I enjoy writing this blog because it makes it easy for me to look back on the progress of each horse. I’m often asked what 30-60 days gets you in terms of training on an ottb. London and Areutrue are at the 30 day mark. Both are w/t/c and jumping small courses that include fillers. They have hacked out and have been introduced to the basics concepts of flatwork. I’ve taught them to lunge and they have been lunged in side reins or vienna reins.
I have gotten to observe how they handle scary things like the black barrels in the ring or the four wheelers and gunshots that are constant background noise on the farm. What do they think about being introduced to different jumps in the ring? How about contact? You teach a lot of concepts in 30 days.
In 30 days, I can tell you an extensive amount about a horses personality and what type of rider they will require, what type of career they would do best in and what their strengths and weaknesses are.
I took a short video of Areutrue yesterday. It’s a bit rough because there were people looking at both horses so I’m doing a quick w/t/c jump to show what the horses know.
Areutrue is a very cool horse. He’s the type that is very content to just relax but when you ask him to go then he’s all for going. I love his little ears pricked forward over the jumps just trying to figure out what to do. Sure he’s not really jumping in any style but that will all come. He’s been more than willing to jump all the little stuff and right now he does not have enough muscle to ask him for anything more. I am always trying to be careful not to overdo it because they aren’t that fit.
I think people will overlook Areutrue because he’s a bit older but I can picture him going right out and jumping around cross country easily. He is a horse that is always dependable and fun. Flatwork seems to come naturally. He’s super soft in the bridle and wraps right around your leg. I enjoy every ride on him because he tries so hard. He’s very quiet and sensible but he has a go button and a very good stop button. If he has come along this quickly with minimal riding in 30 days that I can only imagine what he will be like with more time/training under him. Right now his feet are a bit unbalanced but again that is something that will be easily fixed with some good farrier work.
I was very impressed with London yesterday as he was ridden by three different people. For a horse that had just been standing in a field for close to 2yrs he has come along super quick. He hasn’t had as many life experiences as Areutrue but he has a great attitude and a super brain. Very nice gaits and he really jumped yesterday instead of just stepping over. Watch out for him in another 30 days. He’s going to knock your socks off!
I actually haven’t even advertised the horses officially just showed them to a few people who have read about them here. We want to wait a bit longer and give them some time to get going so we can really show them off. If this nice weather continues maybe I can get them out for a little cross country schooling. Riding in t-shirts in January is a real treat. I hope this nice weather continues.
