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Lucyad
9th Jul 2006, 08:28 PM
....was on Saturday. He stayed in the night before, and it was a lot cooler and showery, so he was a lot more forward going. I also walked slowly to RI's yard, as Oscar lost a shoe the day before, so was still full of beans when we got there for a change.

We therefore did some work on his outline, as lack of impulsion prevents this from being an option in some lessons (when we work on me instead...) I was very glad to have stirrups for a change, as I had a bit of a hangover - so did RI!

We started working in trot, establishing a tighter contact. I was to experiment on moving the reins a little to get him listening and flexing, but them imediately soften contact as a reward when he rounded and relaxed. I think I was being a little soft, resulting in him not understanding what I was asking for, so RI had a go.

I wish I had a camera with me because Oscar was unrecognisable! It was very humbling.....Oscar went into a beautiful outline, leaning slightly but some leg yeilding soon sorted that out. RI didnt keep going for too long as Oscar's muscles arent used to it. RI was very impressed though, and reiterated that he has loads of potential and could take me as far as I ever want to go, if I persevere.

I tried again with some success, I just have to be careful to release (reward) imediately he softens, and to not nag ineffectually if he desnt - clear aids with more time between.

I cant wait to practice, but due to last shoe that is our last outing until farrier can come, which might not be until a week on Wednesday:eek: Am desperately trying to get another one out at short notice (in whch case would be happy to swap, as new one has been very well reccommended). Fingers crossed! I was really gutted that I couldnt go to the show I was planning on Sunday but never mind.....

I also got great responses to a post on contact and riding in an outline on training of the horse forum. Everyone has been so helpful, I will defiantely print it out and revisit everything that has been posted as we develop (I think that this stage could take a while......). If anyne else is having problems in this field, it is well worth a read!

Lucyad
9th Jul 2006, 08:29 PM
Way hey!!!!! Lovely new blacksmith (called 'nice blacksmith' by Cappaldhu) just called back and has a cancellation tomorrow!!!! I am snowed under at work but will have to take the afternoon off, even if I have to go straight back to work and stay all night!!!!! Am very happy!!!!!!:D

capalldubh
9th Jul 2006, 09:14 PM
I think the cancellation was us :-(
Pony's swabs back and OK but Shannon's not, so had to cancel farrier :-(

Please do reassure him that Shannon is lovely and will not infect him (nor would she have done for about last 8 weeks). Also that nobody has touched her feet since he did early in January and that we are desperate... and that it is cruel to leave it so long and something really needs to be done about her feet and we are relying on him....

And then maybe he will come to us later in the week. Gillian will even take a half day. I do hope they don't have to wait until Monday week - however I don't expect Shannon will be getting much exercise while I'm on holiday anyway.

Lucyad
9th Jul 2006, 09:20 PM
Oh no!!!! dont tell me she swabbed positive:eek:

Whatanejit
9th Jul 2006, 09:38 PM
Sounds like he is a boy with great talent that you are learning to explore and express.

Fantastic for you.

Good luck re the farrier.

xx

Dee

neen
9th Jul 2006, 09:55 PM
Sounds like it's going really well Lucyad -- it's really interesting seeing someone else ride, isn't it? I find it makes me ride more confidently because I think, well, he obviously can do it, so I'm just not asking right!

Hope it all goes well with the farrier.