Ahhh… Back in the Saddle September 23, 2007
Posted by kimayars Uncategorized
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The last time I rode Rasyn was Monday. Usually that means that a little lunging is involved as your horse can be “fresh”. Sometimes, “fresh” is good. In Rasyn’s case, “fresh” usually means out of control. Hedging my bets, I made sure the lunge line was in easy reach. Having the lunge line on hand is like bringing an umbrella. If you have an umbrella handy, it won’t rain. The same principle applies with lunge lines. If you have it, you won’t need it.
This is where having a routine really pays off. He was a tad fresh, but we were able to work out out on the ground. Thanks to a fabulous instructor, I was able to get him listening to me on the ground, rather than in the saddle where I’m a tad more vulnerable. We walked, we stopped, and we trotted in-hand, all the while he had to stay within my aids.
The result? A wonderful ride where we actually got to work on things, rather than just trying to maintain control.
We started off by working on walk/halt transitions. When those were relaxed and in control, we moved into trot. I attempted some walk/trot transitions, but had a hard time keeping him soft, so we moved on to leg yields on a circle. We would spriral in, then spiral out, focusing on front and rear cross-over. These are just dynamite for helping him get supple.
At this point, we took a break and I had an evil thought: I wonder if I could really get him to open up in trot? Lately he’s been feeling a little restricted as I’m asking him to tone it down a bit. But he really likes to MOVE. Could I keep it under control?
We started off with leg yielding on a circle. Then I sent him down the long side of the arena asking him for more impulsion but no change in tempo. The first time he broke into canter. I took it, gave him a pat, and brought him back down to trot. I set him up again the same way, this time I made sure I was sitting up more so his withers had room to come up. This time it was better — we were making progress. The third time I set him up again the same way, and added “more purposeful posting.” It was awesome. He felt like he was floating across the ground. Aaahhh… I will remember that feeling forever!
Going the left was much harder for him, and we didn’t get the same amazing trot as going to the right (mostly because we are both stiffer on the left) but it was still pretty damn good. I love this horse.
After our ride I had a great lunch at Starbucks with Sherene where we got to enjoy brand new squishy chairs - what I would call the perfect end to a great ride. We both couldn’t be happier with how our horses are doing.
I did have an interesting experience this evening, though. I found myself anxious to go on a run. Hmm. I couldn’t because Jeff went on a ride when I got home (leaving small children home alone is frowned upon in the state of Washington), and then it was dinner, grocery shopping, and now it’s 10pm. But it was a strange “craving”. Well, I’m sure I’ll get over that soon enough. 
I honestly don’t have a plan for Monday, which is a bit dangerous. I’ll have to figure that one out before I go to bed.
Logbook Activity
- Type: Other
- Date: 09/23/2007
- Time: 11:25:00
- Total Time: 00:35:00.00
Comments
How’s your training going this week? We have some runners who are right on pace with you. Are you coming out to run on Sunday?