#oxer jump

[track2hack]

11.03.2023, ride 5/15 for March!

Forrest is sooooooo good 😭😭😭

First time off property and he handled it super! Bit tense and wanted to get moving at the start but he settled quick and did some really nice work! 💪

Tomorrow I’ll try him at a real pony club rally and see how he handles it, but he’s a total dude so I don’t think we’ll have any problems 🤩❤️

[pixelpony-cc]

Intermediate Cross Country Fences

I'm so excited to share this set of 12 functional xc fences~

Brush Table

Chair

Log Corner

Flower Box

House

Log Oxer

Skinny Brush

Skinny Triple Brush

Stone Table

Steps

V Table

Triangle Vertical

I'm also sharing a flag jump marker with two swatches - red and white - that are used to indicate which direction a fence is jumped.

Enjoy!

SimFileShare | Alt: Patreon (free!)

[mysunshinetemptress]

Everything in between

Your Royals Support p3

Leah Williamson x royal!reader

A/n I’m so sorry I haven’t posted, I hit a wall but have since been spending all my free time writing so here is the first of many promised stories. And to begin I thought why not start with the end

Leah had woken to the sound of you vomiting for the second morning in a row, sighing she got out of the bed before trying the door handle only to see it’s locked “love you ok, will u open the door for me.” She was met with the sound of you vomiting once more before you groaned “trust me Le you don’t want to come in.” Leah shook her head “trust me I do, I want to make sure your ok.” You sighed sitting back before opening the door “oh Y/n.” You shook your head “I don’t know what’s wrong with me I felt fine two days ago.” Leah sighed moving towards you and bending down before pushing the hair out of your face “it’s ok, maybe you should cancel your engagement for today.” You shook your head a look of disappointment in your eye “I can’t it’s for a charity event Le, I’m riding with Zara to raise money for charity today I can’t… I promised Pa that I would do it for the princes trust.” Leah shushed you pulling you close to her “it’s ok hey Y/n relax ok it will be ok they will understand.” You shook your head “I’m not pulling out I’ve done it feeling a lot worse then I do now.” Leah sighed knowing there was no talking you out of it. “Ok but you let Zara know if you need to come off that horse at anytime.” You nodded “I promise.”

You where stood in the stable checking over Hale-Bopp comet and his tack before nodding to your groom that you where happy with everything and ready to go. Zara stood next to you holding your helmet as you both talked over the course and discussed the strides between each jump before she looked at you concerned “hey you ok.” You looked at her confused “yeah just nervous l, want to ride my best.” Zara smiled squeezing your hand “you can do this in your sleep you will be fine.”

Walking over to Hale-Bopp comet you put your leg back as Zara lifted you up and you swung your leg over the saddle before adjusting your stirrups and checking his girth. “Ready.” You looked down at your older cousin “ready.” She smiled patting Hale-Bopps hind before wishing you good luck as you trotted into the arena as the commentator read out your name.

You began at the start of the bell taking of towards the first jump clearing it before turning to take the double, it wasn’t until you got to the water tray that you felt the need to vomit, you shook your head slightly pushing Hale-Bopp on before a wave of dizziness took over, you tilted your head slightly trying to clear it as you head towards the double oxer to finish the course. Slowing Hale-Bopp you felt the world spin as you waved at the crowd heading towards the gate where you could just make out Zara, passing the the gate you took your feet out of the stirrups and let go of the reins you could tell Zara was trying to say something to you but couldn’t make out a word as you felt your body tilt no longer able to keep your eyes open as you slid off the 17.1 hands horse. Zara let out a shout as she caught you before placing you on the ground and shaking you. “Y/n, hey Y/n come on wake up.” The paramedics raced over just as you regained consciousness, feeling groggy “Leah.” Zara shook her head “I’ll call her now, I’ll get her to meet us at the hospital.” You groaned as the paramedics began getting you ready to head to the hospital.

Leah raced down the hall before finding Zara stood outside your door “Zara, Y/n is she ok.” Zara looked up from her phone smiling at the younger blonde, pulling her into a hug “she’s fine, promise but she’ll fill you in.” Leah looked at Zara confused as she was pulled in for another hug by the older girl, before she let go and burst through the door to see you sat up on the bed dressed in you jodhpurs and shirt. “Your ok.” You looked up from the bed focused on fixing your shirt, Leah felt worry course through her as your eyes began to fill with tears “hey whatever it is we can fix it, we will get through it together ok, hey it’s me and you.” You mumbled into her shoulder as Leah hummed “what.” You picked your head up looking into her eyes as you shook your head “it’s me, you and our baby.” Leah looked at you confused before a look of shock took over her features “Baby, you mean, your….it…hold on.” You laughed grabbing Leah’s face “I’m pregnant Le, we are going to have a baby it worked.” Leah felt her eyes prick with tears as she pulled you in for a kiss “ we are having a baby oh my god.” You laughed looking at the door as Zara came running in “oh I’m so happy for you both ahhh I can’t wait for a little baby in the family again.” You both laughed resting your head into Leah’s chest as smiled at Zara.

Both yourself and Leah decided to keep it between the both of you and Zara until you where at least 12 weeks along after that your father the king had to be told first before you could tell anyone else. To say he was excited was an understatement the man harped on for a solid two hours about how happy he was for you both and how proud he was of you, next you told both your brothers, Harry Via FaceTime and William when you invited himself and Late over for dinner, both brothers where equally excited for you telling you how much of an amazing mum you where going to be as well as Leah.

Telling Leah’s family was a lot less formal something you really loved, you both had decided to buy a small England jersey with Williamson on the back as well as three England jerseys saying Grandma and Grandpa as well as one for Jacob saying uncle before heading around for dinner. Leah was like a child on Christmas the entire way through the meal, her leg shaking next to yours in excitement and anticipation, had placed your hand on her thigh several minutes ago but nothing seemed to stop it. Half way through dinner your wife simply couldn’t wait any longer, jumping up from her half eaten meal Leah raced to get the bag you had left at the hall door before running back into the room “I’m sorry, I can’t wait any longer…I know your all still eating but for five minutes just wait and I’ll give out your presents.” Amanda looked at you laughing shaking her head at Leah’s excitement “I hope you cleared this with Y/n Bubba.” Leah looked at you sheepishly “well we where supposed to wait but I can’t hold in any longer so here.” Leah handed out three boxes before sitting next to you with the fourth one, as your in laws began tearing the paper off Leah grabbed your hand pulling it to her mouth before kissing it softly looking at you with pure adoration. “We have these already Le.” Leah turned looking at her brother rolling her eyes as her mum turned it around before her head shot up to look at you both at the other end of the table “your joking.” Leah shook her head smiling as David looked at his followed by Jacob “oh my god your having a baby.” Leah pulled out the small English jersey with Williamson on the back as your three in laws jumped to their feet and began laughing, crying and shouting simultaneously in happiness “oh god a little Williamson…oh my god it’s going to be a Williamson.” You laughed squeezing Leah’s hand before standing up as Amanda raced around to wrap you in a hug as Leah protested “hey, I’m your daughter.” Amanda swatted her away as she pulled you close “that doesn’t matter Y/n might as well be my second daughter and on top of that she’s carrying my grand baby.” Leah laughed looking at you before turning to hug her dad and brother as everyone swapped hugging each other “when did you find out.” You looked at Leah “about 12-13weeks ago I have morning sickness and we didn’t realise, I ended up attending a horse riding event and came off the horse just after finishing my round as I passed out, when they brought me to the hospital they took my bloods and told me a short while later.” You squeezed Leah’s hand “and your father and brothers do they know.” You nodded “I’m sorry we would have told you sooner but protocol calls for Pa to be told first then the rest of the families and if I’m being honest this was the best way we could tell you.” Amanda shook her head “this was perfect oh girls I’m so proud of you both.”

Speculation about your pregnancy had been on going since way before you where pregnant but now more then ever did the press seem to be so sure of it. You knew a statement would have to be put out sooner rather then later and so the clock was ticking to tell the rest of your friends I.e the Arsenal and England girls.

Arsenal where first after the both of you decided the last match before international break would be best as it allowed the girls to hold the secret for the shortest amount of time. Arsenal had beaten West Ham 3 nil at meadow park so the locker room was ecstatic when you knocked on the door only to be greeted by Wally “Y/n hey she’s in the toilet but come in.” You knew Leah was changing her jersey to the one you had bought her not to long after telling her you where pregnant “hey guys how are you all doing.” The team all turned cheering at the sight of you before talking all at once “ehm right I won’t keep you all to long from your celebrations just have one thing to say really quick.” You looked around the room at the faces of the girls you had so quickly called friends and some even family “eh alright, so there will be a new member to the squad next season, I’m sure they’ll be a great asset my only hope is you love them nearly as much as Leah and I do.” To say the squad was confused was an understatement until you wife came running out of the bathroom before turning shouting “SIUU.” Showing off the back of her Arsenal jersey that read Mummy 6 on the back, the locker room realised rather quickly after that and the team where up screaming not even a second later as they all piled towards you both to wrap you in a group hug “oh my god Baby Arsenal is on the way holy shit best teammate ever, ahhh I can’t wait.” Could all be heard from different directions. The girls decided you all had to go out for dinner to celebrate, you spent the rest of the night laughing and talking about the future member of the squad.

The English squad came a bit earlier then expected, you had planned to wait until the last match to tell them but had been informed that your announcement was due out in less than a week and you wanted the people closest to you to know a bit further in advance so here you where at the first training session of the camp having stayed with Leah the night previously, you walked towards the team holding three jerseys behind you as you made smiled at your wife who had spotted you waving sheepishly before feeling some one scoop you into a hug “Al I swear to god put me down.” The older girl laughed putting you back on the ground as she hugged you tightly “oh what you doing here.” You smiled at her “all will be revealed shortly but for now how are you haven’t seen you in ages.” You and the older girl hit it off the first time you met, although she thought of you as a stuck up snob who was simply entitled like the rest of her family she soon found out you where a lot more down to earth and not at all as close to stuck up or entitled as she thought.

Leah ran over shortly after pulling you into a kiss “ew.” Leah turned flipping off Grace and Aggie. Alex laughed “hey what happened to Royals not showing PDA.” You rolled your eyes “Shut it you, I’m allowed to kiss my wife wherever I please thank you.” The girls laughed as Leah started asking them to line up for a photo “oh boo your here on a royal visit, thought you where here to see your mates like.” You pushed Mary’s shoulder lightly laughing “I’m here to see mates I just wanted a photo with you all like we have done every time I’ve come to visit.” Mary shook her head “You Royals and your bloody traditions.” You laughed shuffling away from her as Leah set up the girls to stand in places she wanted them. Once everyone was set you handed out the three jerseys One to Georgia one to Kiera and one to Alex all readying “Baby Williamson 25” before looking at the camera smiling. The girls didn’t think anything of it thinking your niece and nephews names where on the back like they had been previously, that was until the media crew showed the girls the photo for final approval, the front row consisted of the younger girls Aggie,Grace,Ebony, Khiara, the middle row consisted of Ella,Alessia,Hempo,Chloe,Esme,Niamh,LJ,Ellie, Hannah and Lotte and the back row consisted of Lucy,Millie,Rachel,Georgia,Leah,Y/n,Alex,Kiera,Beth,Mary the younger girls shot up first with Grace running right for you as Leah stepped in front “slower.” Grace let out a sheepish smile as she wrapped you in a hug “congratulations, oh my god your having a baby.” The rest of the team took a bit longer to process the information excluding the Arsenal girls before they did exactly what the girls at Arsenal did and formed a massive group hug before bursting into multiple questions. You spent the rest of the day being followed by 23 England players chatting about the upcoming games as well as about baby who all the girls where so excited to meet.

Finally it was time to tell the public

Her Royal Highness Princess Y/n and Mrs Leah Williamson are pleased to announce they are expecting a baby in the coming summer.

The king has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.

To say the news was met with nothing but well wishes is an understatement you soon found letter being sent wishing congratulations and clothes and toys where handed to you at any possible moment when in public.

6 MONTHS LATER

You had been dismissed from your royal duties a couple of months back and since then Leah had been waiting on you hand and foot, the team where heading into the off season and the England girls where gearing up to defend their title of European Champions and although you knew this pregnancy had been planned in order to ensure Leah would be in England and out of camp for the birth of your baby you couldn’t help but feel nervous that you would go past your due date and that she would miss it.

Leah tried her best to calm your woes but could do little to help the anxiety that seemed so constant. The WSL season has ended two weeks ago and since you both had been wrapped up in Kensington Palace, your father had insisted on it stating that if you went into Labour in Milton Keynes you would never make it to St Mary’s on time where they knew all doctors and nurses had been vetted, and you had to admit it did slip your mind that you where having a royal baby at the end of the day and so these measures had to be taken.

Luckily for you both the apartment was big enough that you could ask Leah’s family to move down for the last remaining weeks as you didn’t want them too far away when it happened knowing she needed them and all though you wouldn’t admit so did you. The Williamson’s time and time again had proven how much they loved you both, how much they loved you and when you felt the world hated you and you felt you couldn’t voice the concerns to your family in fear of them telling you to “never explain never complain.” You went to them and spent many nights sobbing into Amanda’s arms as she held you with the carefulness only a mother could. You needed them there.

It was the early hours of the morning on the 14th of June, just three days before Leah was supposed to leave for camp to start preparing for the euros when you where woken with a contraction, you sighed looking at the clock as it read 1:30 am. Sighing you turned slightly to see Leah dead asleep facing the other way, you knew this baby wasn’t coming for another few hours but you also knew you couldn’t lie in bed any longer and had made the decision to go to the lounge. Getting out of the bed without Leah waking up these days was hard but tonight she was out cold and only stirred as you let out a small groan as another contraction came.

You sighed sitting on the couch looking for something to watch, you gripped the remote tightly as you stopped on the replay of the final of the Euros 2022 at Wembley you had seen it repeatedly at least a thousand times but for some reason you couldn’t flick away. You had made it to half time before you felt someone sit down beside you, turning you spotted Amanda “everything ok darling.” You looked at her smiling “your going to be and Grandma.” Amanda laughed “well yes you told me this nine months ago love.” You shook your head laughing “no I mean your going to be a grandma today.” Amanda looked at you shocked “I’ve been sat here since 2 o’clock after I was woken at 1:30 with my first contraction, it’s happening you grand baby is coming today.” Amanda was shaking her head “what on earth are you doing sitting here, where’s Leah, oh god you have to get to the doctor.” You smiled shaking your head “I’m not ready yet.” Amanda shook her head again “oh I know it feels like that but you are trust me you….” You laughed “no I’m ready to be a mum I know that, my body just isn’t ready yet I can tell, there’s no point waking Le up when she doesn’t need to be and all she will do is just push me to go to the hospital well before I need to be, she needs the rest and I’m not in a hurry, besides this match is just getting good.” Amanda turned to look at the TV for the first time smiling wide as she recognised the kit and the girls and the packed out Wembley “alright if your sure.” You nodded turning back to the TV.

At 6:30 Leah came running through the doors panic written across her face “Y/n.” Leah let out a sigh coming to stand beside you “hey what are you doing in here.” You smiled grabbing her hand “we where just watching some old matches before we headed to the hospital.” Leah nodded along before pausing “hospital.” You smiled nodding “yeah I’ve been getting contractions since 1:30 and they have gotten a lot closer so I’m going to go change and call Buckingham while you get changed and then we are going to head to the hospital to meet our baby.” Leah’s face paled “meet…baby…you have been awake since 1:30 and didn’t wake me, mum why didn’t you wake me.” Amanda looked at you and back to Leah “y/n wanted you to sleep.” You put your hand out for Leah to help pull you off the couch and as you stood you felt another contraction falling into Leah’s chest as you squeezed you eyes shut and puffed out your cheeks in pain “hey hey it’s ok I’m right here, your ok.” You nodded standing up straight as the contraction ended “I’m ok, let’s go get changed yeah.”

Sitting on the bed you watched Leah race around looking for something as you phoned Buckingham and then looked at your watch before calling your Sister in law “hello Kate.” You sighed watching your wife run around like a headless chicken before using the code word you had come up with many months ago so that she would know you where heading to the hospital “I’m just popping to the shops for orange juice.” Kate let out a gasp “if you could let Zara and Will know I’ll give you a call when I have it.” Kate let out a string of excitement shouts before wishing you congratulations and hanging up as you turned to Leah “it’s in the top drawer of your bedside table Le.” Leah shook her head “you don’t even know what I’m looking for…oh it is sorry my love, right let’s go.”

You arrived at the back of St Mary’s at 7:30 am to be met with your team of doctors and nurses who informed you the press had already been set up since the 12th of June in anticipation.

And at 9:30 am you where sat in bed at St Mary’s holding you daughter as you and Leah cried tears of joy over her “she’s perfect, absolutely perfect.” Leah kissed you passionately before you both turned to look back at you daughter “right you top off.” Leah looked at you shocked “dear god woman you have just had a baby keep it in your pants.” You laughed shaking your head “no le it’s time for you to do skin to skin contact with her.” Leah let out an oh as she took her top off before taking your daughter out of your arms and sitting on the chair next to you “I can’t believe she’s here.” You smiled your heart swelling at the sight of them “Your Dad, did he approve of the name.” You rested your head back on the pillow “he did.” Leah turned looking down at your daughter talking softly “ well then welcome to the world Amelia Maria Elizabeth Williamson.”

A short while later your first visitors arrived, the King along with William, Kate and the kids “she’s absolutely beautiful Y/n well done indeed.” You laughed at your father as he looked down at his granddaughter for the first time “thank you Pa.” George, Charlotte and Louis took turns sitting in the chair holding her gently as you watched Leah tell them where to put their arms before placing her down gently, giving extra support to Louis “that’s it mate you got her, she’s heavy isn’t she.” You laughed looking at Kate “Well.” Kate wrapped her arms around you squeezing you tightly “she’s perfect honestly so perfect congratulations to you both I can’t wait for her to join in our little tea talks.” You laughed as William came over “Mum would be so proud, she would adore her honestly.” You looked back over as Leah took Amelia back from Louis “like how she adores them all.”

Next was Leah’s family a lot smaller and less noisy which you where thankful for, you had been holding Amelia lightly chatting to your wife as she watched on when they came through the door and you had handed her off to Leah allowing her to be the one to introduce the most important person in her life to three people she loved the most in the world “Mum,Dad,Jacob this is Amelia.” You felt your eyes well up for the umpteenth time that day as they all cooed over her before Leah asked Amanda if she wanted to hold her to which Amanda nodded quickly “oh hello darling I’m Grandma, and you don’t know it yet but you are so so loved my little darling.” Leah sat on the side of the bed taking your hand “ I love you.” You hummed looking at the people in the room before your eyes landed on your daughter “I’m so glad I fell in love with you back then, that I have fallen even more in love with you since, I loved you first Le and I’ll love you last but mostly I love you for moments like this the little in between. You have given me the life I dreamed about from the moment I met you.” Leah sighed leaning forward capturing your lips “Here’s to everything in between then my love.”

[lucid-ivory]

COD men & equestrian reader

characters: ghost, soap, gaz, price & alejandro X female reader

genre: fluff, platonic, slight crack?

format: bullet headcanons/ bullet fanfic idk

summary: one of the operators of the task force seems to be *too* good at horse riding and it's the last thing they expected

notes: reader is young, this is for all the equestrians if there are any in this fandom😭 and characters may be a bit ooc + this is very long and VERY specific

ghost

has never ridden horses, wasn't planning on it

saw you as somebody interesting when he first saw you on a big horse

you seemed really confident so he just went along with it

little did he know

he was gangsta until you started cantering

like okay, maybe you just wanted to impress your teammates since everyone was watching

he knows shit about position, leg aids and all that so you could be doing anything wrong and he wouldn't realize

he slightly raises his eyebrows when he sees you approaching a big ass jump

like where u goin?????

it's one of those 1.30m oxers

he thinks you're taking it too far

he was already impressed by your skills, why would you jump that high

he's prepared to see you on the ground

obviously a horse goes faster the higher the jump is

the fact that you keep up with the animal is already making him feel like "huh?"

when he sees the horsey getting on his two legs and ready to jump he feels humbled

you're perfectly fine, you can keep up with the horse's speed and you seem proud of yourself

by this point it's already obvious that it wasn't your first time

now that he sees your confidence and level, he would like to see you jumping higher

he doesn't really know how high a horse can jump anyway

(for general knowledge, the record is 2,47meters)

after a few more small and bigger jumps, you go for one that's 1.50m

(which is usually the height of competitions)

you do it casually, enjoying the moment. the horse jumps well and looks sick as fuck, which equestrians call "scope"

so you yell out

"SCOPEY!"

smiling all wide and happy

he mishears it and thinks you're talking about somebody scoping with a sniper or something

everything is going smooth, the horse listens to you and you are humiliating many olympic riders because you are "y/n" and y/n is perfect

the horse is fast, very fast and you're going for the next jump again

but who is y/n without a bit of trouble

the horse refuses to jump, stopping abruptly right in front of the obstacle

but you stayed on because you're cool like that

it did "shake" you a little, you were preparing yourself for a jump after all

but your seat is great and you managed to control the horse

ghost was scared, not expecting the animal to stop at that speed

you knocked a few poles and he offered to put them back for you

you're a crazy bitch so you decided to ride a young horse

and young horses are sometimes spicy

bucking, rearing or getting scared for everything

he's surprised at how calm you look when the horse is like a bull around the arena

when you finally lose your balance and fall off, you manage to fall smoothly on your feet

he's scared, thought you were going to be hurt

"DID YOU SEE THAT?"

how were you so calm?

you just fell off

the horse is still bucking around the arena and you're laughing

soap

i have 0 idea of scottish dialect

in fact i cannot understand it if a scottish person speaks to me so this will be hard

soap is next to ghost, he sees you jumping

you know the position riders do in order to jump? almost standing up and bending over the horse's neck

he checks you out for a milisecond when you do that

apart from that, he's impressed

why are you flying

how are you keeping yourself on the animal with only two irons on your feet and holding some leather in your hands

get down from there

you're just smiling while casually jumping 1.50m

when the horse stopped in front of the jump, he almost screamed

"shit"

he just murmured

smirked when he saw how you stayed on

gg well played

ghost put the poles up for you again after you knocked them down and smiles slightly as you struggle to convince the horse to jump

great horsemanship, or horsewomanship

you let the horse approach the jump and smell it so they calm down

he has no idea what's going on but he thinks you're very gentle for that

eventually you make it over that jump and he feels very happy for you!

then you fall off and he thinks it's badass how you fell on your feet

STANDING UP

so you get on again

when you're done jumping and you're trotting around, you want to show off

"did you see that, Lt?" he asks Ghost, and he simply nods.

while trotting, you play a little bit with the horse's controls

WASD to move shift to crouch ctrl to run ,,, jk

you start doing little dressage tricks

those ones that look so elegant and the horse is almost dancing

passage, piaffe, etc (look that up, it's BEAUTIFUL).

the horse is so cutely and smoothly bouncing and you're embracing the elegance

this is all probably happening while you're in your spec ops gear but it's okay

soap is surprised, ghost next to him simply admires

"why is the horse doin' that?"

he thinks it's pretty, but why and how would a horse move like that

"oh, you're telling him to do that?"

then he realizes you're the one using your legs and amazing skills to make the horse do all that

would like to see you in the classic equestrian competition look

gaz

okay what the fuck

he now understands where all of your leg & core strength is coming from

mans is flabbergasted but secretly wants to keep looking at you

i headcanon that he did ride horses in one of those school trips maybe or something of sorts

and i don’t think he would want to do it again

when you’re about to fall at that speed in front of the jump he’s a bit scared for you, immediately feeling the relief when you’re still on and not on the ground

when you actually do fall but it’s obvious you didn’t get hurt he simply smiles

he knew it was going to happen

but then you got on the horse again and he was like ???

why?

he appreciates your enthusiasm but visibly relaxes when you stop jumping and you stick to a more slow pace

“are you trying to impress us?”

girl you were in full uniform geared up & everything and you casually made the horse do the most complex and supreme movements that literally any other rider would kill for

you DID NOT do that for your own pleasure

gaz did appreciate a little bit more the horse’s posture

y’know ‘collection’ and all that, when the horse walks all pretty with their head down

he was not as clueless as soap and that’s why he teased you

you simply giggled and he smiled in response

now…

why was the horse drifting how did you do that

the horse was casually trotting but you did a few subtle changes (that he didn’t see) and now the horse trots in diagonal

almost crossing his feet while trotting

HOW

he raises his eyebrows

he thinks that this is a useless trait for a soldier cuz i’m telling you no police horse does cute little steps like wth

but even if it’s a useless trait for a soldier, it’s a great ability for who he considers almost a sister

he’s very happy for you and constantly cheers you up and then may ask a question or two about how did you do that

the moment you start explaining technically with all the “WELL YOU PUT YOUR OUTSIDE LEG AND THEN THE HEAD HAS TO LOOK SLIGHTLY INTO THE INSIDE WITHOUT BENDING THE NECK—“ he gets scared

he thought it was easier

+10 appreciation because it really is hard

price

let me tell you this man is almost shaking

he trusts your skills but he knows you're also young and you may not act responsible in order to just feel adrenaline or to impress somebody

while you jump, he holds his breath and then he releases it when you actually land perfectly

just like gaz, he relaxes a lot when you stick to the slower pace

he loves to see your reflexes in other contexts, such as riding

very proud of how you fell on your feet when the horse was bucking but appreciated it even more when you actually wanted to get on again

since this man is older i think he would have ridden horses in his golden era but not as in equitation, more like simply going for trail rides

he considers everyone in the team his little siblings, and since you appeared he may have this father instinct

he helps you with the stirrups and to tighten the girth

loves seeing you happy while riding, he thinks you deserve it knowing how young you are and how easier it is for you to get stressed with all the work

he tells everybody not to approach the horse's back because they may kick

"the horse has a green ribbon on his tail. he's young" he explains proudly to the rest of the team

(he didn't know shit about this, you told him about the ribbon meanings a while ago)

I HAVE THIS FEELING THAT HE WOULD RECORD YOU AND ACCIDENTALLY GET HIS FINGER ON THE CAMERA

this man would probably ride with you

"i don't need a saddle, i'm used to riding bareback"

he does need a saddle.

i feel like if he rides with you and he trots or something he would slightly hurt his back because his position wouldn't really be great

(there was a time where my back hurt like hell too because i didn't know how to canter properly LMAO)

would count strides with you between each jump

i feel like he would like english thoroughbreds

man worships secretariat probably (he'd be so real for that)

jockey potential

don't talk to him about technique

he genuinely thinks it's stressing

the whole "outside rein inside leg, shoulders back, chin up, heels down" shit is very much complex to him

he actually thinks that he would be able to race a horse

can't lie, i think so too (i almost fall while walking)

would pat the horse when you stand next to him

when you dismount, if you are the kind of person that kinda just throws themselves off the horse (i have no idea how to gently and normally dismount) he'll be behind you to slightly grab your waist or back to keep you in place in case you lose balance

ALL PLATONIC

when you're done riding he offers to keep you company while you go to the horses stall

he thinks the horse is following you because you're not holding the reins or anything and he's surprised at the bond between you and the animal

he doesn't know that YOU are actually following the horse because he just wants to go to his stall and eat

when the horsey starts eating, price would approach him and look at him

would be startled when the horse has his ears laying flat on his skull

horsey doesn't want anybody near his food

would help you carry the saddle

if he's brave enough he will try and give a carrot to the horse

if you start picking the hooves after riding, he would be slightly concerned

"does this hurt the horse"

he is like a man proud of his daughter

100% would go to see you in competitions

alejandro

GRRRRRRRR

"vamos, vaquera!"

he would constantly try to cheer you up and would smile widely while you do your "little" jumps

would probably prefer western riding because y'know... los vaqueros

he would probably crush on you a little

i feel like he saw showjumping many times but he is still surprised to see a horse jumping that high in person

i think he's almost the only one that isn't scared when he sees you jumping. if you approach the big jumps so confidently then you know what you're doing

he would actually want to ride with you too, he's so excited

wants to feel like a true vaquero and the first step is riding a horse

i'm sure he focuses on your legs and sees the aids and cues you give to the horse to make different tricks or play with his speed

he looks at your posture and everything like he knows about it or something

he's the kind of person that would surprise you

horses tend to follow each other so whatever you do with your horse, his horse does it with him.

you look back at him when you are both cantering and you smile AT HOW GOOD HE IS

his hips sway back and forth smoothly following the horse's back

his lower leg moves a little but nothing too serious

you felt like he was really close to jumping the 1.50 and reveal he was a showjumper too or something

and the rest of the team didn't expect alejandro to be so good either

you lower the jumps to like 0.50m and you both try to jump

he doesn't jump it perfectly, but he doesn't fall either

impressive for a beginner

trust me he did try to ride your horse and do the same dressage tricks as you but it didn't really work

quickly dismounted after that, he saw the horse bucking and doesn't wanna fall off

after that, i feel like he would get more interested in barrel racing and other western disciplines

he wants to take off the helmet and ride with those cowboy hats.

(saveahorserideacowboy)

you don't let him do that

dangerous D:

he appreciates it, thinks you care a lot for him

he thinks riding together is a new form of bonding for you two.

that was long, i warned all of you

please remember that my requests are open and i'd love to see and write what anyone says!

[allylikethecat]

I VOTE DOING ONE OCTOBER PROMPT OF EQUESTRIAN MATTY & GEORGE BTW

So, I told myself (and you all) I probably wasn't going to write anything else in the ATKH 'verse unless it was maybe some kind of prequel one day. I have however, had this idea rolling around in my brain for the last few months and after getting this ask I said fuck it. It might not be one of the October Prompts, but it's technically a request / prompt fill? IDK it's short but it's here, so enjoy a little peek into the future lives of Equestrian / Horse Boy Fictional!Matty and Fictional!George from the All the King's Horses universe. I'm sorry it's short!

---

July 2028.

George could practically feel the anxiety radiating off of Matty as he walked Sally from the warm up ring to the arena. He had warmed up well, both he and Sally forward and seemingly confident. It had been a surprise to see just how visibly nervous he was when they began the trek from the warm up to the arena, Matty nearly trembling in his show coat. 

George was a few paces behind him, letting him have a moment to converse with Jamie, likely going over the final plan for the course. Ross was off to the side as well, ready to wipe Sally’s nose and shine Matty’s boots one last time before he entered the ring. George swallowed hard. He couldn’t believe that they were here, he couldn’t believe he had made it. But at the same time, they had, and Matty had worked hard for it, and George knew he deserved it. 

“Hey,” said Jamie, gesturing for George to come closer, reaching out for the water bottle that George was holding so he could give it to Matty. He nodded in thanks, handing the dented yellow hydro flask up to him. Matty smiled, accepting it with a small thanks as Jamie held onto Sally’s bridle.  

“Good luck,” said George, Sally was pawing at footing in the ingate, clearly annoyed she was being forced to stand quietly, “and have fun.”

“Thanks,” said Matty, his voice small, rough with nervousness, like the word had gotten stuck in his throat, and he had struggled to dislodge it. He took another sip from his water bottle and handed it back down to Jamie who gave Sally a pat on the neck. 

Lana exited the ring, flashing George and Matty a smile as her grooms rushed forward to clip a lead rope onto Norman’s bridle, the stallion prancing as he made his way down the aisle. 

“Time to go,” said Jamie, giving Sally one last pat. Matty nodded, swallowing hard, as he shortened his reins and trotted into the arena, leaving Jamie and George behind at the ingate. THe crowd cheered, Matty and his comeback story becoming something of a fan favorite within the equestrian community, his tarnished reputation shined and Sally earning her own fanclub. 

They had shown in Temecula more times than George could count, they had shown in every ring at Galway Downs. Matty had shown more classes in this ring in particular than George even wanted to try and recall. But he knew that it was different this time, a red and blue coat on Matty’s shoulders, an American flag on his saddle pad and Sally’s bonnet. The expectation of a nation weighing him down as he faced off against the five Olympic rings. 

The buzzer went off and Matty picked up the canter. The announcer was introducing him to the crowd, going over his and Sally’s biography but George didn’t hear  a word the announcer said, despite having the bio memorized, having spent nearly an hour laying on their living room floor helping Matty write it. They approached the first jump, a large and colorful oxer. George smiled. Matty was an Olympian. 

[anakinsthot]

Since im not sure which ones you've been sent already: 13, 15, or 25 for jarpatine (i kid, i kid! Please do obikin!)

I was soooooo tempted to write jarpatine it's not even funny.

Here's a super self-indulgent fill from this prompt list.

Background: eventing is the equestrian sport that Anakin participates in. It is a 3-phase sport and the one that's relevant here is cross country, where horse and rider jump over solid obstacles across terrain. It is one of the riskiest competitive horse sports and also what I do - although not at the same level Anakin is at. If anyone has questions feel free to ask!

15. meeting in the ER/A&E au (1.3k words)

beep      beep      beep

Anakin came to awareness in stages. Hearing first: a steady beeping sound and far-away murmur of voices. Then touch: cotton sheets over him, cool air on his face, and pain in his shoulder.

Finally he blinked his eyes open and took in the white ceiling tiles above him.

Ah. Hospital then, was his first thought. Guess we couldn’t save it at that oxer. I knew it was going to cause problems for someone today, followed quickly by, “Artoo? Is he okay?”

His voice must have alerted someone that he was awake, because a doctor came into the room followed quickly by his mother and his coach.

“Mr. Skywalker, please lay back down. I need to assess your concussion,” Anakin hadn’t even realized he’d sat up. He ignored the doctor and repeated his question.  

“How is Artoo?” His heart was lodged in his throat – if the worst had happened to his horse he could never forgive himself.

“He’s alright,” Mace reassured him. “He got up and walked away from your fall. The vet assessed him and he’s a little sore but nothing some NSAIDs and stall rest won’t fix. Ahsoka is taking care of him.”

Relieved, Anakin finally lay back down in the bed. “Sorry you had to see that, mom,” he said quietly. His mother had been so worried when Anakin started to move up the levels in eventing. After a couple years and successful runs at Advanced she’d finally started to calm down. This certainly wouldn’t help her nerves next time he left the start box.

Shmi didn’t say anything. She sat at Anakin’s side and took his hand gently, evidence that she’d been crying on her face in bloodshot eyes and dried tears on her cheeks.

“Mr. Skywalker,” the doctor stepped closer now. “I’m sure you’ll want to catch up with your mother and…” his voice trailed off for a moment, before Mace brusquely introduced himself as Anakin’s coach, “and coach. I really do need to do a TBI assessment though. This is the first time you’ve been awake long enough since you came in an hour ago.”

Anakin winced. Things could have been worse, obviously, but that wasn’t a good sign. Now that he was paying more attention he realized that the lights were dim and there was a pulsing pain in his head.

“I’m Dr. Kenobi, the neurologist on your case,” the man introduced himself. Anakin took a good look at him for the first time. He was well built, with an impeccable beard and kind eyes. If he had to be stuck in a hospital room, Anakin thought, at least he got an attractive doctor.

“Hi doc. You can just call me Anakin,” he said. He tried to offer a hand to shake, but at the sudden pain in his shoulder quickly thought better of it.

“You’ve broken your collar bone on the right side,” Dr. Kenobi informed him quickly. “You should be given a sling for it shortly, but the preliminary results from radiography look like you won’t need surgery.”

“Can’t you just kiss it better?” Anakin asked on autopilot. Shmi sighed and squeezed his hand. He could practically hear her and Mace rolling their eyes. He’d just been through a traumatic accident and the doctor really was attractive. Sue him.

Dr. Kenobi pulled up a chair on the side of the bed across from Shmi. “I’m afraid the hospital frowns on patient-provider relationships,” he said lightly. “Now, you’ve had a CT scan done while you were unconscious and we didn’t find anything concerning, but I need to do a neurologic exam as well. The CT shows us if there is any physical injury such as bleeding, but it can’t show a concussion.”

Anakin nodded his assent and followed the doctor’s directions. He tracked a pen light with his eyes, pushed and pulled with his good arm against Kenobi, and held his breath while the doctor leaned in close his face to examine his pupils and touch various parts of his face while directing Anakin to bite down.

“You’re lucky,” Dr. Kenobi announced, rolling back in his chair. “From what Mace has said your head was very badly clipped by Artoo’s hoof when you both fell. You have a mild concussion, but no significant brain injury and your collar bone should heal well. Thank your helmet that it’s not any worse.”

“And the air vest Mom makes me wear,” Anakin tried to joke. He glanced at Shmi from the corner of his eye. If he weren’t laying in a hospital bed, she’d probably be smacking him on the arm for such a poor joke right now, based on the look in her eyes.

“Maybe we can get Hit-Air to sponsor you now,” Mace said lightly. He gave Anakin a smile and stepped towards the door. “Text me any updates. I’m going to get a press release out and make sure Artoo gets home.”

“Thank you Mace,” Shmi said. Her eyes were clearer now, losing the ring of red around them and she’d scrubbed the tear tracks from her cheeks. “Anakin, would you like something to eat now? If that’s ok with Dr. Kenobi.”

Dr. Kenobi nodded, but gave Shmi instructions to get Anakin something light that would be easy on his stomach. She nodded and followed Mace out.

Now that they were alone, Anakin the question that had been sitting on his tongue for several minutes now. “When can I ride again, Doc?”

Dr. Kenobi laughed. “Typical equestrian,” he said with a smile. “I tell you you have a TBI and broken bones and the only thing you’re worried about is when you can get back in the saddle.”

He clicked his pen a few times in thought. “The collarbone break is pretty clean. Radiology has to write up their opinion on the x-rays but I don’t think you’ll need surgery. You’re still fairly young, I’d say six to eight weeks for that to heal.

“The TBI is another beast, as I’m sure you know. You could be recovered in a couple weeks or it may take months. I want you to take this seriously, Anakin. Even a mild brain injury can have effects that last for the rest of your life. After you’re released we’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Physical therapy for your shoulder, possibly occupational therapy if you have any issues come up.”

It could be much worse, Anakin reminded himself before picking up on part of what Dr. Kenobi had said. “We’ll have follow-ups? You’ll continue to be my doctor?”

Dr. Kenobi chuckled. “If you’re staying in Ocala, then yes, I’ll be your neurologist.”

“Can I request someone else?” Hurt flashed across Dr. Kenobi’s face and he pushed further away from the bed before he quickly put on a professional mask. Anakin immediately kicked himself. He hadn’t meant to hurt Dr. Kenobi. “Only I’d really like to ask you out for dinner and I heard the hospital doesn’t like patient-provider relationships.”

“If we’re going to get dinner I think you should start calling me Obi-Wan,” Dr. Kenobi rolled closer to the side of Anakin’s bed. “And I have to insist that you at least wait until you’re discharged to ask me out.”

“I can be patient,” Anakin promised with a grin.

Obi-Wan scoffed. “If you were patient you wouldn’t be doing eventing. Don’t forget, I’m a doctor in Ocala. I know your type.”

“I can be patient if you tell me to,” Anakin insisted. “And anyway it sounds like it won’t be too long before they discharge me.”

Obi-Wan laughed and scribbled something on his notepad before tearing it out, folding it delicately, and giving it to Anakin. “Here, for when you get out. I’ll speak to one of my colleagues about taking on your case.”

Anakin grinned and took a moment to admire Obi-Wan’s ass as he walked to the door. “Thanks doc. I’ll see you soon!”

[soundtrack-for-lovers]

More pics of the pros 👌 it was so cool to see B's bascule improving with every round they did! The back rail of the oxer in the first photo was the same height as the front rail of an oxer in the World Cup so he's absolutely knocking on the door (I think the blue one was the same height as in the WC too). Pity I didn't send him a couple months earlier because he said B would have jumped that WC class, but anyway that feedback is SUPER promising to hear. Fingers crossed B keeps behaving for him 🤞😆

[isthehorsevideocute]

I want to break down what happened during von Ekerman and King Edward's round leading up to the fall in the individual final because while lots of people have had things to say about it I find that few seem to have a solid understanding of what actually went wrong.

So in jump courses, fences that are close together will often make what we call a related distance. Basically a related distance describes a question where how you ride the first fence affects how you ride the second. Two fences that make up a related distance will have a predictable number of strides between them. If the related distance is straight on, there won't be much room for variation but if the related distance is a bending line, the number of strides may vary depending on how much of a curve you put between the fences.

So the course of individual final where von Eckermann ran into trouble leading up to his fall was at a double related distance; the 4m water to the effiel tower upright to a wide oxer.

While the line from the upright to the oxer was pretty straight on, it required a good setup in the line from the water to the upright. That first line was not perfectly straight so the riders were given an option. Ride direct in 6 strides or bend it out in 7. Von Eckerman chose the direct line but tried to do it in 7 instead of 6. Because King Edward was given no other option but to pop over the upright on a shallow underpowered stride he had to gun it to the big oxer, which had the difficult turn after it.

So when designing a course, you have to take into account that different types of fences will require different balances. This water to upright to oxer to tught turn question was a question of adjustability. The water and oxer require the horse to be more open and forward where the upright and tight turn right after the oxer require the horse to be more compressed and collected.

While the horse turning toward the gate was the nail in the coffin that caused the fall, it would have been able to be salvaged (like the following rider) if King Edward didn't have to be so open to make the oxer. And consequently it would not have been an issue if von Eckermann chose a smother ride to the upright rather than trying to compress the direct line so much to make it a 7 instead of a 6.

I'm not saying the best riders in the world can't miscalculate and make dumb mistakes but let's not pretend it was anything more than a dumb mistake on his part. Like you can't blame the horse being difficult or sensitive on it. Von Eckermann made the wrong choice big time and paid for it.

[feetoffire]

individual showjumping final! this course was gorgeous in all respects (especially love the wall that looks like the notre dame rose windows) (and the curled-up lizard topiary thing. love that guy) and also tricky as all hell. only three riders went double clear (bc the oxers are massive and the striding is so so technical).

Canada: Mario Deslauriers on Emerson. i love watching the jumpers move - they’re so forward. two sets of reins. nicely in time, but two rails down. 

Germany: Phillipp Weishaupt on Zineday. drop noseband. some gape between fences. one second over, one rail down. 

Argentina: Jose Maria (jr) Larocca on Finn Lente. started rough with a knocked rail, and the combinations really got them. one second over, five rails down. 

UK: Ben Maher on Dallas Vegas Batilly. mare! nose net. froth. i love watching this mare; she’s got so much scope and so much try. in time, one rail. Just caught the oxer in the double.  

USA: Laura Kraut on Baloutinue. came in nice and quiet, and Baloutinue seems fairly settled. i think she’s my favorite rider in the field. fighting a little in the turns. he tries so hard to keeps his legs out of the way over the last fence but it doesn’t quite work. in time, one rail. 

Austria: Max Kuehner on Elektric Blue P. drop noseband, froth. gape. also knocks the last fence - i think the riders are going to have to take that extra second to come at it perfectly straight. one rail, in time. 

France: Simon Delestre on I Amelusina R 51. rough start, knocks the first fence. gape. coming in close to the red flag on most of these fences. god that’s so much gape. in time, two rails. 

Germany: Christian Kukuk on Checker 47. i do love watching the jumpers move but so many of them are hyperflexed before the round starts and that i could do without. lots of gape -  there are so many stride adjustments in this course. rattles a rail on the double combination, but it stays. double clear!

Belgium: Gregory Wathelet on Bond Jamesbond de Hay. still love this name. hackamore! couldn’t quite clear the water. very fast round. two rails. 

Netherlands: Maikel van der Vlueten on Beauville Z. little awkward over the double combination - think it was a long spot. making full use of the space. double clear. 

UAE: Omar Abdul Aziz al Marzooqi on Enjoy de la Mure. little bit of froth. looked like a touch of sass in one of the lead changes (we've all ridden that). clever striding. in time, two rails. lots of pets for Enjoy as they leave. 

Japan: Takashi Hasse Shibayama on Karamell M&M. rolls the first rail out of its cups, knocks fence two and both in the double combo. elects (smartly) to retire. 

Saudi Arabia: Ramzy al Duhami on Untouchable 32. mare! gape - i can see her tongue in the close-ups. this mare is scopey as all hell - only knocks the oxer in the first double combination. in time, one rail. 

Mexico: Andres Azcarraga on Contrendros 2. having trouble over the oxers. takes the turn to the water fast and just slides to a stop; Azcarraga comes off. 

Brazil: Rodrigo Pessoa on Major Tom. Major Tom has braids in. starts a little under speed/behind the leg. knocks two rails, elects to retire.

USA: Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque. mare! one of the hackamore girlies (and her noseband is fuzzy!). still don’t like her topline. they’re fighting about speed - Caracole has Opinions. the turn to the card suite jumps is awkward and the combination doesn’t go well. in time, two rails. 

Belgium: Gilles Tomas on Ermitage Kalone. nose net. nice quiet feeling round. in time, two rails down. 

Norway: Victoria Gulliksen on Mistral van de Vogelzang. having a Moment before the round starts. double combination literally trips them up - thought they were both going to fall trying to get over the oxer in the double combination. half a second over, two rails down. 

Brazil: Stephan de Frietas Barcha on Primavera. mare! two sets of reins. fast around the turn to the water, some speed discussions in the ensuing fences. scrapes her way through the triple combination and the card suite fences, but she makes it! really using that fifth leg. if you click with a mare, she will do anything for you. in time, one rail. 

UK: Scott Brash on Jefferson. his stripe and snip are so cool. drop noseband. knocks the oxer in the double combination. in time, one rail down. 

Saudi Arabia: Abdulrahman Alrajhi on Ventago. red ribbon. lots of stride adjustments. tt’s a bit of a slog for them today and you can feel it. uses all of his space to the card suite jumps. one second over, one rail down. 

Netherlands: Kim Emmen on Imagine. two sets of reins. first rail comes down. he’s tired - this is his fourth round this week. in time, three rails down. 

Italy: Emanuele Camilli on Odense Odeveld. hackamore? i think? shadow roll. first rail down. handles the double combination nicely. in time, three rails. 

Sweden: Henrik von Eckermann on King Edward. nose net. makes it through the water and following line by sheer force of will only for King Edward to make a wrong turn. little bit of discussion about it, then Eckermann comes off and takes the bridle with him. insists on leading King Edward back himself (we love to see it). Edward is still worked up - Eckermann is using the elbow in the neck trick to make space. yeah been there (regularly).

Switzerland: Steve Guerdat on Dynamix de Belheme. mare! gape. she is bound and determined to make this course her bitch. good for her! double clear. 

Switzerland: Martin Fuchs on Leone Jei. drop noseband. looked like Fuchs almost came off in the double combination and he lost a stirrup. almost swings left (same as King Edward) but recovers. in time, one rail down. out of the medals, but that was some impressive riding. 

Netherlands: Harrie Smolders on Uricas V/D Kattenvennen. froth. some gape. he’s trying but he’s tired. two time penalties, one rail. 

Ireland: Daniel Coyle on Legacy. mare! love her. she’s ready to get it done. froth. stretching down in the turn to the card suite fences. i think the striding gets fucked up, they knock the next four fences (card suite combination and the two after it). Coyle elects to retire. 

Ireland: Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz. converter reins. knocks the oxer in the double combination, runs into trouble in the triple. in time, three rails down. 

France: Julien Epaillard on Dubai du Cedre. mare! our other hackamore girlie 🎉 her blaze is fantastic. arguing about speed.sShe's scopey as hell and putting everything in. not quite steady enough to the second card suite fence. in time, one rail.

[echointernationaljumpers]

JUST A LITTLE FUN

Lauren's POV

You see, Vivian had told me that I was to do some jump training with him today, and I was BEYOND excited as he is such a lovely boy.

"Hey Tai-Tai my beauty!" I said, making kissy sounds at the stallion, which he apparently liked.

Chief was standing beside him, looking at me curiously, like he expected me to bring him with me too.

"Not today, Chief. Not today," I laughed as he put his head against my side, before I attached the rope to to Taiwan's halter, and brought him inside.

Bring him to the jumping arena, I began warming up the spotty boy. He was walking a little stiffly to begin with, clearly used to Vivian being the one riding him, but she was busy today, and didn't have time to ride him. She would come out later to watch though, and give a few instructions, when she got back from the cat show.

I put him into a steady canter, when he had been warmed up, to get some jumping done. Vivian was standing behind the fence, watching, not saying anything, which was odd. Normally she had a lot to say about my riding, but not today apparently.

As I took the oxer with Taiwan, I felt relief wash over me. We landed well too, and hadn't pulled down a single pole. Amber had come to watch too, and looked almost impressed. Which was new for her, as she was rarely impressed. But when she noticed I was looking her way, her face turned sour again.

"Woohooo!" I called out, as I cantered around the arena, pretty proud of myself.

I even think I got a quiet 'Well done' from Vivian, even if I wasn't quite sure, because the wind was roaring in my ears.

[grumpy-mare]

Put a diagonal pole across the top of the oxer to encourage her to jump rounder and sharper in front, first time over it and she didn’t think twice. Such a good girl

[track2hack]

16.07.2023, Melwood Teams Event 2023! 💪

Professional photos to come as always, but ED IS SO GOOD AND HE IS SUCH A LITTLE LEGEND 😭😭😭 My baby done his first event ever!!!

Ed was SUCH a good boy for dressage, he was the first to go in a spooky arena and even though it wasn’t a pretty test or an accurate one I was very goddamn impressed with him!

He was even BETTER in cross country, which was a huge course of 15-16 jumps with only 2 stops for 8 faults and 20 time penalties! He trotted super sweetly around the whole thing (we did walk up to approach all the jumps to make sure he saw them before they scared him tho!) and was super brave about going through the water/stream crossing and keyhole!

He jumped great in the show jumping warmup but unfortunately the first fence was a full-size oxer and he was just too tired to go over, but with such a big day and such a huge effort I couldn’t be more happy with him!!

Lots of big pats and a yummy hot mash for the bestest boy ever!!! ❤️💜❤️💜❤️💜❤️💜❤️💜

[aldieb]

check out my "refusal on an 18-inch oxer" slay (this is the first course i've ridden since 2020 so i don't care lol)

[id: a video of me riding nox the irish cob on a stadium jump course in a field. /end id]

[overhorsed]

so I never actually wrote about our outing last weekend!

floating - F loaded really well leaving home, was a bit trickier coming back but we got there. with two people it would have been easy but with just me he backs off when I move to shut the bum bar.

it was meant to be a showjumping training day and my most basic goal was to at least ride around in the warmup with other horses which... did not really happen because only one other person was there.

arrival - he was a bit prancy when I first unloaded him and walked him around but he was well-mannered and he stood well at the float and ate his hay net. easy to tack up.

riding - by the time I had him tacked up someone else had arrived but parked out of sight, and there was no clear warmup area so I trotted him a couple of circles on the long lead rope make sure he wasn't too spicy and hopped on. he didn't want to walk out of the car park because there was damp ground at the gate 😂

went up the arena and went in because there was no one else around. he jacked up a bit at the gate (because this was his first time in an indoor arena ever in his life) but walked in with no leaps or theatrics eventually. first couple of laps he was twitching at everything from the drag marks to the sound of the footing hitting the boards, but he didn't do anything stupid and after a few laps and trying a trot we did our round of tiny crossrails.

it was a mixture of actual jumps and treating them like trot poles, but I was really pleased with how he focused and didn't spook at anything.

(comment from the venue owner "he's much nicer when he has a job to do!")

walked him around a bit more, then the other person came up and did her round while we practiced waiting patiently (not entirely successful).

she asked if I was happy to go up to 45cm and I was but then immediately started doubting myself because we haven't done much higher than that at home and stupidly I imagined there would still be some crossrails, but it was all either verticals or oxers (nearly half the course was oxers) which again we haven't done very much. also the other girl nominated me to go first, which, thanks.

ANYWAY F whacked the absolute shit out of the first jump but somehow didn't bring it down and that woke him up for the rest of the course. coming in to some jumps (especially the oxers) I could feel him asking "are you sure?" but when I put my leg on he just went "ok then!" and powered over them without ever feeling like he was going to refuse. champion.

(his steering did get a bit wobbly at a couple of points where he went to go the complete opposite way to the course/me so I need to remember to steer more clearly post-jump)

completely missed one distance but it didn't seem to put him off. this was also his first time seeing a combination and he wanted to run out at the second element but we fumbled through and he got better each time.

the other girl went through, then I went back in just to do select fences. I wanted to practice approaching at a canter (which... took a bit to establish with him wanting to be a little wild) so we did a vertical, and oxer, and then the vertical to double line again. no hesitation again and the owner commented that it looked much smoother even though it felt a bit hairy.

hopped off and walked him around for a bit, the other girl went up to 60cm but we called it a day. part of me wanted to try at least one jump at 60cm but he'd been so good the whole day that I didn't want to push too far and ruin it. better to end on a good note.

firsts: time on a float in over a year (oops), time at this venue, time in an indoor arena, full course of jumps, proper jumps with stripes and wings, oxer under saddle (? maybe), combination.

what a trier. I'm so proud of him and how he handled everything.

[prettypurpleponies]

Had a jumping lesson Tuesday 4/18! It was with Ali who I used to ride with regularly and then I switched to Tara and I’m feeling better about that decision. Ali can be a great instructor but she’s also just really scattered and doesn’t always pay great attention. The lesson was with all of the teenagers and there was a lot of wind and it was a lot of chaos.

For warm up we just did just trot over poles that were set too far and crooked and circles. And then canter poles. It was much easier to get the strides for the canter. Although the wind meant that everybody was feeling themselves and it was a little chaotic. I had to really focus to balance and half halt with my body and not just hold but we mostly able to maintain a good rhythm.

A quick warm up over a cross rail turn challenging with a hard roll back to go the other way (thanks Sam……). But it was fine. And then the actual course was just three jumps but they were all hard and involved hard roll backs.

The first was a giant oxer with a tumbleweed under it and we had our first stop. We ran into the jump. We didn’t have a good distance coming in and then I think she must’ve have seen the second pole and decided to not to die. Ali took down the second pole and we went for it again but it was hard to settle. We got fast and I got tense and added some circles and trot circles to start while being told to just go. But I needed to get a somewhat good canter or just not run, and then Ali told us to just trot it. We trotted it okay and then did the rest of the course (two jumps at a canter. The middle cross rail was fine, and then the last cross rail oxer with a mat under it was a terrible distance and terrible jump but we survived.

Our second go around we were able to canter the first one (still not an oxer) and then do the rest. Our last jump felt really good and I’m proud of that one even though the whole day felt like a mess.

[cas-asiaszymanska]

BLOG SUMMARY 27

NOVEMBER 2

Activity

16.10.2024

Today we had the second part of working specifically on my seat. This ride was more focused on my hand and effective seat. We did a lot of exercises with shortening and giving the rain to the horse and working more with my seat than hands. This helped to relax Mon Cheri and achieve aa more forward movement. We also spend some time working on the counter transition itself, as I always rush to it and get really stiff in my seat. We practiced it on both sides and at the end the transition was really smooth, so I am really happy with that. I need to work on it further and create the muscle memory. At the end we stretched out in trot and went for a walk. I am pleased with the training, but also see how much to improve there really is. I see how tiny the signals should be and how a real understanding with a horse could look like. There is a lot I need to progress in, but as now i identified the biggest problems, I can work on them during the next rides.

17.10.2024

Today we did some poles and a jump. We started off with working on walk. We tried doing the smoothest possible trot transition and wormed up in trot. We did some walk-trot transitions, focusing on the smoothness, delicacy and precision. We rode through some poles, focusing on me following the horse's movements. Later we wormed up in canter and did some trot-canter transitions. We jumped a small cross on the circle, focusing on me being flexible and following. We did that on both sides and stretched out in trot. I need to learn how to assess the distance to the jump well, as that is a disaster... I sometimes go to soon with my shoulders, so I need to feel better the moment of the jump. There are many things to improve, but at least I am getting better with my seat.

23.10.2024

Today we did some jumping. We started off with worm up in walk and trot, with a lot of circles and improving the gait. Later we went on to riding poles, focusing on even tempo and the forward movement. Next we wormed up in canter and continued the work on the raised poles, they were hop-in-hop-out. Then we started with the jumps – there was an obstacle and an oxer, both proceeded by 3 poles. We rode the exercises separately at first and then combined all 3 parts, slowly rising the height. We got to 90 cm. At the end we stretched out in trot and went for a walk. The exercise was supposed to check the quality of canter before the jump as well as the rhythm. I think i did good with my jump seat, but I still need to improve my position between the jumps (I need to be height with my shoulders to have better control over the horse). As now I identified the next problem, I have even more points to focus on during the next rides.

24.10.2024

Today we did flat work and my first ride in our new dressage saddle! We did the same in all three gaits: we wormed up in the gait and then started shortening and lengthening the steps in it. The goal was to do it as much as possible with seat only – so little to no leg or rein. After some time of setting Mon Cheri to answer to the seat, it went pretty well. I did a lot of mistakes in the canter transition again... At the end we stretched out in trot. Mon Cheri relaxed much more today and later on responded much better to my seat. There are a lot of things I still need to improve, but today for the first time I felt how nice this horse can move. I need to use my deep muscles more, to stabilise further in my seat.

30.10.2024

Today we did some poles and low jumps work. We started off with worm up it walk and trot. Then we went on to walk trot transitions and riding some poles in trot. Later we wormed up in canter, did two flying changes and started jumping. There were  two jumps – one cross and one oxer cross 18 meter apart. We stared by riding each separately on a circle and only later combined the two riding for either 5 or 4 strides in between. We done that on both sides. At the end we added two crosses on diagonals to the exercise, stretched out in trot and relaxed in walk. Overall, it was ok today, but I need to learn to see a good distance to the jumps as well as to follow the horse (not be before nor after the movement) and remember to always choose a good way to approach the jump. There is plenty of work to do for me with improving the jupms, but I am slowly getting there.

31.10.2024

Today we had a dressage ride. We started off with worm up in walk and trot. Later we did walk-trot transitions with the focus on relaxation, my seat working and Mon Cheri bending. We did the same with sitting trot later. Then we wormed up in canter and did many trot-canter transition, focusing on the same things – in sitting trot. The most important part was following the horse's movements and not doing too much. At the end we stretched out in trot and relaxed in walk. Today I improved my sitting trot a lot, I also put much more effort into the correct canter transitions. There is still great amount of details to improve in my seat, but today was a great start of working with them. I need to use more muscles, but do it in a smart way – not to get stiff on a horse.

Blog summary 27

In the last two weeks I did a little of both jumping and dressage. In both fields I found a lot of place for improvement, but also started to work on that right away. The way to progress are small steps, that I am applying now. In the next few weeks I will be focusing on improving all those details and trying to become a better and more conscious rider.