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? for those who show a lot...
Topic Started: May 23 2008, 02:15 PM (451 Views)
goponies
Weanling
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Two years ago, I found THE perfect pony and taught him to drive. However, on and off he was lame for much of that time. But in that time (with vet's approval), I did manage to take him to a couple of CDEs. Now he's sound and happy ready to go on to work. :clap: :cheer:

My problem is this: he's a green pony considering how little he's gone off the farm. We did a little competition last weekend with loads of stuff happening, everything was close by and he was, shall we say, rather unravelled. I got my worst dressage score ever and I'm feeling a little discouraged. In his defence, it was rainy and cold and the warm-up ring was on a hill so difficult to get him through. I ended up driving him in the driveway to warm-up!!! :jaw:

He's a slightly nervous pony but very manageable and very willing. I have no problem controlling him. How many shows can it take him to settle and give me what he's capable of in the showring? I *could * take him to a show end of June but that's a biggy. More room though, so maybe he wouldn't get so unglued. CDEs here are few and far between unfortunately. I just wish I had one of those ponies/horses that get with the program and don't fret...
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CDE Driver
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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Hi Goponies!

Where are you located? I may be able to give you some ideas in your area.

HDT's and arena trials are a good low pressure way to get him out and about with a little less of the hustle and bustle of a big event.

Can you take him other places to school? Just a day outing to a friend's place with no stress.

It just sounds like he needs a few more miles away from home to make him comfortable.
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goponies
Weanling
[ * ]
Hi CDE Driver!
I'm located in upper upper NY, near Quebec. In June, there's the Bromont CAI, which I attended with the pony last year. He was ok but not great. It's a big show though.
What I'm planning to do is take him to a few ridden dressage schooling shows to get him used to hustle and bustle. Won't ride him though for health reasons. Will also take him to a driving clinic in July. There are no HDTs or arena trials around here, also no pleasure driving shows.
How long can it take a pony like that to settle at shows?
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CDE Driver
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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Hi goponies!
So sorry it has taken me so long to get back!
He will probably be much better at Bromont this year since he has been there before. I can't really tell you how long it will take for him to settle.

I do think getting him out and about with positive experiences is the key. You are the constant for him and if you are calm and cool when he is nervous it will help him realize there is nothing to worry about.

If you can keep the same routine of warm up and work at home when you are some place new that also helps. They usually settle in to the work.

Please post some photos of him! And let us know how Bromont goes!
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goponies
Weanling
[ * ]
Well I found out what on earth gave us such a bad showing this last time: my little flower of a pony was COLD!!!
And when cold, there's no more brain...He got cold when it rained this past week at home and he was NOT the same amicable little guy. Now I know...
Here he is during a clinic, where it was warmer and where he was showing off what he's capable of. We need to reproduce this during actual competitions!!!
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Attachments: Toby2.jpg (65.53 KB)
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goodhors
We're on a bridge, Chaaaaaaaaarlie!
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Sounds like he just needs more time and outings. The venues you name are pretty big stuff, perhaps putting YOU under mental pressure for as green as he sounds. Have you checked with the local Driving clubs for outings? Picnics may not be your favorite, but they do get him out and seeing other driving horses. No mental pressure. Perhaps some local shows with Driving classes, not just CDE stuff. You want him loading, traveling, unloading and getting worked with carriage. Just simple expectations, so he can be successful at what you ask.

CDE is way cool, but puts a lot of pressure on you and him, with little driving experience for him to fall back on in relaxing. You have learned he doesn't like being cold, that will be a consideration for plans for next competition warmup. Let him warm up with a quarter sheet on, keep his back warm in work and waiting for your turn to enter ring. Pull sheet, go do a great test or cones course with warm, attentive pony.

We are taking our young horse out for experience now. He rides along, goes in a Showmanship class or two, stands tied to the trailer while the other horse shows in riding. Young horse learns that lots of things move around him, his friend comes and goes, always returns. Haybags are good, people come and brush him, give drinks. NO BUCKING while tied, no digging craters! Trailer side is nice for napping. Sometiimes we go for a walk to watch the riders, that's FUN! He stands quiet while I take photos. Each time he is improved, calmer, obedient on the line, in the ring, stands better. When his brain gets frizzy, we walk around to see things, which he really enjoys. Not much pressure beyond his normal obedience in different, distracting locations. He is doing well, and this will be a big nothing when he is hauled for Driving activities. Called doing your homework, results come back way later. Little stuff now, bigger, harder things when he can manage them.
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goponies
Weanling
[ * ]
UPDATE
Well after much debate I decided to take the pony to Bromont. He'd been there last year and I figures he'd sort of recognize the place. We took things easy on Thursday and drove a nice training session. Friday came with dressage and we did ok, he was nervous and looky the first time going around the ring but settled.
Marathon was ok too, section A we did a lot of sideways motion but settled again for sections D and E. He likes doing hazards, figured it out this time out.
Sunday, cones day, we drove a double clear, so I know we're on the right track...
BTW, Bromont hazards are touted to be some of the best and hardest in the world. Hazard 1 was on a steep hill, in the trees. Prelim only did ABC gates. Hazard 2 was the water hazard, hazard 3 was the checkerboard, haz.4 is what they call the stairs, haz.5 in trees again but level, and the bridge as a last hazard. That one was a toughie, lots of up and down steep grades and the pony was getting tired but he's all heart and gave it a great go. If you go to the photographer's website and click on "newest photos" you'll see Larry Poulin on the bridge obstacle
http://www.debrajamroz.com/new_photos.php

Enjoy!
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horsegent
Weanling
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Do your training at home rather than at a show.

Prepare your pony well and thoroughly at home and going to a show won't be a traumatic and embarassing event.
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