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The Saddle-up Stable - Gus
Gus is the
newest addition to the Saddle-up stable. He was purchased in
July after he 'jumped off the page' of the Horse and Hound
classifieds. He is 16.3 h.h., a registered Irish Draft, and 8
years old. He was shown lightly in in-hand and ridden classes as
a 4 and five year old, but his owner is a successful Dalmatian
exhibitor and the dogs took up too much time. Gus is still quite
green but has a near perfect temperament and so far we have discovered
no real faults. He has been a bit 'spooky' in his first weeks as he
gets used to new places and people, and has just a little try-on if he
doesn't want to do something. He is seriously offended by
motor-bikes!
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Despite the hot weather since he arrived, he has not yet shown any
sign of sunburn on that pink nose! He also has pink skin under
his white socks, so we will have to be careful with cleaning and
drying his legs - as this tends to predispose to mud fever and greasy
heel. At present, we're just hacking him quietly and getting him
a little fitter. But before the hunting season gets under way
(whenever that might be!) we will be taking him for some cross-country
schooling. He has done no real jumping at all.
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In December 2001, Gus went over to Bow House Farm to start his jumping
training, and in late January started a few quiet day's hunting
(without jumping!) First day, he went like a lamb. Second
day, he was starting to recognise FUN. Third day - he bounced
and jigged until your editor collapsed in a screaming
heap! He was coming behind the bit - and all his
movement was going UPwards instead of forwards. So we got the
back man in, and discovered he had quite a few problems in his back
and shoulders. We decided that more schooling was needed before
any more hunting - for his sake and that of his rider!
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Summer 2002
Gus was been kept in light work through the summer, and had a
visit from the osteopath who found quite a lot to fix. He
continues to please: he's really a VERY nice 'person' and a pleasure
to ride and handle. He's a terrific 'doer' and has stayed very
well 'covered' on just grass and a mineral lick.
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Winter 2003
Time marches on, but the
pressures of the new stud enterprise and his rider's back problems
means Gus has not done a great deal! Here he is pictured loose
schooling in the new manege.
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HELP-MAIL: If you
can't find the answer and need help urgently, please e-mail:
help@saddle-up.org.uk
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