Updates from our owners, messages from our friends and photos of our Standies out and about!
STARTING THE STANDARDBRED...from the ground up. Demonstration at Bargo August 2010
I decided to take Shadow to the demonstration in Bargo as being about 8 weeks out of training his confirmation and physical condition are very typical of an Off The Track Standardbred. He had also progressed well through his first stages of training and was ready to have his first ride so I thought the demo offered an opportunity for people to see his reactions and also the important role the ground work we had established played in making his first ride as sucessful as possible.
The demonstration was attended by a mixed crowd of Standie fans from very experienced owners to new comers to the breed plus people interested in learning more about the breed and harness racing industry members. The first part of the morning looked at the confirmation, training, physical and mental conditioning of the racing Standardbred with some great questions from the audience.
We then looked at the early stages of training and groundwork I use and talked about the STRESS=WORK=PACE trigger and how we can avoid this to get our horses working in a more natural way and not always responding via their previous training experience.
There were also opportunites for people to try the groundwork and the desired lightness of the full flex or one rein stop on the ground.
Introducing the saddle we discussed again the work associations these horses have with certain types of gear and making sure that your horse remanins relaxed at eash stage. Then it was time to enter new territory and start the mounting process for the first time. Here the importance of the horse having a calm one rein stop become apparent with this new idea being accepted willingly.
With Shadow showing that he understood to stand still during mounting and dismounting it was time to sit in the saddle and move him off for his first ride. He took all of this in beautifully, even with the addition of utes, cars, trailers and bike riders along the road next to the arena. He was soft and responsive through the body and to the one rein stop straight away. We were even able to do a small amount of trot work which showed just how much natural balance he has. His calmness and great work ethic over the 3 hour session certainly showed that he should excel in his future job as a member of the NSW Mounted Police force!
The response to the demonstration was very positive with everyone commenting they learnt something new to try with their horses. It was great for me to hear the feedback about my work, to be able to pass on some of my training skills and to meet a group of terrific people.
"It certinately was an amazing experience to see a OTTSB getting a first taste of a rider being on his back! I have never seen such a relaxed way of training before. Pressure, release... makes so much more sense. You're awesome Pieta, was wonderful to watch you in action." Kate 01/08/10
"I am still on a high from the demo Peita, Shadow was delightful. The Police force are getting one very special boy. I can not wait to start applying the ground work to my boys, it just made so much sense, thankyou you are a true inspiration."Roz 01/08/10
"Hi Pieta, So nice to finally meet you on Sunday. Your demonstration was excellent, and your whole approach to educating people about the breed is so informative, honest and so easy to understand. Your passion for the standardbred breed is wonderful and I sincerely hope you make the trek more often as I am sure the more people that hear about you the larger your groups will become. Best of luck with Shadow and the policeforce I am sure he will do you and the breed proud and here's hoping that he might be the one to open more eyes to this diverse breed. II wish to you all the luck with your future plans and only hope that more people involved with the racing authority look at what you do and give you a go. I love your website and look forward to you updates all the time. Regards, Coralie" 01/08/10
Hi Pieta, We didn't drop off the face the earth! Steve turned Sully over to me (sort of!), who could not love that horse he is so beautiful. I turned him out about 3mths ago after he achieved such amazing things. I'm still coming to terms with the fact he's my horse after working him for Steve. Anyway, just touching base with you and thankyou for what you do. Sully is a beautiful animal who I am still coming to know but totally appreciate, again thankyou. Larissa 25/07/10
Larissa & Sully at the Canberra Cup 2010
Pieta - I couldn't be happier with Cash! For those that don't know, I have had Cash since the beginning of June and after riding him three times (arena and trail) I confirmed that he was the horse for me. I bought him for the purposes of trail riding. Despite having limited time under saddle since retiring from racing he is sensible, responsive and willing to please. For example, after only four 15 minute stints of gently asking him to collect up onto the bit (these stints were each a week apart), it takes one gentle tweak on the inside rein and a strong inside leg and over he goes. I have also been doing some Steve Brady groundwork movements with him and he is quick to learn. I lunge him at least once a week and he is brilliant at taking the release! He's never dished up anything icky on the trail even when in a new environment or when leaving his paddock mate. He is a forward mover (which I love!), has a good amount of zing in him and quite enjoys a canter, which I might add is nice to ride. He occasionally paces in between transitions but with a bit more finesse in my application of the leg aids, this will subside. His ground manners are awesome. My 4.5 yr old who is timid with horses will stand and hold Cash (15.2hh) by himself, sit on him bareback, and ride him on the lead, without a hint of worry. Cash is calm and collected around our small dog and doesn't blink an eye when my 2yr old picks up the hoofpick and trys to brush him with it. I COULD go on...but the point being I am pleased he did not inherit the speed of his sire (a million dollar earner in his time). For my purposes and the type of riding I intend to do, I couldn't be happier. So thank you Pieta for doing what you do with this breed and making them available to people like me.
Sarah 04/07/10
Now do you believe me about how cold it gets here? Adam and Shadow having breakfast at about 9.30am when it was a balmy -3. Brrrrrrrr.....
Hey Pieta, Jane here :) We had such a good day with Sally that I just had to tell you – she came when I called for the first time (thank heavens, she’s in a very hilly paddock…) and we had our first ride. She’s handled everything so well! We had an audience of about 5 other young riders who agist there and they took some photos which I’ve attached. After we’d wandered around the arena for a while we went on a short trail ride with them on foot as an escort… she didn’t bat an eyelash as they laughed and joked around, kicking rocks and pulling tree branches, etc. etc… I felt totally safe and rode with one hand, and I’m riding out with one of the girls tomorrow to hit the trails :) She’s such a special girl, we’re loving having her!
Cheers Jane02/07/10
June Long weekend 2010 - Ruins half day ride
Making the most of the great winter weather we took our boys, Mel and Maragret out for a great days riding. It was also Adam's first "big day out" and he did amazing well on a very challenging trail.
Justin and Max making the steep trip Craig and Mel out the front
up Dip Firetrail
Tom & Mel with Roman at our Adam enjoying the lunch break
lunch stop
Mel, Tom and Craig out front At the Murrumbidgee River
Our beautiful Benny! My husband trained Mainevent while he was in Victoria with vet Judith's amazing assistance. We loved him to bits because of how brave he was to overcome past adversities and were so disappointed to have to retire him. Please keep me posted on his progress - he's a unique character, a bit of a loner we found, but there's a sweet sweet boy underneath it all and I'm sure the right person will be able to bring out his best. So glad to see him in such great hands. All the best in finding him the perfect home. Cheers Tanya
Hi Pieta hope all is going well for you. I just thought that I would give you a bit of an update on Bella. She has settled in very well. I think that it was really weird for her at first as she wasn't used to being a 'pet', just one of the herd, and was a bit unsure of what was happening. She became queen of the paddock instantly and bosses my mare around. Unfortunately for the first couple of months I couldn't ride her regularly (with Christmas and then going away for a couple of weeks in January). However now I ride her on Saturdays and Fynn rides her on Sundays. She improves every time that I ride her and really is keen to do the right thing. She still does that weird 'tranter' and shuffle while on the lunge but that is getting much better (less). When she stretches out she really does have a big trot. She actually is quite forward moving without being silly - the type of horse you want really! My mother has been paying for Fynn to have riding lessons each week as well and so his riding and confidence has improved out of sight from when you saw him and is enjoying Bella and loving riding generally. Where he has riding lessons they have the philosophy (that I like) that riding isn't just about being on the horse's back but is also about handling them, saddling them, and knowing about them too (mentally and physically).
When I actually get a digital camera I will send some photos. I think that Bella has grown and has filled out a bit as well. She doesn't look as much of a baby anymore. You should have seen her at the end of summer though she was so FAT! You wouldn't have recognised her! Take care, might drop in next time we are passing through Bredbo - Anna 16/06/10
Hi Pieta. Just wanted to let you know how much Beth, Sheree and I appreciate what you have done for us and our two standies over the last couple of sessions. The troubles we were having with our new boy had left the girls way down on confidence and we were seriously thinking we had made the wrong decision and were looking to move him on. With your guidance, patience and down to earth assistance we have all made some wonderful progress. The girls are actually enjoying the time they spend with him now! We now have a much better understanding of the issues we were having and feel confident and equipped to move ahead with their education. Looking forward to our next session and enjoying some of those wonderful river-side trails you have available. Roger 10/05/2010
WELL DONE EVEYONE. at Kalimbah Standies what a fantastic future you give this breed !!! if i had more than 2 acres and $ id be doin the same. Owning 2 standies ,1 i broke in myself to saddle, i know how much work ,time and effort goes into retraining them ! Would dearly love to come over with my standy and go trail riding with you one day ,when i can afford holidays. Anyway happy horsing ,keep up the good work Jaqui
A great photo and a great line up of Kalimbah Standies! L-R:
Mel on Roman, Heleena on Indie, Lisa on Buster, Taniya on Sally, Amanda on Cash. May 2010
Hya - Have just enjoyed spending a couple of hrs looking around your web site....I have recently purchased a standie and cant believe how wonderful he is, Arkee has the most beautiful nature (and how patient he is with me....)I can only hope more people will give the standardbreds ago and get as much pleasure and enjoyment out of their friend as i have..... Keep up the great work Dawn Brennan Globe Derby Park Sth Australia 4/05/2010
Another great KISS session at Kalimbah on Sunday 11 April. My first time liberty work in the round yard, which I have to say is one of the most amazing horsey experiences I have had so far. Getting to control a horse without the benefit of reins or lunging rope, changing direction and pace only with my body position and energy. Awesome! Certainly challenging and took me out of my comfort zone but it was so rewarding when I succeeded. Thanks Pieta! Also first time working with the lovely mare Indie - she was great to handle and was a wonderful ride for me. Had a great trot and a bit of cantering too on the trail and she handled things wonderfully despite some pretty awful weather (Pieta wasn't kidding when she said gale force winds in Hunter's update!), noisy trail bikes and barking dogs. Curious enough about these things but took it all in her stride. Quite responsive too, which is always nice to ride. Oh, and Velvet is an absolute doll! Such a sweety and soooo beautiful. Her coat was true to her name (really soft) and she is such a calm and no fuss mare. Someone is going to love her very much! 12/04/2010
ANZAC DAY April 2010 - Bredbo to Goatshooters Hut
With our friend Carol and her children Matthew and Sarah, Craig, Tom, Justin, Mel and I made up a good sized group to ride from Bredbo to Goatshooters Hut - an old hunters hut north of the village on the Murrumbidgee River. This loop ride in over 20km and takes in some very steep trails,open grassland and lovely sheltered bush trails. With perfect weather and Slim the Wonder Whippet to lead the way we were assured of a great day. We were 7 Standies, including Paddy, and one ring in - Sheriff the pinto pony.
First steep hill is the Dip Hill fire trail that takes you up out of the river valley at Bredbo. Hard work but worth the effort for the stunning views.
As the river doglegs north we headed across country to join up with it again and then down another steep section of firetrail to get back to the river valley.
With beautiful views of the river we rode down to Goatshooters Hut for lunch.
Heading home with Slim leading the way our last big drop was back into the river valley where the Bredbo River flows into the Murrumbidgee.
Feb 28th 2010 - Standies Unharnessed ride at Mount Ainslie
Starting from the Duntroon horse paddocks and looping around Mount Ainslie. Fantastic day probably made memorable by our lovely lunch spot right behind the Australian War Memorial and then getting caught in a torrential rain storm for about 20min.Arrived back at the floats drenched but with the sun out it didn't talk long for (most of) us to dry out.
Mount Ainslie trails - that is Black Mountain Tower in the background. Canberra offers horse riders a great chance to ride these bush areas right in the city
Standies at the War Memorial Our boys - Buster and Nick
Lunch in style at the War Memorial Thirsty work!
Views back to Parliment House
Heading home after the storm - soaked to the bone!
Proud owner of 2 Kalimbah Standies, Jenna and Nipper Well what can I say, Pieta did a fantastic job with these two horses. Nipper I rode the other day after not being handled or ridden in just over 2 months (just fed continuously) and it was like he was ridden yesterday. Never a foot wrong with this boy, I can't wait to take him out with the ATHRA trail rides this year. As for Jenna my feistly but lovable teenager, I think she is loving being left alone in the paddock but is still wondering why she doesn't get all the food. Will keep you posted, and I do believe Nipper is starting to fill out and grow some riding muscles. Michelle
I have one of Pietas standies and she is just a gem! We just do trail riding but she handles it in her stride! She just loves it. I was out of riding for 20 years so it took me a while to get some confidence back and having a green horse for riding was a bit of a challenge but with help from some friends ( OK alot of help) we seem to be going OK. We are going to the mountains next week end for our big first overnight outing,can't wait:)Jo Jan 2010
