FIONA'S 1 YEAR PROGRESS // Problem Horse To 1m20 Showjumper

›› Seeing as Indie's progress video was so popular, I thought I'd do one for Fiona seeing as she went from basically unrideable to jumping her first 1.20 this weekend. I hope you enjoy, and as I said in the video, don't bother commenting hate or "constructive criticism" thank you :)
›› Hey, my name is Holly and welcome to my channel! I post all sorts of equestrian videos like show vlogs, training videos, barn vlogs and more. If you want to keep up to date with me and the horses then be sure to hit that subscribe button :)
My Horses:
Welbeck: 16h chestnut 10 yr old Irish sport horse mare
Jack: 14.1h dun 10 yr old connemara gelding
Khal: 16.1h bay 4yr old ISHxKWPN gelding
Fiona: 17.1h bay 10yr old ISH mare
Dali: bay 2yr old ISHxKWPN gelding
›› Social Media:
Email (Business Inquiries Only): [e-mail]
Instagram: @hollylenahan / hollylenahan
Ask.fm: ask.fm/HollyLen...
Facebook: / hollylenahansj
Mackey Ireland:
/ mackeyireland
/ mackeyequestrianireland
›› Camera Info:
Nikon d5500
iPhone 8
Final Cut Pro X

[@mayakozauer5615]

“she was very good...” “...there i almost died”

[@addieleppert1291]

“Please don’t give me hate. I don’t want it”. First time watching you and I love you!!

[@beccalareau9693]

Addie Leppert Same

[@alanarauch4555]

Addie Leppert yesssss

[@Esmee_rides2024]

Ikr!

[@MrsTonySoprano]

Her progress is really a testament to your good horsemanship, patience and care. You look harmonious together. Great job!

[@MrsTonySoprano]

Lara Fruehwald if you have nothing kind or supportive to say here, feel free to share your own riding videos on your own channel. By all means, show us how it’s done, from your saddle.

[@MrsTonySoprano]

Bee Curry Snyder if you think you’re the righteous example, share your riding videos. Holly is a young person and a veterinary student, making a positive contribution in the horse world. A solution for the armchair trainers: instead of tearing others down, improve your own horsemanship.

[@Sineid]

Lara Fruehwald the Olympics are in 2020 not tomorrow. The rider here has a very good lower leg position

[@Sineid]

Bee Curry Snyder the rider doesn't rely on her hands, she stays up and away out of the horses way with her body as well. Pelham is a good bit for horse which is built quite long and keen for fences, a snaffle with this mare would be just a danger to the horse and rider, also Pelham has a lozenge so same action as snaffle just a little stronger on the pole.

[@lily6216]

@Lara Fruehwald YOUR CAN kick the horse with the back of your heel. Jeez, maybe you should do some research. If my horse won't listen to my leg I give a little kick, worst to worst, the crop.

[@suffac]

Never would have thought the jumping would help the horse so much, its strengthened her back so much. Brilliant that you just worked with the horse where she was, and found a partnership with her. Nice to watch

[@finniefarm9176]

"we started doing the 1m10 because the 1m was too dangerous" Me twoyears ago: Hmm i will do the 50 because the 60 is too dangerous lol

[@user8241]

Anyone who show jumps will know it's not about the height so don't worry.

[@dilflov3r]

litterally used to be me i would be jumping 70-80 at home but the second it came to competing i would get scared and do the 50 but im not alloud to do it because its not fair on the kids xD

[@Aries-bz4ot]

Like I’ve said many times before Fiona is one of the greatest horses ive every seen yes it took awhile to get her to where she is today but it has payed off tremendously. I’m so proud of Fiona and u having the time and patience to work with her❤️

[@edwardslater4414]

Fiona is really pretty!

[@dogmaticeuthanasia]

Horse Girls 123 // I know, she is stunning :0

[@xkeepflying]

She's insanely talented omfg!! Her knees and neck position are so amazing and unique!! You're doing the best job with her!!

[@_.lize._8009]

she just casually says "oh yeah, this is 1m, and theres me i cant even jump 65...

[@onlyequines8003]

_.lize._ not even 65 that’s tiny

[@creeeaaasse]

Hey that’s okay! You shouldn’t compare yourself to others, just concentrate on what you and your horse needs to work on and then you can get bigger jumps and jump bigger than 1m :)))

[@glazeddonut1148]

@@onlyequines8003 everyone starts somewhere ...... stop being so rude .

[@stinevdp]

_.lize._ same

[@stinevdp]

Only Equines! So what? I can’t even jump 60 without falling from my pony/horse.

[@danielleegan4949]

ahahah "please don't give me any hate or criticism, I don't want it" such a mood

[@BeautifulDemocracy]

Holly, I truly admire your horsemanship. You never lose your composure and I can see that your goal is to help a horse feel confident and unstressed. You're not afraid to go back to square one and a "win" with your horse isn't a ribbon for you. Bravo!

[@stephanglim7192]

12:07 oh boy I really thought Fiona was going to go face down there- scary moment for sure!

[@amayafuller8895]

Wow, she looks like she just loves jumping!!! She leaps over the jumps!

[@Vuokko]

A huge difference in her level of collection between the first and last shows! She's going a lot more "uphill" and carrying more weight on her hind end 💪🏻❤️

[@avacollins7595]

Im so glad I found an irish equestrian youtuber that I love❤ now I have some chance of meeting you😂❤💚

[@onlyequines8003]

Ava collins omg same

[@avacollins7595]

@@onlyequines8003 🙌🙌

[@johnlogan1022]

She is a beautiful, athletic mare who clearly loves to jump and your patience with her is amazing! I think as she gets more experience and confidence she will be a force to be reckoned with.

[@helonimacaroni]

"She wasn't trying to kill me which was really nice" xD Nice video!

[@jasminem.3528]

5:09 , that jump was absolutely like butter, so smooth! i couldn't stop replaying it, it was so satisfying. amazing job Holly!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

I have also replayed it so many times 😍😂

[@sophiesands6936]

Such a great and persistent rider! the horse became so well spirited and was lovely to watch you two evolve together x

[@maritstoelinga7553]

I love to see that her ears are almost the whole time forward

[@jessluvsyouxx]

You must feel so proud watching the footage back yourself and seeing the genuine difference your time, patience and hard work has made !

[@BalooBear-ee]

You truly demonstrate great horsemanship. I can't tell you how many times I've seen horses get sold off or given away at the barns I've ridden at after the horse had a few "disappointing" rounds in the show ring or practicing at home. You never gave up. Instead, you just constantly tried new things to see what would fit her needs and tickle her interest. I love watching your videos because not only do I learn something new every time, but I really enjoy seeing the passion you have for all of your horses.

[@amber_horses1615]

Your horsemanship is so incredible! Fiona is such a beautiful horse. ❤️

[@rheannseward7995]

I am do glad that you are not not like most people and Just give up on a problem horse completely, thank you for being amazing and patient with her😊

[@equestrianashes6564]

“Please don’t give me criticism” “I don’t want it” Oops savage Holly 🤣

[@saimusunuri4146]

It is so satisfying watching you ride because you guys have so much rhythm and you are so synchronized! I ❤️ it.

[@eventingtia8512]

Ah Holly you should be so proud 😍 the difference in her is amazing!

[@jadesjungle]

I really enjoyed this 😊 Loved how you talk us through everything it really helps learn what goes through the riders mind when training. Do you recommend any other English riding channels that talk though their trainings like you do by any chance?

[@Patti-1962]

Lauren M I just started watching a channel called Shelby Dennis. She took a horse of the track and has done so well with him. And she just helped organize the adoption of many horses that were off to be slaughtered. She has a really funny Mom who help's Shelby a lot!

[@maddiestrangward2713]

Patti 1962 I watch her!

[@jadesjungle]

Patti 1962 That was a good suggestion, thanks! 🤗

[@adrianaroyzis5336]

I do! Sorry if I don’t do very good videos though :/

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Lauren M Elisa Wallace does voice overs, she’s an event rider and I find them really interesting ☺️

[@PalwassiexLove]

Her trot improved so much! She jumps so easy, you've done an amazing job so far

[@ParisSophieEquestrian]

This was so encouraging to watch!! I have a 6 year old who acts the exact same as Fiona, having the same type of meltdown as soon as any pressure is on her, but she is the sweetest mare when lunged and handling on the ground. So glad I came across this, super inspiring!! You have done wonders with her :) xx

[@LE123LE123]

Awe. This was nice to see! I like to see a patient rider/owner with their horse. I would suggest you having a vet look at her in regards to her cycles. I had a client's horse that would get very similar to this when she ovulated. Turns out, mare ovulated large eggs, and got pain in her back--hence the stiffness and reluctance to move forwards on flat, but loved jumping. I know my client's horse got to peak fitness and still had her episodes and once we tracked her cycles for a few months, we knew how to work her so that she did not feel any pain, and made sure she was given some bute to take the edge of any back discomfort out. She's an adorable horse!! Congrats to you both!! Edited to add: I didn't realize Fiona has had babies! So, it could be just back stiffness coming back to work after being a momma. Regardless, you have succeeded and glad she is doing so well! :)

[@quirkybird4947]

There's nothing nicer than seeing a good success story. Brilliant horsemanship and a fantastic achievement. A delight to watch. Just two words for all the haters and nitpickers... Jealous and bitter. Ignore it... You're awesome!! ❤

[@KimbaLorber]

I really needed to see this. My mare is like Fiona was for you at first. Seeing your mare's progress gives me hope for me and Luna. Thank you for sharing your journey! :)

[@allieblaha4587]

Your mare sounds SO much like my mare (the way you described her in the beginning) my mare is a green just-turned-6yr old and she does lots and lots of bunny hops when she doesn’t understand what I want or doesn’t want to go forward so to see someone struggled with the same issues and how they came to fix them made me feel MUCH better. I’ve had my mare for about a year now and we are still trying to get out of the bunny hop stage but you have truly inspired me to keep at it. WONDERFUL video!! You are an amazing rider ❤️❤️

[@kaitlinrocks100]

Loved this! I don't jump and never have but I find it so interesting watching and learning how show jumpers ride. Also AMAZING job with her! Such a huge difference between her now and her a year ago. She just seems so much happier and relaxed. You did a great job with her!

[@spickandspanhomeorganising2836]

You did an amazing job with her. You rode her brilliantly and sat very calmly with her in those beginning clips! You did a great job with her. Also so happy to watch a new video of yours before my early shift. Made the morning way easier! 💕🐴💕

[@AMEMakeupOnline]

Girl.!! Well done, I'm in the middle of retraining an ex race horse, and he's improving immensely and this video gives me so much hope! You're an incredible rider, well done.! ❤️

[@onlyequines8003]

Alana Mollie Ellis I know you can do this

[@Makanshi]

You asked us not to, but I'm going to comment on her rearing. Good job keeping her going forward. I have a bolter. I urged him forward at the bolt. When he tried to stop I pushed him to keep pace. A few times sent him from being confused at not being stopped, to crow hopping. From there, I knew I had the upper hand. Seven years later, I'm his rock, he's mine, and he's in his old age. Well done.

[@mousemumbles4109]

My Piper is this way! I started over with her completely and shes been going very well! Slowly, but were getting there!!

[@saffronmccarthy1806]

Aww it’s so cute seeing her like this and now look at her

[@greenpony4833]

Good work! She’s so much more relaxed and confident than when you started

[@Penumbria101]

I like how at the very beginning she literally says: I don’t want any “helpful criticism” or hate, and all I see is: Oh you’re doing fantastic but HERE IS WHAT I THINK~ like what the heck 😂

[@devotchka6688]

Aw wow ❤️ what a good girl and absolute kudos for you to working out what she needed and excelled at rather than punishing her through it and giving up on her as a danger/difficult. Such a pleasure to watch and your commentary was easy to listen to too. Well done xx

[@priyaequestrian8550]

I love how you go about training her, you're so patient and calm, super inspiring xx

[@kateflanders7611]

Very sweet and real example of perseverance and growth. Thanks Holly.

[@HLB313]

You're doing a beautiful job riding her and it's a great transformation! I have an observation, and this is as a coach and professional rider with 17 years experience, and having worked in a therapy centre rehabbing the most subtle of problems. I really don't want to sound like a keyboard warrior but thought i'd share in case it's of any help! To be honest, I am quite surprised that the vet didn't find anything. My immediate thought when I saw her trot at the start was that she was very short on the right hind. I know that she's very weak and stiff from being a broodmare and not ridden, and she gets much stronger and more supple as it goes on and looks great, but I could see this throughout the video still. It would explain her running into the base of fences and taking fliers when she was long to them rather than adding in and giving it more height. It would also explain her struggling to take the weight on her inside hind for the correct canter lead, and you're doing a great job of asking her to wait and sit on it to take right canter. Also the way she is running on slightly rather than swinging in the trot on the lunge, and taking a longer step left hind. The way she uses mainly her neck and shoulder to give her height over her fences is very similar to how my retired event horse used to jump and he was also quite straight through the hock, and ended up having suspensory desmitis and TMT hock joint problems. You're absolutely doing the right thing with the work you're doing but personally i'd really keep an eye on it and potential get her hocks medicated for precaution rather than when something more obvious comes up :) I hate to be a killjoy, I just have spidey senses when it comes to horses movement I can spot this stuff in pretty much any horse's way of going and prevention is better than cure!

[@bridgetrose6952]

fiona is iconic

[@victoriacotton9716]

Thats incredible what a make over and all with your special feeling and knowing, Beauty full to watch BravO Fiona and Holly

[@christinevincent996]

She's Absolutely Stunning! She would be my Dream Horse.....

[@rebeccadykshorn9700]

I literally have the same issue with my gelding. He is TERRIBLE on the flat, bucking, stopping suddenly, everything you had issues with but once you start jumping he’s an absolute angel. So this was so completely relatable to me.

[@randomaccount-ug3ii]

Wow, she has grown into such a lovely and talented horse with you! You must be very proud!! 💗💗

[@a.jaydeb.7441]

She's a very interesting horse to me! I just find the size of her head very large and she seems like such a massive horse, it's unreal to me that she's so excellent at jumping!! What a fun mare!

[@Jolie-cx4rg]

I love how you always did what was best for her, even if it was taking a break you wanted a happy pony

[@xxzahlee_ginnsxx1544]

‘ please don’t hate, I don’t want it thankyou’ haha Subscribed!

[@chelseaeryn]

I love that you were so patient and gave her plenty of rein. Too much contact with the mouth can really throw a testy horse into a fit 🙂 fabulous work, you two!

[@baileydonnelly594]

I love how Fiona gets her flying lead changes i wish my horse did that. And she learned quickly!!!!! She's so pretty by the way

[@judithgraves8294]

What a nice video of where you started and where you are with Fiona. Your good sense and patience is being rewarded; and she's happy to work for you.

[@Prettymisskay]

I may have hated riding her but u didn’t give up on her, and look at a wonderful horse you have now. From hating riding her to it being nice to ride her. Wonderful job anyone that throws hate at you is just an ass

[@mortmort97]

I love how you listened to her and paid attention to what she needed! Instead of getting angry with her over the 1m, you realized its just too easy for her right now. Shes got a lot to learn, but who cares? Shes come so far! You really seem to have an awesome horse ❤️

[@idamarieern6437]

This is my first time watching any of your videos, and I am literally amazed. Your work with Fiona is incredibly! And I love how you talked us through the video :)

[@sparklesandmagic]

Only half way through this and really enjoying it. The way you’ve worked to understand Fiona and tailor your approach is brilliant. Also just wanted to add that you make jumping look so fun and easy. I really need to work on my confidence with jumping

[@EquiiAlly]

I absolutely love this! You can even see the change in her body shape and everything. She has such a lovely way of jumping. Next year is going to be very exciting for the two of you! She really is an interesting horse and you’ve done such a wonderful job. Hopefully see you out and about next year xx

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thanks so much Ally! I can’t wait either ❤️

[@shellykennedy5427]

She’s really improved. Great job.

[@MegaSunflower56]

Brilliant video and yes she has come on in leaps and bounds due to your patience and perseverance well done you!!

[@ilovedixieandisis123]

I absolutely love her jump, always knees to nose! Lovely work you did with her, Holly!

[@caylee5502]

4:00 omg her legs on the lunge are mesmerizing

[@lilliank.8692]

She’s beautiful! You did an amazing job with her and you’re an amazing rider ❤️

[@lizlavoie5672]

It’s great to see her full progression back to back in video. You have done such a wonderful job with her! Fiona definitely has a love for jumping. You make such a great team together. I can’t wait to see what she looks like even months from now. She has come so far it’s amazing!

[@darcycarter4950]

Wow, I’m so glad that you were able to do shows with her, she’s beautiful and amazing your such a lucky person

[@beclou1176]

This is such a lovely video! So wonderful how patient you are with her and how you didn't give up on her. Need more equestrians like you in the world

[@rhiannoncampbell6850]

Loved watching this, so nice to see such great progress in not only riding but our understanding of horses😊 well done for keeping on it, think I’d of given up😂 lots of love to you both xx

[@IamCec]

She is SUCH a cool horse!!! Ahh mares are the best. You two are amazing to watch.

[@lilymanning2]

Really enjoyed watching this video. What a wonderful horsewomen you are. Very inspiring, congratulations. She's a beautiful talented mare who was lucky enough to have you are a very understanding, patient and talented rider. Very well done.

[@Bianka_Taylor]

Looking back at this video it is so interesting to see how Fiona started out and who she became

[@amelied1897]

Fiona reminds me so much of my horse (Well really my Mentor’s horse). Her name is Diva and she really lives up to her name. She can be a huge diva and brat as well as a B; but is super sweet! For some reason she doesn’t work well under pressure with adults but is fine with kids. After working with her, she and I fell in love and she just loves to work. The times that my other mentor worked with her, she was on the ground. She is only able to jump 1 meter which isn’t very high but I am excited. We are going to bring her to a member only jumping corse so she can get better. I may even show her towards April. In the end, great video and I hope you make amazing progress with Fiona. Good luck!!

[@Prettymisskay]

You did a wonderful job with this mare other people would have give up it makes me happy to see that you never gave up on her

[@marissa4400]

The progress is amazing. you and your horse make a amazing pair together 😍

[@Acreage_Brisbane_Valley]

We love your authentic videos 🙋‍♀️

[@BettyAnne2402]

You did so well with her. I've also ridden horses where jumping actually helped them loosen up and become better on the flat. She is gorgeous and seems so supple on the bit. Well done, your good horsemanship really shows here! :)

[@p.mccarthy-sher2691]

I think you did a fantastic job with her. So many of these issues just take time, time and more time and patience like you said. These big horses take time to develop balance and muscle strength. Well done!

[@sturdygirl7772]

Wow huge difference between the start and where she is now. 😊she looks so happy! Once she understood her job, she seems happy in it 😊🤗 Good job for sticking with working with her

[@hannahsmith9858]

It’s sooo crazy coming from the video of your dad riding her to this one! You’ve done an amazing job with her! Good on you for not giving up on her xxx

[@lilyg2112]

Wow you guys made it a far way, she is so beautiful and big! you guys work like a perfect pair. Your horsemanship is impeccable, great job!

[@kais3297]

god she looks like such a motivated horse!

[@avacollins7595]

For everyone telling her to stop kicking: fiona is a huge strong horse and is not in pain from kicking and holly is kicking her because fiona was going rear and she had to kick her on and try ride her forward out of it

[@tejotamcgill]

Incredible progress!!!

[@Eniramoi]

Good job to you two ! Your patience and perseverance allowed her to be a braver horse !

[@NoMonetArt]

I love how you worked with Fiona and I love watching horses that enjoy what they are doing, and that mare loves to jump. I once had a mare who would jump tall grass on trail rides in her attempt to jump more often with me. When they like to do something it makes riding fun.

[@susanaufiero5071]

Great job Holly! You are so good and so easy to listen to. I was just watching your father jump her and its amazing this is the same horse from the beginning - she really loves him she is actually a very kind horse

[@darkangel23666]

Good job! You did an amazing work with her! She is such a good jumping horse❣️😊❤️🐎

[@Sineid]

Huge progress in such a short space of time. She seems like a very sweet mare who gives 110%

[@pohouse209]

I think you do a great job, thinking outside the box and with the individual horse, very inspiring!

[@jclifts22]

This transformation has given me inspiration to keep going and trying more with my baby. Fiona is stunning and you’re such a great rider! 🐴❤️

[@teresawort9124]

I won't criticise. I am doing the same thing with my horse. Four years I have been working on him. I still have issues with him. My boy loves the jumps too.

[@freyaedwards4117]

I loved this! I personally think that you should have worked on her canter leads and her problems before putting Fiona through a 1 metre course but it all worked out in the end 👍🐴

[@damsel72]

What a great story. You're so awesome...thanks for sharing.

[@niamhginty6305]

Omg she has come on so well you should be so proud ❤️🐴

[@tess2125]

i love it how you keep your hands and legs so quiet. you're a great rider! goodluck with her :)

[@hanheg25]

holy mother!! well done xx this was so inspiring to watch!

[@india239]

I was rolled on in a jumping accident many years ago. When I see Fiona tearing I get very tense, and I’m only watching!