I’ve been told today I have to move my blog off its page and onto the main blog page, so I’ll see you there!
Alex

Tuesday 28th July
There are horses everywhere today! Or so it feels anyway. 2 more arrived this morning - Oliver, who needs bringing on, and Sid, a show jumping pony who bolts out of his trailer ripping his poor mum’s hands to shreds.
I had a brilliant session with Bertie this morning, leading him over the some more obstacles, picking up feet and grooming. He is so sweet, and he gets tired so easily….I definately think his chat with Todd helped!
Pics below are of him today - have you ever met a horse who won’t eat apples? I have…
I looked at Sid over the obstacles, who had very little confidence. It took a while to get him to stand over a pole instead of rushing over it, and walking on the box and tarp. If he won’t walk over a pole with me it’s unlikely he’s going to stay in the trailer with me, so that’s where we’re starting with him.
Then it was Milo’s turn. Some lovely people who had seen us on the TV came up to see what we do, and they were watching me work Milo in the indoor school loose, then in longlines and ridden. In the lines he is sweet as pie, but on his back he has very little mouth. I was working on getting this softer and just started to ask for a little trot (supposedly this is fine…) but we didn’t even get a stride before I hit the deck. In true Learning To Listen SuperGirl style I landed on my feet and went off to retrieve him. He had carried on bucking after I’d come off, and I really think he did it out of fear. Sarah and I think someone has either been holding on to his mouth or he has very bad teeth, so we have the dentist coming to check that out.
We did some work with the dummy after my swift departure from the saddle and this wasn’t an issue for him so it’s definately rider related. However, we will see what happens. I’ll keep you posted.
For tonight though I bid you farewell. I think Sarah and I are going swimming - don’t know where we get these funny ideas from!
Goodnight

Monday 27th July
Good morning.
Hows things?
Hill Top Farm is a hive of activity this morning, with horses in training, a corporate taster session, the farrier and the building work back in full swing!
I am full up with horses in training this week. We have Beano, who Emma has already had for a week. He’s an event horse who doesn’t do ditches or hacking out on his own. He’s also not a fan of traffic…yet.
I’ve also got Bertie, the big kid, who’s here to learn a little about life, Oliver, a youngster who needs bringing on and Milo, a 17.1hh 5 yr old who bucks when asked to canter. I seem to have gone from a yard full of little ponies to a yard full of very large horses!
So far this morning I’ve worked with Milo, seeing where he is coming from. At the minute he feels weak due to not doing much work, and he doesn’t know much about yielding, so we are starting there. He’s very sweet though.
For now though I have to love you and leave you as I’m going to see Sue and Caitlyn again.
See you soon!
Alex

Wednesday 22nd July
Morning
I do love my job! I had another great day with Rosie & Monty yesterday. We set off riding in the morning before the rain came, and headed down to the river for a paddle. After lunch we had a fab loading session, really getting Monty comfortable in the trailer with no equipment other than his halter and long line. Within an hour he was standing in the trailer all by himself with us waiting for him to come out!
Bertie is settling in slowly but it’s been a big experience for him - leaving home and his mum for the very first time, but he is 4 years old now! Todd is looking after him out in the field and telling him about the ways of the Learning to Listen world, so hopefully he’ll have him trained before I start with him on Monday.
I also took Magic home last night to a very happy Zoe. We did a session in their indoor school with different obstacles and started with leading then had Zoe riding her too. They were both brilliant and I’m really proud of them all. Hopefully they are coming back for a few days through the Summer holidays so I’ll keep you up to date.
I’m heading back out with Rosie now to do theory and more loading before riding out this afternoon.
Talk soon
Alex

Tuesday 21st July
Good evening
Where oh where has summer gone?
Sparkie and Ruby went home on Sunday having had a good week of riding and tying up for them both. I’m just waiting to hear how they are getting on at home.
Magic is like a totally different pony. Zoe came and spent all day Saturday with her and 5 other girls on a pony day. Zoe had some fears to overcome but did brilliantly. I take Magic home tomorrow night and will do their first session with them there before giving them the reins back so to speak.
Rosie is here this week with her horse Monty on a Partnership Course. They’ve only been together since June and although Monty doesn’t do anything naughty there’s still plenty to work on so we are having fun with him.
Sarah also picked up Bertie today, the loader I did at Bishop Auckland a week or so back. He is coming for 2 weeks of training with us before going on to be an eventer. I have the task of putting in the basic groundwork, groundrules and manners … watch this space!
Ooooh and Beccy, who many of you will remember, has come up to see us this week which is lovely. She’s always so jolly and full of inspiration to keep us all entertained!
So for now I bid you goodnight
Alex

Wednesday 15th July
Morning
How are you?
Magic is doing brilliantly, I am so pleased with her. The whole picture has softened and looks lovely. Jodie has been riding her over and through lots of different obstacles, many of which she hasn’t seen before and are in different places to get her used to new things and guess what…no rearing! She’s even done a little jumping. Pic below is them at the end of their session last night.
Ruby, the 2 yr old filly I worked with last year has been learning to tie up and is doing fab. As she already knows how to yield to pressure it was no great drama for her. The only thing was that she was trying to untie the rope, but I was smarter than her!
Sparkie was ridden last night too. He had been bucking with his young rider Thomas, and a bad back was diagnosed as the cause and treated. Jodie rode him last night with no problems what-so-ever.
Liffey is also going very well and she’ll go home this weekend. She’s been hacking out, cantering in wide, open spaces, and tying up this week, all of which she’s taken in her stride. Not bad for 4 weeks hey?
Bella and I went to the Great Yorkshire Show too yesterday. I caught up with Kate and Magnus who’d been competing in the morning and come 4th & 5th on their novice lightweight and heavyweight so they were happy with that.
We have 6 students here from Wensleydale High School tomorrow for a team building day which Sarah K is running so I’m sure she’ll let you know how that went.
For now I’m going to do the accounts … yey…
Have a good one
Alex

Monday 13th July
I guess I should fill you in on what we’ve been doing…!
I kicked off back at work last Wednesday with Magic & ZaZa in training and a not-so-great loader named Bertie to go and see at Bishop Auckland.
ZaZa went home on Thursday after having finished his training, being ridden by the fab Jodie & Megan. He was definately more confident in himself when he left and had lost a little weight.
Magic is doing brilliantly, and looks like a different pony now, nevermind behaves like one! She’s lost a lot of her hardness in her body through tension, and is a lot braver. Zoe came on Saturday and worked with her on the ground. Her Mum Jayne tells me they are thrilled with the progress in only three days so thats great news.
I went out to see Bertie on Wednesday afternoon, who is a 16.2hh homebred 4yr old sports horse who didn’t want to load. Unfortunately, Bertie’s last loading experience was into a wagon and resulted in him falling off the ramp, knocking himself out breifly and cutting his leg badly. So, I thought I might have my work cut out with our little Ifor Williams trailer! But, when I met Bertie I quickly decided he wasn’t worried about the trailer (having had no issue with a trailer previously), but had too much energy and didn’t know what to do with it. He has become a little bit of a monster as he is so big and hasn’t really experienced much in his life. He ran back on the long line, leapt through the air and reared, he went in the opposite direction to me, he wouldn’t come forward, he wouldn’t stop…sounds fun eh? So after lots of halter work getting him at least in the same room as me we looked at the trailer. And after lots of chatting about the situation we went in the trailer…then wouldn’t come out! Anyway, by the end of a long session he was walking in without hesitation and we turned him out to think about things. I was shattered I know that much!
I also went to see Sue & Caitlyn again on Thursday and we had a fab hour working on their connection  and walking together. Sue had noticed that things she experiences when out riding with Caitlyn also happen on the floor. i.e. when Caitlyn gets a spook, they both go in separate directions rather than stay together. So we looked at strengthening their connection and having small experiences together. It started with just a pole on the floor, and over the next fortnight Sue will progress to tarps, bags, scary obstacles etc to show that they can get through it - together.
Over the weekend Emma ran a Saturday Club and I taught my intro students. I took them to the Welsh pony stud up the road to work with Bart, Specky and Bertie, two yearlings and a nervous 2yr old. I had decided they were ready to fly solo a little more, with me there for back-up, but they all did fab jobs, educating the ponies, none of whom had done much previously.
So, that was last week! This week is a little steadier so I have time to catch up with myself and get everything straight ready for a course next week and kids camps soon after. We have Magic, Ruby, Sparkie and  Liffey in training & Bella is here to learn about what we do aswell, so although I say quiet its not really!
For now though I’ve wittered enough, so I’ll catch up with you again soon
Alex

Tuesday 7th July
Hello! I’m home…it’s good to see green grass!
I’ve had the most gorgeous break away in Spain. We were staying in an apartment on the Costa Callida that belongs to my sisters brother-in-law and his wife. Its up for rental, you should check it out: http://www.mojonhillsapartment.com/ The website really doesn’t do it justice - the location is stunning; mountains, beach, and very spanish, not commercialised at all. And, it must have been 35degrees every day!
Anyway, I got back last night and was at work this morning. Sarah Ellis and I had an Instructors day today where we were whisked off, with no idea or clues as to where we were going. At 11.30am we arrived at the Yorkshire Riding Centre for a lesson with Advanced Intructor Will, the idea being for us to feel like a student again! I think we were both quite nervous to start but it was a fab opportunity and we both learnt loads.
I’m heading out now as I’m house sitting again from tonight with 5 horses, 3 dogs and a cat to look after, and all my holiday washing to do!
Wish me luck
Alex

Wednesday 1st July
Well this is it…I’ll try not to get emotional…however much I feel like I need a holiday I hate leaving this place. Funny eh?
The horses are all very good, if a little warm in all this heat poor things. Stan and Maisie went home today, loading like absolute pros. Stan even got me some beautiful flowers, all my favourites, and a home made card with a picture of him as a baby! ZaZa is still doing great and Emma and Holly are going to carry on the work for me while I’m away.
There’s also a Western Riding Clinic this weekend to keep them occupied - never a dull moment.
So, I’ll catch up with you on Tuesday when I get home.
Enjoy!
Alex

Tuesday 30th June
Evening.
Another great day down on the farm…!
ZaZa has had another busy day with bareback work, obstacles, dummy work and the bag pen, while Liffey & Stan have been riding down to the river with Todd & Honey. They were both stars although Stan is still a too weak to get up and down all the hills so I led him a lot. How many 3yr olds do you know though that can be tacked up, led out and got on and off randomly throughout the ride? And he’s only had 6 days riding!
Other than that we have just been getting the place tidied up and on top of some things ready for me going away on Thursday & the Western clinic this weekend.
For now I’m over and out. Until tomorrow…
Alex 

Thursday 25th June
Afternoon all
I’ve had a great few days up here - sun shining, horses going well, what more could you ask for?
ZaZa is doing brilliantly. Sarah (on work experience) has been working with him loads, getting him “kiddy-proof” ready to be a 1st lead rein pony. He can now be tacked up any-which-way-up you like and jumped around and over - cause we all know how kids can be!
Liffey went out for a little ride yesterday and did really good. She’s quite ‘loud’ with her behaviour but nothing silly. We have another 3 1/2 weeks with her so I think she’ll be rock solid by the time she goes home.
I am so pleased with Stan, I’m like a proud Mum! It’s only day 4 and I got on him this afternoon straight off the mounting block then rode him out up the drive a little all by himself. Not bad for four days I don’t reckon. Next door’s cows gave him a little spook when they ran up the field behind him but he came straight back to me like he’d been doing it his whole life. (Thats his pic below from yesterday.)
I also took Todd out to work with Sue and Caitlyn today. Sue is a good friend of Sarah K’s and asked us to come out to see her horse Caitlyn to help them move on to the next step in their relationship.
I had Sue crawling under Caitlyn’s legs and getting on her bareback by the end of the session, with them both chilled out and smiling. Their relationship is just needs some more trust in it, and exercises like that will help them enormously. Todd was a perfect gent too - considering I learnt today he hasn’t loaded onto a trailer for years, possibly never, he loaded like a pro, travelled like a dream and will brilliant at the other end.
Anyway, I think I’ve rambled on enough for now. Just a quick mention to check the dates for diary and rest of the blog for details on all the very exciting clinics and workshops that are coming up…walking on fire anyone?
Catch you soon
Alex

Day 3 with Stan

Tuesday 23rd June
I’m not doing very well at keeping up to date with my blog at the minute am I? Apologies for that one. Truth is, I was sent home last week to get some rest as I burnt myself out and even the clients were mentioning that I didn’t look very wel! But I’m back on form now. So here goes…
We have 3 new horses in training this week. ZaZa is in training to be a first lead rein pony. So far he’s doing great, although can be a bit jumpy at new things. We are working on that though, with lots of bag pens, changing environments, obstacles…all the things kids ponies like to see!
Stanley is a 15.2hh 3 yr old in with me for starting. He has been sat on bareback and had a treeless saddle on before he got here so we just had the easy bit to do. He’s doing fab - day 2 today and I’ve ridden him around the indoor unclipped. Out up the driveway tomorrow!
And then we have Liffey, another baby that Emma is starting for her owners Mike and Kim. Emma rode her in the school today too - its so nice to have “normal” babies in for a change. Usually we don’t se them till its gone wrong, but it doesn’t always have to be like that.
I have another Sarah in for 2 weeks on work experience from Horsforth School too, so I’m getting her all trained up. She’s out riding Rodney now.
And, we have had 16 students from Halifax High School in today for a fun teambuilding day, but I think Sarah Midd is writing about that on her blog.
So, thats me for tonight I think…Jack and Jeanine have gone to Kefalonia for a week lucky things so its just the’r horses to check on before home time.
Have a good night
Alex

Monday 15th June
Wow, it feels like long time no speak…where do the days go?! I sound old these days don’t I?
I feel like a lot has happened in the last few days but I’ll try make it quick.
The G4S Corporate Event ended great and a beautiful bouquet of flowers arrived on Friday to say thank you. They really were amazing people, a pleasure to work with.
Friday was an easy day for me, catching up on bits and peices and then finishing early to pick up my new car. It’s brilliant - dreams do come true! My vision board I made last September had a blue truck on it and here it is! I had my girls in for a training day on Saturday and Elice on a problem solving clinic with her lovely horse Harvey. The girls did loading with Sky, Aaron and Gazelle - I left them to their own devices a bit more this weekend and they seemed to do great. I had a fab day with Elice and Harvey, who was very spooky when we started, and came with horror stories of him bolting through fencing. We came real sweet by the end of the day and Elice even rode him up around Ilton without any dramas which is a huge milestone for them. They have the most gorgeous relationship on the ground it made me very emotional, my job was just to help them get the same when ridden. Fingers crossed they are still making progress back home.
Then today, Sarah had a Musha Programme starting and I’ve been working with Ena and Robbie on confidence and their relationship. I had to use the megaphone at one stage as we couldn’t hear each other over the rain and thunder storm! They did phenomenally and have a good plan to carry on with. He is just trying to work the answers out poor thing, and he’s a big horse to be getting confused! Ena loves him though so is willing to do her best and thats what will pull them through. I’m going to do some more with them tomorrow afternoon to make sure its solid in their heads, and Sarah Ellis is coming over too.
Oh, also, ZaZa has arrived for backing to be a leadrein show pony, so I’ll let you know how he’s doing over the next few weeks.
I’m heading home to bed now
Alex

Wednesday 10th June
It’s nearly Friday…nearly time to pick up my new car! I’m pretty excited, can you tell?
We’ve had another great day with G4S. It got quite intense this morning, but thats what sets what we do apart I think. Sometimes you need to get things out, and Sarah is very good at creating environments and situations to help people out. Very good learning. The horses have been behaving very well, except for Livvie and Blackjack field swapping this morning - they didn’t know what to do with themselves when they got on all that good grass and went a little crackers for a minute or two! Then they cracked on with the job in hand - filling their bellys - very important of course.
Sarah and I are just getting it all ready for tomorrow - 16 of them tomorrow! Eeek. Wish us look.
Alex

Blackjack getting creative with the itching post

Tuesday 9th June
The days just fly by at the minute - I good sign I think!
We have just finished the first day with G4S, the corporate group we have in for 3 days this week. They have looked at themselves and leadership today, taking some time out for themselves this morning then working with the horses this afternoon. It is always fascinating to see how people alter in such a short space of time, but also just how much they learn too. We will see how tomorrow goes, with more leadership stuff.
Nothing much to report on the horsey front. People are starting to book places now on the Summer camps & Western Clinics so if you’re interested please let me know. We also have Megan the Western trainer here on 21st June to do lessons so if you’re after a taster or can’t make the full weekend clinic then it’s a great opportunity.
Also check out the Wish List we’ve just created - nothing wrong with a bit of “You scratch my back…” especially in this economic climate.
I’m off now to do the bills (yawn) then home, so make the most of your evening.
Alex

Monday 8th June
Evening, How was your weekend? I bought a new car! I’ve wanted a blue truck for ages now and finally got one yesterday so very excited…I have to wait till Friday to pick it up though.
It’s Emma’s birthday today so we have eaten lots of cake. Wish her a happy birthday please.
Its quite quiet on the horse front this week as we have a huge corporate event happening over the next three days. Emma did her last session with Gazelle today, the showjumping quarter horse who doesn’t like jumping. She’s doing great and we have converted her to a Western horse. She is however for loan or sale though so if you’re interested let me know.
Sarah and I have just spent the day finalising plans for the corporate starting tomorrow and getting all the manuals etc ready so after a full day in the office my head is pretty mashed. Place looks great though - just fingers crossed for the weather as always. So I’m gonna call it a day for now and head home shortly.
Catch you soon
Alex
P.S. The pic is some of our horses this morning - don’t they look happy!

Saturday 6th June
Working with horses is such a flipping rollercoaster. After Smudge’s brilliant ride out on Wednesday I long lined him on Thursday. Might not sound so impressive, except last time he was longlined (not with us or Lucy I might add) he bent a 5 bar metal gate in half. So I was pretty chuffed when I got the lines on and he worked like a dream. We ended it all on a great note with him so incredibly soft it was untrue. Then Friday came. I thought we would just do the same as Thursday - work him in the school, getting him walking out on the lunge nicely, then turning him into the line and eventually putting both on. I expected him to go backwards a little, however when we went into the school it was like someone had flicked a switch. Something had made him go backwards at 100 miles an hour and I could barely catch him. I worked with him really gently for 30 minutes but he was getting worse. After calling Sarah down to have a look too we decided it wasn’t fair on Smudge to carry on. Sometimes the memories are just too traumatic and he might go along for weeks or months doing great then one day freak and unfortunately that unpredictability makes him dangerous, especially as Lucy has a young baby - its just not worth the risk. So Smudge has gone home for a more alternative lifestyle - maybe learning to do tricks and just having fun. We have to be honest in our jobs, and we would never want to waste someone’s time or money, or put them in danger. He is the sweetest horse on the floor though and I reckon him and Lucy are going to have a fab life together.
On a more cheery note, I have my intro students back in this morning and they always cheer me up! Its chucking it down so we are doing some theory this morning and a big team exercise this afternoon.
Enjoy your weekend - I am going car shopping tomorrow!
Alex

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Smudge just loves to have his legs scratched, they get so itchy!

Thursday 4th June
Hello
I got a message after my comments about my sun burn the other day from Yvonne Brookes telling me she has some brilliant Forever Living Aloe Suncream in the post for me - she says its going to save me so I’m giving it a go!
Smudge went out for a ride yesterday!!! He’s doing brilliantly - he’s pictrued below with Emma riding him. We went up round Ilton, past traffic and barking dogs and washing lines etc. He was a bit worried about the cars but I don’t know how much of that was coming from me as he was doing so well I didn’t want him to get upset! Will keep you posted on that one. I rode Sky too but she wasn’t having a great day. I think she has just come out of being in season and that seems to affect her massively, so she was a bit grumpy and unhappy yesterday. I wonder how much discomfort she could be in when that happens, knowing how it affects some people more than others. May have to look at putting her on a supplement, but then still, how do you know? Life is full of so many questions, I don’t think there really are any answers. Hmmm, food for thought anyway.
I’m heading out now to teach Janice and Anne, two ladies who came to us a few months back for riding lessons as they are complete novice’s and going on a riding holiday. Think today we are going to look at steering, brakes and keeping the horses independant of each other.
So for now I’m outta here but I’ll speak soon
Alex

Tuesday 2nd June
Is anyone else very sunburnt or is that just me? I have some serious stripes going on! Anyway, shouldn’t complain.
We have been doing the Warrior Programme today. Its our third day and we’ve been looking at Dealing With Adversity. Been a great day with sunshine, learning, good food and fab company - what more could you ask for?
Emma rode Smudge again tonight and we even managed to progress to riding him out around the show field with all the spooky stuff out and people milling around. He is definately more anxious when not in the round pen or arena but did brilliantly and trusts us a lot more now than he did 2 weeks ago.
Rosa is doing really well too and is honestly such a pleasure. It’s not very often I find someone I’d love to employ but she has got me! Unfortunately, home is all the way in Bristol so thats not going to work. Huge shame.
Right, home for a shower & some aloe vera to try cool off the burn!
Alex

Monday 1st June
Afternoon,
Another fab weekend with my lovely three ladies. We did some work in the round pen on Saturday morning, and they all look brilliant in there, the difference from when they started is unbelievable. I just popped the names of three horses into a pot and they picked them out, but it’s funny how life picks the right horses for them.
We then went to Christina Scotts place over at Summerbridge to work with a 2 yr old gelding, Bob. His owner, Gill, had got in touch with me as she was having awful trouble getting near his back end, never mind pick up his back feet, and now she has broken her back, so can’t work with him at all. As we were training all weekend I said I would take Maxine, Justine & Claire over Saturday and Sunday afternoons to see him and have a play. Within minutes they were able to touch him all over and down his legs, and by Sunday he was a different horse. We also worked with Bob & Bailey (pictured with Maxine below) on putting their rugs on, which had proved to be difficult to say the least, but again within 20 minutes they were much more settled with it all. Claire couldn’t make it on Sunday so before we went out Maxine and Justine did some creative training sessions here working on mounting and spooking.
Luke went home yesterday but Rosa has arrived! Rosa is here for the week from Bristol on work experience from school. She is so lovely, a real pleasure to have around. She rode Livvie out with me and Sky this morning and is now bathing Liv as she’s a little mucky…whoops!
Sky’s doing great and Smudge is too - Emma rode him around the indoor over the obstacles today and he’s making great progress. He had one little scoot when he walked over the tarp but coped really well, its just a matter of re training his brain now…you know, like we do!
Anyway, office work to be done this afternoon so I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.
Enjoy the sun (I am very burnt!)
Alex

Friday 29th May
Aren’t we funny in England - we complain when it rains that its too wet and we complain when it’s hot that there are too many flies! I went running last night though by the river and managed to half the midgy population by eating them all….yuk. Things I do for those horses!!!
We put the saddle back on Smudge yesterday and then put Luke on again. Smudge was much better than at the start of last week, and we did lots of walking. It was the first time since his arrival that he has moved with a person on his back and he did brilliantly, so we are very happy. Lucy is coming over this afternoon to see him so hopefully she will see a big difference.
Danny has been doing great too. Emma took Victoria out on him yesterday with Maxine and Amelia and they had a fab ride. Victoria has been doing all the bareback stuff with him too, and today & tomorrow they are joining in on a kids pony day. Poor Danny won’t know what has hit him!
I rode Sky yesterday who has come back in to training. She is about 17 yrs old now but still in good health. She first came years go as she was very aggressive, and has had a somewhat interesting history, but is a fab riding horse. Heading out now on a little ride with her, building her fitness up slowly.
Emma also went to work a horse in Durham yesterday who they were having problems with on the cross country course. They had a big session with him, working through his fear of ditches. I think it could take more than one session though so he might be coming for a week or so for some extra help.
The picture below is Audrey riding Tess out with the lawnmower!
Get the fly spray out & enjoy the sunshine.
Alex

Wednesday 27th May
Evenin all. How are you?
It feels like a long time no speak. The horses here are all doing fab. Marcus Fasey, the horse dentist, came up to check over everyone. Livvie was amazing and only had to be sedated a little bit - which in itself has been a long journey! I was very proud of her. Sky did brilliantly too so a very good morning all round. Luke has been doing some really good work with Smudge and Danny has been learning about jumping! Tess went home this afternoon after doing some tractor work, so we wish Audrey all the luck in the world.

Luke and I went to see Kelly Marks doing a demonstration at Askham Bryan College last night. It was lovely to see so many of our clients and friends there and everyone learnt loads. It always amazes me how many people haven’t been to demo’s like that before, but its fab that the world is changing its opinions. All very good stuff.
Well, its nearly 8pm again so I’m heading home.
Catch you soon
Alex

Monday 25th May
Sunshine!!! Well, for most of the day anyway!
I’ve had a brilliant day with Smudge today, doing loads of work with the dummy over his back, off his bum and pulling it under his legs. Then Jeremy (the dummy) rode bareback, which Smudge was cool with, so I decided it was time to move on to me…
I brought up the mounting block and started slow, moving all over his body - shoulders, back, bottom - touching him and leaning over him, before moving on to lying on his back. I figured that was a big enough leap forwards for today, so he then moved to hanging out in the bag pen for the afternoon. He even suprised me with that, making no fuss or worrying.
I went to see Joanne this afternoon too to see how her and William are getting on now they are back home, but honestly, they didn’t need me, they are doing amazing - it’s like watching a completely different horse and rider.
We have Luke here this week as well. Luke has been studying at Monty’s in the States and is doing a bit of work here in return for some training with the horses, so I’ll let you know how he is getting on.
For tonight I bid you farewell
Alex

Saturday 23rd May
I am just loving working with my three intro students. We went off today to Grantley to work with Hugo, a 16hh gelding who didn’t want to load. He was recently sold then returned a day later due to his loading problem - taking 3 hours to get him on after a trip to the farrier. I handed over the reins to the girls, allowing them to get their own equipment ready and make their own plan. My only requirement was that they worked together, as a team, and I would be there to guide them.
Hugo told us he’d knocked his shoulders,hips and head in the trailer, but we had him fully kitted out in boots, protective rug and poll guard.
We worked for two hours to get him in, after whih there was no stopping him. We even took him for a drive and he loaded straight away again when we got home. They all did a fab job, especially considering the very short amount of time they have been training with me, they make me very proud and all the long hours well worth while.
Emma has been teaching three ladies on a confidence clinic today too and they sound like they’ve had great fun and gone home feeling much better, with plenty to work on.
I’m heading home now for a long hot bath and my bed so I’ll catch up with you on Monday
Enjoy your weekend
Alex

Friday 22nd May
Hola!
Well, yesterday was another interesting day with plenty going on.
We did loads more work with Smudge, (pic below with Cressida) putting the saddle on, taking it off, putting it on, taking it off, giving him a break, going again. He came really good with this so we moved on to throwing the dummy over his back, jumping up and down alongside him and eventually putting the dummy on. He did brilliant with this and really settled. Our next step is to start working with him around his back end and down his sides, as this seems to be where the trauma has been.
Joanne and I finished off the theory of her Partnership Course, then she wanted to practice moving him around the school loose without using any tools, only her energy which she did brilliantly with. We then did some more long lining and eventually up to ridden. It is just a whole new picture watching them now, it’s incredible.
Emma was feeling under the weather so had to take yesterday off so hers have had a little break but hopefully she is on the mend today.
I think thats all to report for today so I’ll speak soon
Alex

Thursday 21st May
Morning all.
Sarah and Rob are back! (Yes, they are disgustingly tanned and healthy looking!) The whole team was thrilled to have them home this morning, and the kids were even happier. They might not admit it but they have missed them.
Back to the horses: Smudge has been doing well, although we have had to take him back a few steps. It seems to be doing up the girth that upsets him so much, so we are doing lots of little sessions helping him out with that. He is such a tryer and wants to get it right but he’s just so worried about it all. It’s like her daren’t stop his feet from moving, bless him.
Danny is doing great and Emma rode him out yesterday with Maxine and Star.
Joanne is doing brilliantly too with William (they are on the pic at the bottom). We’ve been riding out in the afternoons, and I’ve been getting Joanne to relax through her seat and trust William with slightly longer reins. It goes against everything our instincts tell us but the difference already is huge. I’ve also shown Joanne how to move William when he thinks he is going one way and we are really going the other by using reverse psychology. He’s a clever little chap but we are smarter so far!
Right, I’m due up there with them now so we will see what today brings.
Have a good one
Alex

Tuesday 19th May
What is going on with the flipping weather? It won’t stop raining, but maybe thats just Ilton’s micro-climate!
We’ve had a busy couple of days up here so I’ll keep it brief.
Joanne is here this week on a Partnership Course with her palomino Haflinger William to build some trust and gain a little more leadership on Joanne’s part. Thus far we have done some work with him loose in the round pen, lots of longlining and bareback work, building trust between the pair, then today we’ve done all the obstacles and ridden out. I’ve been focusing on getting Joanne to breathe deeply whilst riding and sit back, giving a little more with the rein. She’s doing brilliantly.
Emma has little Danny in training, who is here for bringing on after being backed last year then having some time off to grow. He’s doing fab riding over all the spooky things in the school with other horses coming and going. I also have Smudge in training, and am working with Intro student Cressida with him. He was initially brought to us just to bring on and develop his confidence, but yesterday we had an interesting session. We put his saddle on with him completely loose in the school and he stood like a dream, no objections what-so-ever. I then asked Cressida to ask him to walk on, and as she did I saw his whole body go rigid. He didn’t want to move but instinct told me he needed to, so I went in the pen and helped Cressida move him on. Immediatly he blew, broncing around the school. We let him get it out of his system and worked with him till he settled again, but it took some serious time. He’s not going to be as straight forward as we thought so at the minute we are trying to unravel his story. I think he’s had his movement restricted at some point and rushed, so we are going to slow it all down for him and help him out as best as we can.
Sorry, did I say I was going to keep it short?!
Anyway, I’ll keep you updated on what’s going on. I’m picking Sarah & Rob up from the airport tomorrow night so might be Thursday before I’m back online.
Alex

Sunday 17th May
I’ve had an absolutely brilliant weekend teaching my wonderful three ladies. We’ve worked all weekend, going through full Joining-Up procedures, theory and training sessions. Claire and Pepsi are in a much better place with each other and Maxine and Star have done some really good loading work. Justine also did tacking up with Livvie. I feel like we’ve all learnt loads this weekend so I’m on top of the moon. I hope they’re happy too - poor Claire has been poorly as well so she’s done amazing. Below are pics of the three of them today although I’m sure they’ll hate me for putting them up!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend
Alex

Friday 15th May
Well, I waved Jane off this afternoon. Jess is staying until she can get a lift home on Tuesday. Because of the torrential rain we decided not to hack out, but worked in the school. I rode Todd and we worked on him passing Jess in walk, trot and canter while she stood still. Jess came brilliant with this quickly, so we then worked on her brakes, seeing how softly we could get her to stop. After about an hour in total she was stopping beautifully and really relaxing. We ended it on a good note and brought the trailer in to practise loading a couple more times. She went in with out hesitation with the front ramp up. We shut her in, opened the front door and let her out. She’s done brilliant and Jane seems much happier handling her in general.
The farrier has been here too so I asked him to teach me how to properly take off shoes - a skill every rider should have. My legs are killing me now though from being in the “squatting” position and having all Livvie’s wieght on them - I don’t know how he does it all day every day! I am clued up now though and ready to go.
I’m teaching my three lovely students this weekend so I’m sure I’ll have lots to tell you then. Maxine is bringing Star so we can look at loading and Claire’s bringing Pepsi again - I can’t wait!
Enjoy your Friday night
Alex

Thursday 14th May
I got a lie in this morning! I had an eye test in Harrogate so got an extra 30 mins sleep - lovely.
When I got in to work Jane was already here and had Jess in. Jess had come up to her in the field to be caught which was nice and was nice and chilled in the stable getting her hair brushed. One of the things Jane wanted to work on was confidence out hacking, so we tacked up and went out to the river. Jess was “Miss Independent” as Jane described her, just going where she wanted, so very quietly I got Jane to take the leadership, stopping and starting Jess, changing direction and going away and back to the other horses. We worked on Jess standing still while the rest of us carried on walking. This proved to be difficult for Jess so we will carry on with it until it comes good, then move on to her standing while the others trot. So often we forget to be proactive and train the horses, instead presuming they know what we want the getting upset when they get it wrong. We then loaded Jess a couple of times when we got home and after two or three runs through she loaded without hesitation.
Livvie was good out riding, her usual grumpy self with the others but at least going forward so that was good! She is just so hairy at the minute that she gets really hot and uncomfortable so she had a splash in the river to cool off half way round.
I’m just making plans for my intro students this weekend. I’m really looking forward to getting back together with them - it feels like such a long time since I saw them.
So for tonight I’m going to love you and leave you.
Alex

Wednesday 13th May
Evening,
Another good day at Hill Top! We did some loading work with Jess this morning. I think she’s had problems with the front bar and partitions in the trailer in the past as she was relucant to come right into the trailer and kept swinging to the right. When they have knocked themselves they will go “into pressure”, towards the pain. Crazy idea to us but for them it is instinctive. Jess certainly wasn’t a problem loader, but just not perfect. We worked on it in the school with her following Jane in the trailer and standing in there then took her out for a drive in it, stopping every minute or so to take her out and load her up again. Our biggest problem was her napping back to Livvie in the field!
I also worked Liv in the Pessoa today - I like it as it does pull their heads down but encourages the whole body into the correct outline. We just did 10 mins as its hard work, especially when she’s so unfit.
Yvonne gave lessons to Chuck, Valerie and Debs who all learnt loads. Yvonne’s way of teaching really seems to hit the spot with a lot of people.
I’m trying to get all the info together for you on the Mind Body & Spirit Workshops that are coming up, so keep an eye on your inbox for the email on that one.
Enjoy your night
Alex

Monday 11th May
Evening,
We’ve had a lovely day up here. I have a new horse in training, Jess, and her mum Jane. They’ve come to work on developing their relationship and building some confidence together, so we started this morning with some work in the round pen, seeing if we could influence Jess’s decisions. She was much sweeter by the end of the session, just hanging out in the pen with Jane and I, rather than being rather indifferent as she was when we started. We then did some confidence work to end the session with Jane crawling underneath Jess and sliding off her bottom.
I then did some work with Livvie who is now coming back into work. I tacked her up and long lined her in the school for 15 minutes and I have to say she was a star, I wasn’t expecting her to be so good but she was!
So she is now out in the field keeping Jess company and enjoying having the sun on her back.
For now I’m calling it a night - dinner with the parents this evening, but I’ll speak to you soon.
Alex

Friday 8th May
I tell you what, it’s quiet without Sarah here, a bit odd really.
Well, I think I am just about caught up after the Open Day, getting back to everyone who has made enquiries and bookings, although if you think I’ve forgotten you please let me know - it’s not on purpose!
We drew the raffle yesterday for the £500 LTL voucher. It was won by Gill Walker in Harrogate, who is now trying to work out what to spend her winnings on!
Carol Bracher was the winner of the Guess The Weight Of The Lamb competition but kindly donated her prize of a LTL Kids Camp back as she doesn’t know anyone who may want to come. Elaine Cuthbert was in 2nd place, so at the moment the prize is with her. For those of you interested, the lamb weighed 13lb 2oz / 6kg.
All is still quiet on the horsey front this week while they, and us, have a break, but Jess is arriving tomorrow for a week of confidence & relationship building so I’ll let you know how they get on.
Todd is staying here on livery now and I’ll work him a couple of times a week. We are booked up now right into June, I’ve never known it be so busy so all is good on the hill!
Jeanine and I are taking the weekend off now so I’ll leave you to enjoy yourselves and I’ll speak to you on Monday.
Take care
Alex

Livvie lapping up the sunshine on Sunday

Wednesday 6th May
WE DID IT! Thank you to everyone who came to the Open Day on Sunday, I think it was our best one ever, the sun shone, the people came, the horses behaved (poor Laura - Twister, the spooky horse, didn’t spook!).
The mind, body and spirit workshops went down a treat and didn’t seem to frighten anyone off, which was great as thats where we are heading with things. The feedback has been brilliant too and lots of people are booking on courses and clinics.
I have to say, however shattered we all are now, it makes it all worth it when those cars start coming down the driveway (for me anyway!).
Todd was amazing in his “here is one we prepared earlier” demo. I lead him into the arena to “We Are The Champions”, with all the spooky obstacles, fully tacked up, and walked him around. Then, I untacked him and rode him bareback in his headcoller around and over them all, before dismounting by sliding off his bottom. He was such a star, and didn’t bat and eyelid at anything, even when everyone clapped. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a strong connection with a horse as I do with him, and I understand there were a few tears being shod in the audience.
Sarah and I had an Instructors day yesterday, and taught Ang and Judi leadership and confidence building techniques. I was such a mess in the morning but a few words from Sarah K and I managed to pull myself together to teach. Life is always trying to teach us something isn’t it.
So now I’m taking Sarah, Rob and their family to the airport for two weeks in the sun (lucky things!).
Take care and speak soon
Alex

Saturday 2nd May
Evening all
ITS THE OPEN DAY TOMORROW! I’m excited now, once its here I get excited. And…the sun is shining!
Maxine, Victoria, Megan, Glen and the rest of the amazing team have been brilliant, bathing ponies and doing “The Big Sweep”. I can’t thank them enough.
Pray for us for the weather please and hopefully I’ll see you tomorrow. If not, I’ll be in touch soon
Alex

Friday 1st May

Tell me, how the heck did it get to May so quickly?! This time last year I was all emotional cause I was moving to New Zealand - crazy what changes in a year really.
We are one day away from the Open Day now and the place is looking impressive I have to say. The grass is green, the chairs out, the workshops swept…nearly there! We just have to replant the flowers - we did them once but the sheep decided, as they do, that the flowers were for eating. Typical. We’ve had a great time though, all eating and breathing with each other really does bring you close together!
So, its 8.30 on Friday night and I am going to see the rest of the world (or as good as you get in Masham anyway!) for an “early doors” drink…
Good night
Al

This is one of my favourite pictures, Edge and Trigger the Stallion

Thursday 30th April
We did it! The OFSTED inspection showed we are a good school. So, we are back to concentrating 100% on the Open Day again now!
The lawns are mowed, the strimming done, the seating on its way. Its starting to feel close now, but I have to say, we are bang on schedule, if not ahead a little. Jeanine is keeping us all going with great lunches and dinners, and we just keep writing more lists.
Even the weather forecast is great, but we are inside should it be wrong. I think I’m looking forward to it now…I think!
So, back to it for us, but I’ll see you Sunday if you can make it.
Alex

Tuesday 28th April

Rain, rain, rain…what is it that we do wrong every year?! Honestly, it is was glorious last week and now its chucking it down all day long.
I think the horses are enjoying their time off hanging out in the fields and watching us lot do all the work for a change.
Our OFSTED inspector arrived at lunchtime today and has been going through all the paperwork today - rather him than me I can tell you. I think he’s observing teaching tomorrow so fingers crossed he likes it all. Our kids are happy and that says it all really doesn’t it?
So, the indoor school is almost ready for the weekend, with the floor levelled, the “not-so-round” pen up and the LTL stand built. The parking is almost set up and the fences are all very brown - you can tell its Open Day season!
I’ll try and think of something exciting to tell you all soon, you must be bored silly of hearing about the day to day stuff now!
Night, Alex


This is the lovely Chuck, making new friends on his Partnership Course

Monday 27th April

Evenin’
So, how are you all doing?
We have all worked right through this weekend getting ready for OFSTED and the Open Day, as the big move of the offices to the new buildings has had to be done 3 days early! Check us out though - we have done it.
Rooney went home on Sunday. Melanie is going to do lots of work with him at home building up both of their confidence and getting their relationship back on track. I think they’ll be back in a while to do the next step. Todd is now on livery - you’ll all get to meet him on the Open Day. Todd has a little suprise planned for you all.
Tickets are selling like mad now, the phone never stops ringing and some of the workshops are getting booked up.
Emma, Jeanine, Jodie & Megs have been doing an amazing job getting things ready outside and the place is looking better than it ever has done. I’ve been shut in the office for the last few days and all Jeanine’s lovely food is making me get bigger and bigger! I feel an exercise regime coming on.
Anyway, for tonight I’m over and out. Keep calling for your Open Day tickets and to book your workshops, and pray hard for us all.
Alex

Friday 24th April
Eeee Lord, things just keep getting crazier around here! We had a phone call this morning to let us know that the School is being OFSTED inspected next week, as well as the Open Day at the weekend. We must be getting good if someone thinks we can handle all this. I know we can though, the whole team is pulling together like you;ve never seen.
I had to wave goodbye to Amy, Louisa, Tinker and Gertie this afternoon. We went for one last lovely ride this morning before Amy showed her Dad how she had learnt to long line and ride the obstacles. The horses, and Amy, were definately ready for a rest though, they looked shattered from all those long rides and emotional work they’ve done. Tinker’s navicular problems were just starting to play up slightly this afternoon so we decided not to push for anymore from here. She’s like a different horse and has definately done her fair share this week.
So, this afternoon has brought a lot of paperwork from OFSTED for us to organise and fill out. I really feel for Chris, the new teacher, but he’s a strong guy and knows his stuff. I know we have nothing to worry about.
The Open Day buzz is going well and people are calling to book tickets constantly. Don’t forget yours!
I’m going now to play with Todd for a while then home to bed, get some rest before we do it all again tomorrow.
Enjoy your weekend
Alex

Thursday 23rd April

Afternoon,
Are you all enjoying yourselves?
It is just amazing up here. Its 6pm and feels like 3pm…must be a good sign! Sarah Midd & I have just been moving in to our new office, trying really hard to de-clutter and simplify everything but its harder than it sounds with all our stuff we’ve collected over the years.
I’ve had a lovely couple of days with Louisa & Amy. We did long lining in the round pen and over obstacles then rode out in the afternoon all the way around the fish farm. This morning we finished all the theory work and then rode out again round Roomer - we even had Louisa & Tinker’s first canter in the wood.
Todd was brilliant today and Rooney a star yesterday so my boys are still progressing too.
The Open Day prep is going smoothly. It’s a really lovely time this time of year as everyone comes together for one big cause. We really couldn’t do it without them all. And thank goodness for Jeanine and her fab cooking keeping us all healthly. My new desk is opposite the kitchen…think I may be swapping my chair for a treadmill!
I’m going to love you and leave you for tonight as still plenty to do
Alex

Tuesday 21st April
My lord its busy up here. Its 7.20 at night and the Team is still all here grafting away. No-one wants to sit in the office with me though cos I’ve been creosoting and stink! We have (or are I should say) moved in to the new office & reception today. I can’t believe how far we have come from all being crammed in Sarahs house and the barn being a damp old feedroom - it looks amazing and Jack and Chris have done a fab job. Sarah Ellis came up today to hang out with us whilst I was teaching Louisa and Amy. We sat up in the field with Gertie and Tinker this morning doing theory then the herding exercises in the indoor over tarp, between bags and into the box - not as easy as it sounds as I’m sure Louisa would tell you! She got there though. The afternoon brought another lovely ride out through Nutwith woods and Roomer Farm then home through our fields. The horses went out then for a couple of hours of well deserved grass. Tinker was like a different horse today, relaxed and enjoying the scenery - as was Louisa which I’m pretty sure has a lot to do with it. It’s Amy’s birthday tomorrow so I’m trying to organise cake for her. Then it was back to consulting the Open Day lists - they still look a little scary but do-able….I’ll let you know how its going by the end of the week. If I’m panicking you probably won’t hear from me much! Got to get back to it - Jeanine is doing dinner for us all so we are fed and watered for the night. She’s very good at keeping our strength up at this time of year. Take it easy
Alex

Monday 20th April
Hi there,
What an amazing day in the sunshine…it always seems to do this for the last week in April! Can you all please start praying it stays for bank holiday weekend. We are due sun for this year I reckon, we’ve been very good!
I started teaching another Partnership Course this morning with Louisa and Amy. Amy is only 11years old but has such a grown up head on her. She is working with one of Louisa’s horses, Gertie, and Louisa has Tinker. Niether have big issues but want to build on their relationships and improve their knowledge. Louisa also lacks some confidence hacking Tinker out as she can spook and be on edge. After all the paperwork and goal setting this morning we took to the round pen to make some connections. Tinker was gorgeous by the end but didn’t even know Louisa was in the room to start with she was so focused on Gertie, who very quietly jumped out of her nearby paddock to “rescue” her friend! Amy did some fab work too with Gertie but I did feel for her - I remember being her age and hating being watched in the round pen. She did great though and got Gertie moving well.
We then had a lovely hack out to the river where Todd and Gertie splashed poor Tinker until she was soaked! I worked a lot on Louisa’s breathing and softening herself in order to relax Tinker - you get what you give with the horses a lot of the time, so we had to move the focus on to the good stuff…then the good stuff just kept on coming.
Sarah and I have just spent an hour or two writing massive lists of stuff to get done for the Open Day. It is a bit daunting but great for the weight loss programme! The place looks better than it ever has before, I think we are just getting more fussy.
Well, I’m sure I’ve wittered enough for tonight. I’ll catch up with you all soon.
Alex

Saturday 18th April
Evening I hope you’re well.
I’ve had a fab few days - exhausting but in a good way. We are all doing so much learning its crazy. Katie and Beccy, two of the girls who used to train horses here with us came up last night and we had a great session with Sarah batting ideas back and forth, just like the old days really.
I’ve been teaching my Intro course group again today. We’ve had a brilliant day although I think they will sleep well tonight. Maxine brought her mare Star with her as they have some leadership issues. I felt like Star had been rushed through a lot of processes in her life and just needs some time. I’ve asked Maxine to spend 20 minutes with her everyday not asking anything of her, just spending quality time. We will see where they go. Claire brought her 2 yr old Quarter Horse filly Pepsi - now there;s a character. She is SO strong in her mind its is unbeleivable. I don’t think I’ve seen one quite like her yet. Her back feet narrowly missed my nose on a couple of occaisions but we worked through some of it and she was a much nicer person at the end of the day. Justine worked with Rooney and Moonbeam, again looking at leadership. Its a very interesting thing, the difference between dominance, leadership & partnerships.
So all in all its been a heavy day for my lot and they have realised the journey is going to be a little harder than first anticipated, but they must be ready for it or they wouldn’t be here.
Anyway, its nearly 8pm on a Saturday night and I’m still here, so I’m going to love you and leave you. Till another day, Alex

Thursday 16th April
Afternoon,
I thought I’d better catch up with you all now as I might not make it tonight.
Another busy few days here - it is fab to see the place buzzing with all this good stuff going on.
I worked Rooney first thing this morning - at the minute I am trying to work on lots of spooky stuff being around all the time but always changing location too - just because he’s good with it in the indoor doesn’t mean its the same story in the round pen, so every day the stuff moves! Poor boy, think he wonders what’s coming next when I get him in each day. He’s really coming on though, not even seeming to notice the bags jumping out of the hedge on the way in or the tents in the show field this morning. So today we schooled in the round pen with bags flapping all over around the edge and sheep and lambs leaping about…not every horse would handle that at 8am!
Debs & Todd had another great lesson with Yvonne yesterday afternoon - we are getting there. You just can’t rush the process but Debs loves Todd so much he just wants to do it right for her. Gorgeous to see & very special.
I had a great time with Tracy and Katie yesterday. The change in Katie by the end of the session was incredible, she just relaxed in Tracy’s company and the whole picture changed.
Emma’s doing really well with Kids Camp, keeping them all under control and teaching them all that she can. They went out riding yesterday afternoon and 6 very smily children arrived home, although they looked a little more tired this morning! Good job its only three days, four is just a bit too much for kids and ponies really.
The Open Day prep is going well - the boys are digging big holes in the yard today for the pipes for the new barns and Sarah and I keep having early morning / late night meetings to make sure we are going in the same direction! The place will look great on the day but we may be looking a little weary by the end.
Anyway I think I’ve wittered on enough for today. Below is a picture of my fab Mum and me when we went out for my birthday last weekend. Its to the movies tonight with Sarah Midd to relax and watch Fast & Furious..thought we needed to chill for the night!
Take it easy
Alex

Tuesday 14th April
Well well well, I don’t even know where to begin with today - “it’s been emotional” as they seem to say in Yorkshire!
I knew it was going to be a bit of a crazy one, as we had three children coming for a pony day with Jeanine, owners for sessions with their horses, Yvonne teaching lessons and myself and Sarah Ellis on an Instructors training day, but I thought it might have been a little easier than it was!
Unfortunately, one of the ponies who came for the pony day had got upset travelling and started with colic, so we had to have the vet to her. She came round quickly thank goodness but had to have the rest of the day off and is still here now to keep her settled. The kids all had a great day though, playing, grooming and riding out.
The horses’ owners all volunteered to be taught by myself and Sarah Ellis whilst we were assessed today and although there were some anxious moments (about being watched by Sarah Kreutzer, not working the horses!) we both got good feedback from everyone so thats always nice to hear.
Debs had a riding lesson with Yvonne & Todd this afternoon which was also pretty emotional but it was good for Deb to let it out and feel it, not try to hold on to it all the time. She made big leaps and is coming back tomorrow which I usually think is a good sign!
We have just organised tomorrows Kids Camp which Emma is running so I’ll keeop you up to date with how grey her hair is getting by Friday…pray for her please!
Home time now I reckon, although I doubt James, my house mate, will have my tea on … need to get him trained better!
The picture below is Todd and Edge enjoying the sunshine after a ride out.
Enojy your night
Alex

Monday 13th April
Evening,
What a glorious day again, we are so lucky.
Hill Top has been a busy place today I can tell you! JoJo arrived this morning for a week of relationship building with his Mum Tracy. He is so sweet and loves to give kisses. Emma has been working with Nico and Ceri and I’ve worked with Debs & Todd. I took them out for thier first ride in a very long time today. We did the block around Ilton and although Deb was worried to start she was enjoying it by the time we got home so great progress for them. She has decided Todd isn’t leaving now - he’s going to move to LTL for livery!
Rooney & I did some spook busting around the yard then rode out a little way. So a good day all in all.
Enjoy your night
Alex

Morning. I hope you’re all enjoying the long weekend you lucky things.
The Western Clinic went great this weekend from what I understand, everyone learnt loads and there is always such a lovely atmosphere between everybody.
I had a fab day teaching on Saturday - we went to the Welsh pony stud down the road and sat in the field with three mares in foal and the stallion whilst writing about the nature of the horse, herd structures and pecking orders. We could see it all happening live in front of us which was far more interesting than sitting in the classroom writing it out! Then just as we were about to leave Kim decided to turn the new mare and 3 week old foal out in to the school for the first time, so we watched them having a play. The little colt, Eric (or Tigger if we use his real name!) was pinging around showing us just what he is made of - stunning little boy, I’ll get the pictures up asap. So we arrived home quite late for lunch. We had a quick break then watched Sarah and Karen loading with Maestro before doing the herding and yes/no games. Maxine went first into the pen and had an amazing experience with her energy so I can’t wait to see how that progresses.

It was my day off yesterday so I thought I would take the dog for a walk along with river from Knaresborough to Harrogate, nice easy stroll I thought…I was wrong! We ran out of track completely and hit a bog and some very dense woods so after an hour of bush beating and praying a lot I found the track I wanted and spent another hour marching home - poor Elsa the pup was shattered! Blew away the cobwebs though.
Will report back later on todays goings on.
Take it easy
Alex

Saturday 11th April
Hi there,
Sorry I haven’t been in touch for a few days, been a bit crazy what with moving house, working horses, open day prep and my birthday!
I didn’t make it to see James Shaw on Wednesday night as I was running late and still had stables to muck out. Shame, I was looking forward to it.
Todd and Rooney have both been doing good - the picture below is Rooney in his new favourite outfit - tells me it keeps him cool and dry at the same time. Suits him I think!
We have a Western Clinic starting today, and I am teaching my Intro Course ladies again, so I am off now to sit in a field down the road, watching the herd of ponies and studying the herd structures and pecking orders. We will let you know how it goes.
Have a great Easter weekend.
Take care
Alex

Wednesday 8th April
Hi everyone,
How are you all today?
I have managed to get caught up with myself a bit today, sorting out everything that I’ve got behind on over the last week or two! I started this morning with writing two huge lists about what I needed to do, then wondering where to start! However, 5.45pm and done a lot of it thank goodness.
Just had a lovely session with Todd and his mum Debs. Its pretty windy up here tonight so we decided to leave the riding and I taught Deb to long line instead. Its a fab skill to have, especially when building confidence with both horse and rider as you can go and experience the world, with your horse out front, but with your feet firmly on the floor. All those lines do take some getting used to though!
I’m heading now to finish the horses off then to Bedale to a talk by James Shaw on the bio-mechanics of horse & rider together. Hopefully I’ll have something really interesting to tell you tomorrow.
Night
Alex

Tuesday 7th April
What a day! It’s not going to sound like much but honestly I am wiped out.
I was woken up three times in the night by the dogs barking at the front door of the house - very freaky when they do it as the house is in the absolute back of beyond and they only tend to bark when someone arrives, so at 3am its not fun!
However, I was still here this morning and took Todd for a ride. We went out on our own again and he was so much better than yesterday - thats when you know how you’ve done, by how it goes the next day.
Also I’m learning loads about this honesty thing everyone talks about. Looking into a horses eye and knowing you have the very best intentions for them changes everything. How can you tell someone how much you care & not look at them?
Sarah Ellis & I had our Instructors day today with Sarah. Was good to go over ground we haven’t touched on for a while. Then we watched quite a powerful film about working with horses and our intentions. Food for thought. To round it off we went and sat out in the field with Edge & Nico to just be…nothing more and nothing less. So emotionally I am shattered now, and heading home for a very early night.
Take care
Alex

Monday 6th April
Evening all. I hope you had a great weekend, I had a fab time teaching and finished it off nicely last night with a glass of wine for a friends birthday.
We kick started this morning with a meeting about the Open Day. I can’t beleive how fast it has come around again…this time last year I was packing my bags for NZ!
After that came poster delivering, making sure the whole world knows we are having an Open Day. It is lovely to have the support of all the locals here, they really do their best to help us out.
I rode Todd out on his own this afternoon for the first time. He was definately more concerned but I think some of it has become a habit and is just him being a bit clever at getting out of work. He napped at the bottom of the driveway, looking around a lot and wanting to stay with Nico who was in the field. We worked past that and walked out up the drive like a dream, until I wanted to go right at the top, not his choice of left. As we have been out hacking a lot this last week with other horses and he has been happy to go in front I felt it was a conversation we needed to have. I didn’t argue with him, just worked very gently with his brain. We did this one more time when he didn’t want to walk towards the kennels at the bottom of the hill but wanted to stay with Barnaby in the field, but after a 10 minute chat we were on our travels again and marched home, ears pricked, enjoying the sunshine. A real breakthrough I hope…tomorrow will tell the story.
I did some schooling with Rooney over poles as we were going to go out but it started to throw it down with rain so I had a swift change of plan - I do love the indoor school sometimes!
Heading for another meeting with Sarah and Rob now - there is so much going on at the minute it’s hard to know where to start!
Enjoy your night,
Alex

Sunday 5th April
Sunday afternoon and I have just finished teaching the first part of my very first Introductory Course.
Sarah has invited me to take my Instructors Certificate, and a part of this is teaching an Intro Course. So, I advertised for volunteers and had 12 applicants - I only needed two! I chose three ladies in the end - Maxine, Justine & Claire. We did our first two days this weekend and so far so good. All three have come from different horsey backgrounds and have different goals so I’m really looking forward to it and have had a great weekend with them.
All the horses in training are doing really well (and so are their owners!), making great progress and enjoying their weekends off in the sunshine.
On that note, I’m going for a Sunday afternoon drink. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Todd & me out in Druid’s woods

Wednesday 1st April
What gorgeous weather we are having at the moment - perfect for working outside.
I was up early this morning sorting all the horses and dogs I am looking after, but I have to say it’s not bad when the sun is shining like this.
Yvonne rode Todd for me in the school today, working on getting him really lovely and soft through his back. She is an amazing rider and she says they had a fabulous session together. Rooney just had a little ride in the school as I am concerned he is sore in his back, but we worked on him sidepassing and leg yielding - he was very good but worried to start with, it was like he was trying too hard to get it right! I soon got him settled and thinking again though and he came real sweet.
I picked up my new house keys today too which was very exciting, although I seem to have given all the front door keys to my house mate so I can’t get in! Whoops!
So now its off home to do the horses and dogs again then out to watch England win the football…we hope!

Tuesday 31st March
Warrior Programme day…as we were starting training at 9.30am Emma and I decided to get up and ride the two boys out first thing. So, at 7.30am off we went up the road for a nice gentle hack. It was lovely to be up and out but I definately don’t think I am a morning person at heart! Dusk rides are more my thing I think!
I had a great day on the Warrior Programme - this day was all about leadership and we used the horses to learn about ourselves. Its just nice to take a step back and look at it all properly.
After all that learning I’m exhausted now. I’m heading up the road to house, horse and dog sit for a week then I can pick up my new house keys - very exciting!

Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts

Alex

Monday 30th March
Its been non stop this weekend, with teaching more clients with their horses on Saturday, the clocks changing and running a bar at Masham Sports Club on Sunday. In amongst all this I am moving out of my house tonight so I did lots of packing yesterday. Was a bit sad last night, lying in bed with all the walls bare. However, moving on to greater things!
I had a lovely ride out with Emma today, with Em on Rooney and me on Todd. We took them down to the river for a splash then back up the fields home. The sun was shining and both boys behaved themselves, apart from Rooney having a little moment where he wanted to follow Todd and Emma didn’t!
Nico arrived on Friday night for training which he started this morning. He’s a little character - got lots of energy and things to say so we will see how he gets on! So far so good though.
We also have a film crew here this week from York University, tracking some of the horses in training for their project, and Jo Greensit is a second year veterinary student here on work experience for the week.
Honestly, there is no time to get bored around here!

Friday 27th March
Well, we reached the end of our Partnership Course this week. All three ladies brought tears to my eyes when they did their demo’s this afternoon.
Nicki had a suprise up her sleeve and had written a story about her journey from Mr Darcy (her horse)’s point of view, followed by riding around the obstacles with serious pace, something they didn’t have on arrival!
Becky & Lardy walked the obstacle course as Becky’s back was giving her jip, but they even managed their first jump and a bow.
Diane showed off both Mo & Lilly in the school, riding with much nicer head carriages than they had and definately more confidence.
The Bucks Fizz supplied by Diane finished the week off in style. I can’t wait to see what they can do when they come back for their riding holiday!

Thursday 26th March
Another fab day with all the horses and ladies. I can’t beleive how far they have come in four days, with them all riding around the obstacle course laughing and joking, rather than feeling sick and wanting to get off!
Todd and I had a great ride again in the school last night and I’m hoping to get out on him over the next few days now he has all four shoes back on.
Rooney had a day off to allow his Bowen to work so he will be back to it tomorrow.
Speak soon
Alex

Wednesday 25th March
I am having an amazing week this week.
I have been teaching three very brave ladies on a Partnership Course. All have come with confidence problems and are doing brilliantly. Becky, who felt sick everytime she even thought about getting on her horse, was riding around bareback today in the school in just a halter! Then, to my amazement, after her turn and a little rest she decided to do it again! This afternoon brought more suprises with Becky trotting around the school (tacked up this time) laughing and ENJOYING herself!
I am so proud of all three of them, it makes me really emotional to see the changes in them. I can’t imagine where we might be by Friday’s demo.

Rooney is doing great and has nearly all of his mane off now. He had a Bowen treatment today to treat the soreness in his neck, poll and hamstrings so he should be a lot more comfortable all round now.
I am chuffed with Todd. Vicky, who does the Bowen, has been treating him for months and he has always been sore in his poll. She checked him out today and said it was the first time he hasn’t been sore, so we are having major break throughs. I also had my first canter on him today and he was really settled. I can’t ask for more.

I’ll be in touch soon with more great news I hope!

Alex

Friday 20th March
Glorious sunshine again this morning definately makes getting up easier!
As this is my first post I’ll give you a quick intro to a couple of the horses I’m working with at the minute.
Rooney is a show cob who spooks, doesn’t like going through water and is terrified of the clippers (not great for a show cob who needs to be clipped!). He is a very lovely, genuine chap who has lost some confidence in people.
Todd (The Whisperer) is an ex dressage horse with 167 BD points under his belt. He has also lost some trust in people and confidence in himself along the way. He and his owner are here to rebuild all of this.

So, now you have met the gang this week I can tell you what they have been up to.
Rooney is now at the end of his second week with us. He has two more to go. We have done lots of obstacle and trust building work and already he is like a different horse to the one that arrived. We have been out on some gorgeous hacks to the river, which he has been great with, and through the woods.
We have done lots of small sessions with the clippers to get him to settle with them around and this morning I did him again. His Mum has asked us to hog his mane - he now only has 1/2 of it left but is doing really well! Small steps are working for Rooney.
Todd and I have again been building up trust. I’ve done some bareback work with him, lying along his back, sliding off his bottom and crawling between his legs. If I can’t trust him, how can he trust me?!
I then started lots of work getting him to soften in the longlines, as he puts his head up very high and stiff, which unnerves his Mum. We started off in the round pen doing lots of turns and changing direction, working up to some lovely, soft transitions. He spent yesterday in the “bag pen”, having all the dangling bags and tinsel over and around his head, then today longlining over and through all the obstacles and “spooky” things, lining out around the yard, then riding over the obstacles as well. He was very sweet and I am chuffed with him today.

My afternoon now consists of updating the website, writing press releases, organising advertising & picking up the posters for the open day to get out this weekend. (If anyone wants any to put up at their yard/tack shops please let me know.)

Enjoy the sunshine this weekend and I will catch up with you all on Monday.
Take it easy
Alex

Morning
Isn’t it lovely out there at the minute.
I had another great session with Jane and Jess yesterday. Jess came all the way up the field to be caught which was a lovely start. Then after a good grooming sesh we worked on giving Jess a reason to be with Jane, and getting them on to the good stuff. We had some obstacles set out in the school and I asked Jane to see if Jess would follow her around them. To start Jess was wondering “why?” - not being naughty but she had no reason. So, we worked on just asking for a couple of steps at a time and showing Jess what we wanted. When she was walking forward with Jane she stopped and gave her a little treat. We also used a water spray to stop Jess from nagging. We then got to the point where Jess would stay with Jane but only down one side of the school, the side nearest the other horses. We worked a little more on making that side harder work and the far side easier and within about 45 minutes she would follow Jane around the school, stopping and starting on all the obstacles and not nagging - her manners were impecable. The feed wasn’t a bribe but a reward - would you go to work if you weren’t being paid, only ever getting an occaisional pat on the back? I also rode Livvie and ponied Black Jack up the driveway - the horses are on a few fitness programme as they’ve all suddenly ballooned now the grass is here!
Anyway, today we are going to recap from yesterday with Jane and Jess then look at doing the same with the trailer as Jess isn’t 100% happy in there at the moment. Yvonne is also coming to give lessons so should be a nice day!
Below is a little picture I thought was lovely from yesterday.
Enjoy your day and don’t work too hard
Alex

 

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Justine & ZaZa