FUN IN THE SUN :0)

Had an absolutely lovely day.  Josette came to play with Jack and learn from a different horse.  Started off on the ground online and Jack was very attentive and relaxed from the start.  We played some circling game and yoyo.  Josette loved the way Jack asked questions all the time.

We then worked on maintain gait, maintain direction and look where you are going without being told.  Jack was a poppet.  No problems here so Josette popped him over a small jump.

We then moved on when Jack was ready.  I asked Josette if she would like to ride him, and was met with a huge grin and a 'Yes please'!!!!  I offered to ride him first  so she could see him.  Started as always with my pre-flight checks and lateral flexion to make sure my brakes were working properly.




Brakes were in good order, so we started with follow the rail.  Lovely and relaxed with no tension in the walk.  He was so chilled his nose was on the floor.  I know I want calm, but I would like awake!!

We then did a bit of trot work.  Good follow the rail which I was pleased with.  Jack didn't deviate, just needed minor corrections to keep his nose on the rail and reminders to maintain his direction.  He did however look a bit tense in trot today.  We have been getting some lovely impulsion and engagement from his hind, but I didn't feel any lift today at all.  That is why we have tomorrow..........

It was then Josette's turn to ride. She remembered that I was struggling to get my sideways in the saddle so she tried first while I watched from the ground and then helped me get the correct position to communicate what I wanted.  He was trying so hard to get what I was asking, and then when he got it, he kept offering it over and over.  Such a trooper!  We also tried it with the back up, and we experimented with the tummy crunch idea we had from the recent club DVD, and the result with Jack was instant.  He couldn't back up fast enough bless his little cotton socks!


Here is a very short video of my first sideways in the saddle !!

Have had an absolute brilliant afternoon, and really enjoyed sharing the learning with someone else.
I Love this picture of Josette and Jack having fun.  The smile and the ears say it all really!