Stephen Gowling

Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom

Englishman trying to ride western!

Richard BoatwrightĀ  I’m pleased Gus has gone back, he’s a super star and for him to be back home I take it is positive news! and I can see why you want Mabel, she would also look good in a Union Jack šŸ‡¬šŸ‡§ saddle pad šŸ˜‰

just need to work out which bank to hold up to be able to afford either of them!Ā 

Reply

Richard BoatwrightĀ no she’s not on her face, ever since the vet/clip incident we have left her intact as it was such a bad incident and reaction, I’ve removed the curb for now and will try her in the pen and see how she reacts.

I know how busy you are and hope the travel up went smoothlyĀ 

Reply

Other news - working a few Clinics with my mate Clive who runs ā€œSpookbuster obstacle coursesā€ which is great fun and lets me work problem horses and make them more handler friendlyĀ 

Needing to find another saddle as mine & the wife’s Billy Cook don’t fit the youngster or Angel as they are very short backed, might have to get the English ones back out unfortunately and use them until I find one that is not to Ā long

Hope you all are having fun, be great to hear some updates from you allĀ 

Stay safeĀ 

Reply

16 May 13:54

f1e3a081-05ac-4e27-ab22-641f0edfce09.jpeg

Part 2Ā 

Stanley (youngster) coming on lovely, lots of softening and ground driving, absolute superstar and put another quick ride on him with no issues, plan to spend more time in the saddle this weekĀ 

Mooney my big girl - mixed week, working the code well and ground driving is great but we have a big issue with violent head tossing in bridle to a point that I had to dismount, had this before with the hackamore and when I first got her & clipped her face (needed sedation afterwards) its all related we think to her whiskers on her chin & being over sensitive- the curb chain was causing this it looks like so removed & better but because she is in a snaffle it can start to pull through so need to change it, thoughts Richard BoatwrightĀ please? I have an American gag here but no other shank bits, may try a rolled strap bit hobble but not convinced it won’t aggravate her also.

5 horses and not one can be hacked out for various reasons!Ā 

Got a spare stall so might buy another 🤣 send Gus over please

14 May 05:41

Brilliant you had a great time and got home safely, travelling to new places and experiencing new cultures is mind blowing at times, hence why I like to come over the pond to you guys.

Just time to wash and pack for the summer vacation then šŸ˜‰

Reply

09 May 14:26

So glad you have enjoyed it, a fantastic country with some great culture, reckon next year I will have to get you over here for a few days!

Richard BoatwrightĀ Bonjour Richard, she’s doing brilliant thanks, back in season and annoying the geldings!

Had her in the round pen doing a bit of light work and loving it, she’s new to the code but sharp as a knife on it.

Going to do some more work on the softness and see which saddle fits her and give her a ride out soon.Ā 

Thank you for asking

Thank you Lynn, much appreciatedĀ 

Thank you so much, a rough few days but I’m so glad the mare is OK and I worked her today for the first time and she loved it and looks very happy so that does make it all much easier to deal with.Ā 

Well Richard BoatwrightĀ I think we have a very resilient mare on our hands here, she has just slotted back into top dog role immediately, a real spring in her step, she looks and is acting so relaxed and happy that we are astounded to be honest, milk is drying up and she has tucked back up nicely.Ā 

No stressing or anxiety that we can detect, so much so that I will work the code with her tomorrow (she escaped it so far as she was with foal!!)Ā 

A bath and a clip coming up and a bit of pampering is called for.