We have been in lockdown for five weeks now and although riding has not been banned riders were asked to consider whether riding was really essential for us and our horses.  Obviously, the answer is different for all of us but for me personally the answer is, ‘probably not’.  The ponies are not hugely fit event horses and they have plenty of turnout so have no problem in stretching their legs.  I have therefore not ridden since the morning of 23rd March.

That doesn’t mean the ponies are just lazing about getting fat though.  They are bound to be less fit than usual – and I know I am – but I am trying to make a habit of getting them out to do some form of exercise or different activity every day.  Mostly that has meant lunging, although we have been for some nice walks together over the fields and I am planning on building ourselves some trec style obstacles this week.

When I first started trying to lunge them years ago I had completely opposite problems with them.  Galahad was so scared of me that he would take off, whilst Cookster would just stand and stare at me, completely bewildered.  No amount of talking, waving or being led round by someone else had any effect – he would just stand there.

Now they are both much better and go round me quite happily.  In fact, Cookster is now the one who can be a bit too forward and he has got very good at leaning out of the circle and pulling me with him if I’m not careful.  I find that much easier to cope with than the nothing we had before though!