_jetset_
Well-Known Member
I had a lesson on my older mare, Hannah, with Spencer on Tuesday. She has only been back in work for 8-9 weeks and has been brought back quite slowly due to everything that has been going on with Grace. She is looking great now I have upped her Alfa Oil to maximum amounts, and I had her clipped again last weekend as she had grown quite a bit of coat since I first clipped her.
So, I was a bit nervous because Hannah is not a flashy warmblood who oozes presence and ability. She is an IDxTB of unknown breeding, a bit long and weak in the back and built down hill
(not much going for her, I know!!!) She has produced an absolutely cracking foal by Pro-Set, and has lovely even paces that are regular and correct.
Spencer asked me what I wanted to work on, and I said that while her paces were correct I would really like to start getting a bit more 'wow' factor in the trot work. But, I also pointed out that while she could be soft through the mouth when doing things like half pass and leg yield, when on a straight or a circle she could set against the rein in her mouth.
Spencer got on her and he said she felt as though she didn't want to bend through the body and got some polos to see whether she 'wouldn't' or 'couldn't'! Knowing Hannah as I do, I already knew the answer
As soon as a polo was offered she could bend anyway he asked without any difficulty and showed how awkward she was actually being under saddle
The problem is, she has never been taught (as I haven't really before starting lessons with Spencer) how to stretch down correctly. What I mean is stretching all of her back and neck rather than just dropping the neck. So we spent the lesson getting her to soften through her mouth and really stretch down. Spencer said he was surprised how quickly she picked it up as it can take an entire session, but she felt so soft and light in my hands, I have never felt that from her!
So this morning I took her in the arena and started our homework
I was absolutely amazed because I picked up the contact and she was immediately round and soft through her back and mouth, and just felt so elastic
I did some trot and walk work for about 45 minutes (we were drenched) and then had a quick canter at the end... we were not supposed to be cantering this week following Spencer's plan, but he also said you will know when you ask for the canter, and today I just knew! I couldn't believe it, she stayed soft through her back, her neck was completely elastic and I came out with the BIGGEST grin on my face.
I have felt this softness and elasticity with Grace, but I never ever imagined I would feel it with Hannah... I can't wait for my next lesson now in January!!!
So, I was a bit nervous because Hannah is not a flashy warmblood who oozes presence and ability. She is an IDxTB of unknown breeding, a bit long and weak in the back and built down hill
Spencer asked me what I wanted to work on, and I said that while her paces were correct I would really like to start getting a bit more 'wow' factor in the trot work. But, I also pointed out that while she could be soft through the mouth when doing things like half pass and leg yield, when on a straight or a circle she could set against the rein in her mouth.
Spencer got on her and he said she felt as though she didn't want to bend through the body and got some polos to see whether she 'wouldn't' or 'couldn't'! Knowing Hannah as I do, I already knew the answer
The problem is, she has never been taught (as I haven't really before starting lessons with Spencer) how to stretch down correctly. What I mean is stretching all of her back and neck rather than just dropping the neck. So we spent the lesson getting her to soften through her mouth and really stretch down. Spencer said he was surprised how quickly she picked it up as it can take an entire session, but she felt so soft and light in my hands, I have never felt that from her!
So this morning I took her in the arena and started our homework
I have felt this softness and elasticity with Grace, but I never ever imagined I would feel it with Hannah... I can't wait for my next lesson now in January!!!
