It was howling a gale this morning so I decided that it was a bit-testing day in the barn.
First I rode Jazz with a full size eggbutt French Link as the bradoon for his double bridle. It looked very odd with its big flat rings, but it worked well enough. I had been concerned for a while that a single jointed bradoon sticks into the roof of his mouth even when I don't use it. I never properly hold the bradoon rein, I just let it run through my hand while I hold firm on the weymouth rein - it's very unconventional but through trial and error I have found him much better with the reins held that way than any other way.
Well, I don't know how much was due to the French link but he was an utter delight. He has never been so steady in the mouth, so responsive, or had such a soft, seeking contact in his life before. It was a real eye-opener. I tried picking up the contact on the snaffle, but he immediately opened his mouth. Isn't he odd - he really LIKES being ridden on a long shank weymouth with a curb chain.
Then I rode Ace, who after Jazz felt quite small and very weak!! But he was also delightful. He had a couple of minutes testing whether I was going to let him poke his nose, but very quickly gave me a great feel on the new JP bit, some wonderful changes of bend in walk serpentine for a baby, and a couple of seriously decent forwards-not-too-upwards walk/trot transitions.
He's a "shy" horse and it is taking time for him to express his character and gain his confidence. Lately, he is turning into a right old soft teddy bear to handle and to ride. His eyes are more "open" recently as he is learning to relax and trust me and his new home.
What a great morning! And we are entered for P10 5/6 year old class on Wednesday and I am really looking forward to it :-) Bling time!!!!
C
ps I have just bought Jazz a loose ring French link bradoon off Amazon so that will look a bit more sensible!!
I used to use the regular lozenge snaffle with my weymouth (curb) on PJ. The snaffle rings were small enough to meet specs and since it was the bit he liked, it was a good solution when I worked him in the double.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check my bit collection, but I'm pretty sure I have a couple lozenge bradoons around if you might be interested. I totally agree about the joint in a single jointed snaffle hitting the roof of some horses' mouths. It doesn't seem to bother Chance, but both Toby and Tucker prefer the lozenge bits...or a French link.
Glad to know you are still getting positive vibes from Ace about the new bit.
woo hoo, good progress with every one then, apart from Radar who sounds hilarious in his refusal to join the dressage divas!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck at the show on Wednesday, great to hear that SH is back on form and fit to join you in this outing.
I withdrew yesterday, I did my dressage, got 42 which I was mortified at - then I noticed I was second top with that, so I guess its a low scoring judge :-( Why aren't they more consistent.
The ground was like iron, no rain at the venue for 3 months, and the course was bigger than I'd expected. I was exhausted, aching and feeling my age, and just thought it would be silly to run and have an accident so far from home. I was right, I got home, and went to sleep all afternoon - I never do that. I wasn't right, so I'll save ourselves for another day.
Ho hum.
Good decision Tracey. I hope you're feeling OK today.
ReplyDeleteRadar has a sense of humour, certainly :-)
C
Had a much better day, I booked a lesson, show jumping to make up for not running yesterday and we were both flying over 3ft without touching a pole. Got my mojo back :-) Just as well I'm competing again this Sunday!!
ReplyDeleteSounds good!
ReplyDeleteC