In a state of despair!

[Bruised]

My XC and SJ have really improved but it seems to be at the cost of my dressage which seriously stinks! It used to be the other way round. But now that I've changed the way he goes jumping (which is so much better and he jumps freely and waits less for me to tell him what to do and when to go which, quite frankly, is better as I don't feel under so much pressure to get it right every time), our dressage is awful. He resents the contact and the comparative lack of freedom. Any suggestions or should I just shoot myself?

 

[JessnGeorge]

Well, hello fellow newbie!

I personally find we have stages in our training - to cut a long story short I have a semi retired 2* Eventer who also competed to Grade C showjumping. I do mainly dressage as that has always been my passion - he is more than capable and if we focus on it for a bit then he seems to be able to listen.

However, we did some SJ and XC training in the summer and he made is fairly clear who was more experienced in that department and so then bringing him back to dressage the attitude overspilled - not in a nasty way but he was feeling a little cocky!

Mayben he doesn't resent the contact but resents being "in control" of pace or a stride or whatever. Now that you have given him some responsibility, perhaps he feels reluctant to, as he sees it, relinquish? Sometimes they are like teenagers and perhaps if he knows he can be trusted to look after you jumping then he might eventualy trust your dressage judgement.

Don't shoot yourself!
x

 

[Bruised]

Thanks Jess. I'll unload the shotgun!

 

[brucea]

[ QUOTE ]
Any suggestions or should I just shoot myself?

[/ QUOTE ]

An early exit would probably be a merciful release.

 

[BFG]

Dont shoot yourself the gun shot might scare your horsey.

Keep at it you cant be brilliant at everything that wouldnt be fair.

 

[Rudey]

Breathe... count to 10.... then throw yourself on the floor and paddy lol

My answer to all schooling issues... work long and low, take and release the contact for short periods and lots of praise! My bay hates anymore then 20 minutes schooling! Over doing flat work with him has adverse effects

xx