I can tell the weather's getting warmer from the sudden influx of posting. :) Now that we've successfully navigated anti-motivation due to cold weather, we'll all be great until the dreaded southern humidity hits us this summer...
I knew I was going to have an interesting ride yesterday when I saw that there was a PM wind advisory for Orange County. Thanks to slightly longer days, I still managed to ride when there was daylight, so we at least had that going for us. Pro was great! He's a superstar about finding the end of the rein at the walk these days, and has really developed this big, reaching power-walk. I wasn't going to let him rush, so we had a nice discussion about who gets to dictate tempo and rhythm, and I thankfully won.
He was still strong yesterday, and my shoulders will still sore from Monday, but at least he wasn't throwing any fits. We had a lot of half-halting (Advil for my shoulders, abs, and thighs!) and reminders about tempo. My main goal was to never let him be content with reaching the end of the rein, but to continually stretch and reach and really get into what Gayle says dressage is all about - physical therapy for horses. She said it should always FEEL good for them. And I do admit that when Pro's being a good boy, he really gets into it. He's quite expressive, so he gets the best facial expressions and really enjoys his work. But like a kid who eats vegetables, you can't tell them that it's good for them or they'll suddenly not like it anymore - so when he gets into a really content and happy mood, I just let him think that it was HIS idea to do this whole dressage thing!
The winds were pretty strong for most of the ride - so intense at one point that I had to walk only because I had to shut my eyes. He was fine!!! Maybe the sand blowing reminded him of the desert? He did get a little tense past sundown (after a great sunset) once the wind picked up more and the trees even started bending and swaying, but by then we were stretching out a long rein and he relaxed. We did have a few VERY exuberant circles at the canter, silly boy. But with the warm weather and the breeze and the sunset, it was just a GREAT night. :)
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7 comments:
I was also amazed at how composed Tango was in the crazy wind yesterday... I was completely expecting a basket-case, and like you, I was pleasantly surprised!
Man, every time you talk about Gayle I get serious trainer-envy. She sounds like one smart cookie. Keep up the good work!
Awesome! Good job getting him tuned into you and making him work despite being sore! Hopefully I'll be as successful this evening. I've got my fingers crossed to escape early so I can enjoy some of this sunshine with him!
It is awesome that he is getting so good about stretching for you these days! It sounds like you had another really good ride on your Desert Prince! I like that, by the way...Desert Prince Pro!
yay for Pro being a good boy in the wind and for stretching into the bridle.
I bet the wind blowing his mane and tail would have been some killer pictures! It sounds like he is really embracing his dressage.
Hahah yes - especially when it blew it up!!!
ALEX when are you going to come seeeeeeeeeee him??? :) I hear that you're up this way occasionally...we just need to coordinate! That would make for a super blog post - pictures of you riding Pro!
Libby - haha I know, I feel like I won the lottery when I found Gayle. :)
I was there LAST weekend!
You need to take the drive to Mooresville! We can go see Skate and Gabby and you can come ride Desi.
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