E.M.T. HORSES - CLIENT UPDATES

Page Update: 18th October 2008

NEWS OF RECENT IN-MATES

"Murphy" ("Murphys Law")

Little ex-racehorse, Murphy ran on the flat and over hurdles. Murphy is here to further his re-schooliing both on the flat and over fences.

Typical of the ex-racehorse, Murphy didn't work through his back. The horse had had trauma and that increased his reluctance to accept training work to engage the quarters and achieve the all important "working through the back".

To see some training photographs of Murphy and what a difference a month of corrective training can make, please click here.

Here is Murphy with his owner, on their way to 10th place in their first dressage competition
(photograph with owner's permission, courtesy of Neil Fortescue)

Murphy was out again on 25th April but was a little phased by a more busier venue. However it is all good experience for both him and Lizzie.

They came for a training session on Sunday during which we encouraged Lizzie not to go forward when Murphy pulled against her, but instead use more leg to bring him back to her i.e. keep him working through from behind rather than [Murphy] trying to avoid using his back by pulling himself onto the forehand. Lizzie also has a tendency to look down and let her reins get too long - both very common faults - but nothing that cannot readily be resolved.

At the end of May Lizzie and Murphy were out again and came 4th in their first affiliated competition. The last few months have seen Lizzie and Murphy out several times with Murphy becoming more settled with each outing.

"Roo" ("Parkways Don Sandro" - Sandro B - Sandro Hit)

Roo came to us for backing.

His owner has done a superb job of introducing a bridle and saddle plus teaching his good manners on the lunge line but difficulties arose with actual backing as Claudia did not have someone to assist her.

Back home, Roo is now is enjoying hacking out and is also being prepared for first dressage outings.

Unfortunately Roo's progress was halted a little following difficulties with saddle fit but everything is back on track now.

Roo has been on several young horse training clinics with Paul Hayler via the Eastern Dressage Group. On 4th June Roo and Claudia had their first dressage competition finishing 2nd and 5th in their two tests.

We look forward to receiving regular updates on Roo's progress.

"Delta"

Remember Delta - the very attractive 3 year old warmblood by Pilot who came to us for ground training and backing.

He was quite coltish in his behaviour and full of cheek making him a really fun character to work with.

Delta was quite straightforward to back but he was easily distracted, preferring to play, so the odd playful kick-up of the heels was only to be expected - but as long as we achieved our aim, there was no problem to this stage of his training..

Due to his ageDelta was given most of winter 2007-2008 off to develop and strengthen..So when he was brought back into work in late Spring he proved to be somewhat challenging! However Karen remained very determined and was confident enough to take Delta on holiday!

With such horseslike Delta is it is important to keep them mentally stimulated so that the over playful nature doesn't turn into a nappy temperament. Difficult as it is with horses that are not naughty but just over exuberent the right balance has to be found between when to call a halt to the high spirits and expect a degree of "knucling down". Delta is having to learn that life is not one big party but is he slowly realising this now..

"Rocky" ("Rock Salmon" - Silver Patriarch)

Rocky came to us as he was quite sharp and not enjoying his work quite as he should have been; he was readily parting company with his riders(!), hence the conventional riding length to start with!. Having been with us for a couple of months Rocky went back into training with Alex Hales.

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Unfortunately Rocky's second outing has had to be postponed due a training setback; then it decided in April that Rocky should have a lay-off following confirmation that he had pulled his hamstrings.

Rocky is now back with Alex Hales with hopefully a run next month.

"Dylan"

Dylan is one of our CASE STUDY horses. He continues to become more settledwith each outing. On last outing which was on 26th October, Dylan performed his first proper BD Prelim test.