Lesson Friday

Jumping 3'!

We had an OK lesson.  Warm-up went well and she was forward to the aids on the flat.  Then the jumping.  First set were great, but then she started stopping.  It was 93 out and she just shut down.  On a good note, we jumped all required jumps in lesson after stopping.  Lesson to take home was that I stop riding 2 strides out.  I need to ride her all the way to the base.  She leaves this week for 30 days :(.  Major boot camp for both of us!

Lesson Friday and Training News

We are going for a lesson on Friday.  Not sure if we are going to jump since I have decided to send her out for the month of August.  This was a very hard decision, but I really need some polishing.  She needs to be forward to the aids and leg yields are shoulder leading.  Since she has never had formal training, it will be interesting to see how bad or good she'll be.  I'm sure I've created many of her issues.  The best part is that she'll be part of a jumping program and it includes one trip to a horse park.  I will also get one or two lessons a week. 

At home I've only been working on small planks, poles and X's.  Pole work has been great.  I set them about 45' apart and work on 3 strides, 4's and then 5's back to 3's.  She's flat w/ the 3's but at least she's willing to give it to me.  Now, I'm working on canter to walk and about a million trot to walk transitions w/ a couple of halts.  We actually had a clean change last week!  Since she's going out, I have put shows on the back burner. 

Can't wait for the Olympics! 

The July Show!

T3 Test

The stress of showing is over.  The outcome was great!  This was the first rated show where I thought the cool misty weather would be good for forward.  We arrive 40 min. before my class starts.  I tack her up and go to the warm up arena.  She was willing but needed more engagement.  I work on down transitions back to forward again.  Did a few trot to halts and two steps back.  First class was T3 and I only messed up one shallow loop.  Ended w/ a 66% and off we went to First level.  I think we were tired by the time I walked into that class.  We ended up with a 63% and now I am moving into first.  I was very nervous and conservative on trot lengthening.  Got 6 and 6.5 for those.  7s on halts and stretchy trot.  All in all I am very happy and really don't care if she ever jumps again.  OK, not true.  Cross rails would be fine :)