Queenbee
Well-Known Member
Ok so even though I'm going to trial a myler bit for Ben as I feel he isn't quite so happy in his current bit (neue Schule, loose ring ouble jointed lozenge) as he should be, I've had some progress.
Some of you may well remember my post the other day about his over exuberance when cantering, especially in company, he would stargaze to evade, shove me out of the saddle by hollowing... Basically a freeking nightmare! So I decided to strap the beastie down into a standing martingale (mwahahaha!!!!)
I lunged him in it the other week and then rode him in the school just to get him used to it... He was ok. Other than that I haven't used it as it was only to be used out in company, well yesterday we went out on the most fab long ride in company and thank god we had it! We went on a hack that was partly familiar, but then as we came out of the 'familiar bridle path' we crossed straight over to another one... He was so enthusiastic and enjoyed every minute of it! However, the first bridle path was or could have been interesting without the standing. Normally, he is better up front, but yesterday the youngster we hack out with finally found his non existent balls... He got right up our being and it drove Ben on as if he were behind and chasing. I could feel him trying to chuck his head up and get the better of me, he tried to hollow his back... But kept dropping his head and rounding his back because he couldn't evade... Epic result!!! So chuffed I can't say!!! It was such a struggle before and I hope (well he got the message fairly quickly yesterday) that soon the habit will be broken and I will have a well mannered ned back... Here's hoping!
Some of you may well remember my post the other day about his over exuberance when cantering, especially in company, he would stargaze to evade, shove me out of the saddle by hollowing... Basically a freeking nightmare! So I decided to strap the beastie down into a standing martingale (mwahahaha!!!!)
I lunged him in it the other week and then rode him in the school just to get him used to it... He was ok. Other than that I haven't used it as it was only to be used out in company, well yesterday we went out on the most fab long ride in company and thank god we had it! We went on a hack that was partly familiar, but then as we came out of the 'familiar bridle path' we crossed straight over to another one... He was so enthusiastic and enjoyed every minute of it! However, the first bridle path was or could have been interesting without the standing. Normally, he is better up front, but yesterday the youngster we hack out with finally found his non existent balls... He got right up our being and it drove Ben on as if he were behind and chasing. I could feel him trying to chuck his head up and get the better of me, he tried to hollow his back... But kept dropping his head and rounding his back because he couldn't evade... Epic result!!! So chuffed I can't say!!! It was such a struggle before and I hope (well he got the message fairly quickly yesterday) that soon the habit will be broken and I will have a well mannered ned back... Here's hoping!