The start of the year has not exactly been perfect what with all the snow and then Aldo getting spasmodic colic a couple of times. Even when he seemed to recover from this he just didn't seem himself. The only thing that had changed in his routine was his hay was now being steamed in the steamer my brother made for me and gave to me as a Christmas present. I took him off the steamed hay and Aldo was soon back to his normal cheeky self.
The weather has improved and Aldo has now started competing again. He is getting better at loading although still not going in straight away. However, with a bit of patience he will suddenly walk up the ramp with confidence and no longer shakes when he is inside.
At his first dressage competition this year we achieved second and third which I was really pleased about considering he is still young.
The first test was rider error as I forgot a circle and the second test Aldo was rather too sure of himself and thought he would liven up proceedings by bucking when asked to canter! Looking at the positives the rest of the test was quite good and it gives us a few more things to work on!!
To do something different I have also taken Aldo jumping. He was very well behaved and enjoyed himself. He is not very brave and likes to have a good look at the jumps before he goes over. However, he will then fly them with confidence! Think its just as well I want him to do more dressage than jumping though!
Am hoping the good weather continues and am looking forward to more competitions.
