Harry the ridden pony

Finally, Harry is ridden!

In the space of a week, harry has been dragged back into domestic life! We had Warrick McLean out from Australia and I was extremely fortunate that he was able to come here and do some more groundwork and then he sat on him in the stable.

YAY!

The next day I decided that if he can do it, so can I...and so I got on him and it was great just to finally be sitting on my boy!

And he is measured at 14.2hh. I guessed him at 14hh..will remeasure him when we trim his feet!

Then we took him into the roundpen where Leanne had a proper ride ;-) So exciting!

Bridle on, check! Roller on, check!

Having been turned out over winter and pretty much not had anything done to him, I decided it was time he stopped being on welfare and started to get a job.

So..yesterday was a refresher of tying up and grooming. Today we put the roller on, and then led him out into the round pen. I didn't do it up too tight at first as I thought he might object...no...he didn't give a damn. So then I did it up tight, and again, no reaction! We walked around and he just doesnt mind at all.

So then I figured I may as well try the bridle on for size. Well he has a big head for a little pony! He fits Lucy's bridle and bit just fine lol.

So here he is, first time ever with a bridle and roller on, and I swear you'd think he'd had one on before! And yes I let the rope lay on the ground while I took photos. He ground ties and doesn't move at all, so I have no issue with doing it with him!

And no, he's not gelded yet ;-)

Cover time

Harry's first time with a cover on. I didnt leave it on as it was a bit small for him.

And I have NO idea who Magic is or was!

Can anyone help with guessing Harry's age?

Im keen to know what anyone things about Harry's age. These are the best teeth pics I can get... I am guessing he is around 5yrs old?
Feel free to email me or leave a message in the comments section!
Thanks!

Harry ties up

This morning Harry had the saddle pad on again, and the roller with girth attached. I didnt' do the girth up, but did swing it all over him. Previously he's freaked out about anything falling to the floor off him, but now he's an old hand at it and just stands there.

Then I decided to see if he would tie up. I looped the long rope through a piece of twine, and hung on to it. When he pulled back I kept the pressure up and he soon realised that if he stepped forwards it released the pressure immediately. Two goes, and he's a legend to tie up!

I had to dash back to the house to get my camera, and he stood there quietly tied up while I went. Not ideal in safety terms, but I was confident he was very relaxed and happy. It was all done inside the large stable, and Im sure it will be different when he's outside loose, but hey, first things first!

Very proud of Mr Harrison!

Holiday is over Harry!

So...today after having such a great morning with Byron, I decided to bring Harry in and do the same. He must be learning by osmosis, as ive not touched him in months (as usual!) and wow, he was a different pony today. I was able to get him in the stable and walk straight up to him and put the halter on. Normally it takes a bit of patience and slow movement, but today he was almost like a real horse lol!

I even was able to give him a bit of a haircut, we pulled his tail out and gave it the chop. I think I got about 4" off the bottom, as it was dragging on the ground. its still too long, but at least he won't trip over it now.

I put a saddle pad on him and then put the roller (sans girth) on the top. The only time IVe ever had anything on his back before was when I put my jumper on him and he freaked out completely lol. So today was quite a surprise for me to find that he was very cruisey about it all.

He better stay that way, cause I want to be on him soon!