Everybody's introductory thread - moved from General

[abuela]

Hello greymare. Welcome - that sounds like a great ambition. I admire you for it.

Just an idle question:
 I don't have much experience of the various 'english breeds'. I'm interested to hear from people on the inside, more than the text book explanations.- What have you found to be characteristics of connemaras ?

[greymare]

Wish I could post photos! Not enormously computer-literate (require assistance from nearest child  ) but will try via photobucket or similar.

Abuela, I am in awe of your beautiful horses. They are simply stunning.

As to Connemara's - Irelands's only native breed. Its been suggested that the Spanish horse has contributed to some attributes way back in the 16th Century, with the breed society being established in circa 1926 and continues today.

They're usually considered a good all-rounder, with an breed height standard of no greater than 148 cm. Generally sensible and level-headed, beyond being a typical mare she will give her all for us.  We (now 'I') have dabbled at most disciplines with her, and found she performs best in flatwork, but adores Cross country - and I am nowhere near brave enough to do!

[abuela]

Thank you for that greymare.

Now I must take down the photo of Armas Realejo - I just received a  letter from his owner in the States. He was kicked by a  mare, suffered a multiple fracture of the patella, and had to be put to sleep.

Sigh.

[LadyZoz]

Hi,

Was pointed in the direction of this site by a friend via Facebook, looks really interesting and I'm hoping to get to know you all better!

Currently trying to find loan homes for two ponies and my beloved mare, time and money are great when you have them but can really mess with your life when things change! :(

Some lovely photos of horses on here!

Abuela - so sorry to hear that :(

[Heather]

Hi there and welcome!!

Introduce yourself on the main section of this board as this thread seems to have been overlooked quite a bit lately- pics of your horses expected, of course!!

Heather

[3DE]

Some lovely looking horses on here Introducing my bunch!

I am now living in Caithness, Scotland and have the life I have always wanted (see my siggy)

Inkstack Imperial (Inky) - 18m old Welsh Sec D colt



Colourville Sundae (Sunny) - 2y6m ISH (mongrel )



Babycham - 18y, breed unknown, not been ridden for 4 years - project

[SuzieP]

Hi there!  I've found my way to EE after having a lesson with Damian Stenton last week - probably the best lesson of my life!  Sandpiper is a close friend - she's been gently nagging me for ages (years probably LOL) to give EE a try....so here I am (hi Gill xx).

What took me to Damian and EE?  Well, I have a lovely (to me) 15.2hh horse called Beaver (no jokes thanks - I've probably heard them all...and some over tannoys LOL).  We've had a chequered relationship over the six years since we first met (long story) and although I love him to bits, we never really "clicked" until a few months ago.  I don't know what happened - I just found a new confidence from somewhere.  I was also lucky enough to buy Gill's lovely old horsebox from her and this opened up new possibilities for me and Bea.

We went out over the summer to dressage comps at a local riding centre and even qualified for the championship (came last and in the biggest downpour I've ever ridden in - but hey, we had fun!).  The judge's comments were consistently encouraging (lovely, obliging horse, good rhythm, nice paces) but every single score sheet had the same comment that Bea needed to work in a softer outline.

I had no idea how to achieve this.  I was being encouraged to use a strong contact and get cross with Bea to get him to oblige.  The only result was that we both got hot and cross and discouraged.  Bea did his best, and sometimes we produced some good work, but it wasn't consistent.

I poured out my worries to Sandpiper and she suggested looking for an EE trainer - and the rest is history.  I feel more hopeful and positive now than I ever have!  Looking forward to learning more.

[Mossy]

Hi. I have been arround since the NR days. Have two hooligans. Con, A chestnut Welsh x Tb mare with every stereotype that that description fits. She is cheeky, opinionated, fun, sweet, an absolute witch, all in turn. Also Mossy who is a Highland gelding. He is a four legged psychologist. If you are a small child or a total novice he is a perfect nursemaster. If you can ride and take him hunting, hang onto your hat, britches and anything else you hold dear. To quote EH-D. "Push your hat down on your head, commend your soul to your maker and pretend you wanted to go that fast!" If you think you can ride he will test you, drag you from hedge to hedge and if you try to insist he wil drop his shoulder, and then ask what you are doing down there, whilst visibly laughing!