Li is the youngest of the three Maude x Hamish geldings. I sold him as a weanling to a lady who had him 'started' and then decided she was past the 'young horse' stage so let me know she was putting him on the market. I often get asked if I have any young horses for sale or if I know of any and, by happenstance, I knew of a young woman looking for a youngster to bring on so I mentioned Li to her and the rest, as they say, is history.
Li was a bit light in condition when Andrea purchased him and was only ridden very lightly on the day she looked at him so, a couple of months down the track, when the time came to bring him into work, some issues showed themselves ... Long story short, it appears that the person who 'started' him really only backed him as he had no idea about brakes, steering or moving forward off the leg so, he has gone to Katharine Van Tuyl Gillaly for a month's education.
Kap is a very accomplished rider, having worn the Silver Fern and evented to four star level as well as winning numerous showing titles and competing regularly in show jumping. Katharine produces horses for a living and her mother, Robyn, is a good friend and bred and owns Maxi, the gorgeous wee Welsh pony who lives with us for four years.
Two weeks in to his training and Li is starting to progress. He still has a ways to go before he will be ready to kick some butt in the hunter ring but good things, as they say, take time. Here he is finally getting the idea of forward into contact. The running reins should be a thing of the past very soon.
In other news, I have decided to enter Meg in to the Heavy Horse section at Masterton A&P again this year. After a phone call today from Helen McKenzie reminding me that this year is the Centennial for the Clydesdale Horse Society and asking for my support, I realised it was really a bit selfish of me keeping her here at home so, I have filled out my entry and will send it off next week. Shame there are no ridden classes really - might have to mention that for next year, especially if I am going to be taking Meg for a tilt at the Horse of the Year title in 2012!!
