cob&onion
Well-Known Member
What is everyone doing with their 4 year olds and do you plan to turn away again this winter?
My 4 yr old welsh D is hacking out mostly up to 5 times per week, we school every other week for 25 mins - so far he has hacked out alone and in company, done poles and been to a ridden show. No jumping yet or dressage. We are currently working on canter transitions - he keeps striking off on the wrong leg! takes several attempts but i think we cracked it last night (and there was no bucking!) Also working through baby things like slowing him up - he's very forward going and sometimes *runs* away a bit.
We have an instructor once every 2 weeks.
He is also doing a bit off turn on the forehand and getting him used to moving away from the leg, opening gates etc and learning to stand still!!
He is getting bigger all the time and am just toying with the idea of turning him away again during winter but not too sure. He is quite sharp and he is better when he is worked regularly.
So if he isnt turned away this winter the plan was maybe to get a few lessons of a local dressage trainer every other week just to keep us on track and then do some unaffiliated stuff over spring/summer next year (if i get my transport) and seeing how we get on maybe look to affiliate next autumn?
His saddle was fitted early June and now needs looking at again! am away for 3 weeks week after next so he will have a mini break then the saddle fitter is due out when we get back. Am hoping to get him out once more before the summer is out but it is difficult as i don't have transport so have to go along with a friend's plans who doesn't do dressage. Am hoping to get something next year though, then there will be no stopping us!
Long term plans are a general allrounder, showing but mainly BD.
My 4 yr old welsh D is hacking out mostly up to 5 times per week, we school every other week for 25 mins - so far he has hacked out alone and in company, done poles and been to a ridden show. No jumping yet or dressage. We are currently working on canter transitions - he keeps striking off on the wrong leg! takes several attempts but i think we cracked it last night (and there was no bucking!) Also working through baby things like slowing him up - he's very forward going and sometimes *runs* away a bit.
We have an instructor once every 2 weeks.
He is also doing a bit off turn on the forehand and getting him used to moving away from the leg, opening gates etc and learning to stand still!!
He is getting bigger all the time and am just toying with the idea of turning him away again during winter but not too sure. He is quite sharp and he is better when he is worked regularly.
So if he isnt turned away this winter the plan was maybe to get a few lessons of a local dressage trainer every other week just to keep us on track and then do some unaffiliated stuff over spring/summer next year (if i get my transport) and seeing how we get on maybe look to affiliate next autumn?
His saddle was fitted early June and now needs looking at again! am away for 3 weeks week after next so he will have a mini break then the saddle fitter is due out when we get back. Am hoping to get him out once more before the summer is out but it is difficult as i don't have transport so have to go along with a friend's plans who doesn't do dressage. Am hoping to get something next year though, then there will be no stopping us!
Long term plans are a general allrounder, showing but mainly BD.
