Ronnie progress report! pics+vid

[Ashleigh_]

Hey everyone

Thought i'd update you with mine and Ronnie's progress. Still don't have enough confidence to hack out and we are still taking things really slowly but work in the school has improved People at my new yard in Kent are being really supportive and have been fantastic helping me with the task of juggling uni, Ronnie and work!

I decided to take a little video of myself in the school on Tuesday morning.. I've also added a photo from September when I first gathered the nerves to get back on him for comparison. Despite me being on the wrong diagonal/super tense/bad hands and not tracking up i'm really pleased with his general way of going now, and looking back i'm so pleased I didn't shove a strong bit in and instead took things right back to the beginning. He's now going nicely in a french link and can hold a okay outline for the straight sides in the school. It's definitely been worth all the schooling and we continue to work on bending.

Anyway, have a little watch and feel free to make any suggestions - as always i'm more than happy to hear them and work on stuff. Thank you to everyone who continues to support me through my confidence crisis and give advice, you've all been fantastic

September - first time back on (feeling sick with nerves!!)

Tuesday in the school:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80kHXuaNFHw

 

[Trish C]

About time!! I was getting desparate for my Ronnie fix

Jebus woman that vid is great, both you and him have come on miles, well done! He looks great, very settled and happy and as you say looks nice and balanced on the straight

One of my favourite exercises with Knobberts is to really push the trot out down the long sides, then bring it right back for the corner. I found it really got him to balance himself in the corner without losing impulsion behind or going forehandy/giraffey! It really worked to improve his trot, his balance and then had a big effect on the canter as well... until we took so long out for his injury

Also RI had me doing circles down the long side (usually three, one before B/E, one at and one after) in as balanced and collected a trot as I could, then trot-halt-trot at A/C (or half-halt) then push out the trot down the other long side, balance again for corner, then into circles again etc. Did wonders for his balance, and made me fine and dizzy

But whatever you're doing it is obviously working, fair feckin play t'ya!

 

[Ashleigh_]

Thank you, Trish! Will try and get some of those exercises done in the school x

 

[JenHunt]

Ronnie is so lovely! I wish my Ron would go in an outline when my instructor's not looking

he's much improved and you look much happier on him too! the exercises that Trish recommended I would also have recommended, and don't forget that once he's in a nice rhythm you can relax a little too so that he can relax through his back and learn to carry himself. then if/when he drops out of balance or rhythm you can half halt to bring it back!

 

[dafthoss]

Well you definatly cant tell from the video that you are on the way back from a confidence crisis you both look great.

 

[splashgirl45]

well done to both of you, he looks like he has a nice balanced trot, great to see you looking so confident...

 

[Niddlynoo]

Not seen anything of Ronnie before (fairly new member), but it looks like you are coming on in leaps and bounds.
BTW Ronnie looks adorable

 

[Ashleigh_]

Thanks everyone

I'll definitely keep going with those exercises, tried them out this morning and it was evident he was really trying for me and made some improvement which was fab! JenHunt - thanks for your support, relaxing is not my strong point yet!

xx

 

[GypsyGirl]

Well I think you and ronnie are both doing FANTASTIC! I am SO pleased for you and Ronnie! Ronnie loves to be doing things and its SO nice to see you both so happy! Yayy

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX