Yesterday Jazz got flying changes, right on the aid, on a dead straight line. He did the change and we did not turn left or right, or even change our bend, just carried on forwards completely straight the moment I reversed my leg aids on his sides. This is a first for him and is a big step forwards towards tempis, which now seem just a matter of time. Many horses can't do them, but I'm sure he can.
Likewise, the piaffe is clearly going to happen in the foreseeable future, he is already able to do a shuffling trot on the spot for 5-6 steps, so getting that more active is again just a matter of time.
Ace was good yesterday too, but he started with a hunched back. I think it's the cold. When the temperature is below 5C he is cold backed and a bit bucky until he warms up. Zippy was the same in winter. He works well when warm, so I don't think there is any real problem, he just doesn't like the cold :-)
We practised P7 again, and I am just about to do my entry for the competition on Wednesday. He has improved as he has got to know it, and yesterday the free walk was very stretched - I was on the end of the rein and he was still taking more.
I may take him out for a hack later but I am rapidly stiffening up from yesterday's exertions! Talking of which, Radar is SO chilled and happy today :-)
C
Yippee!! I knew Jazz was ready. Just do those straight line changes a few more times and then go for some 4 stride tempis. He's ready.
ReplyDeleteGreat about the piaffe too. Theory says once you get that impulsion, all you have to do is move it forward and you have passage.
Good for Ace. Here's hoping show day is warmer rather than colder, then. Wonder if heating a saddle pad would help a cold backed horse? Or a pre-saddling massage? Just thinking.....
Told you Radar was smiling. *G*
I would very much agree that it's just a matter of time until you can do tempis! If he has come this far, surely he has it in him.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of saddle pads that have a gel insert that you can warm up. It might help but then again it seems that it would be too bulky under the saddle.