Ace was great again this evening until I started practising one part of tomorrow's tests that he didn't get right on our run-through. It was supposed to be trot at C, left at E, right at B, canter before A. He kept on taking the "sit" for the changed of leg as a canter aid. I finally got it through to him that I didn't want canter there, and then he wouldn't take canter right, but kept striking off left. I got that sorted by sending him forward more. He did get a bit fraught in the middle and pick his front feet off the floor but I gave him a wallop for that, because it was naughty. And then he was fine again, and we finished on a sooooooooperb walk to canter right and a big pat, and a bath. It was humid tonight and he was well sweaty, but he'll have a lovely shine tomorrow now :-)
Jazz and I tried half pass again. He's a master of evasion. I am now having to swap from one technique to another in rapid succession, to prevent him working out how to evade the bend. Once again we got there in the end, and once again it was better than what we finished on last time, but my goodness we had some tantrums getting there, including freezing, rearing and bucking. I am goign to give him some bute tomorrow and test him when he is on than, because his problems are overwhelmingly to the left and I wonder if it is his hock stopping him (I don't think so, or I would not battle with him, because in walk he can do a massive cross in front and behind and a full pass really easily, which I wouldn't expect if his hock was a problem.)
I'm looking forward to seeing how Ace goes tomorrow.
C
All the best Caroline, I really hope this is the breakthrough you deserve. I look forward to your news tomorrow. Good luck.
ReplyDeletexx T
When you ride tomorrow, remember to be determined, definite, and in charge. Don't let the "show" get in the way of the ride. Ace needs a good experience and you are more than capable of giving him one.
ReplyDeleteIf Jazz is like my Russell was, one of these days you will go out, ask for half pass and get near perfection. It sounds as if he is processing the input and gradually putting it all together. His frustration shows up in evasions and misbehavior mostly because he just can't quite "get it." Something will click soon, just as it did with the flying changes. *S*
Ta chaps!
ReplyDeleteC