Henry bitless....

 
 Bitless:

It's finally happened, Henry was ridden in his new Micklem bitless configuration at the weekend.

 




Tom needs a bigger one, so his is still on order.

As you know, I've been deliberating this for ages (years actually), but I thought now's the time to make the leap.  The boys are teenagers now, and very well behaved (if a little excitable and strong).



 




My pony Brandy was ridden very successfully in a hackamore (the old-fashioned version) and he was brilliant in it. 

 

The bridle itself doesn't do-up like a regular one we're all used to, so will take a bit of getting used to.  And the leather, though obviously good quality, isn't supple yet - so the cheek pieces stand out until the leather 'learns' it needs to go through the d'ring and round a bend.


 



















We only did a quick ride, just to be on the safe side, but Henry seemed very comfortable in his new bridle.  We were able to stop, turn, reverse and fine-tune our speed too - which was my initial worry.  








 



I like to change speeds in a pace to keep them focused on me out riding, and my concern was I'd be less effective bitless - but actually the opposite was true.  





 






He responded well to the increased pressure over his face and head ( and I ride with very loose contact and soft hands - so i never ever pull them about anyway).






 



My feeling is, a good horse, will always be a good horse in spite of the equipment - and taking a bit out of the equation, not only simplifies the whole message, its so  much nicer.

I's suggest giving it a go if you're considering bitless.

...perfect

...aw, them 'orses....

...for the love of Tom & Henry...

...more photo-journal stuff, and how Tom really is slimming down for the beach, and nearly a year after his accident, where he had 37 stitches in his shoulder, he's recovered just fine xxx

Happy Birthday Tom

...paddock pride...

it's a grassy business...

Spring is the time (or before if the weather is perfect for it) to do a bit of paddock maintenance.   A few hours spent in the Landrover with Placebo playing loudly, reaps great benefits during the growing season.  











I try to do this as early as possible, much frowning from John is to be ignored at this time - what do geek-geniuses know about grass?














Chose a windy day so your seeds are caught in a gust and disperse finely and evenly.  Buy an extra bag of herb seeds to add to the grass mix.  The ground needs to be dry, but not too hard, otherwise your seed won't get properly buried by the harrow.
















So first, I throw seed by hand - I have a spreader that goes on the back of 'Bob' (the sit on lawn tractor), but I do a much better job.

Then I harrow, concentric circles, going as close to the edges as I dare.  I do every inch, both ways - I harrow that land to within an inch of it's life, because rampaging Trakehners take their toll.

Tom & Henry keep a beady eye on all proceedings related to their land....

...spring silliness.....

....Tom & Henry finally out at grass, and how yours truly risked life and limb taking photos....
I was standing in the midst of the action & John took these from behind the safety of the fence!

Sit back with a cuppa, and enjoy the fierce speed of care free galloping - I was there, so you didn't have to be.

...We have LIFT OFF!