Felix and I had a lesson last friday. In a lot of ways it was great, and in others heartbreaking for me.
His dressage couldn't be better. So long as I get my inside leg on enough, everything else just arrives. It's perfect. Also, we seem to be over the spooking nearly 100% now, which is good.
As for jumping - that's another story. I know it's me - because he's capable. I just am too nervous and choke up on the reins, which creates the overjumping problem I'm trying to avoid at best - but more often just causes him to slam on the brakes. So, we've been demoted to poles and 6" high crossrails untill I'm comfortable with that and then we'll move on. At some point I'm going to have to have a jumping lesson on one of the more trained jumpers in the barn, but for now it's endless small stuff - of every type. I'm going to make up some 6" high "flower boxes" and stuff over the winter - and we'll see how that goes. I have to admit I'm a bit frustrated and upset with myself for backsliding so much - but all I can do right now is carry on and fix it.
Sunday 23 September 2012
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Maybe I have my good horse back?
I've been on and off traveling for work, so Felix has been in a holding pattern with 2 rides a week from my coach when I'm not around, and fairly light work when I am home. Showing is probably not in the cards for the rest of this year, though now that I have started off on a new career it should be on track for the 2013 season.
He's slowly getting over his spooking issues that started this spring. He still does a little bit in the indoor arena, mostly near the doors weather open or closed. It's just a step or two towards the center of the ring, and a little bit if disconnect with the rider. These "spooks" I have been just ignoring and pushing through, with focus on keeping him engaged the next time around. The bad ones are the occasional small rear and attempt to change direction - these ones earn a spanking, as even if he is honestly scared it's hardly an appropriate reaction.
He will be getting his teeth done in a few weeks - we had to swap him over to a boucher in the meantime, which has completely fixed the headflipping that pointed to the tooth issue in the first place.
We've not jumped anything bigger then a small X or logs on the ground since June, because my legs are like limp noodles.
He's slowly getting over his spooking issues that started this spring. He still does a little bit in the indoor arena, mostly near the doors weather open or closed. It's just a step or two towards the center of the ring, and a little bit if disconnect with the rider. These "spooks" I have been just ignoring and pushing through, with focus on keeping him engaged the next time around. The bad ones are the occasional small rear and attempt to change direction - these ones earn a spanking, as even if he is honestly scared it's hardly an appropriate reaction.
He will be getting his teeth done in a few weeks - we had to swap him over to a boucher in the meantime, which has completely fixed the headflipping that pointed to the tooth issue in the first place.
We've not jumped anything bigger then a small X or logs on the ground since June, because my legs are like limp noodles.
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