Back in the saddle & how is he looking

[ColouredFan]

Today I had my first lesson in 6 weeks, it was my third time riding after my shoulder op. Frankie was very relaxed soft and willing (a BIG thank you to spotted Cat for all her recent schooling!). We mainly work on his canter, the upward and downward transitions and collection. I managed 40 mins before I started feeling a bit sore so we finished a bit early.

My instructor thinks he looks well, but I am a bit worried he is a little overweight? he has the RC open at Broadway on the 14th then the regionals at longleat and Milton Keynes so lots of fittening work needed. How do you think he looks?

And a couple from my lesson

Thanks for looking

 

[AutumnRose]

Aw glad your back in the saddle!!!

Frankie looks his usual gorgeous self!!! Maybe a tiny bit round (who am i to talk!!) but as long as his fitness has kept up i'm sure it won't matter and will probably fix itself now you're back in the saddle and he's working towards events again

 

[igglepiggle]

He looks lovely!

 

[jules89]

god he is so sexy, you guys go so well together, doesn't look like you've had time off at all, how do you feel?

Would love a sit on him, totally love him

 

[Rafferoo]

He looks great!

 

[deskbound]

A touch rotund but nothing that a run up a hill won't cure....!

 

[KatB]

He is gorgeous. So smart!! And looks great. As you know a little bit more fitness work will get rid of his touch of a tummy, and just build his bottom up again

 

[ColouredFan]

Thanks everyone, I think he is a little round to be honest, I am going to do fast work twice a week now to try and increase fitness and decrease the roundness

Jules - I feel Ok thanks, Not 100% but I am not expected to be recovered fully just yet so I think its just a case of time being a great healer! You're more than welcome to a ride

 

[Bubblegum]

Glad to hear you are back riding.... he looks great. Just a bit of a summer tummy..nothing a couple of weeks work won't fix. Looks to be going super in your lesson.

 

[ColouredFan]

What can you suggest for building up his bottom? its never really that round. We are very lacking in hills unfortunatly

 

[KatB]

Ah, ok... hill work is no. 1, but raised poles on the lunge work well, lunging with the reins over their back and to the bit rings through their front legs really gets them working over their back and from the bottom, that can help! He has a gorgeous bottom, but I like nice round muscley ones

 

[ColouredFan]

you wouldnt tell at the moment but he can be hard to keep condition on as feeding is so difficult due to allergies! I will try the lunging, would the pessoa have the same effect or should I use draw reins as you described for a better result?

 

[KatB]

I dont use a pessoa as I feel it can make them "hold" themselves too much... but thats just IMHO

Yeah i know youhave said before re. his condition, he does look fab, don't get me wrong

 

[ColouredFan]

I will give it a go and see if I notice any improvement

. He looks in "showing" condition some might say

 

[jules89]

Personally I love the pessoa, and I use it loose-ly so they don't "hold" themselves or drop behind it, and I use a loop of balertwine on the girth so it looks like draw reins but it's a pessoa, if that make's sense?

 

[kick_On]

lovely to see you back in plate as for Frankie i think he's enjoyed his time off, well at least his stomach has

Canter work will get grass belly off

 

[MysteryGirl]

I agree that he has a little bit of tummy, but I'm sure it won't take you long to shift it.

Just wanted to say you have a lovely riding position, especially in canter

 

[SpottedCat]

He's looking super - nothing a bit of fast work won't sort out!

I am sure his softness and willingness was less to do with my schooling and more a huge sense of relief that he has you back on board rather than me!!

 

[louisesb]

Hey matey!! Glad to hear your back up and running (or riding to be precise). Frankie is looking good - well covered should I say

. Like all the other's say, nothing you wont be able to cure with a good few canter sessions! I also have to say I'm so envious of your position - you sit like a pro dressage rider - most unfair!! Glad your doing well though matey.

x

 

[Chloe_GHE]

Hey that was a quick recovery!

He looks great sure a few days harder/faster work will knock that little belly on the head, good luck for your next few events

 

[ColouredFan]

Yep that makes sence Jules and is simular to how i use it, I just dont lunge him often as we dont have a surface and I dont like the thought of lunging when the ground is hard (or muddy!).

KO lots on canter work is on the cards!

Thank you MG, it only looks good as my instructor was there shouting at me!

SC - Kate said what a great job you have done

I am very gratefull, without you working him he would look in foal by now I expect!

Hi Lou, hope all is well with you, this is def my lesson position, find it very hard to maintain without constant reminders of "sit on him" "shoulders back" and "head and hands up"!

Chole, It seems like forever since I last competed (Larkhill) cant wait to go XC again! The recovery was quicker than expected my physio is very pleased.