19/05/2020
Show season 2020
COVID restrictions have kind of been a blessing when it’s come to that here at Lyprenny Park.
We’ve had a chance instead, to REALLY get to know our ponies more deeply-intricacies and quirks etc
It’s given us the opportunity to tailor their training programs, to make them a much more individual approach- to meet their needs physiologically and mentally. To condition them for their wellbeing, more so, than just the stock standard ‘show prep’. It’s been wonderful!
Seeing as we have only had Freddie since January and Polly- a mere few weeks; its truly a big ask to have each and every one FULLY show prepped by September- INCLUDING getting to know them properly and ensuring they enjoy the process, too.
My biased opinion, of course.
They, the ponies, have instead had the chance, upon arrival here- to get climatized to our property, weather, routine, feeding program. Had the chance to build new herd rules and become acquainted with each other. And also had time to get to know and start to build faith and trust in us, as their new ‘human family/leaders’.
COVID time restrictions have given us leeway there, and a beautiful chance to completely realise just how much we love each and every one of them. Identify strengths and weaknesses, preferences, gaps in knowledge etc and target training around that, instead of simply: wash, clip, rug, feed, lunge, wash, rug, halter train *repeat*- in time for a perfect show ring ‘debut’!
2020 show season at this point? It’s an end goal, no longer a necessity this year.
To us personally- our ponies are family- first and foremost. Not just ‘pets or paddock ornaments’ but also more than something to make ‘look pretty’ and place a ribbon/sash on and pin a title to.
Yes- we’ll get there. One day. Yes, absolutely it will be brilliant to have them shown and subsequently critiqued- and a judge/s opinion further confirms our personal opinions of them and showing helps them prove the qualities they have to the broader public eye. And show prep is a certain type of training, in and of itself- undeniably.
But this pause in life, amidst the vast array of heartbreaking news, stress, heart ache and a myriad of other things going on- has given us this little blessing.
We couldn’t care less for shows this season, really. Having societal pressure removed (consequently personal pressure) and just really getting to know them- has been much more fulfilling!
Having ponies back in my life and introduced into our married life has been amazing for Bianca Langford and I.
It’s been a wonderful learning process for us both. And shown ME MY strengths and weaknesses, gaps in MY knowledge and opened up more learning opportunities for me to further myself, too.
We’ve also met some wonderful, beautiful new friends through starting our little stud.
Apart from our family’s support- a big thank you goes out to Vik Salter and Damen Wall of Legacy Equine Transport for bringing our precious Freddie and P***y here. To Sophie Burn, Ally Ross, Little G Stud, and Brandon Bourke for our precious ponies! Thank you for being a part of our journey from the very beginning.
And a select few other people in the Australian Arabian industry, thank you for your guidance and support!
We have found a brilliant, patient and kind farrier, a bloody awesome body worker, a fabulous and talented young trainer to help us when we need and been reacquainted with our Equine Vet!
None of the people mentioned above have shown any judgment, condescension or apathy toward us. It’s a relief to come BACK into the horsey-world and NOT be faced with that constantly!
The dream has finally become a reality!
Each day is a blessing!
