For something different, I decided to play with him on the lunge line tonight so that I could jump him. I saw a thread on COTH that talked about how jumping was good for strengthening your dressage horse's back. Plus it was a break from the usual routine for him!
He actually warmed up great on the lunge - I made sure he was tracking up and kept reminding him with the lunge line to give to the "inside rein", so after a bit he was stretching over his back and really tracking up and moving along. Then I set up a crossrail (with a guard pole to the outside so he couldn't run out) and we walked over it a few times, then trotted it in-hand. Lunging him over it is tricky because he has a knack for getting "behind" and then getting nervous and backing up, so it's a lot of patience. When he does get behind me and starts to back up, I just gather up the lunge and stay calm, focus on getting him back moving forward again.
All in all, Pro really did enjoy the jumping, he just didn't want to admit it. ;) He jumped everything from the middle to the blocks side, but he was pretty enthusiastic about cantering it (once I got behind him enough to "chase" him forward). It was actually fun to watch him get a little jazzed up and try out his jumping skills! Too bad I couldn't get pictures...
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5 comments:
I think Pro would like anything new that you give him. I think you need to get him jumping again and take PICTURES so we can oooh and ahhh.
Haha. You won't be ooohing and ahhhing over Pro's jumping form. He definitely jumps like an Arabian. I think he just needs to get used to it. He gets all freaked out about what he's supposed to be doing.
Well we can ooohhh and ahhhh over his willingness to try..... LOL
That sounds like a fun day! It's nice to throw some variety in now and then. Keep up the good work, I can't wait to see pictures! :)
I agree that Pro would like anything new...and not admit it!
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