Schooling the Trakehner tonight *videos*

Perfect_Pirouette

Perfect_Pirouette

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 February 2009
Messages
4,437
Visit site
So it's been a while since I posted anything about M.

For anyone that doesn't know he's a 16.3, 6 YO Trakehner

We have taken him out to quite a few parties now. Some have been successful, others not so (depending on the spookiness of the venue) :biggrin3:

Been really working and concentrating on getting him to take the contact down and forward more as his 'thang' is to sit behind it and curl up against you.

Anyway, a couple of short vids of him tonight. It's not often I have someone with me to take a video.

My instructor shouting in the background is NOT talking to me btw lol :smile3: there's someone else in there having a lesson :biggrin3:

TROT

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=657936191170&set=vb.272900965&type=2&theater

CANTER

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=657930627320&set=vb.272900965&type=2&theater

CANTER

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=657930722130&set=vb.272900965&type=2&theater

He has got quite big paces, an especially big canter and it is still a battle and juggling act getting him more balanced. But it is all coming.

Next outing in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for looking. CC Welcome :smile3:
 
Il answer as no one else has! Lovely looking chap and looking well - Id be a little concerned about the tail swishing meaning a brewing back problem, maybe something to keep an eye on.

If you were one of my pupils Id be working on getting you a more forward seat in trot and stabilising your lower legs which appear to be nagging. It looks a bit like you've got the hand brake on as you are rising vertically on a moving object and coming down right at the back of the saddle (may help with the tail) Id also like you to lift your hands higher so th bit isn't acting back and down which will encourage him to curl behind.

Also really slow that trot down and find a very steady rhythm to help him use his back end more.

In canter you are driving with your seat, instead of sucking up on the 1 of the 1,2,3 rhythm, and again hands need lifting!

Lovely picture coming together though :)
 
Hi,

Thanks for the CC!

Tail swishing does occasionally worry me, however he has always done it and did it when viewed at the pro dressage yard he was being sold at, my riding could be exuberating it but he has tail swished with every rider that's been on him. Back and saddle checked every 3 months and all always been fine, but it is definitely something to keep an eye on.

I find at the moment, if I lift my hands, he lifts his frame, which is fine, but he can't sustain it for that long and so tires quicker and then drops BTV. I'm hoping as he strengthens and the further he progresses in his training, I can gradually raise my hands for longer. Haven't been told about the more forward seat in trot and rising vertically but I will mention it to my trainer in my next lesson and see what she thinks :)

Yes- canter is MY weakest gait and where I definitely need to improve!
 
Does he swish his tail in canter in the field when he's playing?

So shorter sessions, more suited to his current strength so he is always working well rather than working tired and in a position you'd rather he wasn't. Possibly some pole work, only in walk and a little trot and lateral work in walk to build him up. A lot of the people I train with don't advocate canter work in a school until basic lateral work is well established as this gives them the strength and co ordination to carry themselves better for longer, especially in the canter in a narrow school for such a big fella.

Canter vid here might be helpful to you :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbbm_U9MdPc
 
Nothing useful to add for OP I'm afraid (sorry), just to say that it's really useful to see videos of other riders along with the critique as we can all learn something useful from each other, so thanks for posting!

And he looks like a lovely boy. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top