Well actually more than a bit, but I couldn't resist the pun. I changed Woody to a JP (curved) lozenge double jointed bit (a french link with a lozenge instead of a peanut) and he went really, really well. You may remember that he was in a plastic bit because he had such a sensitive mouth, which I have been (obviously successfully!) working to desensitise.
For the first time ever, he did not stop or run backwards and I did not need to flick him with the whip once. He was much more forward and it was much easier to get him to flex to the bit and to bend properly. He is still inconsistent in the mouth, and in consequence also inconsistent in his rythmn, but the improvement is huge and very, very pleasing.
I enjoyed being on the arena - it was pristine white, three inches deep in snow. There is something so satisfying about being the first person to disturb a surface like that, isn't there?
I was musing about how long it is since I have felt that Woody was even the slightest bit lame. Weeks, I know. Apart from never leaving him without work for more than 48 hours, and doing more roadwork than I might otherwise, I treat him just like any other horse these days. The 48 hour thing is to prevent him from stiffening up or any adhesions forming in his newly repaired tendons and ligaments. The roadwork is to ensure that he trims himself to the shape he requires, instead of me having to second guess what to take off where. It all seems to be working very well so far.
Radar and I had a lovely hack in the cold because it was also very still with a lovely blue sky. He is being a thug to the others over food in this cold snap, I'll tell you what his selfish and aggressive strategy is tomorrow, but I've never known another horse do it.
C
Once again, good news about the bit. Finding the right one can be tricky. It'd be great if you picked the best one right off. Now all it's going to take is time for him to get steady in the contact. With the work you do, it shouldn't take too long.
ReplyDeleteGreat too about his soundness. By the summer, I suspect you won't even be talking about it any more. His shoulders will be totally freed up and he'll be in the show arena, competing....or, I somehow suspect...possibly eventing??? *G*
Riding in the snow is great fun when you know what the footing is underneath. It gets a bit treacherous around here in the woods with too many downed branches and trees hidden underneath--but the arena, or a field...fun!
I'm looking forward to the Radar story. "Thug" is a decidedly intriguing term. *lol*
Or in the arena - eventing? :-)
DeleteC
Hmm, I wonder what Radar is up to.
ReplyDeleteI do love snow and we just don't get enough of it around here. Your ground is not probably not frozen at the temps you have been having. We are just coming out of a deep freeze, almost 10C tomorrow! So I should be able to ride outside soon.
I tried on Maria's sealskinz gloves and size L fits me. We have found the brand here in the US online but not the equestrian ones.
Totally frozen today and forecast to spoil any weekend hunting :-(
ReplyDeleteI prefer the cycling gloves because they aren't leather and I can dry them on a radiator. I daresay they won't last as long but they are also only 2/3 the price.
C
Hmm, that is very useful information. I think we can get the cycling style here in the US at Amazon or REI. But how can the equestrian ones be leather if they are waterproof? I don't think that leather stands up to being wet, damp maybe, but not wet.
ReplyDeleteBummer about the frozen ground. Usually the ground stays soft when the air is at or just below freezing, especially when insulated with snow. Oh well, good day to stay by the fire and read a book. How about some baking? :-) I always say if you can't ride you can still spoil the horse by giving delicious warm beet pulp with cut up fruit and carrots. Tetley can attest to its palatability :-)