Dougal Update! *big one*

[GlenmuirCrusader]

Lots of stuff for you all!

First the boring blahblahblah bit.

Things were not good when I gave you my last Dougie update. I am glad to say things have improved.

On a saddler's instruction we were using a gel, filler type pad under his saddle as the it was slipping a little due to him losing weight. With the large amounts of rain and my holiday, he gained weight and filled out a lot more. So we have removed the filler pad aaaaand, success, he has been behaving so much better since. It must have been a bit uncomfortable for him.

Have had a few naughty spots, he bucked me off twice in one week a while back and was being a right loon for a bit. But that is nothing unusual as far as Dougal is concerned.

He's settled down a bit now, we had a Pony Club rally on the 23rd of July. He was reallly good! I was dreading going out on the XC course after last time [stopping at every jump, ditching me twice, cat leaping everything etc.] but he was fabulous and absolutely loving it. He went beautifully in the flatwork in the afternoon as well, a real break through. Not many pics/clips as my mother was unable to attend.

Since then we have been doing a variey of flatwork and hacking, had a little jumping session a few weeks back over small jumps, just to get our confidence up. Mostly been concentrating on the flat. He was been BRILLIANT. I've been really struggling with his flatwork this year, just feels like we haven't got back to what we were at the end of last year. But it's all clicking into place now, he has been going really, really well and if even starting to come round in canter.

My big brother came up to visit as well, and had a wee shot on him. Dougal was an absolute STAR! Even took him off the lead rein for a bit, Dougie, bless him, just followed me where ever I went! A massive milestone for us, so nice to be able to trust him to do this. Dougal also celebrated his 7th birthday on the 11th of July! If only he acted his age...haha!

Did some gridwork with him yesterday and he was LOVING it. Verrry strong and fast coming into the grid, but he steadied himself over the jumps and we ended up jumping up to 3ft [though it doesn't look it.]

Really pleased with him. Still having his mental moments [he jumped over a 4ft fence out of his field the other day, not good. Though I was secretly pretty impressed, haha] but on the whole his behaviour has been really good.

I've had my exam results through and come September I will be off to Glasgow University, all very exciting. So, been both looking forward to and dreading my last PC event, 3 day summer camp. Unfortunately it has been cancelled due to an outbreak of Strangles in the area. Gutted. Going to miss Dougal SO much but I will save that lamenting for a future thread...

Haven't done as much as I would have liked this year with Dougie, in regards to PC/shows/etc due to lack of transport. Really wanted to make the most of our last summer together. However, there is nothing I can about that.

ANYWAY. Pics and videos!

Dougal's birthday.



^ LOOK. No bridle, no dually, no lungeline, no hat. Cool as a cucumber! Massive achivement for us, considering what a psycho he used to be to lead.






My brother having a go.






PC Rally.







Flatties and jumpies over the past month












Phew, that’s a lotta pics.

Videos!

PC, flat, jumping, and naughtydoug.

‪Blame It On My ADD‬‏ - YouTube

‪Blame It On My ADD‬‏ - YouTube

Flatwork 30th July [unedited]

‪Flatwork 30/07/11‬‏ - YouTube

‪Flatwork 30/07/11‬‏ - YouTube

Flatwork from Wednesday <3

&#x202a;What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.&#x202c;&rlm; - YouTube

‪What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.‬‏ - YouTube

Gridwork from yesterday!

&#x202a;A brand new reflection, another direction.&#x202c;&rlm; - YouTube

‪A brand new reflection, another direction.‬‏ - YouTube

Wooow, sorry for the massive flood of Dougal there! Hope your computers are all still in one piece.

Thank you all for your lovely, kind comments that you left me on my last post. I really appreciated the support.

[BEX101]

Such a handsome boy!
Have fun at Uni, it will be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

[loubylou]

he is such a handsome boy! Glad to hear things are getting better for you both! Enjoy the rest of you summer with him!

[Rhythm Bead Queen]

What a gorgeous looking horse! well done to you both

[Bright Sparkx]

Lovely pictures & Fab videos Such a great team xx

[gem]

I'm so pleased that Mr Dougal has decided to be nice to his mum for a change! He looks fantastic, especially in the flatwork pics. It's so nice to see highlands moving like that

[GlenmuirCrusader]

Thanks everyone!

Unfortunately he's back in the naughty book. Little toad was WILD today, total bronco fest, managed to buck me off once again. What will I do with him?!

[My Crazy Clan]

lovely photos, hes a pretty boy.

did you have his back looked at?(think you said you was going to) you said above it was the gel pad, going so long with it on it could have caused sorness in his back, so if you haven't already, best to get him looked at.