Holiday spirit

Other Dad put us out to graze early on a warm and dry day. When Dad came to attend to our stables, Dibby had already jettisoned his muzzle and fly mask but stood still whilst they were put on again. We came in after a lazy day - practising for our holiday over the next week. Cobs enjoy getting into holiday spirit.

Workmanlike

Another grey and warm morning. Dad took me in the school at about 11.00 whilst Dibby went straight out. We schooled as yesterday and tried to run through Prelim 17 again. I struggled a little since the surface was very dry and deep and in need of some rain. Dad thought it better to work in other parts of the school, mainly in walk. We focussed on roundness and Dad was quite pleased that I worked consistently on the bit for a good part of the time.

We came in after forty minutes for grooming and an apple and I joined Dibby for the afternoon, coming in at about 5.00. Sometimes, cobs are satisfied with a workmanlike day.

Squeaking of joy

An overcast but warm and dry morning. Dad took me in the school at 11.00. We worked in walk and trot concentrating on roundness and added some lateral work, halt transitions and small circles. A large arena was set out in half the school and we ran through Prelim 17 a few times. We also practised canter with the upwards transitions from both walk and trot.

Dibby and I were hosed dwon and given an apple and minties before going out for the afternoon. Dibby squeaked as we cantered off on being released in the field. Even senior cobs aren't above the odd squeak of joy.

Hard work

Dad had another hectic day and could only find time to attend to some business, prepare both stables, put us out, bring us in and groom us both - so he couldn't ride too. It seems it's harder work owning a cob than being one.

Perking up

Another warm and sunny day. Dad took me in the school at 11.30 and again worked mainly in walk concentrating on getting round, soft and on the bit -with varied success. We worked large and in circles with some lateral work and halt transitions. Dibby joined us and we walked and trotted around together and split up to do more trot and some canter. Dad says we just need to keep plugging away to become more consistent.

We came in first and I was hosed down and given an apple -as was Dibby. We then had some snaps taken.

Since we didn't go out until 2.00, we spent a longish afternoon out at grass and came in at 5.30 for grooming and tea. I was quite sleepy when we came in but perked up for my tea. Cobs normally perk up for their tea.

Skilled relaxers

Both Dads were tied up on business for most of the day, so Dibby and I enjoyed another day-off. It was warm and sunny and we just enjoyed the grass. I was quite tired when we came in after 5.00 and just stood by my stable relaxing watching Dad work putting down my bed. Cobs are skilled relaxers.

Cool

As expected, Dibby and I were given the day off so Both Dads could go to the private viewing in Henley. Other Dad came early and put us out. We were very pleased and cantered off. We came in after 4.00 on a hot and sunny day for grooming and tea. Dad said I was very warm and needed to cool off.Being black I absorb those rays. It's hard to believe, but cobs can be even cooler.

Tending towards optimism

A hot and sunny Saturday. Dad took me in the school late morning. Leo was schooling over poles and a grid whilst I was at the other end of the school. Dad says it improves my concentration to share but I prefer the company anyway.

We worked mainly in walk concentrating on roundness and staying on the bit. Dad was pleased with our work. I was straighter than last time and coming up better from behind and didn't evade as much. We did some lateral work, trot and canter before finishing off on a long rein.

We came in to be hosed off and put out to graze in my fly mask .Dibby joined me after his hack and we stayed out together until coming in at 5.30 for grooming and tea. We think we may have tomorrow off; cobs tend towards optimism

A change

Friday was dry and warm. Dad took me in the school at 11.00. We warmed up on a long rein and in walk with halt transitions and some lateral work. At this point Kate was invited to ride and did so without stirrups - since our leathers were too long.

Kate persevered very patiently with my various evasions and unwillingness to keep still in the halt and I did some good work on both reins and eventually softened onto the bit. As usual my left rein was better but by the end I was round and had steadied my head and was working properly from behind and tracking well.

Dad took over and I continued to work on the bit and to warm down.

I spent the afternoon out with Dibby and we came in for grooming and tea after 5.00. It's always interesting to be ridden by someone new; cobs enjoy a change occasionally.