21/09/2026
Sunday we took Noor to the Gisburn Pleasure Ride โ his first outing in almost four months.
After a busy start to the season, and a few disappointing results at 3*, we deliberately gave him some time to rest, chill and just be a horse. So today was meant to be a gentle 19km pleasure rideโฆ nothing more. Or so we thought! ๐
There was never any question about whether Noor could manage 19km. He had energy to spare! But today reminded me just how important it is to keep a competition horseโs skill set ticking over.
Iโm now officially calling this a discipline ride! ๐
Head swingingโฆ so much that my reins ended up over his head ๐คฆโโ๏ธ
Manners at gates? Shocking.
Attention span? Zero.
A couple of attempts at rearing.
Eating branches โ which Iโm fairly sure was out of pure frustration!
A few foot stamps for good measure.
And thenโฆ the most beautiful canter you could wish for โ completely on his terms! ๐
But because this was a pleasure ride, there was no pressure and no stress. I could simply play the waiting game and remind him quietly where the ground lines are.
I donโt want to punish him for doing exactly what we have trained him to do โ he is a competitive horse and he absolutely loves the job. But manners and boundaries are needed at every level, and today was a very useful reminder that fitness isnโt the only thing that needs maintaining.
At the finish he was still very much on his toes, followed by a little more drama when it came to being washed. Noor has a very high opinion of himself! ๐
But honestly, itโs a pleasure to see a horse enjoying himself like that.
At Team H, we take huge pride in developing our horses into competitive horses who genuinely enjoy their job โ and hopefully enjoy competition as much as we do. โค๏ธ
Once home, after the post-ride tantrum wash, Noor could go straight out into the field with his mates. A pretty good day all round!
Thank you Maxine and all the volunteers for your hard work putting on such a lovely ride. Hopefully weโll see a GER 2027! ๐โค๏ธ
