Finding our Schwung

So I think we're starting to get our Schwung back. Blackie really has felt better the last few rides. Better rythm, relaxation and regularity. We've had some great trot work. And since I'm not trying nearly so hard to get him going, I'm getting to focus even more on myself........which absolutely has to be helping him!!

I've been reviewing some reading lately for ideas. Went back through my Kyra K book ( which, by the way, her techniques and style are sooo similar to Janet's ) and that has given me some good food for thought. Also reread the DT article which featured Robert Dover's assistant trainer. The article was on creating throughness. Good article. And she made a point in there about the difference between creating a forward horse and a through horse. It was right on par. You can't have through without forward, but at some point you can't ask for only forward. Anyways, I took some tips there as well. It has been paying off. The last two rides I really felt like Blackie was forward and coming through.........which meant I had a trot to sit!! Of course, I can't sit it very long as I'm still not strong enough. But this was probably the first time EVER where I didn't feel like his trot was too hard to sit. Yeah!!!

I've also been reviewing some old lesson videos. Thank God for Videos!!!!! Really seeing some of my old problems and how I was instructed to correct them. Taking that back to the barn with me to make sure they are NOT happening again.

I do think however that Blackie is a one horse rider (with the exception of you Janet). The last week it's like he has really put his guard down with me. It's in the little things.....like brushing his face or touching his ears. If he's not being trusting, well, have fun with that. But he is being trusting. Being much more friendly. Heck, Monday I rode without lunging first and he hadn't been ridden in three days. He was HOT, but he also seemed like he had enough confidence in my to NOT go crazy. Oh gosh, maybe my boy is growing up :) (blushing)

- Walk/Trot and Trot/Canter Transitions
-Short Loop Serpentines
-Lots of Change of Direction
-Even Contact (especially NOT letting him hang on the left rein)
-Inside Leg to Outside Rein
-Focus - Not Letting Black Man Dink Around
-Heels Down Toes Up
-Shoulders Down
-Relaxed Ankles
-Position of the Lower Leg
-Making Sure I DON'T sit to the outside and lean to the inside