One tired horse

So a tough weekend for the big E. 

After some very successful clear round performances on Friday - with Sophie, so not at my hand I modestly point out - schooling on Saturday and Sunday, so sadly by the time we then took him out for a hack he was clearly not quite as up for it as usual.  Firstly perfectly happy to drop in and follow Barney around the woods, not storming to the front or bucking till someone lets him (can this be Ernie); then the whole idea of trotting up the hill in the chalk woods was too much.  Thought I broken him for one second.  How many times in the next few years will I actually consider that I may be in better shape than my horse, let me have my brief moment in the sun ....

His schooling has been excellent this weekend, really trying to get back to basics - both of us.  We have largely got him through his napping - the trick in this case, deep seat, look ahead and tactical crop support.  Short bucking bursts on Saturday but largely clear today.   However we then got compalcent and went for the the school canter, much bouncing ensued.  That said there was a vague hint of promise there, especially as I began to feel for the first time that my seat (again) may make a difference .... dare I hope.

He already feels like a different horse.  We are very close.  It is special.  I am a lucky man.

A little background - part one

I'm the wrong end of my forties to be picking the sand from the menage out of teeth and rubbing arnica gel into bruises once a month but as happens with these things one is too frequently still compelled to act against the wise direction of common sense.  I have explored this is my mind and am relatively sure it is not a mid-life crisis and so am determined to proceed.

Ernie forever represents the now to me - in his company I have no past and no future (the latter being particularly ironic given his young age and my inexperience!).  In this state I am never more young or old than I feel on the day.  Let it always be thus.

Thinking back to whether I should purchase him, I wrestled with a number of self-depricating counter arguments: am I worthy of him? Am I capable of developing his inate talent? Am I just flattering myself? But who cares, I asked for a price on him.  Someone suggests he could be brought-on to hunt, my heart sinks, more challenges!  A couple of google searches later and I now quite concerned about what this means following images of bold irish draughts vaulting hedge-rows that look to be twice their size.  I am hoping that perhaps sometimes the camera does lie!

So my riding experiences are chequered and go back about 8 years, having started with children - more reflections here will follow I'm sure.  We all stopped for various reasons, but after nearly 3 years out a regular saddle, I find myself once again mounted, this time alone!

Once more into the jodphurs dear readers!  So sit deep, nudge gently and trot on.

Welcome to Ernie and Graeme's story

So here I am the owner of a 5 year old Irish draught horse called Ernie. 

This is intended to be the story of our future journey as well as occasional reflections on how we got to this place.  There are learning curves that need a chair lift to ascend and there is going to be a lot of 'help from our friends' on route.

I hope that you will join us on this journey and enjoy the story.  I hope that you will your thoughts and comments.