Just another day.
I am having a fair bit of success with teaching Jazz lengthening by slowing the trot right down and then speeding up to working. What it has achieved is that he fully understands the aid to go longer. So now I can tell the difference between him not understanding the aid, being unable to do what I asked, and being rushed into a loss of balance. A good start.
He was very stiff when we started our session today and I don't know why. It might even have been me. But the rearing when he is cross has disappeared, which is good news. He was struggling to do some of the work today mentally but he never even tried to leave the arena. He stopped a couple of times and sulked, but then carried on.
Personally, I am struggling to bother riding him at all. Everything feels in limbo until we have at least a date for the operation. The surgeon is due back in the country on Wednesday, so hopefully there will be news next week.
Zippy continues to amaze. He's the only newly broken three year old I've ever known that I could leave unridden for 2 or 3 days, then bring him out when people are moving sheep and Superhubby is making grinding noises on the roof, and expect him to behave. He was a bit goggle eyed at the two men moving sheep in the field across the road, and I could feel him sucking confidence from me - "well if she's not scared then I don't need to be" - and of course you wouldn't expect him to do a perfect 20 metre circle under those circumstances, but he is a very, very good boy.
For all his thoroughbred looks, he certainly does not seem to have the thoroughbred brain. I'll get some photos soon - he is very close coupled :-) , and today he felt as if he was developing something of the kind of power Jazz produces. If that continues, well .... wow!
C
posted by cptrayes @ 12:18 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
The approach for Jazz sounds good. I have my lesson shortly, so I will bring it up with my trainer and report back.
If he were not a Thoroughbred, I think Tucker would be laid back too, but that little extra TB gene kicks in now and then--as you well know. Glad Zip does not have that. It makes for such a nice feeling to know you have a brain under your seat more often than not. *G*
I think I am as eager as you to hear of Jazz's surgery date. Funny how wrapped up I can become in someone else's adventures.
I'm back. Tucker was quite naughty in between being really super. We are going to try to find a rider who is not intimidated by his attitude to ride out the concept of "leg on" means forward no matter what.
That aside. Lengthenings. Some horses OK to go a bit on the forehand, but better to get the hind end properly engaged first regardless.
Make sure the horse is truly round and trough, and soft to the hand so he can lengthen. Easier to start from a shoulder in or on a circle so the hind leg is already engaged and stepping under the body. Then push a little at a time. Horse must step forward from the leg. Do not do too many steps at first because that's how they learn to rush. Short diagonals and on the circle for just a few strides. Best to get them to lift the shoulder out of the way from the hind end.
We didn't get to try any of this as Tucker was being a brat. More on my blog.
I think the concept of getting the horse truly trough, round, and light in front is important as the best lengthenings I have gotten have come from that being there first.
Any help?
Sorry about naughty Tucker!
You trainer's advice fits what my own personal preference was, just as FM's did too. I think I would prefer to keep him off his forehand if I can, particularly as he is such a natural at collection. It seems a shame to "teach" him to do an evasion that he never does normally!
C
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