Lisa Trowse said Wow today was a test in itself. Over 30 degrees and about a million horse flies! By eight am I had cleaned the stable, filled hay and taken all the stuff out to the playground and I had lost half a stone in sweat and was exhausted! We started the day with a review of our knots, which I am pleased to say I now know finally, and also throwing out and coiling our 45ft line.
Then we went out into the playground with the horses. I concentrated on the 45ft trying to get a change of direction. I still struggle as Jack comes into me so quickly, but my technique is definitely improving.
Saddling and bridling went well and jack had lots of energy on the warm up. I don't think I warmed up strong enough though even if he was covered in sweat. Being an extreme extrovert he needs to move lots and when I came to try and mount, he had the fidgets and wouldn't give permission by standing still enough so I could get on. Although I had been moving his feet, Carmen helped show me how to really get him moving enough by the place where I want to mount to really make it a sweet spot. There was no quarter as soon as he made a step, it was move, move, move. It took a while, but I should have warmed up stronger when he showed up with lots of energy.
Once on, I worked on getting his mind by using the bridge as a focus point for me, and putting him on a circle correcting when he drifted off the pattern. We then moved into the paddock and did more of the same, but around a barrel using the bullseye. He really connected in to me after lots of repetition.
Due ton the extreme heat late morning we were treated to an amazing piece of footage of Linda playing at liberty with Remmer. It was a great example of how to get the horses mind and make it FUN! Such exuberance was shown. Very inspiring. We were all treated to an unexpected ice lolly too, which was welcomed very much.
We were also treated to an outside BBQ for lunch in the sunshine to set us up for the
afternoon. Had a lovely demo on precision riding, and showed what can be done progressing into finesse. Very well shown and presented by all involved. We then had a fun session on the seat builders showing what we should and shouldn't do to get a more secure seat, and also played simulations on our supporting rein.
Back out with the horses for a play, and had some great fun with Jack. So much coming together. Liberty draw slowly, is really working and he is connecting with me lots, with exuberance and play too. Trailer loaded within a couple of minutes again. And what is really coming together is my canter circles. If I put him on the 45ft rope he can run easier because he has room and as a big horse it help him, but on the 22 he has to really think and engage and not look to the outside or pull. Today he was just perfect. Maintaining gait really well, with no opposition reflex to the outside. Just great.
Such a tough day in the heat, and the rain is just starting now. Roll on the storms to clear the air to make tomorrow more pleasant. Written exam weds and assessments thursday...Best get some revision done....!
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