253. Another depressing video...

252. Can you change a horses behaviour?

Yes! There were so many times when i contemplated selling Spice due to never feeling able to ride out confidently on my own with her and as a horse owner this was obviously highly frustrating as a lot about riding is having the freedom to jump on your horse and gallop off to wherever your heart desires but for me this was NEVER the case and NEVER felt like it was going to be. It was more like try to mount a horse that moves away from the mounting block 10-20 times and then trying to get out of the yard whilst the horse attempts to spin around and run backwards in the opposite direction! If i did get out of the yard i had a horse who generally spooked at anything and everything and would attempt to rear at anything they found too scary to pass. I never wanted to beat Spice up for not going past something she found scary because i didn't want to have that kind of relationship with her and i am pleased to say that no aspect of her training has involved doing this. People used to say to me 'you wanna put a martingale on that horse to stop her rearing' or 'you wanna ride that horse with a stronger bit' (i still ride bitless) or try using the whip on her - something which i did try with little success. The three major things which i feel have contributed to Spices improved behaviour are 'time off', 'groundwork' and 'consistency' - the latter being the most important. There was one day which i feel was particularly effective in turning Spice around - it was about 4 months ago when we were trying to cross a ford which had become so overflown you couldn't see the bottom - both myself and my friend were literally there for about 20 mins with Spice rearing, spinning and even throwing in the odd buck or two before she finally gave in and crossed - it was clear that this had a huge impact on Spices confidence and trust and i am sure that even though it was some time ago the memory of this event stuck. I feel that 'Time off' allowed Spice and myself to have a completely fresh start (both physically and mentally) and 'groundwork' which involved me walking Spice up and down a busy main road several times gave Spice the chance to see and walk pass lots of vehicles all shapes and sizes with me by her side giving her commands which enabled me to gain her trust.

251. Am i dreaming?

Had yet another amazing hack out on my own with Spice today...still think i must be dreaming. Went passed every single vehicle and obstacle without any hesitation whatsoever. Loving riding her at the moment and whats even better is that i think Spice is actually loving being ridden. :) Sure i will wake up soon...

250. Bombproof?

Today i took Spice out for another ride on her own and once again she was amazing. We passed lots of things that back in the day would have been 'scary' that she barely batted an eyelid at and even had a sneaky canter which was great :) Things are almost too perfect to be true at the moment what with Spice being completely sound and no longer spooking. If someone had have said to me 6 months ago that i'd be riding out on my own with Spice i'd never have believed them. At best i thought i might be able to hack out in front but never hack out on my own (at least not without a big fight!) Never thought i'd be able to describe Spice as 'bomb proof' but at the moment that term definitely springs to mind when i'm on her back. :)

249. Personality transplant!?

Feeding Dio before our ride...

Had another incredible ride on Spice today...super obedient, no napping whatsoever and willingly went in front when other horses on the ride were spooking without any hesitation/resistance. Feels like i am riding a different horse. Very very very happy today.

248. From running backwards to running forwards...?!

Today i decided it was time to hack Spice out all by herself and i am still shocked at how well it went. Not once did Spice try to spin around, run backwards or stop. All she did do when she was scared was trot forward a few steps but boy do i prefer that than the rearing spinning around and running backwards! Can't quite believe how well behaved she was...by far the best ride i've ever had on her in terms of obedience...just need to keep at it and never ever let her win a battle should she choose to pick one. :) Feeling very proud of myself today. :)

247. Spice grazing in the sun...

I took advantage of the amazing weather we are having today and took Spice out for a lovely ride who even though in season was better behaved than ever. Calm and quiet as can be. Think the time she has had off over the winter has done her the world of good. I feel so blessed that she has made a full recovery from her bone infection.

Although a little porky she has maintained her condition well over the winter period so i just need to start exercising her regularly to build up her fitness level.

I feel as though i should thank Kin the vet who treated Spice who although ridiculously expensive and somewhat 'cold' without a doubt saved Spices life with her wisdom and knowledge. And then there's Jenny who for want of a better way to put it 'lashed out' at me when i was at my wits end and very close to considering putting Spice down after 3 months of her being on antibiotics and there being next to no improvement and last but not least Yvonne, the livery yard owner who every night for nine weeks including christmas day and new years day injected Spice with her antibiotics which at times proved to be very testing. Were it not for each and every one of these people the pictures above would not exist....