Yeah, yeah, she used to be a racehorse, so obviously she *knows* how to gallop, but this weekend I switched things up a bit and worked on teaching her to rate herself and be respectful even when I let her open up a bit.
It's really the same concept we've been working on at the trot and canter for what seems like eons. She's such a smart girl that it easily transferred to the extended canter/pseudo-gallop with no problems at all. She did have one fresh moment but it was nothing that a serious half halt couldn't fix. Other than that she was very rateable and very polite.
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| getting fresh in the corner |
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| "KNOCK IT OFF!" |
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| now that's more like it. |
Love your correction - no screwing around, just stop it now!
ReplyDeleteThat gallop must have made Lucy very happy.
ReplyDeleteTerry at Moondance
Nice work!
ReplyDeleteI have an ex racehorse who doesn't know how to gallop, or canter...and sometimes for inexperienced riders... even walk!
This is such an important lesson for a horse to learn.
ReplyDelete@ Barbara, when I was a kid I rode a pony who tested me incessantly. She was a piece of work, though on a much more benign level than Lucy can be. She taught me a valuable lesson, though, of how important it is to be clear and concise in my correction. If I try to be "nice" about it, the horse can easily misunderstand and then it's not really clear what is expected. I also don't want to annoy the horse, like a mosquito buzzing around its ear. I'd rather just get it over with and move on! This seems to work well for Lucy. :)
ReplyDeleteTerry, she was really happy. She was doing the happy thoroughbred snorts and was so proud of herself lol. She would make a great XC horse.
Goodtime, yeah, Lu was like that until just recently. I am not sure if her brain finally caught up with her body, or if she really is *that* much happier at this new barn, but I have been enjoying her so much lately and I know in turn she's enjoying herself too (because we can do fun things like careen around the ring, instead of boring things like trot serpentines).
Thanks Dom, I agree. I have to scout out the fields and see if the footing is good...hopefully we can try this in an open space soon!
It looked like you both were having a really great time! The smile on your face says it all. I am so happy for you to be able to let her go a bit and she still keeps her head on straight. Fun Stuff!
ReplyDeleteu are brave woman! :) Love the pic's!
ReplyDelete