I dunno, it was hot.
Walked up to the jumping arena and there was no mounting block so I got on from the ground. And he stood there. First. time. ever.
It was hot?
We warmed up and Regina asked me if when I'm posting the trot if he likes it when I'm sitting or standing. Huh? She repeated her question and I admitted I didn't know, but that I've always tried to stay off his back because he's a baby. Um, was. Is?
So I started posting the trot sitting heavy like I had a 200 pound weight on my head pushing me down. He started using his hind end, back legs coming up underneath him. Then I switched it up and put all the emphasis on the rising part of the trot. He went back to his normal choppy trot stride.
THAT was a big breakthrough. All horses are different. Some like you to sit, some like you to stand. He responds when I sit and tries to bounce me out of the saddle.
On to trot poles and I got in trouble for not sitting in the down part of the posting and letting him bounce me out of the saddle. The second time it totally clicked. Connection.
We did some simple low stuff, talked about position when jumping which I totally needed (man it's nice to have eyes on the ground)!!!
We ended by doing trot-canter transitions. He had a lot of trouble with these before when I was riding with Jessica, and we found something that worked. I would kind of let him trot into them by giving him "get ready" cues for 2 or 3 strides then sit and ask. By that time he was ready to canter and would simply fall into the canter simply and smoothly. Success meant he didn't come off the bit. Yes, it's a good way to teach babies (especially TBs apparently) how to canter. I found out we're not a baby any more, and he basically does the transition and 3 strides later is on his forehand.
We would trot, and canter 2 or 3 strides or until he went on the forehand, then transition to trot again. Trot a few steps and ask for canter by sitting (there's that sitting word again), rinse and reapeat. And... he got it. He really did. It was easier for him to canter using his hind end than to do all those dang transitions. We got at least 3/4 of a circle each direction in the end.
Gooooooooood booooooooooooooooooooooy!!
It's great because I feel like I have lots of homework I can do on my own for quite a while. I am an eventer, after all. :)
As far as the tongue over the bit, Regina suggested something made out of rubber. Possibly a straight type of bar. Anyone have any experience with these? Is there really a difference between the Happy Mouth and the Nathe (besides $50 and that they're shaped slightly differently)? I know people rave about the Nathes.
I'm also looking into the Australian noseband.
Happy Mouth $25
Nathe $75
6 comments:
That sounded like a really great lesson. The question about posting is interesting to think about.
I like the new header photo! Jasper is beautiful.
I like the new header!
And a fatter bit i think would help him keep that tongue in, plus its cheaper
Thanks! The header pic was taken during the sj round at Aspen HT last spring. I was so excited to be competing at a real event I bought the whole cd.
Yeah, it's cheaper and it would at least give me an idea if it might work or not. Maybe try it with an Australian noseband. I've been reading up on the Micklem (?) bridles too and have to admit that it looks like it might work for him. I hate that, I like thinking all gimicks are bs.
There is a long thread about the Micklem on Chronicle of the Horse Forum Eventing. It really works for some people - who also mention hating "miracle" because it equals BS! Also, there are posts on that thread about the Nathe. best wishes!
Love your blog.
Thank you!
I've been reading the COTH thread, it's what made me start considering the Micklems. I've been comparing photos of horses in work in regular bridles vs. Micklems and I'm not convinced there's huge difference unless you use the bit clips. However, using the bit clips might be the answer for Jasper. Somewhere someone said it's similar to using an Australian noseband, which are pretty cheap (like $15 without shipping) but kind of hard to find in the US. And they're U G L Y!
I love the header too! Sounds like your lesson went really well and was really helpful. :)
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