I almost got confused over which horse I was riding today. Ace was still a little lame, with some heat still in his splint bone, but much better :-) , so I schooled Radar instead. He was fantastic, calmer than he has ever been, responsive but not over-reactive. He was so calm that we even did some beginner's flying changes, which I think he found physically quite easy but mentally taxing so we only did one on each rein.
It is extremely unusual for Radar to give me a calm walk, then a calm trot, then calm trot figures of eight, then calm canter without any anxiety, tension or tantrum. I can only remember him doing it once before, and this time his work was much better balanced than it was then. Next year I could easily see him being able to do an Elementary test in a double bridle. Any test in a snaffle would probably still be beyond us :-)
He is able to canter very slowly for such a big framed horse, which I do deliberately because I believe that it will really build up his strength and is good training for hunting even though it is not as "fittening" as a long hack.
Hopefully the weather will let us get out again on Saturday to jump a few things.
C.
What good news about Radar! Of course, we will have to reserve judgment until this starts to happen on a regular basis, but it would be great if he's really turned a corner. Better yet, if the change continues to benefit in the hunt field. Sending good wishes for wonderful weather for the weekend. You both deserve it.
ReplyDeleteHoping Ace feels better soon. But of a worry, of course, but it seems you have a handle on what's wrong with him. Sounds like growing pains to me. After all, he still is just a youngster in so many ways.
We're getting almost to that stage Jean! Today we did interval training circles on an up and down field where I normally have considerable trouble controlling Radar. Today? No issues! 7 minutes on one rein, 5 on the other then a flat out gallop up a slope which finishes in a real, if short, hill at about 40 degree pitch and a walk home again.
DeleteAce is going to be fine by Sunday I think, and I don't want to ride him until then anyway as I am working tomorrow and hunting Saturday. He looked sound today as he trotted up the yard where he wasn't supposed to be! The heat is unmistakable in location and splints are so common in 6 year olds who don't move straight. Growing pains really, as you say.
C
that's excellent on the Radar front!
ReplyDeleteHe's my big man Claire :-) !!
ReplyDeleteC