Our superstar is back!! Bob finally put in a double clear performance after what has seemed like ages of us waiting for that gold dust like moment of a double clear.
Over a 1m track he put in a lovely steady and even round (well done Matthew) to acheive a beautiful blue rosette (just pipped to the post on time). We were so pleased there was much celebrating. He paticularly enjoyed his lap of honour!
and his mum is named Oleander (which is very strange as an Oleander is a plant which is VERY poisonous to horses).
Jelly baby’s Mummy was sired by ‘Let’s Go V.’ who is one of the Offspring of the extra – ordinary Voltaire http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltaire_(horse) who has produced both show jumpers and dressage champions …
Grandad Voltaire
Jelly baby’s maternal Granny was called Janine (they don’t half have strange names for these mares).
Looking at the genes involved we are expecting a graceful showjumper with a ‘penchant’ for dressage, a Bay (Grannex has never produced a Chestnut) with 2 white hind stockings (just like both parents and grandfathers) and a blaze (just like both parents and grandfathers) so all in all a beautiful little foal with massive potential (here’s hoping!)
He went for a nice relaxing hack yesterday taking in the Lake District fells which always keeps him happy.
Wednesday being ‘Jumping night’ we went for a trip up to Greenlands EC where he did well. He was entered into 95cm and 1.05m classes – 95cm wasn’t his forte as he refused one of the scarier looking fences (he is only a baby). The second class he came into his own and put on a good show. He well cleared most the course with a nice steady pace but unfortunately got an ‘unlucky’ (as phrased by the commentator) 4 faults which, after much deliberation, was put down to rider error (oops!)
Tuesday was his hacking day again, a nice steady walk out.
Monday was a flatwork day in the arena where he did well.
Today we are meant to be building a course in the school to put him through his paces, but, unfortunately being in the Lake District means we are often afflicted with severe weather warnings and today happens to be rain and gale force winds! There is little chance of the fences staying up regardless of Bob’s performance so we will just have to wait for the storm to die down …
Its not that we’ve been keeping it at secret simply that we forgot to tell you that the proud father to be of our Jellybean’s baby is none other than our very own … Big Bob!
Combine the genes from our most handsome-scopey-gentle (at the moment) jumping machine with the sweet natured – loveable- floats on air when she trots lady and my word are we hoping for a baby super star!
My project for the week is to photoshop our parents together and give us an idea of what the new foal ‘Jellybaby’ might look like!! If any body else wants a go these are the parents …
Our big guy has been out of action for a little while but he has been slowly coming back into work. He’s changed his attitude and his life is altogether alot calmer.
He has been practising up in the school before he goes out on the road here he is in action …
Although temperatures were rising and the flies were out in force Bob remained cool and calm during his first visit to Church Farm. His behavour was faultless in the collecting ring, then heading into the arena faced with a colourful and eventful 14 jumps in a somewhat compact arena for a big forward horse.
He listened and even helped his rider out on a couple – Go Bob! Heading home with a clear on his 1st 105 Open then Straight back to the wagon for a much deserved hose down.
Bob has been to many agricultural shows this summer, competing in both British Novice & Discovery classes. He has proved to be a well behaved stallion well able to concentrate on his job.
Clearing the vast majority of his first rounds but, typically for a young stallion with developing stamina he can be prone to an odd pole down in his second round.
For such a big young gentleman he is so well balanced and jumps with ease.
That said, his concentration can be easily swayed by a good looking mare.
The British Showjumping Association Area 14a Penrith 22nd - 23rd May 2010
Wednesday was a momentous day for our stallion Bob he had his first clear round in the British show jumping 105 open. It took place early morning at Church Farm in Ormskirk a fantastic, friendly venue. He took on the jumps like a trooper and made his clear look easy jumping well above the poles.
He was well behaved and despite the baking heat and ridiculous amount of Horse Flies tormenting them did exceptionally well. The next step is to speed up and get into the rosettes!
Stay tuned for the (somewhat unfortunately amateur) video …
Yesterday, keeping on with Bob’ s ‘Back in action’ training schedule he was up in the school practising both his techniques on the lunge and ridden. He did really well was calm, collected and going good. So he was asked to jump a couple of fillers. He was a little bouncy and first (to say the least) but soon found his stride and took them on like a man! Have alook at the video below!
Well Bob is finally back in the running for British Novice – well maybe not this year but we sure are working on it!
Yesterday was a momentous day for Bob when after his almost 2 long and borinbg months of box rest he was finally given the chance to once more carry a rider! He did most excelently and was calm and patient much to everyones delight. All i can say now is onwards and upwards with the training regime!
