trail Riding with the Three T's
Took Tonksy Pony out bush for a trail ride this morning with the dogs, Tucker and Tricksy... Second ride after a big spell, and yesterdays ride was very basic. Gosh she's a good pony!
Seriously considered doing a Trooper and carrying Tricksy down the road from the saddle (Tucker is VERY well-trained in what he has to do to be allowed to come out riding along the road) but decided I'd best practice that one on her at home first! Was a good lesson for Tricksy anyway.
I am so lucky with my wonderful Walers! <3
Adventuring with Trooper and Hope
Keryn's big baby girl, Hope, went for another little adventure today, being ponied off Super Trooper (his second-most favourite job after chasing cattle)... She is ridiculously quiet and chilled out!
So far she's coping brilliantly with opening and closing multiple gates, creek crossings, happy doggies, cows and calves, and loose horses coming over to say g'day.
We had our second short ride in the round yard with a short trot this time! She's getting the idea about leg aids, and has brilliant brakes going on. Very happy with her!!
Floating Poppy
Clever little miss Poppy showing off her wonderful float loading this morning on her way to watch Uncle Trooper doing a riding lesson... She was such an angel! Couldn't be prouder of my little girl. <3
Jumping Beaky
Fun day out starting Snowy Milton Keynes on some baby jumps! She is such a willing little mare- She just wants to please! <3
Super Trooper
Happy hoony jumping pony!
Trooper and I had an absolute ball yesterday having a crack at some jumping (in the dressage saddle, lol) before heading out on a beautiful beach ride with great company.
He is an enthusiastic soul!
Float training Iola
There's nothing worse than a horse that's difficult to float... It has to be my ultimate pet hate. Here at Forever Walers, we believe in making the floating a positive experience, right from the very start!
This is Iola having her first ever floating lesson. Iola is a particularly chilled out individual with a very curious nature, so this isn't really as impressive as it looks!
She and her friend have spent the night in the paddock with the float sitting open for them to have an explore if they so choose- when I came down to catch her, she was already standing inside the float having a great old time!
To make things especially easy, I've backed the float up to a bank so the tail gate sits flat instead of them having to walk up a ramp. Obviously they won't always have that luxury- but for the first lesson or two, it's a nice way to help them build confidence.
Before asking them to load, it is important that they understand how to walk backwards- nothing worse than successfully getting them on, only for them to get a fright getting off- instant negative experience.
Before asking any horse to go all the way on, I'll always ask them to take one or two steps on, halt, stand calmly, then I'll ask them to back off, only increasing the distance as they are ready for it.
Letting them have a few little successes, and receiving praise and being allowed to just stand and relax as a reward, is the biggest confidence builder I know. Every horse is different, and some horses need much longer than others.
Anyway, here it is- Iola's first lesson, and her third (and final) approach for the session. I just love how calm she is despite her dam singing in the background!
Forever Iola
Iola getting her trot on!
Trooper and Alex
My gorgeous animal-loving nephew, Alex, learning to brush Trooper like he does with his puppy dogs at home!
Too damn beautiful! <3
Forever Fantasy
Fancy-Pants having a hoon around the yard while the ever-patient Rommy eats her breakfast... Then marching herself up to the human to demand a scratch. Such a confident little lady!
Troopers first ever trick riding performance with Alicia Bourke from R.A.C.E. Entertainment... Totally thrilled with their performance, Alicia has done the best job training him! Video 5
Troopers first ever trick riding performance with Alicia Bourke from R.A.C.E. Entertainment... Totally thrilled with their performance, Alicia has done the best job training him! Video 4
Troopers first ever trick riding performance with Alicia Bourke from R.A.C.E. Entertainment... Totally thrilled with their performance, Alicia has done the best job training him! Video 3
Troopers first ever trick riding performance with Alicia Bourke from R.A.C.E. Entertainment... Totally thrilled with their performance, Alicia has done the best job training him! Video 2
Troopers first ever trick riding performance with Alicia Bourke from R.A.C.E. Entertainment... Totally thrilled with their performance, Alicia has done the best job training him! Video 1