Yet Another Sydney Update

5/9/2013

Speedy G is great at shows: he's sensible, friendly, and pretty willing to do what is asked of him. I think he thrives on both having my undivided attention as well as the novelty of being at a show facility. He finds it all stimulating and interesting. Back at home, he's a horse of a different color. He's easily bored and is very vocal about the lack of excitement and amusement.

And then there is Sydney, who is trying his heart out to be my Steady Eddy. Sydney tries his hardest each day. If he's bored by the repetition, he never says a word. He just goes where I point him and tries to figure out what I am asking for. He doesn't volunteer anything extra, but he does his job without complaint.

I've only taken Sydney to two shows and two ride-a-test events. He wasn't nearly as sensible as Speedy is, but none of the outings were disastrous either. He'll be going to the first of the Tehachapi shows at the end of the month where I hope he'll show me some of the steadiness he has learned.

I am not sure which personality is better: bored at home but dependable at a show; or calm and steady in my own arena but tense and nervous away from the barn. I suppose the answer is to change up Speedy's routine to eliminate his boredom and get Sydney to more events to ho-hum him to the activity at shows.

I wish I could just squish them into one super horse that is dependable at shows and happy to work at home. It would sure be a lot cheaper!

Tracy link

5/9/2013 12:56:42 am

I am in a similar situation! Neither of the two horses I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to ride are perfect for me, and we often joke that the best horse for me would be a combination of the two.

Karen

5/12/2013 06:24:58 am

I have had two horses at a time for at least the past fifteen years (different horses), and I always say that a combination of whichever two I own would make the perfect horse. That must be true for everyone! One is usually more experienced while the other has the energy of youth!

Lauren link

5/9/2013 02:36:41 am

That'd be the answer I would pick! Both are fixable problems.

5/12/2013 06:28:33 am

I trail rode Speedy on Thursday and just played with him at liberty in the arena on Friday. He already seems happier. Since he showed on Saturday, I just did lots of rubbing and scratching followed by a long turn out on Sunday.

Even Sydney got in on the action; I "trail" rode him today after our arena work and was even able to trot down the little dirt road behind the neighbor's property (a first!). :0)

Sandra

5/9/2013 10:46:38 am

Great post! I have one show horse and he is slowly turning into my super horse! I just gotta keep at it! Thanks for the inspiration!

5/12/2013 06:29:33 am

I am on the three year plan with Sydney. With Speedy, it will be a forever challenge as he needs lots of variety to keep him happy!

martinam peterson

5/9/2013 11:43:30 am

your horses sound like you and Tammy as kids because you both were so different. I love you both dearly but for different reasons.

5/12/2013 06:30:57 am

They are a lot like children, Mom. Only their closest caretakers really get to know their individual personalities. To an outsider, they all look and act alike, but caretakers know what what makes them happiest!

Angela

5/9/2013 02:30:41 pm

One super horse! That would be cheaper!!
I'm working on getting a trail horse because Good Will is super in the arena and as my dressage partner/trainer, but trail horse he's not. Looks like two for me too...we are such lucky gals :0)

5/12/2013 06:32:19 am

I definitely think that some prefer the freedom and openness of the trail while others prefer the security of the arena. Having one who enjoys both is a lucky find!

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage