"Otto" is welcomed to Epona's Pastures - 25.06.09
Otto is a rising 5 year old Christian Cullen Standardbred Gelding who stands about 15.3hh.
Otto came to us from a very loving family who had sold their property and were unfortunatley no longer in a position to keep him. He has had the best of care before he came to us and is ready to begin his training to become a ridden pleasure horse. As Otto has now had the time he needs out in the paddocks getting familiar with his new surroundings and his new friends his groundwork training will start this week.
Spring Holidays Are Over - 13.11.09
Although his updates have not been as regular, Otto has very much been on the scene since his arrival. Otto began his training in August but was given extended holidays in between due to the ongoing wet weather. Now that spring is here with warmer weather and dryer grounds, Otto is back at school.
Charlie asks Otto to join up in the round yard as part of his groundwork training...
Otto has almost completed all his groundwork and roundyard training and will be ready for his first ride out in the coming weeks.
Otto has been a very relaxed horse under saddle to date...we suspect he may even prove a little on the lazy side.
Otto Continues his education - 18.11.09
Yesterday afternoon we gave Otto his final Roundyard training session and he didn't put a hoof wrong. He was quick to 'join up' and was happy for Inger to jump on board and ride him around.
Inger practiced his turns and his stops and Otto was a willing participant as he happily walked in every direction. Otto has now completed his roundyard training and will be taken out on his first trail ride in the next day or two, watch this space for photos to come.
Otto's First Trail Ride - 19.11.09
Otto has just returned from his first ride out with Inger, Charlie and Charlie's supportive old mare "Dell".
Following Dell for the first half of the ride seemed to suit Otto, but as we went out a little further he began to gain his independence and was happy to walk out on his own path. Passing cars were certainly not an issue but a little snort was had when a herd of horses galloped up alongside the fence where we were riding. To be on the safe side, we dismounted and walked them past the herd who were doing their best to distract us while they galloped off with their tails in the air. Once past their paddock, we re-mounted and Otto went straight back into a relaxed walk which he maintained the rest of the ride.
Matt and Otto Relax In the Paddock - 04.12.09
All our horses are currently enjoying the nice sunny afternoons in a large paddock with lots of grass. When Matt went down to spend some time with them he found himself a new best friend.....
Otto says " Just one good scratch ......" 
" .......and I'll promise to be your best friend forever !"
Learning To Flex At The Poll - 07.02.2010
During his race training, Otto was never taught very much about flexion and giving to pressure. Now that he is working under saddle it is important that he understands these concepts which will make him a much easier and more comfortable horse to ride. He is a fast learner and after only two sessions with exercises asking him to flex at the poll and then asking him to back up while flexing he has become much better. 
He will now back up from one end of the roundyard to the other with his head in the right position and without pulling against the bit. We will continue these exercises for the remainder of this week before taking him up to the indoor arena to start expanding on these concepts.
