Training reports Wed - Fri (brief!)

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oldie48

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Wednesday Rose and I were pretty exhausted following our two days at AM so we had a stretchy easy lesson with my local trainer. Rose felt pretty supple but just a bit flat and tbh I was a little bit sore but we kept to a structured but shortened session working on keeping her in front of the leg and on the hind leg in all three paces, basically using the corner to energise the pace and keep her up and on the hind leg. Something to remember to do in my tests!
Thursday we sent to the Olivers for a bit of an assessment with regard to showing. They liked her and gave me some good advice with regard to the in hand bit (which is a new world to me). Rose behaved beautifully although it was cold, blustery and with a lot to look at, so I was very pleased with her. Sadly I rode in the GP saddle and hated it, Claire also rode in it and said although it was totally suitable for showing (except it's black) it makes the rider feel perched, so I will revert to my dressage saddle until I know we like doing this. They thought she was a riding horse, needed more condition and 4 inches off the tail. I am totally confident in their assessment and they were absolutely charming and so encouraging, she is a bit skinny ATM coming out of winter but can I bare to lop 4 inches off her tail????? Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the session and it was great to be given such good feedback about Rose. Just thinking this could become quite expensive!!
Today, Friday I did an indoor paired session with trainer Steff Eardley. Just so lovely to be indoors and it's a great arena at Moores Farm. It was the perfect end of the week session, hugely confidence building as Rose coped with everything easily, very stretchy and suppling. She was a bit behind the leg at times but she was very helpful and onside. Sometimes it's just nice to enjoy what's going on underneath me, it could have been better but it was a huge improvement on the last time I was there. We are making progress!
 
Go for it! Tail length although subject often shows the difference between well turned out and less so! Pity you didn’t let them do it for you, once she’s more condition on l‘m sure she’ll look fab. Although judges don’t have time to look at the tack unless it’s really really noticeable Havana / brown is correct although obviously fit is even more important. Good luck.
 
gallopingby said:
Go for it! Tail length although subject often shows the difference between well turned out and less so! Pity you didn’t let them do it for you, once she’s more condition on l‘m sure she’ll look fab. Although judges don’t have time to look at the tack unless it’s really really noticeable Havana / brown is correct although obviously fit is even more important. Good luck.
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Out of the blue I got a message last night from the lady who bought Rose when she was born, literally! She's a showing person who knew the mare and the stallion but sadly life got in the way and she was forced to sell her as a three year old but has kept in touch and contacted me very soon after I bought her. She's offered to help me prep Rose for her first show and come along with me, as she's not that far away. I could really do with someone to help so hoping it works out!
 
I nearly posted before you went on clinic as I think Robert Oliver is well known for saying shorten the tail - I think it was the only piece of advice we got when we did a showing clinic with him several years ago. Chop off what you are comfortable with! I have some velvet browbands spare but imagine all would be too big for Rose.
 
humblepie said:
I nearly posted before you went on clinic as I think Robert Oliver is well known for saying shorten the tail - I think it was the only piece of advice we got when we did a showing clinic with him several years ago. Chop off what you are comfortable with! I have some velvet browbands spare but imagine all would be too big for Rose.
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I'm not taking 4 inches off and I am not fattening her up either but she does need a little more weight/topline but that's a work in progress. Thanks for the offer of the browbands, heard this afternoon that the one I've ordered should be here in time. Fingers crossed!
 
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