Diary of a Highland Pony and his Dun friend (2025)

06/10/2025

Competition and lesson report

Yesterday it was the first of The Equi-Fun Club winter dressage series I took Oakley and we did Intro 1 (last time I did it we missed a movement out) so my priority was to have no navigational issues.

Arrived in time I took Bert with me so left him with Rebecca Wood whilst I went to the toilet, there was a flap as the catering van couldn’t use the electrics as didn’t have the right power source, I had the required part in my lorry so knew I was on a winner for my mocha coffee after my test. Got Oakley ready and Bert in his bed to wait for me (I’m not sure he was impressed). Off Oakley and I went to the warm up and to say I’m proud of the way he warmed up was an understatement he was listening and nice to ride, the warm up was busy but not manic and all went well. Off to the arena we set and around the outside again he felt nice. Bell went and we set off up the centre line no satnav faults and it felt like a nice test so I was happy with him, he felt much more settled which means now I can push him on a little and try for more.

Back to the lorry for a quick untack and shove him on the lorry, lorry dog out to support my friend with her Oakley look a likie cob only difference is size and gender. Bert cuddled up to me whilst we watched and once she left the arena she was rewarded for her good work by a Bert cuddle. Time for a mocha and a cheese and marmite toasty whilst waiting for results - really happy with a score of 65% and a 7th place in a big class. Happy knowing that our hard work is paying off and I know where to go next with the training.

Home for a lesson on Frodo with M Dressage World who I haven’t seen for months as my back wasn’t up to much, however we’re back and need to start working harder - I had a plan from my last lesson but wasn’t sure how it would have worked as whilst Frodo had been exercised he hadn’t been in the school I’m pleased to report he’s found his forward button and was keen to go we need to carry on building on this to improve his way of going - we have some homework and lessons are booked in. He was lunged tonight and already I can see an improvement.

29/09/2025

Super quick service from PDG-Event Photography as I only chose these late last night ❤ I’m even smiling in one of the photos, thank you green for the photos.

28/09/2025

Two days, two competitions and two lessons!!

On Friday at some ridiculous hour Frodo and I set off for Dressage at Belmoredean the traffic gods were kind and we arrived earlier than intended and consequently we were the only lorry there, which gave me plenty of time to get ready. I’d been really sensible and put my large mounting block in the lorry so mounting was easy (well it should have been Frodo you’re old enough to know how to stand still). The warm up was ok he was nicely forward going and I felt happy about it he might have been a bit judgy about the warm bloods who felt that all four feet didn’t need to stay on the floor and who’s poor riders needed a helping hand however I gave him a talking to and said once it was him and reassured the riders that he wouldn’t spook at them doing silly things around us we all settled down.

Time to go in and our walk/trot around the arena was ok then the bell went and erm Frodo you are a disgrace forwards is not a swear word it is a good thing, yes you do know how to canter the only thing I felt really happy about was our 7 for the free walk. We got our worst score however he hasn’t been out since the end of June and I know he needs to go out more to keep him competitive. We have a plan and all I can hope is that I can prepare better for our next outing.

Rush home, nice to have a trainer that cares enough to check scores and give a talk through, knowing how disappointed I’d be, however it’s Frodo and I adore him. However I needed to get Oakley ready for our lesson - we needed the help for our competition (on Saturday) we worked on keeping him going forward and the suppleness so almost all focused on the warm up for Saturday. I had a plan and felt confident that what will be will be and we were the best prepared we could be. Oakley also got a v quick bath before being tucked up on Friday night. Tack cleaned and packed in the lorry.

I’m really lucky that one of my good friends wasn’t working on Saturday morning and happy to hand hold me.

Saturday another early start although not as bad as Friday off we set to Golden Cross Equestrian Centre for the Quest Semi Final (still pinching myself that we qualified). Oakley travelled the quietest he’s done so far ❤ although he had rather filled the lorry and consequently the 💩 bucket!! I was sure he had no idea what was about to happen. He was golden to get ready and stood nicely at the block and off we set for the warm up, he was a little unsure as we don’t normally use the indoor however he took it in his stride. I found a quiet spot so I could concentrate on the job at hand - smaller circles working on flexion until he gave and repeat, this appeared to be working so used more of the arena and his eyes were on stalks then his sense of humour took over and erm we vacated the warm up, in his defence the gate we usually enter/exit the arena had been left open and he took a quick fall out/exit manoeuvre which took me by surprise I should be embarrassed but I have no shame.

All too soon it was time for our test and off we set, we’ve not done a test in the outdoor with him so it was no surprise that he was a little unsure. Said hello to the judges and buzzer went enter at A and so on, it felt like a sweet enough test not really going forward but all too soon we were going back down the centre line for the final halt and it was all over, another first was a tack check which he took no offence to, I might have been a little worried he was going to run the poor lady over. There was then what seemed like a huge wait for the class to finish and results. We came away with 65.9 and a 4th place so not a place at the finals but that doesn’t matter I am so proud of him and how he’s taking to his role.

Not quite a rush home for the other one and a lesson on Frodo but enough time for some lunch when home before getting ready for a lesson with M Dressage World we discussed the test and how he felt and tbh how I reacted we have a really good plan going forwards and it would be on the cards anyway as I’ve entered the Associated Championships in October. So it feels good to have a starting point, I’ve booked more lessons with Mat and we’ll get there. It will do us both good (and we can also hack out more).

At this point I feel the need to praise Oakley some more and without the help of Mat buying him and helping me get to grips with him and then Tessa Seed Dressage/flatwork trainer stepping in when my back was bad I wouldn’t be at this point. I also have a lot to thank the Quest Team for who have hand held and encouraged me when I wanted to crawl back to the lorry without getting on, they were all obviously right in seeing the potential in Oakley and our partnership - Team work really did make the Dream work ❤

Oakley has his first plaque and semi final under his belt. Obviously I can’t choose a professional photo at the drop of a hat so these will have to do for now.

22/09/2025

Training and competition update -

Oakley has been working hard in the school with a mix of Tessa Seed Dressage/flatwork trainer training us or riding him, this has meant that he’s getting very consistent work and working hard, he has a very good attitude towards training. She suggested that it was time, as we’re working on the canter, that I tried a prelim I wasn’t sure about this new idea as whilst I can now canter in the warm up we’re not consistently getting left canter (wrong lead) and various other excuses however I would happily go out for an intro obviously Tessa persuaded me entering dressage at Crockstead Equestrian Centre would be a good idea, it’s a venue we both know it would be quiet so no added pressure so I entered and then in Friday’s lesson we had a run through of the Intro 4 and prelim 2 in preparation, poor Oakley really wasn’t quite sure what had hit him, which tbh is odd as he does canter in the school and way more than you do in a test. It wasn’t the best and I knew I needed to treat it as a throw away test and not panic about scores.

So Sunday morning at a very respectable time we loaded and left for Crockstead, tacked up and into the warm up, it was quiet with only one other person in there and we set about getting our act together, eventually I asked for canter and surprisingly it wasn’t awful I actually had some degree of control and felt ok about it. But first to ride the Intro, well by the time I went in all I could think about was the PRELIM 🙈😳🙄😂 why do our brains do that? Anyway Crockstead always have a dressed arena so obviously he looked at the flowers on the corner and hesitated, I relaxed my reins and said “have a look” humph off we went, same with some sunlight and instead of panicking I relaxed it’s not anything he hasn’t seen and not worries about before. Bell went and off we set, seriously I know the test inside out so why do I doubt it when I’m in there so some of the transitions were slightly on the border of where they should actually have been. All done and tbh he was a good boy we then had a wait for out next test, not quite worth going back to the warm up so we stood outside the arena and wandered around the car park until it was time to go in.

He was happy to go back in and bell went off we set, got to the medium/free walk and brain went blank we ground to a halt I declared I didn’t know where to go, remembered and off we went, did the walk asked for left canter and panicked as thought we were on the wrong leg, calmly trotted asked again and it all felt a bit wild and scary, he dropped into trot and it wasn’t the time/place to regain so trotted the next movement but picked up right canter and carried on, it also felt a bit wild but brain said ‘don’t hang on’ and it was better final centre line and wow my first prelim done and dusted so pleased with him, some constructive comments from the judge mainly something about having faith in myself cos we’ve got this. So now we need to spend the next month working on it all, but first we’ve got a quest semi final to get out of the way and we can crack on.

So onto Frodo we had a lesson with David Rumsey Dressage in the week, I can’t actually remember when Frodo was last in the school but he has done some hacking so fit enough for a lesson. Started off well and we got some nice work he was keen but I was gripping with my legs so did some no stirrup work then onto working in the canter but he was so bouncy I took my stirrups back as felt in danger of coming off, we got some lovely canter then David decided we could round through a test and Frodo backed right off so I walked the long side and asked for trot in the bottom corner and he was forward going and keen to do it. I feel more test practice is needed with him but need to get him more forwards first. Was really pleased I’d clipped him as he was sweaty around his ears and would have really struggled without being clipped.

08/09/2025

Photographic evidence of our dressage on Saturday thank you PDG-Event Photography for the lovely photos as usual and speedy service.

08/09/2025

Not really sure where to start having cancelled my lesson on Wednesday as the weather was so dire - I actually moved it to Thursday and as I was competing at the weekend decided I really needed to ride for the whole lesson, this was a shock to the system it’s so much easier when you get on after your trainer has warmed horse up for you, but as my back is so much better although I’m still trying to be cautious and not overdo things it’s a necessary step. I really found it hard to sharpen him up and get him going nicely, but it’s all good experience for both of us.

Friday is also lesson day and tbh it was so much easier than Thursday as I was starting from a better place, we worked on test technique and warm up routines so felt positive about the outing planned for Saturday- only a friendly local show but I like to take it seriously, as it’s all good practice.

Saturday involved an early ish start to get to Golden Cross Equestrian Centre the car park was virtually empty when we arrived so I parked in what’s usually a quiet area so I could focus on getting Oakley ready. He lined up at the block like a pro and we set off for the warm up in we went and we knuckled down. Time to go in and yes he had a tiny hesitation but in we went horn went and off we set. Test felt nice although I halted in wrong place gah however no time to worry about it as we needed to prepare for second test. We managed a canter on both reins excellent warm up for an intro 🤷‍♀️🙄😂 he was golden and time to go in for next test. He felt forwards in a nice way and test flowed, I came out feeling as if we’d done the best we could. Time to shove treats in his mouth and stuff him back on the lorry whilst waiting for scores, I volunteered to read a couple of tests whilst waiting, always better than finger tapping and it made me laugh as someone’s dad thanked me as he’d have had to read it if I didn’t and I know how that goes.

Results were in and we got 66.36 for intro 1 and 74.77 for intro 2 and 3rd and 2nd place - the first test I lost precious marks forgetting a trot/walk/trot transition and halting between X and G instead of G 🙈😳 sack the rider, I knew the test inside out I thought. So much to love, he travelled well, stood for me to get on, warmed up well and we cantered in the warm up. I just need to choose photos now.

Then Frodo and I went out on Sunday, I’ve been trying to do more fun things on him so he can focus on forwards and then the odd dressage test is a bonus.

We met a friend to do a pleasure ride on a farm near Battle - I got stuck behind a multitude of cyclists on the narrow windy roads so arrived later than intended but it’s easy to tack Frodo up and put my boots on so soon enough we were ready to start, my companion pony decided he needed to bounce, Frodo spotted horses the other side of the field having a lovely canter and I had a mild panic however trusted him to do his job and an excellent job he did apart from one momentary lapse when I had to bridge his reins and engage my core apparently I still have one - it was the most amazing uphill canter the other canters were all blissful it was a glorious ride with super company and the loveliest views - I should have taken more photos.

I declare all weekends should be as good as this one.

30/08/2025

Competition Report - intro 2 66.82% 5th place

On Friday morning we had our normal schooling/lesson session and a quick run through of the test I was doing later in the day, Oakley was going well and worked hard bless him. Remember to give him time to react to aids and ride him forwards into the downward transitions, set him up in advance for the centre lines 🙈 we might be struggling with this at the moment and use your corners.

So Friday afternoon I got him all loaded into the lorry for a short trip to Plumpton college for some Equi fun ‘come as you are’ dressage, I took this to heart and really did just go as I was, traffic was light and we made good progress, the intro class was quite full so was expecting the warm up to be busier. Got him tacked up and set off into the warm up, he did mutter about having to line up at the block and to keep the peace I let him shove himself into the corner, it makes him happy so why not? He warmed up nicely and barely reacted to anyone else in there and was listening to me, one before me went in so did a couple of last minute transitions and went to wait outside the arena (it’s a short hop at plumpton) he thought twice about the small step but a gentle encouragement and he was in. Round the outside and he felt ok, horn beeped and off we set, I did hear a clap of thunder and panicked, I don’t mind thunder and love a good storm but wasn’t sure I fancied it right then, anyway there was only that one clap and no more. I remembered the test and tried to remember my corners, use them unless you’re doing a circle but yes the centre lines still need work, at least he stands still when asked and was more consistent in his forwards, free walk needs more walk etc…. But we both came out happy that we’d had a nice time and smiles all round, I took him back in the warm up to walk him off and someone rode straight at him, he took gentle evasive action and I smiled, he’s really growing up.

Got him home safely, he travelled well and was happy to be turned out when we got home with a juicy carrot and he wandered off to tell the other horses what he’d been up to. He was so good I’ve already booked our next outing for next weekend.

26/08/2025

Competition report - Sunday Golden Cross Myquest

Intro 1 65%
Intro 3 63.18%

Oakley’s turn to go out and shine, with my back being bad I’ve been getting him schooled and I get on towards the end when he’s warmed up and going nicely. We’ve had a few bitting issues and with a competition on the cards it felt like the wrong time to change it (again) however the new bit arrived and I rode in it on Sunday and all felt fine so went with it for Monday.

He hasn’t been out for a while so it was easy to let the nerves start getting the better of me all the what ifs but I had a hand holder and worst case scenario I could just lead him around the car park/warm up whatever worked. He came off the lorry with a “this looks fun” and ears up/pricked but he stood nicely whilst we tacked him up and I got myself ready. Time to get on and obviously he stood stock still at the block and waited to be asked to move and strolled to the warm up, once in there he took it all in and listened to my aids and was superb, slight funny moment when a plastic bag in the corner made him double take, there was also a rattly lorry coming in so an excuse was allowed, I will note that I think we were the only ones that noticed it, it did cause a slight spook on the other rein when the Velcro on my gloves made a noise 😂

We worked on transitions in the warm up and me thinking about getting him forwards, time to go in and he said he wasn’t sure about it, the step/light/gate/who knows and this carried on to an extent around the arena but I allowed him to take it in and gave him time to look whilst supporting him and horn went time to enter - the test felt nice a few rider mistakes just being off the markers slightly but all in all I was thrilled with him, he felt much steadier and listening really irritated by the final centre line when right at the end he shoved his quarters over and the halt was on a tilt, however he stood still, so we’ll work on it.

We then had a big gap between classes so he went on the lorry and we went and got a drink until it was time to warm up for test two, he wasn’t so sure that two tests were normal so was slightly puzzled at going back into the warm up but in he went and warmed up well, so well that even with another horse in there I asked for canter, he claimed not to know what I meant but we still did it.

Back into the arena for test two and it felt like he was rushing a bit, although I think he was possibly just forward going which I’m not used to so tried to correct it and tbh I think going with it would have been a better plan. Anyway whilst it wasn’t as nice as the first test it was still ok, he listened and again the mistakes were mine, just not setting him up well and the centre lines which are normally our thing let us down and we had a jog in the walk because the dogs startled him, we’re used to them at home but guess not out but again it wasn’t a big reaction.

Honestly I was so proud of him all the things that we’ve been working on went well, he was so much more settled in the contact and felt like he was trying and listening to me. I’m now waiting for the Quest league to update to see if we’re going to the semi finals or not, either way we’ll carry on with training and I’ve already booked our next outing. The other good news is the drive/ride/drive him didn’t effect my back and all felt good so just need to keep on doing what we’re doing and it’ll be fine.

Professional photos to follow, meanwhile can you see the BAG in the corner?

07/08/2025

Lesson report

Whilst Oakley has been worked whilst my back has been bad Frodo has taken a bit of a back seat, he has been down/up the road and looked after me but I’ve kept him out of the school until last Friday when we had a lovely schooling session and then on Sunday his little mate came to ride him and he showed how he looks after her admirably.

So on Tuesday I had high hopes of him having a good session at Crockstead Equestrian Centre when we had booked a lesson with David Rumsey Dressage I also knew if all else failed I could persuade David to have a sit. I was hoping to do most of the riding myself but was trying to make plans anyway I needn’t have worried. Apart from when I lined him up at the mounting block and with a smile and a chuckle he moved sideways so I couldn’t get on he did stand nicely when represented.

He as normal started off a bit sluggishly, my lack of fitness showing, however I used this to my advantage and David got us doing lot’s of transitions, first canter and we got a horrible trot, brought him round again and we were off. We did canter loops, changes of rein in canter with trot over X and then the last canter we got a formidable push from behind. At this point it did begin to fall apart, I went to panic/try again and quite rightly we decided that the pair of us had done enough for that day, I’m sure Frodo left the arena with a swagger and smiling - his smile wasn’t as broad as mine ❤ So so proud of him and pleased about how willing he was. We’ve got lot’s to work on and build up right hip are you listening? But working on the right lines.

This prompted me to do the exercises to build the strength up in my core/back with renewed enthusiasm (hmmm) nah you’re right not much enthusiasm but realising it’s a necessity which will help me ride both of them. On Wednesday I actually managed a canter on Oakley - again he proved how good he is as the farmer was cutting the grass for hay making just over the road and it got quite noisy, the llamas spooking and putting on a fun performance and what did he do? Nothing not even a flicked ear he is really learning that his job is to look after me, he does need me in better shape so I’m putting this out there so I can plot the progress of the return of some core muscles.

24/07/2025

Frodo would like you to know that he’s been very unfairly treated. Yesterday he was tacked up twice!! Yes you read that correctly before Tessa Seed Dressage/flatwork trainer schooled Oakley I found the time to take Frodo as lead horse/confidence giver with the baby ex racer and he did such a good job, although at just over 25 mins in walk not enough work to keep/get him fit I decided that he’d cope with another walk down the road, with another ex racer but an older one so no nannying needed. Obviously Frodo lived up to expectations and nothing was an issue, including the refuse lorry emptying our bins in fact he stood with a bored expression on his face (as did the baby). I was pleased that he lived up to expectations on the second trip as he can have a sense of humour but he’s obviously got the memo about behaving so as not to hurt mummy’s back and now includes lining up at the mounting block for me to get off at the end.

Oakley also had a good schooling session and is beginning to look like a very good dressage pony and was really good when I got on and just as good when I had a little trot, the downward transitions are excellent, I do need to remember to ride forwards into them and not brace myself.

18/07/2025

Life at the moment has been much quieter for me as I allow my back to stop playing up Oakley has been kept in work with some training from Tessa Seed she has worked hard at training the pair of us over the last few months and he's working much more consistently, he's still the funny goofy pony (horse) I bought and he doesn't try and trash the arena boards when she rides. We're now at the stage that RKF Chiropractic has given me the all clear to add riding to my routine again - not a full lesson but a gentle hack along the road or a sit on Oakley after he's been worked or tbh a gentle amble around the school. The first ride was on Wednesday, and I'm pleased to report it was the best thing ever we both behaved ourselves.

Then on Wednesday afternoon I took Frodo for a gentle ride along the road, I had to shimmy through the road works - they did pause to allow us to get through the barriers, he honestly acted as if it was part of the normal routine for us.

Then this morning I started with a ride with Frodo and our friend the racehorse, the roadworks were a little more interesting as today we had to use the grass verge to get passed the roadworks at least they were filling the hole in today, Frodo barely hesitated although Toby was less sure he soon got going when he realised Frodo was almost through. It was so nice to be up there on Mr Sensible ❤ the hole was filled and they were spreading tarmac by the time we got back and it wasn't many moments later.

Then Tessa was here to ride Oakley he was a good boy and I was very pleased to be allowed a cool off ride (with a couple of strides of trot) we've had to change bits to lighten him slightly as he'd got into a habit of leaning, this will be temporary and more work will aid him working better.

Then this afternoon I walked him up the road to check out the roadworks, he thought they were great and the cones and signs needed checking out, he also managed a quick picnic taking me unawares but was very polite about walking on. Obviously none of the cars were an issue, or the cyclist that shot past us, he's such a good boy. The walk was partly to check out the roadworks but also to help my back as walking is really good for rehab, we did get a shout from Frodo who caught sight of the pair of us.

Hoping the weather isn't as bad as forecast in the morning as we're intending riding out again.

30/06/2025

Frodo and I go on an adventure. Following on from last weekend’s adventures at Chard Equestrian I with some input from a friend decided that Frodo needed a training weekend, we could rejig our FSM and then work on it before areas and as luck would have it I had booked Oakley in for a Jessica Gale Dressage camp, these are excellent and when I messaged Jess to ask if I could swap horses and plans she readily agreed and I sent her a video of our current floorplan/music.

Slight scare Friday morning when I got up and back was worse than it had been in the week and I did think twice about going but as I’d paid etc…. Decided to go and play it by ear.

We arrived on Friday early afternoon for a lesson and it honestly felt as if Frodo was going to be Mr “I don’t go forwards” however his work ethic has apparently changed and he was an absolute delight we talked through ideas to liven up the floorplan (honestly if you’re only doing prelim it’s basic) without over complicating it and making him too busy. Finished up on a canter without stirrups, he was keen to keep going it would have been easy to get greedy and ask for more.

I watched some of the other lessons whilst drinking tea. Pub dinner followed and a chance to properly catch up with camp mates. Slept relatively well but back was sore in the night so had to use massage pad on it. Lesson in the morning we went to the outdoor arena to work on floorplan, this is often when Frodo decides we’re not going to canter etc….. however again he had his work ethic firmly in place and managed to run through it a couple of times and it was ok. The horseflies were out in force and by the time the lesson started I’d already killed eight of the delightful creatures. I had sprayed him liberally with fly spray but think I should have done it twice, and myself horseflies seem to ignore all sprays and just come out in force to bite us.

Lovely friend had made some picnic food for the weekend and we had a delicious lunch before afternoon sessions started.

We elected to go indoors thinking the flies wouldn’t be so prolific there were still a few in there but it was better even if it was a bit hot. We were working in pairs this time and Frodo and Monkey were well matched, I think sometimes Frodo works better with another horse in the arena and we can “chase” them centre lines/transitions were worked on, this exercise always gets Frodo working better and again I was really pleased with how he went and whilst he was sweaty when we finished he wasn’t dripping, I took him into the wash off bay and hosed him down, I might have hoses my head as well.

We went to the pub for dinner again, the food is rather good there so always nice.

Sunday morning and I sadly had to make the decision not to ride as back was worse, I needed to be capable of driving home, this did make me sad but as I’d had three good lessons I felt I was stopping on a high - we missed pole work and a flat work lesson, poles are Frodo’s favourite thing so I’m sure had he known he’d have been sad. My lovely friend did most of the mucking out for me and I managed to load the lorry with all possessions (a trolley is so handy) and finish off the mucking out. The drive home didn’t involve much traffic and we made good time, I also managed to keep back working until I got back, the walk down to the field was interesting, Frodo kindly walked slowly for me and Oakley came running over to complain about being left behind. I still need to sort the lorry and do my washing but that can be done slowly over the next couple of days.

I had yet another fabulous training camp I love the smallness of Jess’ camps with maximum of six of us so it’s big enough to be able to watch other’s training but small enough that you get to know other campers, the ethos is always of encouraging riders and horses to do their best and the facilities are lovely, very spoilt with the outdoor and indoor schools.

Diary of a Highland Pony and his Dun friend

06/10/2025

29/09/2025

28/09/2025

22/09/2025

08/09/2025

08/09/2025

30/08/2025

26/08/2025

07/08/2025

24/07/2025

18/07/2025

30/06/2025

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