Definite progress.
That was better. Today the judge told me she'd like to take Jazz home :-)
I absolutely refused to get tense with him at all today. So although he was upset at leaving home, and unsettled when we got there, and very spooky at the banners around the warm-up, I just kept him on a long rein and walked him round and round and round. Eventually he settled and did some nice trot and canter circles, though I avoided that corner with the banners in.
He scored 66.5% in the first test. He was a bit wobbly in places (near the stacked jump stands, past the judges box) but I didn't hassle him, sat quiet, accepted the lack of accuracy and he produced some lovely lift and cadence. Because the accuracy was lacking it kept the score down, but it reflects how nicely he worked.
Then he switched off and decided that he wasn't going to play in the second test. The accuracy was better but the paces were flatter and he only scored 59.5% in that one. But that is a major improvment on what would have happened in the past when he was tired and wanting to stop, so I was jolly pleased with that.
SH said to carry on because it would be good for him, and I'm glad that I did. We went back in for the third and most difficult test, and if I hadn't made two errors of course he would have scored 68.5%. He was tired and didn't really want to play, but he heard the bell and seemed suddenly to realise that all he had to do was behave for five minutes and that I would be pleased. His paces went up a gear and he started bouncing, and he did a really lovely test.
I'm very pleased with him today. The judge was marking to affiliated standard, so the two good tests were well over the 60% that gives you a point at affiliated novice, which is always a good guideline as to how well you are doing. Comments "lovely horse", and "lovely horse with talent" we all agree with :-) Also "lack of consistent contact", but that is because I was so determined not to try and "make" him do anything. It becomes more and more obvious that you do not try to pressure Jazz into doing anything, you just gratefully accept what the precious prince is prepared to offer you!
C.
ps there were only 3, 4 or 5 in each class and I didn't even check where we came, I just picked up my sheets. It was a combined training and I was riding just the dressage HC anyway so it made no difference. Today wasn't about competing against other horses, it was about Jazz growing up.
posted by cptrayes @ 4:07 PM
13 comments
13 Comments:
Well done Caroline that's real progress with Jazz. More more more. You'll have to enter with a chance of being placed next time, sounds like he's ready.
Well done. Tracey B
And indeed he is growing up. Have to laugh about the "prince" comment. It suits Tucker too. My Prince accepts a certain amount of demands, but when he's had enough, he surely does let me know. *G*
Even the 59% is credible. And anything above 60% is super! I'm sure that as time goes on and Jazz gains a more confident ability to really use himself into/through the bridle that steadiness will come. Once it's there and you can really push him along into the bit, he is going to really do well.
Also, considering his overall fitness is not up to eventing standards at the moment, not wonder he got tired. The emotions, the lorry ride, and the warmup probably sapped a lot of his energy.
Wonderful job of riding, both coping with his nerves and then using good judgment as to how far to push him. Too bad about the errors, but riding three tests really makes the brain fry. Lucky you had only two. *VBWG*
Hurrah! It sounds as though he will start to cotton on soon. It was good that he raised his game when the bell went.
Glad to know that everything is going so well with the arm, and now the horses.
Judith
wow! that is exceedingly good, Caroline, I'm well chuffed for you!
What other comments did you get? How were the transitions?
Do you think three is going to be the magic number for him for a while?
Great progress
Tracey a huge part of the learning for me is to accept what a horse gives me and stop trying so hard. I've puzzled in the past that I have often got higher scores with my horses when I compete them as babies than I do when they are older. I know now that the problem is that when I believe that I have a chance of winning, I over-ride and spoil it all! Jazz certainly stops me doing that :-)
He was exhausted by the journey home again Jean, he gets so emotional about things!
He's a clever boy, knowing that the bell only meant behaving for a few minutes, isn't he Judith. It really felt like that, though it may be too much to assume!
thanks Claire, I'm chuffed too.
Mandeigh his transitions are fabulous, so they got no comments. Smooth, accurate, just brilliant for a horse who is still only six :-) and isn't drilled every day of his life.
C
I'm at work today fols, and broadband is very inconsistent here since the thunderstorms last week, so don't worry about me!
folks - what are fols when they are at home? Small furry creatures who hide in burrows maybe??
Dunno - I wondered if you meant 'fools'!!
Sounds as though Jazz learnt something valuable...a big step in the right direction for you!
Louise
Brava Caroline e Bravo Jazz. He will get there ^-^
I know that people think it is pure BS, but Parelli horsenality work.
For Jazz, according to what you describe he is a right brain introvert .
I copy a few line from Savvy Times, issue 18 february 2008, p21 :
DO :
- wait, wait, wait WAIT - ask your horse for something and then wait until he does it or looks at you to ask for clarification or more direction. If you just go throught your phases ( upping pressure) to get him to act when you want, he'll tense, lose confidence and trust. He may blow up.
- Use the tiniest and soffest suggestions and wait. This horse sees every little thing you do, sometimes he doesn't respond because his brain is locked in fear.
- be consistent. The right brain horse has trouble with change so do simple things with lots of repetition until he's calm.
-confidence is everything. If you focus on this, your horse will give you everything else.
DON'T :
- ask too much. Ask less in the begining and you'll get more in the end. Don't ask more unless your horse is calm and trusting.
- Punish your horse for not doing what you want. Remember this is FEAR, and punishment does not make a horse braver!
This type excell in Dressage, because with the repetition, they know what is next!
Now you have cracked his psychology you will get him to be better than ever .
Muriel I was talking to two Parelli friends and you are spot on with Jazz's personality. The description you have quoted is absolutely 100% accurate. He's the first one I've ever owned, so it's not the most common horsenality type!
Would I call my Blogger friends fools Louise :-) !!!
C
Well thats progress!
Maybe he can cope with a dressage test better because you can safely let up on the pressure and he can work through things..not so easy to do when your facing a jump?!
Well I am now riding an right brain extrovert, who goes ballistic at too much pressure. Understanding his personality really helps my riding. Nothing to do with technique but more with expectation and my attitude towards him, he is not being silly or stoopid he is very very scared!
but walk to canter transition are easy ^-^
Why no blog lately Muriel? Tell us about your right brain extrovert.
In a nutshell there Nicola. A jump is a jump and has to be jumped. Dressage is a slower thing altogether. One day I hope the jumping will come as well, but for now I am happy with his lovely paces and power at dressage. He's so pleased with himself it's really quite endearing!
C
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