wizoz
Well-Known Member
Today was the official start of my get "ready for the BE season campaign".
I took Boo to Pontispool, my first outing on him since 2006!! I had an hours lesson with a Kiwi Eventer, whom I rate very highly.
As it was my first jumping lesson in well over a year, I did wonder how much of a spastic I was going to be but I surprised myself and didn't let myself down
The lesson started with me just doing the usual warm up and instructor asking questions, like they all do. Within minutes he had etablished EXACTLY what we needed to work on, what I was doing wrong, explained why I needed to correct my position (slightly) and told me to lengthen my stirrups 2 holes!
For most of the lesson there was no jumping involved as Boo very much needs to do ground work, we know he can jump, he now needs to do it with discipline, control, balance, a good steady rhythm and by himself. By that I mean, take me to the fence without too much effort on my part.
The exercise that I did for all of the lesson was simple but oh so effective and it really helped Boo to use his back end instead of dragging it behind him.
Towards the end of my lesson all I was jumping was a 2'6" x pole but it didn't need to be more, until he is established through that exercise and can balance himself between a fence.
I felt it was the most constructive lesson i'd ever had and I think that what I was so pleased about most of all was that even though it was a jumping lesson, it wasn't a case of, get the fences up and keep doing rounds and rounds until the hour is up, my instructor really did things properly, digested all that I had explained, sussed that Boo was desperately in need of learning the basics, as quite frankly he had been taught to run before he coud walk.
Which of course was my fault, as I wanted him to go out and compete last year and that's what was asked of the Wiegersma's. But now I have the reins back and I'm determined to do the best by him.
Am off to do some unaff dressage next weekend, then hopefully have another jumping lesson the week after.
All in all, I rate my day the best I've had, horse wise, in a vey long time
Thanks for reading
I took Boo to Pontispool, my first outing on him since 2006!! I had an hours lesson with a Kiwi Eventer, whom I rate very highly.
As it was my first jumping lesson in well over a year, I did wonder how much of a spastic I was going to be but I surprised myself and didn't let myself down
The lesson started with me just doing the usual warm up and instructor asking questions, like they all do. Within minutes he had etablished EXACTLY what we needed to work on, what I was doing wrong, explained why I needed to correct my position (slightly) and told me to lengthen my stirrups 2 holes!
For most of the lesson there was no jumping involved as Boo very much needs to do ground work, we know he can jump, he now needs to do it with discipline, control, balance, a good steady rhythm and by himself. By that I mean, take me to the fence without too much effort on my part.
The exercise that I did for all of the lesson was simple but oh so effective and it really helped Boo to use his back end instead of dragging it behind him.
Towards the end of my lesson all I was jumping was a 2'6" x pole but it didn't need to be more, until he is established through that exercise and can balance himself between a fence.
I felt it was the most constructive lesson i'd ever had and I think that what I was so pleased about most of all was that even though it was a jumping lesson, it wasn't a case of, get the fences up and keep doing rounds and rounds until the hour is up, my instructor really did things properly, digested all that I had explained, sussed that Boo was desperately in need of learning the basics, as quite frankly he had been taught to run before he coud walk.
Am off to do some unaff dressage next weekend, then hopefully have another jumping lesson the week after.
All in all, I rate my day the best I've had, horse wise, in a vey long time
Thanks for reading
