Ace has now tried to get me off three days in a row. I end each session with him calm and obedient, but only after going through bucking so sharp that today I had to go and fetch my air jacket. What makes him do it? Putting him in a slight shoulder in right, so that he can't spook out at anything on the left. He starts off fine on both reins, it's not the bending that's the issue, it's whether he or I decide what is and is not dangerous. Yesterday was much better than the day before, but today it is very windy and all my white letters are waving in the breeze and of course the static blue barrels are therefore much more dangerous as well!
Today I could only stay on him by putting his nose into his knees. He is not hyperflexed, just well overbent. But right now, I want him to accept my authority, and not dump me, so having his weight on his forehand is the least of my issues. His back is also lovely and free in that position and with his shape neck he finds it physically easy. If I keep him down there, he can't buck and I can still stop, start and steer and I have the upper hand without using much strength on his mouth.
He finished with a lovely subsmissive set of figures of eight by the barrels and a very, very perplexed look on his face as if to say "what happened there then?" I have praised him mightily every time he relaxes and lets me take responsibility, and I really think today may be a turning point for him, because he threw everything at me in windy conditions and didn't get his own way.
Radar has had a gallop on the fields and a schooling session the last two days, unfortunately in that order, so the gallop made him a fidgety flighty numpty to school, as usual. But it's official, he hates snaffles! I also schooled him the day before the gallop , and because he has been so much more controllable, I had one more try at a snaffle. He was different from the moment I got on. It's as if he just does not trust it. I've no idea why, but he is so much more confident in a pelham that I will give up on snaffles now for at least the hunting season. I'd like to school him in one but if it makes him feel insecure it seems pointless to try.
It's only 3 weeks today to our Opening Meet !!!!
C
You are a better woman than I....Those bucks would do me in...which is why Tucker still does not respect me 100%. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteNo issue putting Ace's head wherever it needs to be in order for you to have control. He certainly is an opinionated fellow. You are definitely going to have to win.
Interesting about RadaR and the snaffle. Once again, you need to use the bit that works, despite your urges. Would a straight bar snaffle work? Wonder if he doesn't like the movable mouthpiece? Curious.
I've tried it Jean. I've also tried a hanging cheek straight bar - just like a pelham without the curb in it's action. He does not respond to either of them. He finds comfort in the curb, for some reason.
DeleteHe was getting very exciteable out on a hack this evening now he is nearly fit enough to hunt!
C