Gettin’ Jiggy with Ray November 28, 2007
Posted by kimayars Arena Work (Horse)
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I had a wonderful lesson today. My instructor (who organized the clinic on Saturday) was able to help me pick up where we left off.
He started off right away jigging. Both Cindy (my instructor) and I agreed that he needed something to do to help him re-focus and release the tension that was building up. Henrik had used a turn on the haunches with a counter-bend to get his attention, and after he release to allow him to move forward. So, we tried it.
It’s magic.
At first when I asked Ray to counter-bend, he got tense and started jigging in place. It’s a little unerving when your horse is prancing in place and tossing his head. But then he softened, and I released. You could almost hear the wheels turning in his little head. We moved forward and he started to jig. The process started over. I asked him to counter-bend and turn. This time, he softened much faster.
What I liked about this approach was that it showed him the frame I wanted him in without injecting more tension into the mix. What normally took 15 minutes to do, took five.
Our work afterwards was wonderful. We worked on figure 8’s with an emphasis on changing the bend with precision. We also focused on my body position. Since I had a relaxed, willing, and supple horse it was much easier to do little position tweaks.
Overall I had a fabulous ride. I wish they all could be like that!
Comments
I love riding on cool fall/winter days. I think horses adore having a warm saddle and body on days like these. Sounds like you both had fun.
I do wonder what the gears in a horse’s head look like
Ahhhh!! The big day is almost HERE!!
I’ll be thinking of you while I run my 5k. Except I don’t even think you will be awake yet. haha. Whatever, I will still think of you!