Here's Izzy a month or so after I got her. She's 5, fat, and never had any muscle tone to speak of. This picture is sans tack and rider because she hadn't yet learned to carry any of those things.
Six months later, she was sort of going under saddle.
That fall (October 2009) she was going reasonably well under saddle. Steering was sketchy on a good day.
May of 2010 Izzy and I tried out XC for the first time. She's shiny and well behaved, but we aren't really jumping anything.
September 2010. Izzy is a lean, mean racing machine, sporting ulcers and a crazy brain. She's fast and flighty, but not so fun to ride. She's also lost all her baby fat.
October 2010. We moved, medicated, and tack-changed as necessary to facilitate a quiet pony brain.
June 2011. Lots of work and elbow grease later, Izzy is looking muscular and fit. She's about to get a long layoff, though.
September 2011. I've been back in the saddle for just over a month and correct work is doing wonders for both of us. She doesn't even look like the same horse, does she?
Wow, what a difference! She DOES look like a totally different horse. Love the changes in her muscle and conditioning. Don't you just love it when everything starts coming together how you want it? :)
ReplyDeleteWowza! Incredible progress. You should be proud! Love your mare!
ReplyDeleteAmazing progression
ReplyDeleteI keep saying it, but you both look amazing. It's been so fun and inspiring to watch your progress. I had no idea she wasn't even BROKE when you got her either! Am in awe.
ReplyDeleteLooking over these pictures has to be pretty gratifying, eh? Well done! You both look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good post. :)
ReplyDeleteShe sure has changed!
That must feel great to know the best she looks is NOW!!! Kudos
ReplyDeleteThe girl is looking awesome! I love having all the pics together in one post so you can see all the progress. I keep telling myself I need to take more pics (especially once I start riding Salem again) so I can actually SEE where we're going. I think it really helps (although I usually hate seeing pics of myself in breeches...with, let's be honest, pretty sucky equitation, lol).
ReplyDeleteWow!! You guys have improved heaps. I didn't realize she was unbroken when you got her. It's amazing you've come so far.
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