I am just off to take Ace for his lesson with a new trainer but first I MUST post about Radar.
He has done a FREE WALK ON A LONG REIN.
Three years! It's only taken THREE years!!!
Can you tell I am excited? I have never been able to release the reins before, he would simply trot off, then canter. But today, after only minimal difficulty getting him to relax at walk, then trot, then walk again, then canter and finally back to walk, I released the reins and down and out went his head. AMAZING.
OK, it didn't go down far, or out far, and it got a little hurried (but he slowed when asked) and in a dressage arena it would have scored a 5, but heavens-to-betsy it felt like the most momentous improvement that he has ever made.
Oh, and did he know he'd been a good boy, or what? I turned the pair of them into the barn and Radar kept coming back to me at the door and ignoring Ace eating from a hay rack. His whole character is changing with Jazz gone. Once he settled in, he was always boss horse, so I wonder what it was about Jazz's character that has allowed Radar to relax now that he has gone? As far as I can see, Ace questions his authority far more than Jazz used to, and yet he is more settled with just the two of them.
Anyway, gotta go now but I'll leave you basking in the satisfaction that after more than three years, Radar is turning into a dressage diva!
C
A landmark indeed! That is great news. Getting that relaxation is so essential for all dressage work, so it really does bode well that Radar offered that walk. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to news about the lesson. Hope this trainer is a good one. You and Ace deserve nothing but the best.
Herd dynamics always fascinate me. Jazz must have had a really dominant personality where at least you were concerned. Sounds as if Radar was reluctant to challenge that relationship with you. Now he must feel he can show you some affection. Interesting.
We had a great session at our lesson, not least because the trainer, a GP rider, absolutely loved Ace! But I am going to leave Radar to his well deserved posting today and tell you about Ace tomorrow. Nothing spectacular learnt, because happily we are already on the right tracks, but a lovely time had by all :-)
ReplyDeleteC