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Post by hobbyhorse on Jan 18, 2012 14:32:16 GMT 1
Hello Avril and MSC members. Just wanted to send an update on my little dream horse Olga who has now been with me for five years (and one month!).
We're still having enormous fun. She's as fit as a fiddle at the moment and totally tireless as hunting weekly, which she absolutely adores. In spite of this she still remains wonderfully level headed to hack out in between times which we do whatever the weather. She's such a gem and loves life.
Over the summer months we've completed countless EGB rides and knocked up enough distance to be awarded our 250 km rosette which she can wear with pride for a photo shoot no doubt!
Again, she thrives on being busy and long rides suit her down to the ground. She's always so well behaved when out and about, a true go anywhere do anything sort yet remains quite a character with a strong independent streak which I'm pleased she's retained.
I shall try to download some photos later this afternoon, but will post this now as the farrier's due any time and I've got to get the horses up.
Great to read how MSC has gone from strength to strength. I really don't know how you manage to fit it all in. My life seems impossible at times just with two horses and working part time!
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Post by hobbyhorse on Jan 18, 2012 15:44:44 GMT 1
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Post by hobbyhorse on Jan 18, 2012 15:46:22 GMT 1
And another  |
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Post by liz on Jan 18, 2012 18:24:43 GMT 1
How lovely, Hobbyhorse. Olga looks terrifically fit and well - and her feet look very well shod  She's a very smart girl and I'm so green as you're doing what I used to love so much but I have my memories! |
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Post by em on Jan 18, 2012 19:46:38 GMT 1
Oh MY goodness me
What wonderful photos... Olga looks stunning and just oozes great health and well being...I am with LIz very envious x x ;D
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Post by avril on Jan 18, 2012 20:25:04 GMT 1
Welcome back hobbyhorse! It's lovely to read what you've been up to, fantastic. You and Olga have really got it together, it's lovely to see how fit she is. She was always some girl, a strong character but her nature is good and honest, and of course she had the benefit of a good start with her education with us. She has similar breeding to Chatty, Zarina, and Elda, some of the many fine mares we have have had the privilege to work with. Wishing you all the best for 2012 and beyond. We're so proud of you both, well done.
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Post by avril on Jan 18, 2012 20:31:57 GMT 1
I think I should qualify the above post by saying we've also produced many examples who are geldings like George, Roger, Leo, and Satchell to name but a few of that type and breed. We should also include Garth, another fine example. I'm having a few pangs, perhaps it's time to go horse shopping!
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Post by janebaily on Jan 19, 2012 17:49:55 GMT 1
Hi Hobbyhorse,
Well it warmed my heart to see you and Olga, it is so lovely to see both horse and rider looking happy, content and as one. She is one good looking gel, and a picture of health. This is what riding is all about and Avril gives us friends, not just horses, so we can enjoy our equine passion to the full.
She is a credit to you, very best wishes and loads of happy riding.
Jane and Elda xx
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Post by hobbyhorse on Jan 20, 2012 17:20:52 GMT 1
Thank you for those lovely comments. Avril, I have played "Spot the Olga" with some of the gorgeous horses listed above! These horses are so distinctive, well at least when you know what you're looking for. Olga's frequently being mistaken for a Cleveland Bay although I can understand why. From what I understand of the CB's nature, there seem to be many similarities there too!
Liz, yes, she is always well shod. I'm fortunate to have a top class farrier in my area whom I have total faith in. I know I'm very lucky. Olga gets on well with him although she does tend to lean her (considerable) weight on him whilst shoeing so he'll probably end up retiring early with back trouble!
em and janebaily, she always feels her best at this time of year when she is at her slimmest and fittest. Within a month of hunting ending she'll have blobbed out for the summer!! This is her when she's over 2/3rds of her way through this hunting season and she's still surviving solely on haylage and a vit/min supplement in one cupful of FastFibre. No wonder they pork out at the mere sight of a blade of grass come springtime!
All the best with your horses. A dismal day here today but spring is just around the corner, hurrah!!
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Post by Erika George on Jan 21, 2012 21:56:04 GMT 1
My goodness Hobbyhorse Olga looks so fit. George is a positive blob in comparison. I had some lovely rides with my friends over the winter who questioned whether it was a problem having a horse with such a short neck. I said no. He doesn't lean on the bit, rides like a bigger horse but I don't need a step ladder to put his head collar or bridle on. In fact George lowers his head when I want to put his head collar on.
I must admit I have never hunted. I am sure that George would be fab at it, I just don't have enough courage. Having said that it is great to have a horse that doesn't go ballistic when the hunt goes by.
Just before christmas George was due to be shod the same day as the hunt was in the area and the farrier asked if he should change the date. I said that I didn't see it as a problem so we went ahead as normal. What I had forgotten however, was that my two friends who were attending the hunt were scheduled to park at my yard to get ready. They arrived 5 minutes after the farrier and promptly disembarked. George, whilst very pleased to see his hacking friends, didn't move a foot whilst the farrier was tending him. Imagine my astonishment when I then discover that my neighbour 20 metres across the road has agreed to host the hunt. Streams of lorries started arriving, horses disembarking and much neighing and excitement ensued. My friend's two horses we leaping, neighing, snorting and generally getting very excited. George's reaction? His ears were pricked and his head up. His feet still didn't move even when his friends headed off to join the melee.
My farrier's comment was "Shame you can't clone this horse, you'd make a fortune." And just like Olga, he does sometimes lean on the farrier!
And finally, what a fab clip ...
Enjoy your darling girl,
Erika & George
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Post by sarah on Jan 22, 2012 12:17:58 GMT 1
Hobbyhorse, Olga looks absolutely stunning, and is a real credit to you.
Well done George for being such a star with the farrier, with so much excitement going on all around him.
When I had Branston, my poor farrier had to be bribed/encouraged to keep going, as Branston would lean all his considerable weight on him!
Lovely to hear of you all enjoying your Safecobs.
Best wishes,
Sarah. xx
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Post by hobbyhorse on Jan 24, 2012 12:28:55 GMT 1
Erika, George sounds so like Olga, feet firmly on the ground when you need them to be. The only thing that Olga just cannot stomach is shooting which is unfortunate as we are in an area with two local shoots, one large, so only two or three days per week gun-free here. It's been noticeably worse this season, think they've upped their game. She's fine in the paddocks as on home ground but ridden out she becomes so keyed up that she's frankly a danger on the roads and it's not through lack of trying over the years. Most of our winter hacking is therefore round forestry so at least I have an alternative, but roll on 29th Jan - final shoot day and not a day too soon.
As for hunting George, don't rule it out, nor sell yourself short. Take him on several more pleasure rides until you're both confident control-wise en masse then maybe try an early morning or two next season to feel the ground. These are shorter, quieter days before the main season and ideal for introducing young or new horses plus riders. Sure you'd both love it. These horses make wonderful hunters as they're independent thinkers and look after themselves (and therefore you!), plus they can't half shift!! Given the chance Olga would be up front all the time without a problem, it's her mean mum that makes her sit mid-field or even nearer the back for a spell to remind her that she's one of these "mannerly types"!
Sarah, I do recall Branston, super looking big, black chap. One of my farrier's apprentices once told me that they toss a coin en route to decide who's going to do Olga. I said I was thrilled she's so popular...but I don't think they meant that!
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ange
Full Member
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Post by ange on Jan 24, 2012 15:15:58 GMT 1
Erika - does your local hunt do any 'group rides'? I did one last year with Mille - essentially you go out in a group (around 20 of us) but its all very informal and there are no hounds (or foxes) involved. We probably covered as much ground in 1.5 hours as they would cover in the best part of a days actual hunting, as there's no standing around waiting. Like you, I don't have the confidence to hunt, but the group ride was good fun (if a little bit hairy at times)!! Millie went like a train but loved every minute - it put a smile on her face (and mine) for days! Cheers, Ange. |
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Post by gillybou on Jan 26, 2012 11:56:48 GMT 1
I've really enjoyed this thread - doesn't Olga look fabulous. Hobbyhorse, I'm Zarina's mum (except she's now called Coco!). I'd love to hunt eventually so I'm very jealous but you've given me hope that in time she might be good for the job. We've managed one mock hunt (well two thirds of one as she wasn't quite fit enough for the hills round our way!). We have another coming up this Sunday and she is carrying a little less weight now so I'm hopeful we can go a bit further this time. Coco doesn't seem to like as much exercise as Olga and I think she would faint if I mentioned endurance! Her particular strength is and always will be her safety and that's why I bought her. I never worry that she will run off with me which, for a novice, is something you cannot put a value on. I'm not sure she has ever leaned on the farrier although I did have to prod her once as she had nodded off and was sliding slowly backwards on three legs to everyone's great amusement. I'm still not sure yet that she is as confident with me as I hope one day she will be and she is always pretty keen to turn for home. I'll keep working on that one!
I am assuming Olga is a Normandy cob. I know George, Saffron, Chatty and Elda are. I managed to get 4 generations of Coco's breeding off the French stud website. Maybe they are listed there too. It woud be interesting to know.
Gilly
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Post by Erika George on Feb 11, 2012 22:55:24 GMT 1
Hi everyone, thanks for you kind suggestions and comments. Unfortunately I just don't have the time to get George (or me) fit enough to do hunting. I agree Hobbyhorse that these horses can shift! George is the only horse that I have nearly come off the back of because of his launch power, even when I am expecting it I can still become unseated! He's not so good up the hills though.
But it not just at canter/gallop, he has a good active walk, a positive march when on a sponsored ride, and a fast trot that most people have to canter to. So he really covers the ground.
I haven't managed to ride the last couple of weeks what with the snow & ice so I am hoping for a thaw and to get out a bit. Great thing about George is that he will be keen but not silly and is not affected by not being ridden. However I do feel guilty because he does enjoy his hacking.
Still days are getting longer, so it isn't such a dash to get everything done.
Best wishes,
Erika & George
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