Older Riders, the journey continues.

[jonto]

Hi Folks
The lessons continue to, had Isis on both occasions last week. Having big strong Harvey for a while must have done me a bit of good as I got Isis really wound up and she enjoyed it to. :) Wednesday we did the jumping lesson, Clare the instructor put up a double down the centre line. We were to form a ride spaced as much as we could. Taking rising trot turn down the centre line move up to canter and take the double, if we were to close to the one in front, "go round large". This happened several times as you can imagine, so I did and went down the otherside at full lick in canter.:) Clare kept giving me a "look" out of the corner of her eye but did'nt say anything so must have thought I looked reasonably safe. With all of that and jumping the double several times, it was one of the best sessions I've had. :D Clare did say after " Dont tell the boss, she'd have a fit!" :)

[tubby]

:):):) onwards & upwards Jonto thats the way. Lifes really looking up isn't it , riding improving & a new horse . By the way that gives you approx 12mths to get ready for next yrs Olympia :D:D:D

[bexj]

Jonto - absolutely delighted that you've found a horse. I remember the start of your record breaking thread, but have to admit I lost track after about the 5th page:D

Can't wait to hear about your expolits with pj. You are a total inspiration!

[jonto]

T, where do I send my entry? Do they accept two foot jumpers?:o :D

[tubby]

Sorry Jonto never got that far so can't tell you :D:D:D

[Laetitia]

Sounds a really good session.
Will you be able to take PJ there for some schooling sessions.
Roll on next summer and you can really get going with the shows. Does PJ hunt? in which case he can jump - there you go - showtime. L

[jonto]

Might be able to take Pj and join one of their hacks at weekends L, when he's got used to me and I've learned how to ride him. Had another jumping lesson on Wednesday with Isis again, in fact both lessons this week I've had Isis. Monday flat work, did some twenty metre circles in canter, Wednesday there were only five of us so plenty of room. Did a course of two jumps again on opposite diagonals, later a sretched one. Isis is really motavated by jumping and goes up a gear when Clare starts to build the jumps, its quite noticable how her walk becomes more active. :)

[tubby]

Jonto what the devil's a " stretched one " I'm imagining a jump made of elastic bands:D:D:D. Make youself clear man:D:D:D ,I'm too old to figure out conundrams .

[jonto]

Sorry I dont know the correct term. I mean a long one with another pole set up directly behind the first.:o :) :)

[tubby]

You mean a parallel all is clear , well done Jonto Olympia look out!!!!!!!:):)

[Laetitia]

How about puissance then Jonto!. L

[jonto]

Took my two lessons again this week. Monday rode great big Harvey in flat work. He was very naughty had a go at the horse in front several times.:) He's a bit like that, bossey. When his ears came back and he took a lunge forward I spured him on forward and turned him away, it was fun. :) Wednesday I rode Isis in the jumping class. A good do, we did another double and finished with an "elastic" one tubby. :o :D

[tubby]

Glad you're still enjoying your lessons Jonto , & still enjoying the "stretchy " jumps too. :D:D:D:D

[Laetitia]

It shows how well you are getting on, Jonto, by the fact that you found Harvey being bossy fun rather than challenging. Also you rode him on and weren't fazed by his behaviour. Brilliant. L

[jonto]

Wednesday and two more lessons under my belt. Had Harvey for flat work on Monday. He was no trouble at all, though we worked very hard. He went deep into the corners for me, did good transitions and even managed a sustained canter in the school! :cool: Had Isis tonight, only three of us in the lesson, not one of her better nights, she seemed a bit awkward but we managed. Finished with a jump on a diagonal, practised aproach and landing. :)

[Laetitia]

Where's the pics of you jumping then Jonto.

[Tumbleweed]

I have been patiently waiting for the emails to tell me that you have posted again Jonto, but none came:mad: I came on to find out why and I wasn't signed in:( . I was away when a new thread was opened but at least I have found you now.

You are coming on well Jonto, well done, and I am very jealous because I don't get the time to ride now because I have to look after hubby.

Maybe I will come across one day and go for a hack, it sounds really nice were you are.

Now I have found you again, I can look forward to the posts.

[jonto]

your realy welcome to come T, can't take a picture and jump to L you'l have to come and hold the camera, do stand back its a bit dangerous. Took me' lessons again this week, had Harvey on Monday for the flat lesson. He's magnificent when he's wound up, passed everybody. Its a grand feeling covering the length of the school in about three seconds flat, he's so huge those great leggs have a long stride. Wednesday I rode Isis it was somewhat different. When Robert the school propieter is around she behaves impecably. He was away at a function, she seemed to know, back to her old idleness, she would'nt go on at all, kept falling in and when you corrected she stopped, then I resorted to all the kicking and shoving again of times past and you did'nht know just what she would do next. Its pretty awfull aproaching a jump not knowing what pace we will take it or not. :o :mad:

[Laetitia]

You could always get off and give her a lead, pace wise! Naughty girl, taking the mick. L

[FRED]

:) im sure one day Harvey will give you a collected canter, these are so beautifull, can be as slow as walk but for moments in time you can{the horse and rider}feel like the proudest creatures on this earth:cool:
Well i watched the showjumping from Berlin and Portugal this week, where were you{you don't need a concorde to get to Berlin}
:)

[jonto]

No time to travel just now Fred, what with commuting between the school, most mornings and here, have lotts of chores to do in the fields here. Have attempted to shorten the stride, counting steps between two poles, then doing them again trying to collect the stride and get more into the same distance.

[jonto]

Hello folks, another week, two more lessons in the bag. Rode Harvey on Monday, we did a lot of rising trott in a figure of eight form in a ride nose to tale about a length apart, on reaching the ends of the school the leader to break of into canter going large and rejioning the back of the ride. Had to keep your witts about you to make room and keep some order. Harvey went very well, think I might have collected his sride a bit, he was very bumby, a bit more so I think than usuall for me. :) Rode Isis on Wednesday, she did very well went forward with no trouble at all, not her usual self, untill right at the end when she spooked and darted diagionaly off across the school.:) Some times she will hardly move at all. :D Clare had us paired up side by side, not easey as you have to work hard to try to keep leval and together through all the verious permutations that you are asked to perform. A lot of fun, all very good. :) :)

[jonto]

Schooling again, Monday and the flatwork lesson. Had Harvey again tonight, oh and was he in a bossey mood making faces at everybody else. Its a perk of being thev biggest in the school, had to watch him and circle away a few times but boy is he dynamic, :) you should see him go, he's magnificent when he's on form and very very satisfying. You know when you have got it together. :cool: :)

[jonto]

Done a course of four jumps tonight, :) with Isis. She was in a "go" mood tonight quite forward. We finished of with a "spread". A good nights work, very pleased. :) :D

[Laetitia]

Sounds as though you are really going great guns. Must say am getting very fond of Harvey, he sounds a dream horse.
Had a lesson with nag today, pleased to hear that we are up to a baby dressage test. Having not been on board for a couple of weeks, legs were definately somewhere else and feeling the strain! Nag's were too and the combined effort resulted in the occasional collapse and total lack of co-ordination- resulting in a frustrating non event, then we'ed get it together and do some really good stuff. Oh well. get there eventualy. L

[jonto]

I do the collapse bit to, both Isis and Harvey stumble sometimes, think its when they are being a bit idle, not picking their feet up. instructor shouts get some more activity! Had two quite good lessons this week, monday with Harvey, sometimes when he gets going he's really strong and its a job to hold him back. :) We worked in completely open order getting in as many canter transitions as we could. Wednesday I had Isis again and we did lots of jumps. Must say I felt rather pleased as it all went well and I did'nt get behind at all this time, thanks to Isis she's a star. There were only four of us in the ride, we did a double after practicing on a single with a pole on the floor one stride in front, asking for canter a stride after and then before. We finished with a "spread". :)

[Laetitia]

Here I am back again. Nephew borrowed bits of this machine as he had crashed his. Also had to buy one of these work station things as the dining room table is showing the worse for being used - not good.
You are certainly getting on Jonto, every ride sounds a triumph. Canter transitions eh! nag and I are still at the stage of falling into canter, but we do a lovely half pirouette. ( when I can remember the correct aids!). Progress is slow but steady. Going driving over the holiday- much more fun. L

[Tumbleweed]

Laetitia,

What are you doing, and what is your horse doing when you fall into canter?

[Laetitia]

Tumbleweed, don't laugh, because I'm so unfit me legs won't give the aids - not strong enough yet. Also nag being herself is not given to schooled canter yet. We are getting there. According to instructor heavy/light horses need some time to learn the transition, and nag has never been schooled before. Thank you for your concern and any tips much appreciated. L

[jonto]

Poor L, try half an hours cross country first thing, that'll build up your legs, very stimulating this time of year! :) Had a couple of lessons again this week. Rode Harvey on Monday, flat work, he's a super lad very willing , seven in the ride, after warming up and pleasing owerselves for a while, we did a twenty metre circle in trot school centre, breaking out two at a time canter round opposite ends. Wednesday I rode Quintessa for a change, jumping lesson, we had a super ride, sjhe was "on a mission". We finished with a small course of five jumps against the clock. Forty nine seconds, we came forth, four in the ride .:) I did hold her back and put her deep into the corners, practice, as I'm in the little jumping competition on the Tuesday after christmas. :eek:

[jonto]

Christmas week and only one lesson, Monday's. Rode Harvey, he had his tank full to the brim, full of it, flying around, having a go at the others again, had to pull him round and circle away several times. There was eight in the ride bit crowded for Harvey, he does'nt like it, still we managed and oh does'nt take him long to get to the other end of the school when he gets going. :)

[Laetitia]

Happy new year . How did the jumping show go? did you go clear? which nag did you ride. tell all. L

[jonto]

Did'nt happen L, bit of a mess up. We were told last week that they were not doing a novice jumping class, not enough interest I suppose. Then on Tuesday night I found a message on my answer phone saying that it was on after all, I was twelve hours to late so that was that. :mad: Went along on Monday night as usuall, there was no one there! Dont remember being told the lesson was off, so no riding at all this week. :(

[Laetitia]

What a pity, and having got yourself all pyscked(sp) up. Bit off noone being around on the Mon. Have you asked where they'd all gone off too? Had a tremendous lesson with nag last wed. everything went right and she was full of beans.I still get in muddle doing leg yield( I think) can't even rember what its called.
I was concentrating. L

[Tumbleweed]

As you come round the corner, your horse is already bending the right way, just keep this bend and increase the presure of your inside leg to push him/her out and he should be leg yeilding.

When you are told to put your inside leg somewhere, your outside leg sosmewhere else, and inside hand should be here and your inside hand different you do get confused, but when you come round the corner, everything should be in the right place and you just push.

Hope this makes sense.

[Laetitia]

Thanks Tumbleweed. I'll remember that and give it a go (secretly) at my next lessn and astound my instructor. L

[Tumbleweed]

If you need things explaining, just ask, and I will try and do it.

Sometimes we get bogged down with theory and it is very difficult to put into practice then. Let me know how you get on.

[Laetitia]

Interestimgly Tumbleweed, nag's big evasion is left rein, wrong bend -result-motorbike, and lean on my hands as we corner. Today she was in a right old strop. So bearing in mind your helpful advice and with my instructor have actually managed to ride her into the corner with correct leg yield so she goes into the corner on the correct bend. Yippee. Couldn't mange it very well in trot, but mastered it in the walk. Nag was funny, she wasn't going to oblige, but being positive and giving her the right aids and no dithering she said O.K. and performed beautifully. Witch. Thanks for your help. L

[jonto]

Happy new year L and T, everyone else to. Festivities over and back to work at the school. Jumped Harvey on Wednesday, he's good did it so well. Horizontal bar at about two feet with a pole on the floor one stride in front. Plan was one canter stride then over. Did it twice though perhaps a bit to quick on the approach second time, thats what I was told. :)
Any body know how to recover deleted files? Lost a lot of holiday photos trying to write them on to a CD. :mad:

[Laetitia]

Whatever are you doing up at 03.00hrs jonto? been on the razz?
Harvey sounds really a super horse, when are you taking him hunting? bet he'd fly over the rustics. Rain and more rain, so nag and I look at each other and we both say 'not going out in this'. Anyway the daffs are up, spring is on the way, and the grass is growing. L

[Tumbleweed]

Well done Jon, you really are coming on.

Laetitia, once you get through being bogged down with theory, it all fits into place and becomes much easier.

Look at what happens when you want to canter, you are told to put your inside leg on the girth and your outside leg behind the girth, but if you are going into or coming out of a corner, that is were your legs already are, and you just need to use them.

[jonto]

No sleep L, so got up made a cupper and had a look on the board.

[jonto]

Another two lessons in the bag this week. Monday rode Harvey in flat work, nine in the lesson, bit crowded, we managed. Harvey was the boss as he does. All flat work mondays, we did some formation exercises. Line ahead down the centre line, then turning out alterate right then the next left, riding back large then forming up again on the centre line in the same order. Harvey took the odd lunge at the one in front! Wednesday rode Isis and we did some more little jumps, this time without a spacing pole on the floor in front just to make it a bit harder. Had two jumps in the centre of the school, lined up with the diaganals, it was a bit wild but we managed. Had a nice hack yesterday on Harry from the yard where my horse Pj is being schooled. He's 16-3, bay, warmblood?, a super ride, very responsive just like a thoughbred motorcar.

[jonto]

Rode Harvey in the Mondays lesson again this week, he was quite forward as he does, did'nt cause any upset with any of the others, a first, must be learning some manners. :) We did canter transitions from various pionts in the school. Next week we are to do a good twenty metre circle. :eek: Rode Isis on Wednesday for the jumping lesson, she was a pain and would not go at all, she had been out in an earlier lesson, so probably enough was enough. We just did one jump, aproaching from differing paces. On the aproach was the only time Isis picked her feet up!:mad: :)

[Principal]

Awwww, what a lovely horsey in the piccy! Sounds like your having a goooood time!

[jonto]

Hi P.
Picture is of Harry from the yard where I'm having my horse Pj schooled. Look at the thread "Pj" on the mature riders page. I don't have as picture of Harvey, must do one, not much light just now, especialy as its an 8pm lesson. He's 17hdns, bay and a lovely lad, does take a lunge at the others though when they come a bit close.:) Isis is a lady, about 16hdns, black, part TB. She's not naughty at all, its just a bit of a job to get her going when she's feeling idle.:)

[Laetitia]

Gosh thats a late lesson time Jonto, I've just about finished doing nags and ready for a bit of sit down by then.
Missing my lessons at the mo' as no lorry - gone to have its bits done ready for the season. Its now snowing and have one bale of hay left. Farmer's going to bring some more tomorrow. L

[jonto]

Yes its late L, the last lesson of the day. Its the same time on Wednesdays, but today I did'nt go as it was cancelled, put me in at 6 tomorrow. They're moving me on from the 8 o'clock Monday's soon they said, up from better begginer's to novice's at 6 on Tuesday's. They have started some new begginer's, so some of us have to move on. :)

[jonto]

Lessons a bit of a mixed experience this week. Had Harvey on Monday, we burnt everybody up again.:D He's a grand lad, got a hugely satisfying canter out of him. Then the weather closed in, it snowed the gritters went out, then it snowed some more and covered all the gritt so it did'nt work, then everybody left work for home and blocked up the roads so the gritters could not get round again.......... Wednesdays lesson was cancelled but went Thursday instead. Rode Isis, she was'nt in the mood at all, did eventualy get a decent trott out of her but would she canter, nothing doing.:o

[jonto]

Hav'nt been to the school yet this week going tonight. Ive been taken out of the Monday lesson and moved up to a novice class tonight, some more beginers started. Quite looking forward to it hope I dont mess it up!:)

[Laetitia]

How did the lesson go tonight Jonto? Ofcourse you won't mess up. Expect you'll really enjoy it, especially if you find you're being stretched a bit.
Not getting anywhere down here. Rain and more rain, howling gales. Nag doesn't mind the weather - I do. Really don't go out of my way to deliberately get soaked to the skin, also difficult to get nag dry before putting rugs back on.
Lost my old sheep the weekend before - she'd had a stroke.
This last Friday my other sheep was a victim of a dog attack, very severe wound. The vet did what he could but she died. So am feeling very bereft and sad. Had them both at least ten years. L

[Tumbleweed]

I am really sorry about your sheep, they make lovely pets. I hope you know who's dog it is, they need forcing to keep them under control.

[jonto]

Poor L, must get some more, old age is one thing but the other very sad. Rode Isis in the new lesson, rode with some old friends I'd met in my first class. We did'nt do very much really just stepped over a couple of crossed poles. Isis wet quite well for a change, no parking up! :)

[tubby]

Oh L so sorry about your sheep , such a dreadful thing to happen, it's bad enough when animals die naturally. Jonto soon be on your own horse going off for hacks & it's not long 'til spring.:D:DHurray

[Laetitia]

Thank you all for your kind words. Do you really think I should get some more? supposing the dog comes back?
Its still raining and blowing a gale so can't get out with nag for some relaxey-vous. If I go to bed and stay there perhaps Spring will come a bit quicker. L

[Tumbleweed]

Get a ram, that will sort any dog out.

Some dog owners seem to think that their precious little darlings couldn't possibly do things like that, but when dogs see sheep, they are no longer domestic dogs, but wild dogs.

The dog will come back, he has chased, killed and tasted the blood of the hunt and has had a really big reward. Once a dog has had this level of reward, very few are stopped.

[Skib]

Hi Jonto, and not just Jonto, but Fred, Tumbleweed, L. and everyone else on this list who has lent a hand. This is to thank you all, but particularly Jonto for being willing to learn in the public eye.
You asked if 59 was too old? It wasn't, was it? How come people on this list think they are old at 40? I was over 60 when I started to ride two years ago.
Unlike you, there was no group to join so I learn in isolation. Finding your mails in June last year was a bit of a life line. I may not have posted but I blessed you for your up-dates. Though I am way behind you (me jump or own a horse? You must be joking) they kept me sane.
If this is the end, or a just bad time for you because of losing pj, I would like to say a great big thank you before the thread closes. I hope we will both still be riding in our 80s.

[Laetitia]

Yes, its a great, rambling thread isn't. Just meanders on, and people dip in and out.
Jonto is moving on with a new nag, its all a steep learning curve, horse ownership.
Had a really good lesson today, absolutely knackered. Nag has learnt to give a really spectacular extended trot. My instructer rubbing her hands in glee -NOW you're both fitter - trot, halt, trot, canter , trot , walk, turn on the forhand, trot, walk, half piroutte, trot, halt, rein back..... hang on says I, puffing louder than the horse. Great fun. L

[Laetitia]

I forgot the leg yield bit. L

[jonto]

No not the end Skib, exchanged horsie, Pj's gone to a new home nearby, younger people who have moor time to bring him on and I can call and see him. Have taken on Harry, 11 years, medium bay, 16-3 and experienced. His picture is on page three of this thread. Took him out on tueday, did,nt manage far as he was knaping, he tanked it a bit to on the way back. :eek: :) Not been fit over the last couple of days, gonequite cold and we have snow, believe its changing again tomorrow. Think I'll lead him out past the spooky bits first then ask someone to ride out with me.

[FRED]

Bless you John, im well out of the cold,its too hot here:rolleyes:
I don't want to return, but will...eventually.
Hope your coping ok,I don't have much internet time here.
Fred.

[Laetitia]

How are the gigantic flying insects Fred? Gale force winds here.
Jonto, haven't heard for an age, how are things going with Harry. L

[jonto]

Nice to hear from you Fred, whats the temperature? Windy here to L, took the roof of the feild shelter and dragged it about twenty yards up the feild! Nothing broken to much though can put it back together, just a lot more work.:( Harry's made friends with the others now, he's quite happy grazing with them. Hav'nt worked him to much yet just a little to keep him on form. Need to fence a bit off for a school, its not to easy lunging in a corner of the feild.:)

[jonto]

PS.
Heard from Sarah Pj's new owner, he's settled in his new yard, everone there likes him, he's enjoying it to. Sarah's very pleased and likes him a lot. Shall call soon to see him.

[FRED]

The spiders are the only giant insects I have met up to now L :eek: , there MASSIVE!
The temperature is now down to 27c, it was 42c last week.
Sounds like a good idea to fence off an area John
Fred

[Laetitia]

Gosh that's seriously hot Fred. Why has the temperature dropped so dramaticly in a week?
Clover is doing some really good schooling work, hopefully going out on a hack today which will cheer her up. The sun is actually shining- at last. L

[FRED]

Its should be Autumn here L, but like everywhere the weather is mad and the seasons all over the place,
hows it going John?

[Laetitia]

Went for a lovely hack up over the downs - nothing to compare with your amazing ride Fred - but great fun and did we get lost!!. The hill up was so steep I had to put the lorry down into first and crawl up, must confess did cross my mind we might not get up. It was a beautiful day and the views were astounding. Nag behaved impeccably and we had some superb canters.
After a day off went to load her to go for my lesson, nag wasn't having any of it. Missed my lesson and spent the whole day loading, took her for a walk and eventually in she went. Temper tantrums had nothing on this little effort. So, O.K. do some work in the field, reconsidered after nag was so bad tempered and tried to bite me and was saying very plainly ----off. I relented and put her back in the field.
Today she WILL load and I am NOT going to miss my lesson. L

[jonto]

How did you go with loading L? I'm not having much luck here with Harry, he is a bit frightend going out alone on a strange route. Nearly four weeks now since he was ridden, knows he can get away with being idle now, cant find anyone to come here to ride out with me, so there's nothing doing for the moment.:( However have bought a trailer and today been to look at a Land Rover to pull it. We've agreed a price and tomorrow I take it for a check over, so with a bit of luck next week............:) . I'll start by taking Harry back to his old yard and hack him with his friends to get him going again. Just taking one weekly lesson now on Wednesday's, was hoping to do more riding, but its been less. Once a week's a long time and I'm a bit rusty when I start the lesson, takes me a few minutes to get back into my seat.:mad:

[jonto]

Hello, rode in a little jumping competition on Monday, at the school course of eight, one a double. Came in fourth, on Isis, got a green rosette!:) Have the Land Rover now, tows the trailer very nicely, had it in the feild last night showing it to harry. Going to practise loading today, nieghbours will be standing watching, how things have changed, previous ones would have been on the job helping! Tomorrow Harry's going back to his old yard for a hack with his mates, looking forward to the ride, seems so long now since I've ridden him.

[Laetitia]

Well done Jonto. Is that your first rosette? a very respectable placing too. Did you enjoy yourself - that's the main thing.
Have a lovely ride on Harry.
Sorry your neighbours are so unhelpful. Talking of neighbours- I was moving the horses to a rich paddock for their hours treat, and thought I'd left the odiferous Norfolk in the house. No, there he was, saying 'yahoo here I am' . so there I was, on the road with 2 nags , one a baby and a trifle unpredictable. How to pick up dog and maintain reasonable control? Naturally a car then stopped to wait. Much to my surprize and gratitude lady got out - want a hand? So in her beautiful shoes and pristine clothes she led Clover whilst I carried dog and took baby down the road to the field. A very kind neighbour. They do exist. L

[tubby]

L that's nice to hear , somewhat reassuring & uplifting, it's the sort of happening that puts a smile on your face for the rest of the day.:)

[jonto]

That was a realy kind action L, there are nice helpfull people still.
How are you getting on with Ben at apedale Tubby? Can come down and join you for a hack now I have the trailer.

[jonto]

Hello all
Not done a lot this week, took my lesson Wednesday. Rode Isis, did flat work. Went round for hours and hours without stirrups carrying the crop horizontaly under our thumbs. Then when we took the stirrups back had to canter still with the crop under our thumbs. Leggs have been like jelly since. Harry did load , did it in the feild on my own. Teazed him with his bucket, first few tries he went down the side of the trailer then turned and put his head in. :) So I parked the Land Rover by the side of the trailer and ramp and he went on first time. He's back at his old yard now for a while. Put him in the school and found that his canter is "disunited", perhaps why I've not been doing to well with him at home and its not Harry at all.:( Having him seen by the chiropractor next week. Thought I'd be doing more riding now but its been less. Fields empty, tenants up and left for somewhere else again, makes you wonder whether to bother with them.

[Laetitia]

Cheer up, things will start getting better very soon now.
What did the chiropracter say? is Harry O.K?
Coo, some lesson. have your legs returned to normal yet??? L

[FRED]

Thinking of Harry today John, how did it go.Has he improved since seeing him Sunday?
Fred

[jonto]

Hi, lesson again tonight, rode Quintessa for a change. No serious exercises tonight, jumps out instead.:) Harry's ok, back man says he's a bit stiff left side, pulled something. Gave him some treatment and told me to rest him tomorrow and hack him on Friday.

[jonto]

Hacked Harry out this morning and yesterday, he's fine again back to his old self. Good to be riding again, lesson once a week was not enough! Of to a show in the morning, Sommerford Park, near Congleton, so tomorrow Harry can have a rest. :)

[jonto]

Hacked Harry every morning this week, he's going really well now, Monday and Tueday on his own to.:) Took my lesson last night, did flat work. Counting strides in trott up to a pole then over it in canter. Not easy but managed it get it right towards the end.:o :p