Lamb Hill 2014

[landroverroy]

This year's show is on Sunday 25th May.
Anyone else going? Or even entering?

There's a mule class this year, so I'm probably entering Ebony. As there'll be fewer mules than donkeys, I might be in with a chance of getting a rosette.
At present we've got a slight problem as she doesn't do trotting in hand.
So yesterday I decided to get her trotting on the lunge rope. But it turns out that she doesn't do lunging either. (Presumably gypsy trained horses are taught by different methods.) Every time I tried to position myself centrally to form the triangle between her, me and the lunge rope, she turned to face me. So wherever I went she rotated to keep looking straight at me. So it ended up with me going round her, instead of the other way round.
However, this did mean that she was moving her feet in response to my actions, so she was actually listening to me. So - I decided to go back to the trusty lead rope. And - we did, twice, get a sort of half hearted trot. Hopefully then, we might be able to build on this, and not be totally humiiated on the big day!

[lavenderpye]

Try her loose? Borris won't trot on a lead either so one day in frustration I turned him loose and he trotted beautifully beside me. After a few tries I put the lead back on and he was much better.

[landroverroy]

Ok. Thanks - I'll try that. I know it's just a failure on my part to communicate exactly what I want of Ebony, and once she understands then (hopefully) we'll be away!

By the way - there's driving classes at Lamb Hill - ideal opportunity for you to try your team out.

[looby1]

I'll be there.

[landroverroy]

Great.
Hope you're bringing your mum again!

[landroverroy]

Well I tried to get Ebony trotting loose alongside me. She stood and watched, like I'll wait here till you've finished.
A mule is far too intelligent to exert itself needlessly.
I find with the young male donkeys they will follow me about and copy me to some extent, like Borris does - I think it's out of curiosity.

[looby1]

I am so looking forward to seeing you in action!
Yep all being well my Mum will be coming - every year she says it's the last time but doesn't like to be missed out! And she may be making cake for us to sample.

[landroverroy]

Err - don't think there'll be too much action. Got a week now to refine our (well Ebony's) trotting technique.
I'm probably taking Maybelline as well to keep Ebony company, but don't think I'll be entering her in anything, except possibly handy donkey, as she's so slow everyone will have died of boredom before she gets round the ring.

Just noticed that bit about your Mum may be making a cake. Now that does sound promising.