So. Much. Mud.

TOO MUCH MUD. 

EVERYWHERE.

-cry-

Today was the first day I actually got any mud on my hands this Winter.

To top it, Kao had pulled his just washed rope off the gate and then walked around on it. I got a sinking feeling as I watched it disappear into the mud knowing I would have to get it out.

Kao, luckily followed me. Though after 5mins I gave up trying to avoid the mud and was greeted into the yard by Mother who laughed at my mud covered self.
=__=

This eye gets more and more interesting and scary every time I look at it for too long.

Not only is it eggy, but it's got a massive half-halo of Blue at the front. Thus making him look a bit like a crack addict on a high. 

We didn't ride today, though I put him on the walker for 20mins. So the fatty got some exercise.

Being brushed, having his food and generally getting attention is enough to keep him happy :)

Our Journey: Overview 6 Months

Whenever I do these overview posts, I take into account this:

1. What have we achieved?

Too many things to list. Kao was with no arguments a nervous walking blank patchy canvas who was too scared to have a personality. Till about the 4th day. In 6 months, which isn't a long time at all, he's gone from a pony barely anyone would touch with a barge pole in the appearance department, to a nicely conformed, well mannered, well conditioned little cob. 

I'm extremely happy with the progress we've made.

2.What could I have done to progress further?

My vanity tells me, nothing. Except to not listen to anyone who are, well, blatantly talking a big stinking pile of dog crap. NEVER listen to bitchy forums, NEVER listen to people who attempt (and fail) on telling you how to think and if your intuition tells you that something isn't right. LISTEN TO IT.

3. How has this time benefited the horse and myself?

There was no rushing. In such a short time, every step we've taken (trotting in a circle >> cantering in a circle >> schooling round/collected and on the bit >> jumping) are all steps we've taken in Kao's time.

When I first bought him, I had the intention of competing. But about 2 months down the line I took that pressure off me and I have to say throwing away my aims for competition has made me a more patient person. It's made me see that pushing a horse does nothing except potentially ruin a good pony.

After a lot of thought, contemplation and over viewing the next potential 6 months. I've decided that not only am I not fit enough to ride much anymore, but I can't offer Kao the loving family environment he needs.

He's a 5 year old, and I always think that at this age they go one way or the other.

Into competition life, or into a family life.

Looking at the effects of the competition life and seeing exactly what goes into it, I want him and his patchy backside as far away from major competition as possible.

Pony Club and kiddies + fluffy Kao-Bean = Win Win Lifetime.

So. I wont go into too much detail but in about 2 weeks, there are plans for him to go to a beautiful home where there's everything I could possibly want for him.

I consider this new home to be close friends, after the work they do, the way the look after their horses honestly makes me wish there were more people like them in the horse world.

I'll continue riding him, keeping this blog UTD with pictures and videos and maybe I can try and keep it updated after he's gone too!

After this journey, I think it's made me even more open minded about taking chances with horses. As soon as I'm in a financial situation where it's feesable, I'd like to re-hab another horse or pony. 

It takes a skill to see a horse for what it stands as, but another skill to see the horse underneath.