We had a clinic at the stable today with Jean Thornton, one of the area's biggest dressage trainers and a USDF gold medalist. You can see her page here:http://www.palominowarmbloods.com/index.html
I wasn't originally planning on riding in it because of the cost, but one of the other riders was sick and the barn manager Karen offered to pay for me to ride. (That was so nice of her!) Because Sammie was still sore, we had a ground lesson and worked on longeing, free jumping, and working in hand. She complemented his jumping.. yay! Longeing, not so much. We have a few kinks to work out. He was really good in hand- we worked on bending him while moving forward and basic flexion.
She will be having clinics at the barn monthly, so next time I'll definitely ride.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Ground work, oh, and more cantering and jumping
Sorry it's been so long since my last post. I've just been too lazy to update lately. Samster is out of commission for a few days because he managed to tear an 18 square inch section of skin and hair off his back right under the saddle area when he was playing the other day. *headdesk* Before that, though, we had been cantering regularly and working on low verticals and x-rails. I also discovered I could post without stirrups, which was a kind of pathetic milestone for me, but still.
Anyways, he and I had a come to Jesus moment Thursday when he decided he didn't want to longe. He reared at me. I thought I was going to kill him. I scared the bejeezus out of him with a manly "HEY!," went after his butt and made him canter laps until he started behaving himself. Grr.
Today, Robin came out to help me with him. She introduced me to the wonders of rope halters (I mean, I've heard of them and whatnot, but never used them.) and further exercises in personal space. I was suprised at how well he did, and by this afternoon, he was minding his manners much better. We gave him a break and free longed him over some low jumps- two feet and under. He was unimpressed at the canter, but he'd spring over them at the trot. So strange.
And for your viewing enjoyment.. Sammie and Al being retards in the pasture. No wonder he always has new boo boos. It drives me crazy.
Anyways, he and I had a come to Jesus moment Thursday when he decided he didn't want to longe. He reared at me. I thought I was going to kill him. I scared the bejeezus out of him with a manly "HEY!," went after his butt and made him canter laps until he started behaving himself. Grr.
Today, Robin came out to help me with him. She introduced me to the wonders of rope halters (I mean, I've heard of them and whatnot, but never used them.) and further exercises in personal space. I was suprised at how well he did, and by this afternoon, he was minding his manners much better. We gave him a break and free longed him over some low jumps- two feet and under. He was unimpressed at the canter, but he'd spring over them at the trot. So strange.
And for your viewing enjoyment.. Sammie and Al being retards in the pasture. No wonder he always has new boo boos. It drives me crazy.
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