I think it’s easy to forget she has the TB side to her. If you looked at your progress and record this season with her thinking of her as a pure TB you would be jumping for joy with it all. They are just so much more sensitive and pick up on every little subtle change. They are the best horses ever but take so much more time, training and patience. Just look at Lucy with ember!.. take all the good and keep building on that. A winter of consistent training and she will be coming out so strong next season. Well done on all your hardwork so far!
I think because she is so sensitive and looks to you for confidence, you slowing down before that jump may have sent the message that there is something ahead that she should be looking at. You know it’s just exposure and miles under her belt. She ran so well, now you have the winter to work on it ❤❤❤
What a shame. She was going so well! Don't overthink it, though. I think it's just part of her learning process, and to hear others had problems at the same jump proves its not just her. Her first season of events was really good. Now a winter of training, fun rides and maturing. She's going to come out next season a different horse. Well done .❤
I think she has improved over the season, honestly, so a lot to be happy about. I remember when someone was jumping her at a cross country training session (was it Simon?) and he said she was a horse who you needed to keep a really good contact with right the way through the jump process just to give her confidence. Almost like holding her hand. And you rode that round like a demon, really positive. So I do just wonder, as she can be quite sensitive, when you took the pedal off the gas coming into the last fence if she just faltered for a second. Well done though. Fun in the making 🎉🎉🎉
Great riding - I love Wilma! Your friend is exactly right in my opinion. Your demeanor changed just enough leading up to the final fence that for a horse that needs your full confidence, having you slow her down may confuse her a bit! I also think that it’d be natural to have more confidence about her going over fences when she’s pulling at the bit but you don’t get that feeling as much when you’re approaching slower and calmer. Paradoxical for sure but some of the spookier ones need us to send them all the confidence and none of the doubt (much easier said than done, I know!). Also - try to go into every approach with your energy believing that she will go over the fence but just sit deep as your just in case. 🥰 Awesome job with her. She’s developing into such a beautiful little mare!
I think your friend may have it right, Meg, that you stopped pushing and relaxed a bit coming up to that last fence. Just a thought. Her TB half may be showing that sensitivity to YOU, and how you're riding. If you relaxed a bit too much? I wonder if slowing her on one of those longer runs for a few strides, then pushing her on again would help? Just musing. I've had three full Thoroughbreds, two off the track, one bred and trained for it but never raced. All very different personalities. One in particular was sensitive to every nuance, every thought. Of course it may just be as simple as something odd about that fence! Stay positive. Wilma has so much potential, and is coming along beautifully. She'll get there yet! Try not to over think it.
We’ve had a few young TB X connies and WB/ISH X connies and they all ride very blood, athletic but you need to ride every stride even on a hack. The natives are much more ‘put in gear and go’ once they know the job.
Don’t sweat the small stuff Meg. She’s still a bit green and She’s still learning - it takes some horses longer but you have the flat work going brilliant, which is a massive part of it. Well bloody done! 👏
For such a green baby Wilma has done really well over all. Relax, train sensibly and get her out on fun hacks with lots of strange and unusual things to see..
You have such an amazing support network! So lovely how your friends & family are always there for you. I’m 100% sure you will get there with Wilma, you were absolutely bossing the cross country, such a shame about the refusal. Hope Jam and Winnie are doing okay ❤
I love that you are analyzing all the reasons Wilma might have spooked. Something that occurred to me is that you are still super early in your partnership and maybe by the time you’ve spent the winter together working out you’ll both understand one another better.
I recently got a horse that is a bit looky and the best advice I can give you is don’t ride differently. Make sure you’re really positive not just through your riding but use your voice as well. I also have a habit of pulling when she looks at the jumps, but with my horse, it only makes it worse, so I try not to pull. Hope this helps you and Wilma Meggy!! I really love you and Wilma together!!💜💜
I think this was your best run yet with Wilma, despite the stop on that last fence. I ❤Wilma woo!!! She has come a long way this season. It is such bad luck that Jammy and Winnie had their injuries, but at the same time I feel that you got the chance to take Wilma out more often and that shows in her improvement. I understand your initial frustration over the stop, but you should be very proud ❤
From what I can see, as you’re coming through the trees she isn’t looking forward and where she’s going, she’s kind of looking around and not concentrating- I think maybe she thought she had finished. Then as you say, suddenly this fence (with scary pebbles lol) is in front and she’s like what?! I guess she’s one of those horses you can’t take your guard down for a second 😂 well done for the rest of it though! ❤
Was coming to write exactly this. She was switched off from the slower pace, thinking she was done, then you can see her spot the fence and that is the exact moment she puts her brakes on. Don't think it was a spook at anything, rather she saw it too late to get a look at it.
Aaah it's hard to go through days like this, BUT you are SO right with saying that when it does come together, it'll be amazing! Thank you for sharing everything for us, it just reminds us that you're human and constantly learning
Oh Wilma!! So close Meg, that darn smiley face. Ok so I’m going to suggest a fun plan… what ifffffffff we dabble with a lil bit of **whispers** team chasing 🤠 yeeehaaaaa
She did so well! Annoying, yes, the last fence, but she did so well and consistently improve throughout the season. Even when she was unsure on course, she went forward and over this time, which is a huge improvement in her trust. Great job!
Think of how far she’s come though. And she’s still very green. Focus on the positive, that’s all you can do. I honestly think she thought she had finished as you said you’d stopped chasing her on to make sure she was within the time. She does try very hard for you, some horses just need a different approach. Once she’s figured it out she’ll be super. A really lovely little mare.
Megan, Thank you for sharing all you do. You have done so well so far this season. Your shert looked so amassing, and your britches also looked amazing. Take care and all the best .😊😊😊👍👍👍
I love when the horses get off the lorry. Then dive into the green stuff as if they haven't had any for ages. Poor mistreated babies - NOT. No horses/ponies could be treated better. Love your vlogs.
Aww Wilma did a lovely dressage test a great showjumping round and was a bit spooky at the start of cross country then really got into her stride. Sadly the dragon 🐉 smile on the last fence made her need to take a second look. She was just protecting you from the dragon 🐉 next year will be her year to shine ❤❤
Horses really are some of the most complex creatures out there, aren't they? Though frustrating, she is coming along nicely, Meg. We only really appreciate the peaks when we can recognize the valley's below. This is just a silly bump in your journey with Wilma. ❤
Ahh, I can see the improvement. I’m sure to you it feels one thing after another but from a viewers point of view I think she’s looking more & more grown up & quite special ❤ her confidence is growing & growing and it does look like she’s learning a lot. Plenty of time for it to come right Megs 😊 x
Oh on the hello fresh if you are on the fence about trying it just try it. They are amazing and taught me how to cook. Literally went from making boxed pasta to being able to make a whole meal for many adults. So a win win you support a creator you like and you get tasty food
I think overall you did so well in all three phases and you both have improved so much 😊. I love watching your videos. Wilma seems like a sensitive horse.. could it be that if you have the thought of “let’s slow down I’m up on time” she feels that you want to slow but goes too far? Horses do read our body language and how we feel, so you could try to focus more on picturing you both flying over the fence and going forward rather than slowing down? They’re very good at reading our thoughts I think 😊😅. 🐴
Meg you rode brilliantly Wilma just needs time to process all her training she a special sweet girl you've nailed the dressage and show jumping just the cross country. It was lovely to she the girlie's ❤
Such a great day she has improved so much, as for the stop horses sense of smell is much more intense than ours and I think we forget that,so if a predator or something she didn’t understand had left their smell, that could have also been a factor. Great book is horse brain human brain by Janet L Jones it’s on audible , very interesting on how horses interpret the world it completely changed the way I interact with my ponies 🧡🇦🇺
And also, why do people have the need to comment how quick they are viewing or commenting on a new video??? I mean, no one cares!!! I just don’t get it, or maybe I am just getting too old 😂
It annoys me too but it's a kid thing and the creators like it because it gets engagement up so...I try to just ignore it because it doesn't hurt anything.
We got Hobbit commentary!! Sweet Wilma really has improved, but it’s SO frustrating that her spook ended up costing so much. A bit of a relief that other horses agreed with her that the fence was pony-eating, though.
Well, she was a good bit better than last time over all..🤔 Question: Would it be of any help to work on desensitization? Like with plastic bags, ballons, traffic cones, & crazy-shape things around jumps? I just know she'll be a 2 or 3 *** one day! 💗🏆
One of mine will train perfectly but sooooo spooky on comp day was 50/50 get eliminated or around the course, after 5 years of confidence building we could generally get around a course but never made it out of the baby heights! She always tried her absolute best!
I think it was that "smiley" face; the slowing down perhaps made her think "why are we slowing down, is there something to worry about, oooo what's that!" Trying to think "horse"! She did so well otherwise. Well done Meg, you'll get there.
I don't think always respect the last fence necessarily ment that it's dangerous Wilma...... 😅😅 So strange how horses react to totally unexpected things! Of course it would have been really nice to end the season with a win...... But close to a win is good enough for the first season!!! ❤❤ Future is still bright!!!
Oh that’s a shame. I think next year she’ll understand it more. Maybe she needs more time with you just because you’ve got such a bond with your others. Well done though. Onwards and upwards 😀
Oh my goodness that is so annoying.! Wilma..!! Feel your pain but as you said when it does happen it will be so much sweeter .. keep going your doing fabulous xx
That was weird. You brought her back but she didn't lose impulsion. She was straight to the fence. I think this was a crazy stop, but all of her stops are crazy. There is no reason for it. That being said, it is alright to be upset. If you could say, this happened therefore this, you could understand. It's the randomness. In any case, don't stress. The more miles she gets, the better she will become because she is quite a nice jumper and is brave. I will say you will work hard this winter, her dressage will be even better and keep smiling! You have a beautiful mare who will be an exceptional event horse!
That really sucks. You absolutely willl get there. Perhaps when you walk the coirse really visualise wilms flying each fence and saying to yourself Wilma will fly over tjis fence easily first time. Language is everything. Shes looking fantastic meg 😊 Ill be interested to know Simons thoughts x
When I was a kid, I was riding in a show at my lesson barn. I think I was doing the twice-around crossrails class. This was back in the day of those clunky video cameras with the VHS tapes. My mom “filmed” my entire round with the camera off, and then turned it on (thinking she was turning it off) after i had jumped my round. So I have some GREAT footage of the ground and my mom talking! 😂
She really has improved this season and it will be a good starting point for next year. It does take time to build that relationship and it has not even been a full year yet so I think you have come a long way.
Great vlog and brilliant to see Wilma progressing. However, I would love people to stop the narrative of “ my horse is naughty” horses don’t have the mental capacity to be “naughty”. This is a horse not understanding the question asked so we have to learn to ask in a different way. I’ve seen the narrative before where influencers are saying “my horse knows they have got it wrong”. No they don’t ,what they understand is that when they did that before they have been reprimanded and are therefore waiting for the same. Understanding how a horses brain works is very helpful in assisting them in their ridden career.
Of course it's frustrating! I'm not surprised how you felt. You are doing a really good job with her and in three years I do think you'll have yourself a very flashy super horse.
"Horses laugh when Riders make plans". Bit of a misquote, but it seemed appropriate. I feel for you, Meg, but Wima's day will come. Look how far she's already come, she is a beautiful horse & you are doing a fantastic job🎉. Much love to Team Elphick (& Wilma)❤
Never mind, Meg. It's happened to us all, that last fence thing. We def. do something a bit diff. in our heads when we've had a great round and we're happy and proud, I think. I also was in the lead once, and was so chuffed coming up to the end, I lost concentration at the last fence ; my lovely boy still jumped, but veered off to the right and jumped the level HIGHER instead! Bloody eliminated us!😳 My husband and coach didn't speak to me for 3 days!
Great video Meg. I think I saw something there. A few fences, you did pull her to slow her at some fences and she had her head up. Then it was like she suddenly saw the fence and looked like she thought about stopping but she kept going. I'm wondering if she gets to feeling like that and stops when she does. I don't know, but she'll get there.
I am an older competitor and do it purely for fun. My mare is relatively inexperienced and this is our first season together. She can lack confidence and we have had the odd problem with her appearing not to be able to read some fences and jamming on. It’s not naughtiness, just insecurity. At Little Gatcombe like you we had a storming round with no problems even at the water which was causing lots of trouble by the time we went round. At the last my mare put the brakes on at the last minute and I nearly went over the fence without her 🙈. On the second attempt she wouldn’t even try so we retired as I know from experience with her this that once she loses confidence she has a job to focus and it’s best not to reinforce the negative. Popped her back into the warmup area and jumped the warmup fences with no difficulty. On reflection I think I was up on time and possibly took the pedal off the metal somewhat at the end but also that there was something about that fence they didn’t like. I’d messed up the SJ anyway so should have just kept moving on and taken the time faults. Old habits die hard though…….
Aww well done Meg and Wilma ❤ I know it's not what you were hoping for but at least you know it wasn't just you that had problems with that fence. Hopefully Wilma will really improve with more time and the more she sees things. It's really interesting to see their different ways of processing things. Hopefully she'll become a bit more predictable for you as well Meg. Try not to feel like you need to move her up quickly, although I understand where you're coming from in relation to how fast and strong she was in the previous 80cm 😅 you'll both get there! 💖
Yes, you can actually see your body changes after you got through those trees... Bless her and you.... Chin up... And she really does need you to hold her and "be driving".. She's not an autopilot pony that's for sure!! 😅🥰🤗 Looking forward to training videos with her... 🤗🥰
3 minutes ago It is super frustrating to be in FIRST and then have that happen. It was frustrating for me sitting on my couch in the US refreshing BE scores LOL. BUT . . . it was just one fence in an otherwise great day. You're used to horses like Jammy who just power to the fences and never think about refusing (until she did, and then you knew something was wrong!), and that's not Wilma. Wilma, it seems to me from afar, needs her hoof held a bit. Perhaps she felt you slacking off when you realized you were up on time and that made her feel less confident, so suddenly the fence looked spooky. The spookier fences early on didn't seem that spooky to her because you were holding her hoof. I think it's just going to be about your relationship with her. Once it's 100% solid she will, like most mares, go to the moon for you. But mares don't just hand over their hearts right away, and it hasn't really been that long. Take the Fall and Winter to work on the relationship, and I'll bet by Spring she'll be 150% in your corner! 🙂
Haha no that’s not true. I’ve been riding them as well and a lots of eventing. We were just hacking almost every day with them. So they got used to traffic and spooky things. Yes you need to be a very patient rider and work a lot with your relationship with your horse.
There was a similar last fence at Bicton in August & my horse who is really bold, properly looked at it! I also know a few people stopped at that one too. I think they struggle to read whether to bank it or jump it when it has then ascending top on it. Such a shame, I would have been cross too 🙈
i feel like horses with any thoroughbred in are so unpredictable with spooking 😬 as a teenager i had a pony that was half welsh sec b and half thoroughbred and he was kind of like wilma in that things you definitely WOULD expect a horse to spook at he would be totally fine and really amazing but then other time he would just STOP and nap/jog backwards and also would spook at things that you wouldn't expect him to, no hate to thoroughbreds haha but i think maybe it does just make them a bit unpredictable unfortunately
I have a 100% thoroughbred (off the track) and he is THE MOST chilled guy you can imagine. He is not spooking at anything at all and is just so much more fine with himself than tons of warmbloods I know. So blaming the spookiness on the TB part is always a bit far from the truth for me. :D
i am not a pro but I think because you slowed down she thought you were finished and deconnected from this. She is so great !!! Do not rush , she will get there :)
These fences are used at Oxstalls and at Gatcombe. It is not unusual for them to use this as the last fence and a LOT of horses are known to stop at it. I’ve known them stop even as a schooling fence at Oxstalls. I’m not sure why they look at it but my trainer always tells me to ride this fence as if they’ve already stopped! Just something about it I guess….
Yet to see a comment suggesting getting a lead at a quieter drag hunt to get her used to stop/starting and build her confidence in her own ability to get around without being micromanaged. I don’t know if there is smaller level team chasing but that either!
I’m sure it’s just a matter of experience and thus confidence. It takes time for a horse gain complete confidence in their rider; they are naturally cautious of odd things, that’s how they survive, isn’t it? She’s a lovely horse and you are building a great rapport, but they are all individuals. Disappointing but it will be resolved. Will be educational for all your viewers too.
i think you relaxed and slowed down which didn't help with the fence that had caused some issues. doing great improving all the way, love hobbs filming commentary is so sweet xx
It could be worse Meg and it could of been the last fence at Badminton in the 5star 🙈 That’s what happened to that rider Elisa Wallace on her horse Johnny! Imagine getting all the way round that track and that happens at the last fence 🥴 It will all come together and that little horse will win quite a few events next year, watch this space ❤️
i noticed that about 4strides out to every fence (you're anticipating the spook) so do a drive with your seat or check with your hand, but coming up to that last fence you should have followed that pattern coming through the trees but you were distracted by reading your timer (you should really be learning to read speed not time - its a feeling riding, not reliant on equipment) - and she had completely switched off like she thought she was done, then you presented her with a fence and she genuinely looked surprised (and was tired enough to say) wtf! 😇 she's not experienced enough to just cover for you like that...when you are consistent, she is consistent. You CANNOT afford to be complacent - she is requiring of you to be that grownup rider and treat every fence like you've been through a reboot. 🦄She is good for you. 🌟They say horses are a mirror reflecting back at you what kind of rider/horseperson you are - if you don't like the rider staring back at you, go back to your basics and fix it 🌟
Ahhh how frustrating, I feel your pain. That’s horses for you unfortunately. I think a winter of BD and BS and she’ll come out next year a mega event horse 😊
It's the windows/ ventilation circulates the hay particles. It's not the horse doing it. Better with a haynet to travel. Prevents stress and possible ulcers
And part of the problem is that you don't really know what the issue is. When you figure it out, she'll be fine. But dressage and show jumping were fine.
Wilma is beautiful and has improved but not sure her future is to be an event horse she needs tons of desensitization in a round pen to build her confidence as her lack of it is her downfall
I think it's something like 2/3ft straight a head they can't see, probably why they turn their heads first to check. It's why you're taught never to come straight at a horse head on and to aways approach from the side. I think you need to stay at the same pace or more practice going up and down speed over the same bits of cross country when training.... You both still did well! Could have been a lot worse!! 🏇🔥♥️👍
❤ Oh dear Meg! 😢 Even the best of days can suddenly go wrong - at the last fence - Emily M's "smile of dooom" 😅 too! 😮 Naughty Wilma! I hope you can crack the weird spooks soon. It would be good to hear what Emily M, Simon and Cameron have to say about them. 😊 What position did you finish on in the end? It was great to see Emily and Tina and to have Tina's input on the cross country phase too. 😊 I missed having 'Pete's Eats'! ❤ xOx
I think it’s easy to forget she has the TB side to her.
If you looked at your progress and record this season with her thinking of her as a pure TB you would be jumping for joy with it all.
They are just so much more sensitive and pick up on every little subtle change. They are the best horses ever but take so much more time, training and patience.
Just look at Lucy with ember!..
take all the good and keep building on that. A winter of consistent training and she will be coming out so strong next season. Well done on all your hardwork so far!
I think because she is so sensitive and looks to you for confidence, you slowing down before that jump may have sent the message that there is something ahead that she should be looking at. You know it’s just exposure and miles under her belt. She ran so well, now you have the winter to work on it ❤❤❤
What a shame. She was going so well! Don't overthink it, though. I think it's just part of her learning process, and to hear others had problems at the same jump proves its not just her. Her first season of events was really good. Now a winter of training, fun rides and maturing. She's going to come out next season a different horse. Well done .❤
I think she has improved over the season, honestly, so a lot to be happy about.
I remember when someone was jumping her at a cross country training session (was it Simon?) and he said she was a horse who you needed to keep a really good contact with right the way through the jump process just to give her confidence. Almost like holding her hand. And you rode that round like a demon, really positive. So I do just wonder, as she can be quite sensitive, when you took the pedal off the gas coming into the last fence if she just faltered for a second. Well done though. Fun in the making 🎉🎉🎉
Great riding - I love Wilma! Your friend is exactly right in my opinion. Your demeanor changed just enough leading up to the final fence that for a horse that needs your full confidence, having you slow her down may confuse her a bit! I also think that it’d be natural to have more confidence about her going over fences when she’s pulling at the bit but you don’t get that feeling as much when you’re approaching slower and calmer. Paradoxical for sure but some of the spookier ones need us to send them all the confidence and none of the doubt (much easier said than done, I know!). Also - try to go into every approach with your energy believing that she will go over the fence but just sit deep as your just in case. 🥰 Awesome job with her. She’s developing into such a beautiful little mare!
I think your friend may have it right, Meg, that you stopped pushing and relaxed a bit coming up to that last fence. Just a thought. Her TB half may be showing that sensitivity to YOU, and how you're riding. If you relaxed a bit too much? I wonder if slowing her on one of those longer runs for a few strides, then pushing her on again would help? Just musing. I've had three full Thoroughbreds, two off the track, one bred and trained for it but never raced. All very different personalities. One in particular was sensitive to every nuance, every thought. Of course it may just be as simple as something odd about that fence! Stay positive. Wilma has so much potential, and is coming along beautifully. She'll get there yet! Try not to over think it.
We’ve had a few young TB X connies and WB/ISH X connies and they all ride very blood, athletic but you need to ride every stride even on a hack. The natives are much more ‘put in gear and go’ once they know the job.
Please update us on Jam and Winnie. I LOVE any vlogs from you. Stay safe and well.
Yes! We definitely need an update, please. ❤
I totally agree with an update about jam & and winnie. would be mostly appreciated
Don’t sweat the small stuff Meg. She’s still a bit green and She’s still learning - it takes some horses longer but you have the flat work going brilliant, which is a massive part of it. Well bloody done! 👏
For such a green baby Wilma has done really well over all. Relax, train sensibly and get her out on fun hacks with lots of strange and unusual things to see..
You have such an amazing support network! So lovely how your friends & family are always there for you. I’m 100% sure you will get there with Wilma, you were absolutely bossing the cross country, such a shame about the refusal. Hope Jam and Winnie are doing okay ❤
I love that you are analyzing all the reasons Wilma might have spooked. Something that occurred to me is that you are still super early in your partnership and maybe by the time you’ve spent the winter together working out you’ll both understand one another better.
The “wonky bum” halt-😂 that’s going to be the next thing that judges write on their score sheets. I love it.
I recently got a horse that is a bit looky and the best advice I can give you is don’t ride differently.
Make sure you’re really positive not just through your riding but use your voice as well.
I also have a habit of pulling when she looks at the jumps, but with my horse, it only makes it worse, so I try not to pull.
Hope this helps you and Wilma Meggy!! I really love you and Wilma together!!💜💜
I think this was your best run yet with Wilma, despite the stop on that last fence. I ❤Wilma woo!!! She has come a long way this season. It is such bad luck that Jammy and Winnie had their injuries, but at the same time I feel that you got the chance to take Wilma out more often and that shows in her improvement. I understand your initial frustration over the stop, but you should be very proud ❤
From what I can see, as you’re coming through the trees she isn’t looking forward and where she’s going, she’s kind of looking around and not concentrating- I think maybe she thought she had finished. Then as you say, suddenly this fence (with scary pebbles lol) is in front and she’s like what?!
I guess she’s one of those horses you can’t take your guard down for a second 😂 well done for the rest of it though! ❤
Was coming to write exactly this. She was switched off from the slower pace, thinking she was done, then you can see her spot the fence and that is the exact moment she puts her brakes on. Don't think it was a spook at anything, rather she saw it too late to get a look at it.
Aaah it's hard to go through days like this, BUT you are SO right with saying that when it does come together, it'll be amazing! Thank you for sharing everything for us, it just reminds us that you're human and constantly learning
Oh Wilma!! So close Meg, that darn smiley face. Ok so I’m going to suggest a fun plan… what ifffffffff we dabble with a lil bit of **whispers** team chasing 🤠 yeeehaaaaa
She did so well! Annoying, yes, the last fence, but she did so well and consistently improve throughout the season. Even when she was unsure on course, she went forward and over this time, which is a huge improvement in her trust. Great job!
What a lovely day for Mum and daughter. Wilma is a sweet mare. She will get there😊
Think of how far she’s come though. And she’s still very green. Focus on the positive, that’s all you can do. I honestly think she thought she had finished as you said you’d stopped chasing her on to make sure she was within the time. She does try very hard for you, some horses just need a different approach. Once she’s figured it out she’ll be super. A really lovely little mare.
Megan, Thank you for sharing all you do. You have done so well so far this season. Your shert looked so amassing, and your britches also looked amazing. Take care and all the best .😊😊😊👍👍👍
I love when the horses get off the lorry. Then dive into the green stuff as if they haven't had any for ages. Poor mistreated babies - NOT. No horses/ponies could be treated better. Love your vlogs.
I swear we’ve just watched a vlog with this title few days ago, my brain is confused 🤣🤣
Me too, I sat here for about five minutes trying to figure out if my brain glitched. I’ve seen this before right??
i think it was another video. i was confused too. will see if i find it.
Try to think of all the positive aspects of your outing with Wilma. She is still quite green, so a winter of schooling will do wonders, I'm sure! ❤
Wilma's really coming along ! Such a shame about that last fence but i'm excited to see how she returns next season and hopefully she can go bigger 😚
Oh Meg! Such a shame on that last fence! But you both done amazing! It is what it is and next time will be better ❤
Aww Wilma did a lovely dressage test a great showjumping round and was a bit spooky at the start of cross country then really got into her stride. Sadly the dragon 🐉 smile on the last fence made her need to take a second look. She was just protecting you from the dragon 🐉 next year will be her year to shine ❤❤
Horses really are some of the most complex creatures out there, aren't they? Though frustrating, she is coming along nicely, Meg. We only really appreciate the peaks when we can recognize the valley's below. This is just a silly bump in your journey with Wilma. ❤
I feel soooo sorry for those who don't have the support you do. Wonderful friends.
Ahh, I can see the improvement. I’m sure to you it feels one thing after another but from a viewers point of view I think she’s looking more & more grown up & quite special ❤ her confidence is growing & growing and it does look like she’s learning a lot.
Plenty of time for it to come right Megs 😊 x
Also you’ve been so used to reliable Jam & Dee Dee with all their experience. Wilma will get there I’m sure….but just in her own way & time x
Oh on the hello fresh if you are on the fence about trying it just try it. They are amazing and taught me how to cook. Literally went from making boxed pasta to being able to make a whole meal for many adults. So a win win you support a creator you like and you get tasty food
I think overall you did so well in all three phases and you both have improved so much 😊. I love watching your videos. Wilma seems like a sensitive horse.. could it be that if you have the thought of “let’s slow down I’m up on time” she feels that you want to slow but goes too far? Horses do read our body language and how we feel, so you could try to focus more on picturing you both flying over the fence and going forward rather than slowing down? They’re very good at reading our thoughts I think 😊😅. 🐴
Meg you rode brilliantly Wilma just needs time to process all her training she a special sweet girl you've nailed the dressage and show jumping just the cross country. It was lovely to she the girlie's ❤
I think it was an amazing day for you. I wouldn't worry about the spooking too much, you both did great❤
Such a great day she has improved so much, as for the stop horses sense of smell is much more intense than ours and I think we forget that,so if a predator or something she didn’t understand had left their smell, that could have also been a factor. Great book is horse brain human brain by Janet L Jones it’s on audible , very interesting on how horses interpret the world it completely changed the way I interact with my ponies 🧡🇦🇺
And also, why do people have the need to comment how quick they are viewing or commenting on a new video??? I mean, no one cares!!! I just don’t get it, or maybe I am just getting too old 😂
It’s a kids thing. Let them be if they like it.
Also, if it gets engagement up on a video, not a lot to complain about there
I don't understand it either!!
Agree with you but I think it a kid thing
It annoys me too but it's a kid thing and the creators like it because it gets engagement up so...I try to just ignore it because it doesn't hurt anything.
We got Hobbit commentary!!
Sweet Wilma really has improved, but it’s SO frustrating that her spook ended up costing so much. A bit of a relief that other horses agreed with her that the fence was pony-eating, though.
Well, she was a good bit better than last time over all..🤔
Question: Would it be of any help to work on desensitization? Like with plastic bags, ballons, traffic cones, & crazy-shape things around jumps?
I just know she'll be a 2 or 3 *** one day! 💗🏆
I can't wait to see you both out next season and be lovely if you take us on a dressage winter journey too.
One of mine will train perfectly but sooooo spooky on comp day was 50/50 get eliminated or around the course, after 5 years of confidence building we could generally get around a course but never made it out of the baby heights! She always tried her absolute best!
I think it was that "smiley" face; the slowing down perhaps made her think "why are we slowing down, is there something to worry about, oooo what's that!" Trying to think "horse"! She did so well otherwise. Well done Meg, you'll get there.
I don't think always respect the last fence necessarily ment that it's dangerous Wilma...... 😅😅 So strange how horses react to totally unexpected things! Of course it would have been really nice to end the season with a win...... But close to a win is good enough for the first season!!! ❤❤ Future is still bright!!!
Oh that’s a shame. I think next year she’ll understand it more. Maybe she needs more time with you just because you’ve got such a bond with your others. Well done though. Onwards and upwards 😀
Oh my goodness that is so annoying.! Wilma..!! Feel your pain but as you said when it does happen it will be so much sweeter .. keep going your doing fabulous xx
That was weird. You brought her back but she didn't lose impulsion. She was straight to the fence. I think this was a crazy stop, but all of her stops are crazy. There is no reason for it. That being said, it is alright to be upset. If you could say, this happened therefore this, you could understand. It's the randomness. In any case, don't stress. The more miles she gets, the better she will become because she is quite a nice jumper and is brave. I will say you will work hard this winter, her dressage will be even better and keep smiling! You have a beautiful mare who will be an exceptional event horse!
That really sucks. You absolutely willl get there. Perhaps when you walk the coirse really visualise wilms flying each fence and saying to yourself Wilma will fly over tjis fence easily first time. Language is everything. Shes looking fantastic meg 😊
Ill be interested to know Simons thoughts x
My horse is very similar to Wilma. He puts on a brave face as much as he can, but sometimes it's all just too much.
Any chance we've got 2 eventing vlogs coming our way? One with Wilma and one with Teddy Bear? Hope Bear gets to go eventing at some point soon!!!!
Hey at least Hobs realised the lens cap was still on 😂 my mum would have revorded the whole lot in darkness not realising 😂
When I was a kid, I was riding in a show at my lesson barn. I think I was doing the twice-around crossrails class. This was back in the day of those clunky video cameras with the VHS tapes. My mom “filmed” my entire round with the camera off, and then turned it on (thinking she was turning it off) after i had jumped my round. So I have some GREAT footage of the ground and my mom talking! 😂
She really has improved this season and it will be a good starting point for next year. It does take time to build that relationship and it has not even been a full year yet so I think you have come a long way.
Great vlog and brilliant to see Wilma progressing. However, I would love people to stop the narrative of “ my horse is naughty” horses don’t have the mental capacity to be “naughty”. This is a horse not understanding the question asked so we have to learn to ask in a different way.
I’ve seen the narrative before where influencers are saying “my horse knows they have got it wrong”. No they don’t ,what they understand is that when they did that before they have been reprimanded and are therefore waiting for the same.
Understanding how a horses brain works is very helpful in assisting them in their ridden career.
Just watched the dressage, oh Hobbs,you've got such a lovely soft voice I was nearly nodding off 😂😂😂 you should do a lullaby vlog 😂😂
Is it just me or does Meg produce her horses so well?
It’s definitely not just you!
Of course it's frustrating! I'm not surprised how you felt. You are doing a really good job with her and in three years I do think you'll have yourself a very flashy super horse.
She just glides so beautifully in her trot
"Horses laugh when Riders make plans". Bit of a misquote, but it seemed appropriate. I feel for you, Meg, but Wima's day will come. Look how far she's already come, she is a beautiful horse & you are doing a fantastic job🎉. Much love to Team Elphick (& Wilma)❤
Never mind, Meg. It's happened to us all, that last fence thing. We def. do something a bit diff. in our heads when we've had a great round and we're happy and proud, I think. I also was in the lead once, and was so chuffed coming up to the end, I lost concentration at the last fence ; my lovely boy still jumped, but veered off to the right and jumped the level HIGHER instead! Bloody eliminated us!😳 My husband and coach didn't speak to me for 3 days!
My tb is ridiculously spooky 😅 they can feel when you’ve relaxed the tiniest bit 😭
Woot woot nice to see your pals show up to support :)
Well done 👏 I really thought, I was going to write whoopeeee to the first clear. Anything was going fantastic. 💜 It is coming.....🎉
Great video Meg. I think I saw something there. A few fences, you did pull her to slow her at some fences and she had her head up. Then it was like she suddenly saw the fence and looked like she thought about stopping but she kept going. I'm wondering if she gets to feeling like that and stops when she does. I don't know, but she'll get there.
Apart from that fence you both did amazing
Would Simon take her around at a show & give you some feedback?
Yeh, more often then not if you pop a professional on the horse is fine….
@@Horsemom i would love to see this!!
@@emialice3825 I think it would be a great idea 💡 😀
I am an older competitor and do it purely for fun. My mare is relatively inexperienced and this is our first season together. She can lack confidence and we have had the odd problem with her appearing not to be able to read some fences and jamming on. It’s not naughtiness, just insecurity. At Little Gatcombe like you we had a storming round with no problems even at the water which was causing lots of trouble by the time we went round. At the last my mare put the brakes on at the last minute and I nearly went over the fence without her 🙈. On the second attempt she wouldn’t even try so we retired as I know from experience with her this that once she loses confidence she has a job to focus and it’s best not to reinforce the negative. Popped her back into the warmup area and jumped the warmup fences with no difficulty. On reflection I think I was up on time and possibly took the pedal off the metal somewhat at the end but also that there was something about that fence they didn’t like. I’d messed up the SJ anyway so should have just kept moving on and taken the time faults. Old habits die hard though…….
Aww well done Meg and Wilma ❤ I know it's not what you were hoping for but at least you know it wasn't just you that had problems with that fence. Hopefully Wilma will really improve with more time and the more she sees things. It's really interesting to see their different ways of processing things. Hopefully she'll become a bit more predictable for you as well Meg. Try not to feel like you need to move her up quickly, although I understand where you're coming from in relation to how fast and strong she was in the previous 80cm 😅 you'll both get there! 💖
Yes, you can actually see your body changes after you got through those trees... Bless her and you.... Chin up... And she really does need you to hold her and "be driving".. She's not an autopilot pony that's for sure!! 😅🥰🤗 Looking forward to training videos with her... 🤗🥰
I think she thought she was finished and was not expecting to jump again.
3 minutes ago
It is super frustrating to be in FIRST and then have that happen. It was frustrating for me sitting on my couch in the US refreshing BE scores LOL. BUT . . . it was just one fence in an otherwise great day. You're used to horses like Jammy who just power to the fences and never think about refusing (until she did, and then you knew something was wrong!), and that's not Wilma. Wilma, it seems to me from afar, needs her hoof held a bit. Perhaps she felt you slacking off when you realized you were up on time and that made her feel less confident, so suddenly the fence looked spooky. The spookier fences early on didn't seem that spooky to her because you were holding her hoof. I think it's just going to be about your relationship with her. Once it's 100% solid she will, like most mares, go to the moon for you. But mares don't just hand over their hearts right away, and it hasn't really been that long. Take the Fall and Winter to work on the relationship, and I'll bet by Spring she'll be 150% in your corner! 🙂
Megan! You did really well until that fence! Annoying with that stop Wilma but until then very good! Paint some spooky fillers for home to practice! 😊
Your Holland and Cooper breeches and stock shirt are gorgeous.
I love the babiessss i hope for an update on them all soon ❤
My sister has always loved T-breds and all of them had special issues so welcome to the Thoroughbred Brain 😂
Haha no that’s not true. I’ve been riding them as well and a lots of eventing. We were just hacking almost every day with them. So they got used to traffic and spooky things. Yes you need to be a very patient rider and work a lot with your relationship with your horse.
There was a similar last fence at Bicton in August & my horse who is really bold, properly looked at it! I also know a few people stopped at that one too. I think they struggle to read whether to bank it or jump it when it has then ascending top on it. Such a shame, I would have been cross too 🙈
i feel like horses with any thoroughbred in are so unpredictable with spooking 😬 as a teenager i had a pony that was half welsh sec b and half thoroughbred and he was kind of like wilma in that things you definitely WOULD expect a horse to spook at he would be totally fine and really amazing but then other time he would just STOP and nap/jog backwards and also would spook at things that you wouldn't expect him to, no hate to thoroughbreds haha but i think maybe it does just make them a bit unpredictable unfortunately
I have a 100% thoroughbred (off the track) and he is THE MOST chilled guy you can imagine. He is not spooking at anything at all and is just so much more fine with himself than tons of warmbloods I know. So blaming the spookiness on the TB part is always a bit far from the truth for me. :D
I have a full ID, a bog standard cob and a full Connie and they are all spooky buggers. And you can never predict what will catch their eye!!
do you know what then, maybe it’s actually the native ponies that are the issue and not the thouroughbreds 😂
i am not a pro but I think because you slowed down she thought you were finished and deconnected from this. She is so great !!! Do not rush , she will get there :)
love the og eventing vlogs
These fences are used at Oxstalls and at Gatcombe. It is not unusual for them to use this as the last fence and a LOT of horses are known to stop at it. I’ve known them stop even as a schooling fence at Oxstalls. I’m not sure why they look at it but my trainer always tells me to ride this fence as if they’ve already stopped! Just something about it I guess….
So excited I was just hopeing that you would post toady !,
Yet to see a comment suggesting getting a lead at a quieter drag hunt to get her used to stop/starting and build her confidence in her own ability to get around without being micromanaged. I don’t know if there is smaller level team chasing but that either!
I’m sure it’s just a matter of experience and thus confidence. It takes time for a horse gain complete confidence in their rider; they are naturally cautious of odd things, that’s how they survive, isn’t it? She’s a lovely horse and you are building a great rapport, but they are all individuals. Disappointing but it will be resolved. Will be educational for all your viewers too.
On the vision statement, horses have binocular vision so things tend to jump out at them at a certain point. That might very well be your issue.
Hobbit and the camera lens cap 😂😂😂 I love this channel ❤️
i think you relaxed and slowed down which didn't help with the fence that had caused some issues. doing great improving all the way, love hobbs filming commentary is so sweet xx
It could be worse Meg and it could of been the last fence at Badminton in the 5star 🙈 That’s what happened to that rider Elisa Wallace on her horse Johnny! Imagine getting all the way round that track and that happens at the last fence 🥴 It will all come together and that little horse will win quite a few events next year, watch this space ❤️
i noticed that about 4strides out to every fence (you're anticipating the spook) so do a drive with your seat or check with your hand, but coming up to that last fence you should have followed that pattern coming through the trees but you were distracted by reading your timer (you should really be learning to read speed not time - its a feeling riding, not reliant on equipment) - and she had completely switched off like she thought she was done, then you presented her with a fence and she genuinely looked surprised (and was tired enough to say) wtf! 😇 she's not experienced enough to just cover for you like that...when you are consistent, she is consistent. You CANNOT afford to be complacent - she is requiring of you to be that grownup rider and treat every fence like you've been through a reboot. 🦄She is good for you. 🌟They say horses are a mirror reflecting back at you what kind of rider/horseperson you are - if you don't like the rider staring back at you, go back to your basics and fix it 🌟
THE Gatcombe as in THe Princess Royals home?..how cool is that
Ahhh how frustrating, I feel your pain. That’s horses for you unfortunately. I think a winter of BD and BS and she’ll come out next year a mega event horse 😊
I have a very cowardly mare and I have to slow to a trot about 5 strides out when she gets spooky. Some mares are just low on bravery
Nice to see Hobbes in more videos.
It's the windows/ ventilation circulates the hay particles. It's not the horse doing it. Better with a haynet to travel. Prevents stress and possible ulcers
And part of the problem is that you don't really know what the issue is. When you figure it out, she'll be fine. But dressage and show jumping were fine.
I've known quite a few horses that spook at white rocks. They're terrifying!
You’ve really improved the spookiness in stadium though!? My trainer would just say Wilma needs more mileage🤷🏼♀️
Top of the eye sees distance, bottom sees close, thats why they want their head up 3,4 strides out
Wilma is beautiful and has improved but not sure her future is to be an event horse she needs tons of desensitization in a round pen to build her confidence as her lack of it is her downfall
I think it's something like 2/3ft straight a head they can't see, probably why they turn their heads first to check. It's why you're taught never to come straight at a horse head on and to aways approach from the side. I think you need to stay at the same pace or more practice going up and down speed over the same bits of cross country when training.... You both still did well! Could have been a lot worse!! 🏇🔥♥️👍
Must have been a ghost at that fence 😂
Horses love to go "I think I will cause problems on purpose".
Possibly coming through the trees there eyes ultra much slower than what we do from light to dark so maybe hers just took a bit longer.. x
❤ Oh dear Meg! 😢 Even the best of days can suddenly go wrong - at the last fence - Emily M's "smile of dooom" 😅 too! 😮 Naughty Wilma! I hope you can crack the weird spooks soon. It would be good to hear what Emily M, Simon and Cameron have to say about them. 😊
What position did you finish on in the end?
It was great to see Emily and Tina and to have Tina's input on the cross country phase too. 😊
I missed having 'Pete's Eats'! ❤ xOx