He settled to some really good figure of eight trots with a change of bend, after quite a lot of persuasion that it really was what we were going to do today, not go for a gallop.
I couldn't, at the moment, warm him up in public because at some point I have to push the trot on to make him keep loose and balanced, and he'd scare the whole arena to death :)
But the signs are good, once we have a canter transition in a snaffle in place, that we can get out and play at dressage with him this summer, which will be a real hoot!
I'm so pleased with Ace. The wind has come up really strong again and it was touch and go whether he should have an exercise blanket on because it was also cool. I decided not.
He behaved really well. And in the space of 45 minutes we warmed up, did trot figures of eight, canter circles with change through walk, flying changes (where I got some smashing 15m counter canter!! - and two changes, late behind but nice and relaxed), reverse 20m, 10m trot circles followed by lengthening down the long side,
and canter spirals in to less than 10m and out again. He used to find this last exercise extremely difficult and buck when it got too tight a circle, but now he tries really hard for me and is improving hugely.
I was analysing what has really changed about him in the last few weeks to improve how much I am enjoying our schooling sessions and it's his head. He is holding his head so much more steady, holding the outline, and along with that his mouth is steadier and more responsive and he stays more relaxed through his body. That carries through to his tail, which he will flash at the slightest excuse. You can measure how easy he is finding his work by how many times his tail whips his bum.
He still has, on occasion, a spin to rival the size and speed of my washing machine, which is which is why we can only walk if he is spooky out on a hack, but I can forgive him that :-)
C
Sounds as if you are planning a summer of real fun! Amazing that Radar is actually schooling in the arena at last. Your hard work and persistence are paying off big time. Now, as long as they don't use a hunting horn to signal the start of your dressage tests, you are all set! *G*
ReplyDeleteAs for Ace, once again, he proves that natural talent makes all the training easier. He's a good, athletic mover and all he needed was to wrap his head around the concept of work. I'm thinking the harder exercises do keep his focus on things other than blue barrels.
Radar also looked at them today, which was interesting.
ReplyDeleteC
still can't get over the difference in Radar, considering where you started with him....
ReplyDelete:-)
Only took four years :-)
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Funny - the washing machine comparison :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is wicked!! If he does it on a road in trot he can slip and nearly bring us both down.
DeleteC
I guess only funny in the abstract.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I have a student (family really) that I tutor in chemistry that is from England. I can't remember where but it's fun to hear the talk again. I do miss my British friends as I am sure Tetley does.
I did mean the description to make people smile :-) though the reality is "interesting". I am lucky to have such long legs, or I'd be on the floor for sure.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't Tetley skype a few friends :-) ?
C