Little lesson report

lucky7

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 May 2011
Messages
598
Visit site
Went to a clinic today to try the bot somewhere new, with a new instructor. There where 3 of us in a group - not had him in a group lesson before, however i am aching all over and he was pretty tired too so i think we worked hard!
It was really interesting and she picked up on everything i have been thinking almost right away. First she mentioned his mouth - he gets mouthy and sticks his tongue out and opens his mouth when he's somewhere new - its an anxiety thing then he will settle down as he relaxes - at home he hardly does this. He is ridden in a loose ring snaffle with a double joint and a cavesson noseband. Next was him not bending through properly, not listening to my legs resulting in me having to work very hard and running through my outside leg whilst doing some leg yielding. Toward the end of the lesson he really settled down and we got some nice work from him, which i am pleased she got to see.
She thinks spurs are needed rather than have me being LOUD with my leg and nudge with the spurs would be better, i agree and have been giving it alot of though prior to this but now i will try them. He also has a bit of a habit of coming behind the contact but this is easily resolved with pushing him forwards. She thinks he definitely has the ability we just need to get him straightened out a bit. Decided i will be booking another lesson this time on my own, really felt like she was on my wave length and was nice to hear a professionals opinion wasn't far off my own opinion at all and i seem to be heading in the right direction! :)
 
It's always good when an instructor picks up on the same stuff as you isn't it (same goes for a dressage judge!). Sounds like a positive day. :) I was a bit wary of using Spurs on my boy at first, but I use the rollerball ones and they are just enough without me worrying about them being a bit pointy!
 
Just ordered some with a 20mm shank - been ages since i have had to use spurs and never on him!
Also ordered a bomber happy tongue to trial.
 
Top