Blue's Training

So, Blue needs to be prepped up a bit for working with the RDA. Now, not having an arena makes this difficult but as I work at an RDA I know what the horses go through so here is a list of what I am going to bombproof Blue with. (Blue is generally already bomb-proofed, I'm just ensuring it)

1. Children (LOUD CHILDREN). So, one thing is for certain, he needs to be good with kids so I have had an array of small and big kids on him.

2. Noises and bangs. Lots of stuff goes on at RDA's and generally its a bustling centre that will be filled with lots of noise. I've just been slamming doors and have sound effects on my ipod that I play around Blue.

3. Alarms. One thing I hadn't really realised was that it's inevitable that the centre will have a fire alarm. So I stuck alarm sounds on my ipod and played them at him and he is getting pretty good with them.

4. Being surrounded by people and having to stand still. Horses need to stand at the block for several minutes while you get the rider on and then can have several people surrounding them in lessons. I've simulated this with Blue and he has taken it in his stride.

5. Lopsided riders. A lot of the time, riders cannot hold themselves well on horses so they slip and slide. I have tackled simulating this buy riding blue in very long stirrups and having one considerably longer then the other and he is perfect with this.

All in all, Blue has been perfect in every situation and without a doubt will become an amazing RDA pony. I am visiting the centre on Tuesday and then if all goes well getting Blue up in a few weeks. Its all really exciting and I would be so happy to see Blue thrive at the place like there, but I will miss the lovely boy! Anyway, I'm sure when the time comes I will be chuffed that he is going to such a good home.

           Adios x
             Blue Hoofprints

Hello my sweet button pancakes!

Ok, I think it's official. I am the WORST blogger in the history of blogging, I'm so sorry that I have left it this long yet again and still don't have a proper post out for you guys. Lets call it writers block.. so here is a wee update on Blue's future and I promise you guys that on Sunday I will have a proper post concerning this. Again, I am SO sorry that I have been neglecting you guys.

Riding for the Disabled. As some of you may know I am working at a riding for the disabled centre and after my first few weeks of working there and toying with the idea of loaning Blue to a RDA I was sold on the idea. Blue is a very trustworthy, calm horse and I know that he would thrive in a place like RDA, he has a lovely slow pace and takes all his vulnerable riders under his wing and takes really good care of them. The centre I am at is actually filled to the brim with horses and also its likely that my dad will be moving out of the area in the next few years so I went on a mission to find a RDA near my university (of which I will be returning next spring).

All went well, and once I have visited the centre then Blue shall be moving there to become a RDA pony. It all seems like a too good to be true deal for both the centre and myself. So this is the next step for Blue's future. I can't wait to see the place and then hopefully send him there and watch him grow into an amazing, useful RDA pony!

Stay tuned for a training plan post coming out in the next wee while xx

                Adios x