Advertise on podcast: Happy Hacker With Ambition

Sorry, I haven't posted since October last year! after 5 years of podcasting I just couldn't face my biggest challenge with you all. Had I ruined my Rosie Pony and should I give up riding completely? Yep a big decision and one I really struggled with, horses are my identity, the reason I get up in the morning, go to work to keep them in some jobs I really haven't enjoyed! But was it time to face facts and realise I'm just a crap rider and if I didn't do something soon I could ruin my lovely Rosie! So I gave myself the winter to turn round my very nappy, not particularly happy pony into a more forward thinking, happier person. This lead me into looking at me, my riding, what was I so worried about as Rosie really hasn't got a nasty bone in her body (as long as she is fed!). My lack of confidence stemmed right back to when I miss read the signals Indie Pony gave me nearly 6 years ago and from that day I doubted myself, my abilities and basically did I know anything about horses at all! I realised my tension in my shoulders was causing issues everywhere, I would instantly shorten my reins and stop breathing why? I didn't understand Rosie, not a very confident person, but willing to give it a go if she thought I would. I went back to basics, did ground work, did tiny hacks so she would move forward, ditched a few things like spurs. Then became too comfortable in a tiny environment, step up my frank talking mate Laura - pushed me a bit more and suddenly I was hacking further, jumping a bit and laughing more. Wobbles in confidence still happen (Saddle Fitting with Peewee demonstrated this) but we rode through it. Understanding Rosie more and building up a friendship is growing. Still a nob to load for reasons known only to Rosie, once in stands perfectly, doesn't move just nibbles her hay! She loves hacking, especially with one or two. She absolutely loves jumping especially towards the gate! but we are working on it. I have kept an audio diary of our winter struggles and will be posting a few in the next few months to show you how many ups and downs there were...follow along and see how we go.

If you listened to Motivation Monday, you will know that later that day I had a visit from Howard of Fakenham Farm & Equine Vets. We had a very frank chat about Indie Ponies health and her options and moving forward with her care after we've used ALL her insurance coverage. Shout out to NFU for once again coming to the rescue for Indie Pony.

I always listen to something as I poo pick my field. My fav is Shut Up and Ride Podcast and I became insired with the straight talking advice. So, I took that to heart with Rosie. Listen to what we got up to.

Following a difficult few days, a heart to heart with Laura and a brilliant jumping session on Sunday it was time to see if I could do it on my own! Started off doing some schooling and taking some inspiration from Justin Ward's appearance on Equiratings Grass Roots I cracked on...then I though I'd finish with a little x pole jump...and then I decided I could do all the jumps! Listen to find out how Rosie and I got on in the mizzle rain.

After a visit from PeeWee Saddlery, the excellent Poppy I ended up ordering a beautiful Ideal Jump saddle with a few tweaks just for us.

hacking in the woods a low flying Chinnock helicopter flies overhead very low. always wear high viz even if not on the roads...Rosie was a star.

This year Laura and I are in different groups. Fantastic fun, good friends made, great achievements, even improved our dressage mark!

horse trainer Guido come to help me load Rosie.

what progress have Rosie and I made in a week?

Big step backwards, getting hurt and making a plan.

amazing to be back riding the ponies. an adventure to Newmarket to pick up a jump.

poor ginny wanted to feature on the pod and has done it as poorly 😢

I thought it would be fun to take you with me whilst I do the ponies. As usual doesn't go as planned

With Laura away I'm in charge of all the horse 🐎

Indie pony is poorly 😢