Pony thinks he's a giraffe

[ruthsimms]

Although we start off a schooling session with his head in the air, I work him in and manage to soften him into an outline eventually.

I recently did a dressage test without a martingale and it was dreadful (until the very end when we both relaxed).

Is it just going to take loads of practice without a martingale to get to the point where he softens without one or is there anything else anyone can suggest?

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Try lunging him before you get on, so he has warmed up before he carries you. That way he may relax and soften more quick, once your on.

 

[ruthsimms]

I hadn't thought of that - good idea. That really would make sense. And it's something I should be able to do at a show ahead of any test.

Thanks for that.