Taupaki Performance Equines

Time to learn Dressage Minke

2008-11-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

This week Minke is getting fitted in a new pair of heels ;) (shoes) And then its time for a bit of a reality check for the miss. I've decided im going to get stuck into her dressage over the next wee while and shes actually going to learn..A) softness B)Slowing doowwnnn C)working through the contact etc etc.. Our jumping doesnt need any work its comes very easy to her.

So watch this space. Im going to be keep track of our day to day progress!

Oscar with his new mum Kristina and Ellie and Sarah Riding!

2008-10-10T17:10:00.001-07:00

Bert - hes so wise :)

"Me so sleepy!"

SARAH and her lovley horse BERT :)

HMMM Sarah - there's your horse, but...where are you???? OHHHH there you are ;)

KRISTINA AN OSCAR (showing that he an stand without be held :P)

ELLIE AND SPYKE

Meet Sharkia

2008-10-10T17:02:00.001-07:00

Sharkia is our yearling half arab filly that we have had since birth. We purhased her mother Queenie infoal last year. Sharkia was born on the 16th of September 07 - she is very cute and will be mums future mount! here are a few pics taken yesturday :)

Minke has a bath!

2008-10-10T16:59:00.001-07:00

"Does my butt look big?"

Ahh-HUH! It was an Abcess after all!

2008-09-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

Turns out I was right! Oscar DID have an abcess! A few days after my last post a big Abcess burst open on his heel - OUCH! But it is a relief, because now It means that I can stop worrying about what it is making him so lame! He will be getting shoes on this week.. Two weeks after the abcess has poped, and then he will come back into work - YAY.

Minke's winter turn out is now over as of last week and she is sooo full of herself...But I kinda like it its fun! (not that I should be encouraging that behaviour!) She seems to still be a fit as she was when I turned her out -That is probably from the laps at gallop she seems to do twice daily in the paddock..no wonder she is always pulling shoes!! Im really excited about what the season is going to bring for us. Im really going to concentrate hard on her and I and getting us out there and competing. I know that I really need to work on her dressage this season, so I am going to really concentrate on that and hopefully we may be able to do a decent Prelim test?!?!?!

Will probably ride this avo if the rain holds off, so will get some pic's and put them up tonight!

SO sick of the MUD!

2008-08-18T23:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update tonight - Not much is going on around here, Oscar is lame with Seedy toe and It has been to wet to do anything with Minke.

Oscar is being Stabled, just to keep him out of the bog and I think he enjoys all the fuss really ;-)

...And it's raining AGAIN!

2008-08-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Well after two days sunshine, the rain is back and as i look out the window i see all my plans of riding today being washed away !

Ollie was sold last Thursday, to a very lovely lady called Angela of South Auckland - she came and had a ride on him and said she wanted him on the spot, So he will be going next weekend - I dont like to think about it as i am very attached to him - he is such a dude, but alas he is going to fantastic home where he will be her one and only, and give him tons of attention :-)

Oscar has been sore over the last few days, i thought it was an abcesse brewing but the farrier came and had a look yesturday and it appears he has seedy toe - poor pony! Can't wait untill he is sound and he can come into work - hope to compete him and Minke next season..

Minke is still having a wee break, i bought her in to ride her but she has lost two shoes, and the farrier did not have time yesturday to whip them back on so she will be done next week then will come back into work! She is obiviously very full of her self however, as she has been hooning around the paddock playing Sily buggers with mums filly Sharkia.

That's all for now -
I hope everyone and there GG's are well and warm in this horrible weather :-S

xx

Michelle rides Oscar...

2008-08-04T20:16:00.003-07:00

After Ollie's photo shoot Michelle has a we play on the very green yet eager Oscar! - Exciting!!!!

Here is my fav pic :)

Ollie has a "photo shoot"

2008-08-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Michelle (http://www.kiwisporthorses.co.nz/) I now has some lovley photo's of the big 'ginga'!
He is now on TradeMe to, for a STEAL of a price - Someone is defiently getting a bargain at this price.. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=168767617 <--- Pics on his advert :)

A few pics of me on Mooch, Gina's horse at Taupo

2008-07-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

:) Man i WANT this horse!!

Finally managed a decent ride!

2008-07-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

Yes believe it or not it did not rain here yesturday, we even had sun!!

....Ollie and Oscar went down to the arena and i had a play on them.

So here are some piccies from yesturday.

I only had a little play on Oscar (wee walk around) so he can take it all in he is much more greener the Ollie so will be taking things nice and slowly with him.

Ollie is just such a DUDE i love riding and schooling him, he picks up on everything super fast it's just fantastic and he has a LOVELY canter.

OHHH and i went to Taupo to help out at the Vaughn Clinic with Gina and Michelle. Had a blast - they have lovely horses and i even managed to steal a ride in the clinic on Moocha and on Friday i had a ride on the lovley Tree-Oh.

Also nice to me Fiona *waves* and her lovely big horsey!

2008-07-20T15:25:00.001-07:00

Haven't been posting for a few days, as i have had no motivation with all this rain and mud espically when it takes me an hour to get all the mud off and have my horse looking presentable only to hop on for 5mins then it pour with rain - makes it most hard!

All the horses are well, except i think new boy (Oscar) is getting or has a abcess so i have been soaking his hoof daily, total bummer as i really want to have a ride and play on him!

Ollie has been going down to the arena, he is SUCH a dude, i actually ride him on the roads now too. He is great with traffic which is a blessing around here as we often have huge trucks passing with speed - ARGHH!!

Minke has been chilling, but with Crystal being sold - YAY she will become priority too.

Really excited about this weekend, going away with Michelle to be a helper/groom at the Vaughn clinic at NEC. Should be a fun weekend, lets hope the weather holds.

Picks of "no name" playing in the paddock

2008-07-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Oh and a picture of my Kitty cat that i took coz hes cute :-P

"he" arrives!

2008-07-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

AND he does nto have a name - poor boy! So i need idea's...Hmmmmm

He is loovveelllyyy a big sook! Found out he was hand reared so is SUPER friendly, although not to in your face thank god.
I had a ride on him at the track, rather nerve wrecking LOL but he was gentle as a lamb to ride, and happily "popped" over a few poles too! He is not as schooled as Ollie, nor is he as quiet (i think Ollie is an exception to all TB's though!!!) I think he will come along well, the hard thing will be choosing which one out of him and Ollie i will keep, but that decision wont be getting made till atleast next season, and after both have had some outings :)

Oh took Ollie to the arena for a ride yesturday, he is such a dude i even rode him on the road there with big trucks and all that going past oh and the rain drizzling he could not have cared less, except one little look when the sneaky dobermans ran at the gate and lept up barking as we rode past. Ollie has a big bascule jump and it is lovely to ride, very happy with his progress!

Another NEW horsey comming today

2008-07-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Got a Phone call yesturday about a thoroughbred gelding that's owner has passed away and the the trainers have to find him a home. She said she had a really nice boy for me and would i be intrested - I said yes defiently so she sent me some pics and i was like "WOW" I did not think he would be THAT nice!

He is by Columbia, rising 5, bay three white socks and stripe (very cute) Never raced, been trained but taken slowly as he was a slow to mature. (body wise) She said he is FULL of character too, so i am very eager to go and meet him and pick him up today! :-)

Have added the pics to have a nosey at..

Enjoy!

2008-07-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hav not had much motivation to ride over the last few days, so the horsey's have had a wee break :-) Plus it has been farrrr to freezing!!!

Just thought i would post a few pics of Crystal...I've had her for a while, but shes been chilling in the paddock, and occasionally comming in for a fussing and short ride...Here are some pic's of her in all her winter glory! (Her clip is growing out!)

Crystal is 15.2hh Cldey arab tb, 12years old done horse trials etc..Quite a "hot mare".. LOVELY movment, soft mouth etc...Needs a capable rider however..She is
tentatively on the market at the moment, and im looking for a experinced loving home for her. I am wanting under $1k for her Email for more details..Yes she is cheap, but the market is quiet at the moment, and all i am wanting is a good home... taupakiperformanceequines@hotmail.com.

Well Minke behaved ALOT better then i suspected!!

2008-07-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well it was a day of firsts on Sunday for me and Minke, my first time the float without mum (my second time towing ever) and Minke's first Ridden show - (she did one inhand show when she was a three year old.

Towing went well, despite me being very nervous it was an un-eventful journey, and as per usual Minke stood like a rock in the float.

We got there at about 8:45 (coz of my nana driving!) And my class (80cm) was starting at 9 so i quickly tacked up and got on, hwever they were running late and it did not start untill at least 9:30.

Minke was such a good wee horsie, she had never been in a situation with so many horses, but it didnt bother her she kept her attention on me the whole time and listned to everything i asked her.

We didnt get any placings but that is not what i went there for, i wanted her to have a reaxig enjoying non stessfull first event, which is what we had...

So YAY!

Here are a few pics....

CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO ENLARGE THEM!

Minke has her first ridden show tomorow!

2008-07-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Very excited as tomorow (sunday 6th july) Minke and i will be competing at WHS, SH and SJ'ing!! Well we will just be doing the morning clases of SJ'ing, as i dont know the SH rules or anything, and im guessing it may not be a tidy round. I'm taking Inkie too, he needs some competiong work seeing as i am selling him..

Going to be a very exciting day!

Steph
xx

Ollie goes to the arena!

2008-07-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ollie also went to the arena on Thursday, just for a wee play and to see how he reats in a new enviroment.

Well for an OTT Thoroughbred i dont think i could have asked for better! He is a real dude, and i think we will have lots of fun! I'm really looking forward to producing my first OTT TB and although my hopes may be high, i would really love to do horse trials/eventing with him ! So i hope we can do that.
Anyway, enough blubbering, Ollie was a real good boy walked troted even managed a canter, and a play over some trot poles..Boy can he bounce! LOL

Will hopefully get him to the Arena again this weekend, Although my chances may be slim, as i have people comming to see the wee horse im selling on behalf on Saturday, then competing Inky (the horse im selling on behalf) on Sunday at WHS.

Should be a busy weekend!

Ciao for now,
Steph
xxx

Minke Goes to the Arena!

2008-07-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well they all got new shoes on, on Wednesday, so i took Minke down to the Arena on Thursday (yesturday) We did some more flat work, - man this horse has the lovliest canter- Still got to work on the trot though! So after about 15mins of flat work, i decided to pop her over a few jumps someone had set up a small grid/course, the last jump was a big, about 1.05m and i though ill do the others, then skip around the last one and go over the first one again. Well it didnt turn out like that LOL

We flew around the first 4 jumps, minkes little ears were pricked forward, she adjusted her stride, and "pop" we flew over the last big jump! It was a very cool moment for me, she is just such a honest darling of a mare. A lady and her dog had stopped and watched, and were clapping after the last jump! Was quiet cool!!!

I really wish i could be a really brave jumper, so i could compete her in SJ or the likes, as i think that is her "forte`" But you never know what the future holds..After my fall last season (well when my horse fell down with me, it has knocked a wee bit of my confidence!) Hopefully ill regain my confidence, and me Minke will go out there next season and knock everyone's socks off! Hehe! I'd also love to take her to HOY!

Rode Ollie again on Monday!

2008-06-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

Well i bought Ollie in with matches yesturday, seeing as matches was heading back down to Palmy that morning, while i was waiting for the truck to come i though i may aswell hope on the big ginga and potter up and down the drive way so i did!

He is such a neat horse, love his strides, they are big relaxed and bouncy! Will be taking him down to the arena sometime this weekend, if i get a chance. Really looking forward to it, as i will have a chance to really have a "play" with him...

Here are the pics i took yesturday!

Update on Minke, coz we havent had one for a while

2008-06-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Minke is just chilling in the paddock at the moment, She chucked two front shoes and the farrier couldnt come out untill tomorow, so she will be going back into Thursday. Love my little Minke, she whinnys out and comes cantering over to me when ever i go into the paddock - so cute!

Really wanted to take her to WHS for the SJ,SH this weekend but im riding the little coloured gelding Inky that im selling on behalf there instead.!

Anyway more updates on Minke on Thursday when i ride her! Shes had a week off, so i hope she remembers what work is! LOL

YAYYY! rode Ollie yesturday!!

2008-06-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

Well decided to give Olllie a lunge yesturday, so took him down to Ellie's paddock and gave him a brief lunge around, he was very well behaved, didnt put a foot wrong, so i plucked up the courage to get on! - Yes i was rather nervous..! But he was a true star, i clambered on board and he was cool with it, so away we went, (remembering that this horse has not been ridden since he was given the sack 6 weeks ago!) We even went for a trot. He is a lovely ride, quiet, and goes into the contact well, he has a lovely big trot with a natural Rhythm!

Anyhow, its early Monday morning, and i am off to do the horses! Matches whom i have been leasing for the past 6 months is on her way back to Palmy this morning, *sobs* but i have plenty of horses to keep me occupied! I'm going to head out there with the camera and if i get time, i'll report back with some pics latter !!!

xcuse the muddy legs!!! I did clean them, but lunging in the paddock was very wet!

Finally, some pics of Ollie!

2008-06-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well the weather here is so changable at the moment, i didn't end up riding today, so they all came in for some dinner! I managed to snap two shots of Ollie..Although he is caked in mud, and is a bit light in condition..Here is my handsome boy...

Kumera is here and so is a STORM :-(

2008-06-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it suck when you get a new horsey to play with and the weather turns to custard?!?!

Kumera arrived yesturday, well more like we picked Kumera up yesturday, and well he is a BIG boy, but it could be because i am used to my little 15.hh and 15.2hh "ponies" He hadnt been out of his paddock for six weeks and was rather ermmm excited? lol! and after some foo fooing around getting his cover off to lead him and all that we finally presnted him with the float (apparently neve been in one before!) And he LITERALLY jumped!!! On nearly whacked his head to the illy bugger! But he stood on there like a champ, as we said our good-byes to his owner and we then set off on our journey back west to Kumera's new home! :o)

Oh ALSSOOO i changed his name, formally known as Kumera, he is now Ollie. :-)

He came off the float very tidily for a horse who hadnt floated before, slowly, and straight - bonus! I loathe it when they run off at 100 miles an hour!

This Morning (Friday) i rushed out there at 7:30 to bring Ollie in for a feed and a bit of a brush, i ended up pullling his mane, which he didnt mind, and hosing his legs down...He enjoyed being fussed over, but he defeintly needs ground manners!

Anyway i am very much impressed with my purcahse, and he is a nice boy, and he just floats , his movment is lovely.

Biggg ups to Ellie for lending us a cover, as i had nothing big enough! Thanks Ellie! *grin*

Kumera Is comming today!!!

2008-06-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Picking Kumera up from Dury this morning, i found out more about his past,
His sire is "Glory Glory" and his Grandsire is "All glory" who produced a top eventer here in New Zealand and his dam is Coventry Lane, Kumera's Registered name is "Glory Lane" - Which i will keep for his show name :o) Kumera was born 13th October 2002.

Additional Info (found on www.nzracing.co.nz )
Glory Lane (NZ) 2002 (13/10/2002) Chestnut Gelding
First Sire:
Glory Glory (NZ) 1987
Dam:
Coventry Lane (NZ) 1985
Family:
5
DNA/PV:
DNA Typed: Y PV: Y
Microchip:

Breeder:
Mrs E G Chapman
Left Shoulder:
C F CONJOINED
Right Shoulder:
12 OVER 2

The weather is Horrendous! here, but ill see if i can get a few more pics of him when i get him here, poor boy traveling in this wind - not nice!

Minke Update -
She hasnt been ridden since the weekend as she has chucked a shoe, and i hae worked hard getting her hooves into the condition they are in now, and i dont want to wreck them!

Ok so i have ANOTHER horse - ...

2008-06-23T13:10:00.001-07:00

Well he is comming on Thursday, and i couldnt resist myself, with the mare i have been leasing being sold and all i HAD to fill the gap ;-)

Kumera (name will DEFINETLY be changed) is a 16hh Chestnut Thoroughbred gelding by "Glory Glory" his Grandsire is " All Glory". I stumbled across Kumera on trademe (as you do) and i really liked his type, and after a brief talk to his owner, i agreed to buy him, and she was then happy to sell him to me. He has been out of work for 5 weeks, so im thinking i will just bring him back in slowly - lunging etc. Apparently he has schooled Open Cross Country, at a PC they took him too..And he is a nice scoopey jumper, so i might have a eventer maybe?!??

The pic's are the ones i bought him off (from TM) i cant wait to get him home and clip him pull his mane and make him look like the big spunky horse that he is!!!

Clinic With Vaughn Jeffries, 21st June 08

2008-06-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well Saturday was Minks big day! She has her second ever ridden outing, and our first lesson together.

I was absolutley chuffed with her behaviour, and i am very excited about what a awsome horse i have, ok so dressage wise she doesnt move all that well, but BOY can she jump!!!! haha..

I will post a few pic's and a link to some pics that Michelle and Ellie took..

http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/563864500zPnfRr

Jumping at the arena - with FILLERS even! grin

2008-06-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

VERY happy with my black powwwny today! :D
Headed down to the arena this morning to give the whole jumping grids, double's, fillers thing ago before our lesson on Saturday with Vaughn Jeffries.. Once again she flew over everything, i mean heck - she didnt even look!! She is quite a scopey mare and everything seems to flow - although between jumps we had some carryon nonsense (head tossing - speeding up) etc, but i think it was just because she enjoyed it so much!

So im looking forward to Saturday, i think we are both going to benefit heaps from it!

okay- so i have been a total SLACKER !

2008-06-15T14:45:00.001-07:00

Firstly i will appologise with how slack i have been on this blog - but with Minke and Mines quickly progressing future i am going to update weekly, if not daily.

Anyway, its been a month and a bit since my last 'update' and i have been really busy riding and working.

Minke was clipped about 2 weeks ago! - It was her first clip ever and she was Peeerrrffeeecct! She actually quite enjoyed it - shes quiet a "itchy" mare so enjoyed the clippers loping off all that itchy hair. I clipped her right out - as i am hopeless at straight lines and im not very patient!

Riding wise, Minke has come along in leaps and bounds - She's odd though - very much a one person horse, a friend of mine had a ride on her the other week and lets say Minke put up a right battle for her, yet as soon as i got on she was back to her normal self - i was rather embarrased for my friend, but she just laughed it off saying "she knows who her mum is!" - Too true.
We have even started JUMPING! and i think jumping is her "thing" - she has a very calm and natural style and i can proudly say she has not stopped at anything...yet- not even the barrels, or tire jumps.

I have been concentraing mainly on her frame during our schooling sessions - she is finally beggining to get that feel for stretching through her back into the contact and not rushing and panicking when she feels me asking her to accept it. Her stride is also getting a lot less "ponyish" i had a couple of wow moments last friday when her stride got huge and slow - i actually felt some impulsion even!

Like i said jumping has been no problem for her although in saying that she does get a bit silly after the jump, and doesnt like it when i push her forward into a forward canter - but i think that is just balance issues.

Saturday 14th June - Minkes previous owner came and visited - she was Stoaked with how minke was looking and couldnt stop saying thank you for taking such good care of her she is so happy with you - but i was like "silly lady, it's thank you ! for selling me such a neat horse" I'm glad she is happy with how it's all going - she also cant wait to come and see us at out first "show"!!!
Saturday afternoon, Me&Minke, Kristin&"M", Ellie&Spyke, Sarah&Bert loaded up and headed out to Woodhill for Minkes FIRST!!!! ridden outing - and honestly, i could not have asked for a more brave well behaved mount, she marched out in front with her ears pricked the whole time! Even went for a canter and trot with three other horses up behind her - which can be exciting for a young horse, but she was to focused on doing her job and checking out the place to be bothered about what was going on - it was a lovely ride and i was definetly very pleased!

Next weekend - is our clinic with Vaughn Jeffries - i am VERY excited - and i think Minke is going to thoroughly enjoy it, afteral she LOVES her jumping :)

No pics today - as i have been riding by myself latley so no one on foot to take any - will defiently get some next weekend however!!

Second Ride & New Arrival!

2008-04-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday i had another ride on Minke, i decided not lunge her before i rode her as i could see rain coming and wanted to get a quick ride in before it hit. She was fine with me just hoping straight on, but i definitely noticed she was not as relaxed as she had been when i was lunging her first although she was a bit rushy and inconsistent at first she soon settled and i managed to get a bit of nice work, then finished doing some long and low getting hr to stretch and lengthen her stride slightly - she got the hang of the whole long and low concept really well which was pleasing.

Then at around 6:30 i got a phone call from Woodville Transport (who get a big thumbs up from me for their excellent service!) to say that my new pony would be at my house in half an hour - it was a very nice surprise, as i wasn't expecting her until today (30.04.08) She arrived in the dark poor wee thing, and was a bit nervy which was to be expected so i put her in a smaller paddock with a heap of Hay and left her to settle in a bit. The picture is of her on arrival, she is a bit light in condition, and is a hairy mammoth LOL but she is a very pretty wee thing, and i definetly think she may have a future in showing. She is only small i would say 13.2-14hh so I'm going to look a bit silly on her - so don't laugh LOL! I'm going to get my Neighbour to take some pics of us having a play around this morning then i will post them on here this afternoon!

Yay Riding Time!

2008-04-27T22:07:00.001-07:00

Firstly, i wish to apologise for the lack of pictures today - as the camera has run out of battery!

Well i lunged her again with the side reins on today, she went even better then my previous day lunging her and went much much more consistent and really accepted the contact well today, she was following through from behind and tracking up very well. After lunging her for about 8 Min's each side i decided i would lean over and see how she responded, she took it all like an old hand so i hoped on board. I couldn't believe the difference in size she felt from when i last sat on her last year. I had much more neck in front of me, and she was much wider. Before i proceded to walk on, i flexed her both left then right and gave her a scratch on her face to show her that "mum" was on board. Then we were off..She was very good walked halted etc on both reins, so i popped her into a trot and she was such a good girl, she was very balanced for a green horse and after a few transitions and serpentine's i decided to finish it on a good note.

Tomorrow i hope to ride her again, and get mum to hopefully take some pictures. I'm very pleased with how she is accepting everything once again, and her change of attitude towards being ridden after her break.

: )

Starting this blog : )

2008-04-27T01:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so thought i would give this whole blog thing a go, whilst i am bringing on my young mare, i plan to update this with her progress so i can reflect on how she has come along.

Ok, so where to start.. Minke is a four year old, Tb cross mare from war paint stud, i bought her just over a year ago, and rode her for a few months before turning her out untill just last week. It was essential to turn her out, as she still had alot of maturing and growing to do, and she has come back into work like a whole different horse, not only has she filled out, her movment has changed and her stride has gotten much bigger. She is only a park hack standing at just 15.1hh but is rather wide so im sure my legs will wrap around her and i wont look too big. She is stunning, being black with four long white stockings and a blaze.

I bought her back in last Tuesday - she got a bath, had her mane pulled, bridle path and tail trimmed and is now looking like the showy horse she is. I briefly lunged her Thursday, but didnt want to do to much as she needed her hooves done, Saturday she got front shoes on, her hooves had gone slightly pigeon toed and out of shape, but after one shoeing her hooves are straight and tidy again, she unfortunatly has the typical TB hooves, Anyway, I lunged her again today (sunday) and she went very well again, it amazes me how much her paces have changed after being turned out, she is much more sure of herself, and not nearly as un-balanced as she was prior to having her break.

So that is where we are at now, tomorow i will Lunge her again with the side reins, then hop on and go for a toodle, fingers crossed she accepts the rider again like she has everything else.

Here is a picture of her last Tuesday after her bath.. : )