Just a thought post from the lesson today. Tried some new things and they seems to work out. Connolly, Lindsey and myself looped out way through an honest 3'3" course. That, of course, is laughable to the pros. I just finished reading iJump on the Grand Prix wins at Thermal. They warm up higher than 3'3".
But that is where I am and where I will probably stay. Princess and I can start out steady and paced and supple but then get faster and faster, not a pretty picture. So today. I tried something a little different. After the fence, I gave her a stride of two of relaxation and freedom. But then half halts with me sitting more upright and with a more supple spine, literally sinking into the saddle, with a negative energy of "Whoa, girl." She came back almost too well, had to go forward in a steady oxer to oxer five stride. I cannot remember when the last time that happened.
It is a little hard to describe the move. But getting stiff gets one bouncy and that activates the horse. This felt like picking up sleeping cat up from the middle, its body draping off either side, or like a sand bag in the saddle doing the deceleration, not the heavy hands or rein aids.
Anyway, it worked. Shew was a doll. And the 3'3" felt easy. No panic, and a blast!!!!! Thanks, Hugh, great lesson.
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