I finally feel like I am getting back into the swing of things. Last week Gadget was acting sluggish and generally unenthused about any of his work - even his changes, which always perks him up. This week, we are both working so much better. I put him back in the double and decided to really work on getting him more uphill. I, unfortunately, can't really tell whether we look like a saddlebred or a dressage horse, but it feels better. I figure I can always make him a bit rounder once he learns to carry his own head. He still likes a lot of contact in the snaffle, but about halfway through the rides, he becomes softer and more through.
I've been able to work him outside the last couple days, which makes all the difference in the world for both of us. Yesterday, he was full of himself and he basically blew through my aids. I was sharing the ring with a hunter rider, two ladies picking stones from the ring, and about 15 jumps. I decided it wasn't the day to pick a fight. So we cruised around and Gadget jumped rails on the ground like they were jumps.
Today, Gadget was full of himself again, despite this being the 5th day in work out of the last 6 days. I love that he has all of this energy. Hopefully it sticks around. I tried to take advantage of the extra pep in his stride and rode some collected canter into haunches in on the circle with the idea of developing a working pirouette. I have no idea how to move his shoulders around and keep haunches from swinging, but we're working on it. We then moved into changes. The jumping ring is huge, so I have a long line to practice. I can get four changes on the long side easily. Recently, it's as though Gadget was surprised every time I asked for another change although we've been practicing this routine for a couple weeks. Today, for the first time, he seemed to get it. The light bulb finally came on and after the first change, I felt him begin to anticipate the next one and waited for the aid. It was awesome! (Of course, this was after majorly getting after him on the first line of changes where he wanted to just yeehaw.) Nonetheless, this was progress. I can't count the strides between the changes yet, but the changes are roughly 4-5 changes apart. Getting 4's is on the list for the summer.
Canter halfpass felt fine, nothing special. The ring doesn't have a good line for them with all of the jumps, so I didn't dwell on them. Trot halfpasses felt really good and flowing. He also actually stayed pretty happy in the contact. I did a couple zigzags and moved on.
In the double, I feel like I am better with my hands. I don't know why I can't stop pulling on the right rein when in the snaffle, but I feel steadier in the double. For now, I am sticking with the double (I also wore my smooth rowel spurs successfully today, which I typically hate) with the goal of actually showing in the double this year.
If I decide to show in the double, I am finally going to splurge on a nice one - looking at the Kieffer Silvie. (and maybe a blingy browband). God, it feels to good to have a couple good rides in a row. Now I need to make some show plans. . .
I've been able to work him outside the last couple days, which makes all the difference in the world for both of us. Yesterday, he was full of himself and he basically blew through my aids. I was sharing the ring with a hunter rider, two ladies picking stones from the ring, and about 15 jumps. I decided it wasn't the day to pick a fight. So we cruised around and Gadget jumped rails on the ground like they were jumps.
Today, Gadget was full of himself again, despite this being the 5th day in work out of the last 6 days. I love that he has all of this energy. Hopefully it sticks around. I tried to take advantage of the extra pep in his stride and rode some collected canter into haunches in on the circle with the idea of developing a working pirouette. I have no idea how to move his shoulders around and keep haunches from swinging, but we're working on it. We then moved into changes. The jumping ring is huge, so I have a long line to practice. I can get four changes on the long side easily. Recently, it's as though Gadget was surprised every time I asked for another change although we've been practicing this routine for a couple weeks. Today, for the first time, he seemed to get it. The light bulb finally came on and after the first change, I felt him begin to anticipate the next one and waited for the aid. It was awesome! (Of course, this was after majorly getting after him on the first line of changes where he wanted to just yeehaw.) Nonetheless, this was progress. I can't count the strides between the changes yet, but the changes are roughly 4-5 changes apart. Getting 4's is on the list for the summer.
Canter halfpass felt fine, nothing special. The ring doesn't have a good line for them with all of the jumps, so I didn't dwell on them. Trot halfpasses felt really good and flowing. He also actually stayed pretty happy in the contact. I did a couple zigzags and moved on.
In the double, I feel like I am better with my hands. I don't know why I can't stop pulling on the right rein when in the snaffle, but I feel steadier in the double. For now, I am sticking with the double (I also wore my smooth rowel spurs successfully today, which I typically hate) with the goal of actually showing in the double this year.
If I decide to show in the double, I am finally going to splurge on a nice one - looking at the Kieffer Silvie. (and maybe a blingy browband). God, it feels to good to have a couple good rides in a row. Now I need to make some show plans. . .
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