Back to Work

Ivy seems to have other things on her mind besides the routine.  I am now getting her back to work, but she's not on the same page.  Warm ups are long and low and we even do a little canter work.  I've been doing canter, but only in a half seat to get off her back.  She seems to spook at the silliest things. Trash cans, water dripping on a tarp, wet spots in the arena, wind.  I know I will be going through this again w/ another young horse, but Ivy is going to be 9 already! 

Now to the connection issue.  I get it, I really do, but I just can't get a clear connection.  Half halts and down transitions to make sure she isn't nose diving. Getting her light to the aids.  OK, now flex and drive w/ inside aids. Counter flex when she's resisting.  Leg first! Always go to the leg aid first if she dives.  She is one tough cookie.  Short necked and lacking in back engine.  I need to slow the front end and then get the back end moving with hocks flexing.  Sure, I could just crank her head in and say she is truly correct.  How often do I see that!  I talked to one rider who says she needs a stronger (thinner) bit because her horse leans on her.  He is slightly built down hill, but he still needs to understand coming through from behind. 

First show is in Feb. Not looking forward to the weather!

Winter Recovery

I shouldn't complain, but winters are a pain.  At least the shortest day of the year will be next week and we will gain four min. a day.  Ivy is doing great!  I can't canter yet so we are just working on lots of stretch at the walk and trot, trot....  I think she has way too much energy and seems to freak at the shadow ghosts.  It could be worse.  The thing I don't get is when other people know your horse is just coming back and they need to ride up your back or four feet from you. We have enough space to stay well away from each other.  I don't seem to have a problem giving others the space they need.  With Ivy's rear, bolt, and small buck people got the hint. 

Her gaits seem much more relaxed and she's not so cranky when I tack her up.  Now maybe I am looking for these signs, but there really seems to be a change.  I need to save money for a well fitting jump saddle.  I love my Jeffries, but I need a wool saddle. I know the Elite Jeffries is wool and I might give it a go.  County is another option.

Horse Mesotherapy

Final treatment day for Ivy. Mesotherapy has really made a HUGE difference in her lower back pain.  Just had the saddle fitter pick up the saddle and I should be ready to go.  This week will be the real treat ( riding bareback).  Not that I mind but w/ a horse that hasn't been ridden in a month you never know what they might do.  I am much more aware about back soreness now.  I still think her issues are conformational, but I'm sure 30 days of training in a saddle that wasn't hers didn't help.  The saddle fitter was having a fit and told me to call the trainer up and complain.  He has a point, no horse should come back w/ that much pain.  I just assumed that she was working hard and that was the result.  A horse working hard correctly should not be in that much pain.  It seemed that all the horses he checked that day were back sore to some degree.  I know most of the saddles needed to be adjusted too.  We are moving forward to the new show season and a bit of jumping for fun.  She is still for sale, but not pushing it due to winter being here. 

"Chippy is almost 1"