Equestrian at Cybercheckout: A fresh new start.................

Equestrian at Cybercheckout: A fresh new start.................

A fresh new start.................

Well a lot has changed in the last few months. We are now, and I am very happy to announce this, a main supplier of Weatherbeeta, Saxon, Roma and Dublin.
This means we will have a full range of all things equestrian, ranging from yard equipment, Saddlery, accessories and rugs. I have been working hard getting all the initial stock loaded, and so far we have lightweight turnout rugs, Fly rugs, travel rugs, coolers, sheepskin saddle pads, competition breeches, show shirts and a range of beautiful bridles and browbands. I am offering most of these products with a promotional item, so for example, with the fly rugs you get a free fly mask, with the coolers you get a free sweat scraper etc. There are some very good deals and there are lots more to come so watch this space.......

The one thing I realise with selling on the internet is that image sells, and we are often given images from the suppliers of horses just standing there on a white background. I don't personally feel this gives a good enough first impression to draw people in to look at the products so good

old William got dragged in to do his bit of modelling. Here are some of his finer moments. He did such a good job and sales are going well, so big pats and carrots to him for helping us out.

One thing I do have to be honest about is how much I had become a bit of a 'brand snob'. Roma, to me, was always a cheaper make that I never paid much attention to, however, having seen these products now, especially the Sheepskin pads, I can honestly say they are fantastic quality and I have already purchased one for Will and from now on I will try not to be to 'brand specific'.

Our first dressage lesson with Jackie Bevan

Being as I dont 'do' dressage and much prefer to leap over random wooden poles this was rather exciting mixed with a bit of apprehension as to whether we would be good enough or just show ourselves up.
This was the first lesson so it was a bit of a get to know each other and finding out what works with William and myself. I had already explained I wanted to put some extra hard work into the flat to help with our jumping rather than trying to become the next dressage superstar.
So off I trot with our black boots and pelham with double reins ( I did take my snaffle just incase ) all ready to be frowned upon but no, what a lovely lady she is. I explained the problems I had had with bitting and she said stay with what he is comfortable in and lets see how he goes.
She very quickly picked up on Williams tension issues and said he had a lovely flowing free walk but when I collect him he walks laterally which I never knew so if I was ever to attempt this stressage lark I would need to have the collected walk very slightly longer than normal.
We worked a lot in trot, more than I normally do at home, and really worked on keeping the power. I have a habit of William offering it to me and then I sort of go "Ahh thats enough" and back off or I feel the tension creep in and I back off and calm it down and keep it simple before I push him over the edge but she worked on me keeping power power power and not being afraid to ask for things. I have to be a bit stronger and more "good boy well done" and " no not acceptable, behave, get over it". It all felt a bit strange at first and a lot more forward than I am used to but towards the end when I had got used to the feeling it was superb. I have to try and soften his neck a bit and she wants me to work on the flex left, flex right, flex left, flex right and straighten. A bit like the pro SJumpers do when they go in the ring.
The canter she liked a lot but again I have to soften that neck. At times down the long side he was strong but she worked on outside flexion and hey presto, he was back with me. Also shoulder in, in canter. She actually called it something else but I can't remember what it is called . William found this remarkably easy but a wonderful exercise for us. We also worked on cantering down the 3/4 line. Easier said than done, that was wiggly lol.
The main problem with Will is that he is a gobby little sod (her words) at times and this lets us down. He won't tolerate a flash and a drop isn't much different and I weighed up the pros and cons and decided it was best to let him open his mouth but we are going to work on this and have a play with different bits and nosebands and see what works and what doesn't. She wants me to try a double for now just to see how he is, as he was previously jumped in one in Belgium. Her sister was there watching (No pressure then) and she is very kindly going to lend me one so I look forward to trying this out.

The end comments were, he was a lovely horse with good power and lovely paces and she wishes she had found him as a 4yr old (shame he is 14 now) and if we can sort the gobby front end out there is no reason why he can't go and do some dressage if we ever feel the need. She also said I was a nice rider with a good position who she could tell worked hard and was focused and I was a pleasure to teach so that was lovely to hear.

I had a fab lesson especially for the first one and I will be working hard for now on what we learnt in todays lesson so after I have saved my pennies again I will be ready for the next one and I am really looking forward to it.

I am now the proud owner of achey inner thighs and a right butt cheek lol

An update on William

Well everything has been so busy with all the changes in seasons and rugs etc that I am not getting much time to update my blog, however there have been lots of fun and interesting things happening.
First big news is that William and I have moved yards and I have aquired a little pony along the way! We are now on a lovely quiet private yard just on our own. 3 nice big stables, huge tack room, lovely paddocks etc and my Brother in Law has a yard right at the back of me so I go and annoy them on a regular basis when I go and use his arena.
The difference in Will is amazing, I can't explain how chilled out and relaxed he has become. He is working very well, but the surface on the new arena is alot better, and he has been a very good boy to hack out which is unheard of, and his jumping is becoming a lot more together and 'with' me.
I was getting concerned he was ill at one point as I am not used to him being so quiet but he is fine and I have popped him on some Propell Plus just to put my mind at rest. Who ever thought I would be saying that :)
Little pony is another grey (god help me) and stands about 11.3hh and her name is Tinks. She is just a perfect little companion for Will and they get on very well and she really is no trouble. When she is, I am sure I will keep you informed!
So, in view of Will working well, I have just decided to go to Patchetts on Sunday for our first attempt of the year at a bigger affiliated course - now that will be a test on how relaxed he is.
I am just in the throws of getting finalised samples of the Chillton Fly rugs and I am pleased to say the Chillton turnout rugs have been going quite nicely. My next task is to get out and about and try and get these out in the shops for people to see and start knowing this brand.
We have just put our order in for the first lot of Horseware fly rugs as even though this weather still feels like winter sometimes, we are looking forward to our long balmy summer days...with all the flys and sunburn.............now there is wishful thinking

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Even if it’s raining, they’ll happily go out with you as opposed to just going in the garden. But with rain comes mud, and even after it stops, it’s still going to be wet and muddy. Taking your dog out can be fun but messy. They’ll go running, they’ll go splashing, and they’ll get covered in mud, but you won’t mind. You’ll be thinking `thank god I have my waterproof dog bed`. This is where you can really benefit from owning one.

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We won!..............

On saturday, William and I went off again to our second competition at Patchetts. The weather wasn't to bad in the morning but we were doing the last class so we didn't have to leave until 12, the wind had picked up but nothing to extreme. By the time we hit the M1 it was horrendous with driving rain and very strong gusts of wind. It was a moment of 'why am I doing this?' but we got there safe and sound with enough time to relax and have a cuppa before walking the course.
It walked ok, it was a two phase course, up to height, but it wasn't a course I thought would suit Will very well with lots of related distances at the beginning that I thought he would have lots of chances to get strong and away from me but I was liking the jump off fences with some good turns and lots of chances for me to be able to bring him back.
Well I obviously don't know what i'm talking about as it was completely the opposite as he went in and jumped like a star, all the related distances were no problem and the major hiccup was in the jump off when I turned to fence 11 and he completly locked onto the fence next to it. With a bit if a 'DON'T YOU DARE' I only just about managed to switch him off and get him to realise that wasn't the actual fence we were after.
The class was a lot more technical to jump than I first realised but there were 35 in the class and we won with the ONLY clear round so I was hugely impressed with him.
Earlier in the day I had made a comment and said " if I get placed and have to go in a line up, I have to come first as he freaks if they all canter off without him". It was only a joke but I might have to use that one again as it worked (and they let me sneak off before they did the lap of honour, safer for everyone I think.lol)
So big pats and polos for William this week and an owner with a big smile on her face. :)

Time has flown.........

I have been extra extra busy for the last couple of weeks. We have now finally launched the new Chillton Rug Range, ranging from 1200d light weight turnouts to heavy weight combos.

William had the honour of posing for the photos and I think he made a grand job. I had to keep him in for 3 days to keep him clean!

We are offering 10% off these rugs at the moment and they are all in the winter range so you really can bag yourself a bit if a bargain.

Along side launching the rugs we also have had in a new range of SSG Gloves. Now I don't know if you have used these before but they really are a fantastic long wearing riding glove and I am particularly loving the 'Glove for Hope' gloves at the moment which support breast cancer. I feel not only do I have smart hands, I am supporting a worth while cause as well!

Then we have our new Hi-Viz range from Rambo. The excellent Hi-Viz exercise sheet plus a Hi-Viz Horseware Vest and we are throwing in a FREE Horseware Baseball Cap that has 5 LED lights on the front. Fun but highly practical for walking in the dark and missing the rabbit holes.

We also have the Harry Hall Yale Country Boots, again very practical and stylish for the yard and some lovely Caldene breeches and one of them has a bit of added Bling Bling.

AND before I forget, the Rambo Fleece Lined Chaps with are just so comfortable for yard or riding and are waterproof, windproof, breathable and have a reflective strip down the outside leg for added safety. You get these with a FREE pair of Horseware socks as well.

Well thank goodness it's Friday as after doing all this lot, I need a nice rest over the weekend, spending some quality time with my horse. Oh... I have a lesson tomorrow at 8am, what was that I said about needing a rest?

And here is some pictures of Will that didn't make it to the website :)