I have realised I have never written about the wonderful pony that is Topsy! She is owned by some friends at Mandi's (my trainer's) yard. As Bracken is still too young for any ridden work, she suggested that I keep my riding up on Topsy. Also, being able to work with and ride different horses, is a great skill for me to learn. Topsy has suffered a lot of abuse throughout her life, and has a few scars on her from being tethered by her leg and beaten. Subsequently she was bought by a riding school that did not have the right people or facilities to help her, so she progressively developed more and more 'bad' behaviours.
Her current owners have had her for about a year now, and even just in the months I have known her, she has come such a long way, both mentally and physically. Because of her history, her back and shoulders were completely unable to move properly, she would trip all the time even on a smooth, flat surface. She was so unbalanced in trot and canter that she was terrified to run and play in the field as it made her feel so unstable.
To help her, Mandi taught her owners how to work and ride using a technique called Science Of Motion. The main principle of Science Of Motion is slowing down each gait so the horse actually thinks about how they move, instead of just using momentum to keep them going. A lot of time is also spent working on bending, and doing exercises to get them soft and supple.
It is truly wonderful watching a shut-down, timid and defensive horse build up confidence and trust, as she learns how to use her body properly. After almost a year of people regularly riding and working with her in this way, she is finally starting to feel comfortable and confident in her body. Although she is still not ready for canter under rider, she will very happily run around with her field mate, and even run over for her halter to be put on!
It is an incredibly slow process, but it really pays off and makes each little correct movement feel like a massive win. Everything is done without any gadgets, creating true self carriage and a strong posture that she can hold with and without a rider. She is also comfortably barefoot and will be for the rest of her life.
I love being able to ride in a way that feels mutually beneficial and enjoyable for me and Topsy!
Thank you for reading!
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