Sol
Well-Known Member
Schooled over the weekend using a kineton noseband with Danny's normal bit. I know they're designed for strong horses, but I'm reversing the theory - as the noseband should lighten the aid the bit gives and displace some of it onto the nose, he should be less reluctant to take up the contact...
Well, it did appear to work. I could actually maintain a decent contact in trot & canter without him just stopping as if I was actually asking him to slow down - btw, my hands aren't that bad but I think as I prefer to ride with a very light contact, I've actually taught him not to take up the contact at all
Stupid me.
Also threw in some polework which was fun for both of us, as it helped me think about jumping and not pushing on for strides into a jump, without the stress of there being a jump there at all! We also found out he actually has the ability to do flying changes
I promise I wasn't pushing him and actually trying to make him do them, it was more just 'hmm, what will he do if I change the rein in canter over the pole?' He proved he was smart enough to figure it out himself - goes to show, he does actually have a brain! 
However, I do think he needs to be a fair bit fitter - we only did half an hour and I could tell that very quickly he was too tired to carry himself properly, even with breaks just walking on a loose rein every so often. He's not being fed much at all right now (TO during the day, hay and 2 feeds per day that are just chaff & carrots) but I'm not too worried about that causing his lack of energy.
Just really pleased and I now think I have a slightly better idea of where we're heading. Also decided I desperately need to look at new saddles as I just never feel secure in my current jumping saddle, constantly having to shuffle around annoys me and I find it really hand to keep my legs on as it almost feels too bulky... :/
Sorry for the essay - non horsey parents just don't quite get it
*hands out mini chocolate cakes*
Well, it did appear to work. I could actually maintain a decent contact in trot & canter without him just stopping as if I was actually asking him to slow down - btw, my hands aren't that bad but I think as I prefer to ride with a very light contact, I've actually taught him not to take up the contact at all
Stupid me. Also threw in some polework which was fun for both of us, as it helped me think about jumping and not pushing on for strides into a jump, without the stress of there being a jump there at all! We also found out he actually has the ability to do flying changes
I promise I wasn't pushing him and actually trying to make him do them, it was more just 'hmm, what will he do if I change the rein in canter over the pole?' He proved he was smart enough to figure it out himself - goes to show, he does actually have a brain! However, I do think he needs to be a fair bit fitter - we only did half an hour and I could tell that very quickly he was too tired to carry himself properly, even with breaks just walking on a loose rein every so often. He's not being fed much at all right now (TO during the day, hay and 2 feeds per day that are just chaff & carrots) but I'm not too worried about that causing his lack of energy.
Just really pleased and I now think I have a slightly better idea of where we're heading. Also decided I desperately need to look at new saddles as I just never feel secure in my current jumping saddle, constantly having to shuffle around annoys me and I find it really hand to keep my legs on as it almost feels too bulky... :/
Sorry for the essay - non horsey parents just don't quite get it
*hands out mini chocolate cakes*