I jumped Flo and Mia yesterday. After my lesson with Amy, and reading a threat on COTH about building confidence in horses, I decided to trot most of my fences.
Mia was fabulous. I did the gymnastic line, bounce, one stride to vertical, and she felt great. She really jumps big and round through the bounce which is what I want. Because she tends to be fast, I want her to slow down, find the deep spot and have a nice bascule over the fence. If she doesn't do these things she looks like a speeding bullet, fast and straight! Then we trotted some single fences and she was great. I love jumping things from the trot because you don't have to worry about your distance so much!
Flo was a bit cranky because I was carring the whip and flexing her to where she could see it. I even used it a time or two, heaven forbid, buck buck buck. I do think that Flo is a bit back sore. Per Kate Wooten's suggestion (my friend and saddle fitter), I'm having the equine massage therapist come out on Sat and check her out. It will be interesting to see what she says. I'm hoping to learn how I can massage her myself when I think she needs it!
I was reminded of Amy's mantra "energy, line, balance" when running into some trouble on Flo. I REALLY have to make sure I'm on point when riding this horse. I have to make sure all 3 of these things are in place. I have to do my job WELL if I want a good result. She is more than willing to do her job when I ride her without much error (no pressure, Megan). She pushes me to be exceptional. Thank you, Flo. You are a good teacher, you sassy mare, you.
Mia was fabulous. I did the gymnastic line, bounce, one stride to vertical, and she felt great. She really jumps big and round through the bounce which is what I want. Because she tends to be fast, I want her to slow down, find the deep spot and have a nice bascule over the fence. If she doesn't do these things she looks like a speeding bullet, fast and straight! Then we trotted some single fences and she was great. I love jumping things from the trot because you don't have to worry about your distance so much!
Flo was a bit cranky because I was carring the whip and flexing her to where she could see it. I even used it a time or two, heaven forbid, buck buck buck. I do think that Flo is a bit back sore. Per Kate Wooten's suggestion (my friend and saddle fitter), I'm having the equine massage therapist come out on Sat and check her out. It will be interesting to see what she says. I'm hoping to learn how I can massage her myself when I think she needs it!
I was reminded of Amy's mantra "energy, line, balance" when running into some trouble on Flo. I REALLY have to make sure I'm on point when riding this horse. I have to make sure all 3 of these things are in place. I have to do my job WELL if I want a good result. She is more than willing to do her job when I ride her without much error (no pressure, Megan). She pushes me to be exceptional. Thank you, Flo. You are a good teacher, you sassy mare, you.