Figs BD Debut!!

amandaco - He felt it ;)

bananas - Thank you so much, that's lovely! Yes, starting to keep that shoulder/hip/heel line. No longer sitting defensively, and my back was on top form today, hips a bit stiff (got a 'rider sits very tense' comment in first test too), so really feel like I'm getting somewhere. No longer feel I have to sit delicately and quietly, felt like I actually *rode* today, not just playing pilot....aaaaaand the penny drops :cool:
 
Lurker here :oBut just had to comment, he is an utter credit to you, what a transformation from your early pictures. Very well done :D
 
PS - Looking reem. Smelling reem. Being reem. Reem.

kidnapmoss - Thank you so much :) glad we could tempt you into posting!
 
Look at Fig go! Congratulations on a very successful debut! he looks so good in the photos, much more mature since the last ones I saw and as someone else said the second score matches what the photos show more than the first!

Best of luck at your next outing!

PS when are Fig & CS having their par de deux debut? ;)
 
Festive_F - Thank you! And yes, he's really growing physically, I just hope his brain keeps up :p Yes, was a shame that he got so tense those 5 minutes before he went in for his first test, but I think he really tried to control it so still pleased! CS and Fig have their double date this weekend on the Saturday :)

Prinzess - Oh thank you :) He makes the hard work enjoyable!
 
Looking really good NMT, he's got a super hind leg. A fab result for a first outing, you should be delighted. I like swallowfield, its always well run and arenas are excellent :)
 
Thanks WF :) I really am! I've never actually ridden there before and haven't spectated there since PS was doing her early shows with CS. You're right, it is a lovely venue, surfaces are fab and people friendly. Superbly organized too!!
 
nikkimariet said:
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Trot:
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Look at his hind legs!
 
sabel - Thanks :) PS was on fine photobitching form!

Artic fox - :D Thanks!!

Pasha - Yes, he was sensible enough to enjoy himself I think!

1Lucie - Good results for a good boy :)

Tiddlypups - Lol! Yes, he does have a very quick hind leg. Hope to bring that out a bit more as he gets stronger and moves up the levels.

claire - I think so too, but am most definitely biased ;) Thanks!
 
You both look immaculate and very elegant. I love how soft and forwards he looks in the pictures, well done :).
 
Sameru - Lol!! Yes he has a full set of whiskers (but no beard), found Bruce shook his head at flies less with them left on. I like them better without but if it's better for them ;) Thank you, very proud of him yes!

Firewell - He was definitely forwards :p Thank you :)
 
Nats - Thank you, yes he is a handsome boy (but I'm biased!) :)

Bills - Aw thanks, yes, still beaming today. He's having a well earned day off and then a (hopefully) gentle stroll through the village tomorrow :)
 
Very well done you both look fantastic.

Can I ask what exercises you use in order to help Figs relax and work correctly ?
 
Thanks Halfpast :)

Figs favourite thing is serpentines - don't ask me why, he just loves them :p However tense/tight he is, a few serpentines in trot really softens his back and allows me to put my leg on. I vary the number of loops, but always make sure I keep my inside leg on so he steps under and round the turn.

I do lots of leg yields (off the centre/three quarter line are best for Fig, spiraling in and out of circles sometimes results in him hopping up into canter if he's tense). I make these quite steep, and really work on pushing his hind leg out and under my seat.

Lots of flexions and counter flexions - which help to soften his ribs and neck and gives me more control over his neck and shoulder.

Plenty of transitions - esp medium/extended walk to free walk and back.

In the trot work, I like to bring him back to an almost walk (only over 2/3 strides, he's not strong enough for any more yet), and then legs on, hands forward and push for medium for 4/5 strides. Find this brings his poll up to the vertical, opens his shoulder and encourages him to take that little bit of extra weight behind and get him off the forehand. I have started to do this in canter too (only once he's relaxed), but to a lesser extent as he's not quite strong enough for me to really sit him back just yet.

And as many give and retakes as possible, when he gets tense he curls his neck over and pulls my arms down his neck - so by keeping my legs on and putting my hands forward I can push his nose out and up to where I want it.

Hope that makes sense!!
 
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Thanks TE :)

It is weird, was looking back through my (millions) of photos of him and found this:

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Which was taken Jan 9th :eek: Bless his ribby little socks.
 
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Not up to speed with your horse's background as I'm relatively new but Wow - comparing the jan pic to the ones of you competing at the weekend there is a huge difference! He is super smart and you both look great together - well done on a fantastic start to your competitive career together! :)
 
Thanks whorls :)

He's an 8 yo ex-racer from Oz, off the track Oct 11, came to me Dec 11, started ridden work Jan 8th this year and ... this is where we're at now! He's a lovely boy, and just so utterly genuine :cool:
 
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