What an amazing lesson! Self Indulgent post!!

[Lippyx]

So last night, I had my normal weekly lesson on Toby. It turned out to be just me in the lesson, which was great!

My instructor had given me a different bit to try in him, as I bought him in a normal loose ring French link snaffle, but he didn't really salivate at all, and sometimes just didn't feel happy with his mouth.

She offered a slightly bigger (from 5" to a 5.5") Sprenger KK loose ring snaffle with the lozenge in the middle.

What a difference!! He felt much happy with a bigger bit, and was more relaxed and less tense in the neck. My instructor had a little sit on him, and she said she can see why I ride him the way I do, and he is not an easy ride, not complex, but he doesn't give it to you a plate... you have to ask for it.

He was working naturally round (I wasn't even asking down the reins) and it looked and felt brilliant!

So I have lots to work on, but feeling determined and confident!!

 

[Dizzydancer]

Fantastic! Its always nice when you can make them comfy and they appreciate it!

My instructor is same she has stopped asking for higher hand position and keeping reins short. My lad is so inconsistent with contact its a constant change in rein length and low hands is what he likes so for now were happy.

 

[Lippyx]

Fantastic! Its always nice when you can make them comfy and they appreciate it!

My instructor is same she has stopped asking for higher hand position and keeping reins short. My lad is so inconsistent with contact its a constant change in rein length and low hands is what he likes so for now were happy.

Totally. I mean I do ride him with a longer than normal contact, otherwise he gets too short in the neck and tucks his head into his chest, which then shortens his stride. Eventually I will shorten the rein contact, but for now, we are working with slightly longer contact, and so far so good!