...and I'm feeling the nerves kick in. Truthfully, I'm more worried about that damn dressage test more than anything, and it's just a walk-trot! Pathetic.
Oliver seems to be taking more and more contact these days, which is good news. The bad news is that he is starting to bore down on the bit, one side, then the other, and it's getting on my nerves. After a good jumping lesson on Saturday, all that was on his mind today was jumping, so he spent the first 20 minutes careening around on his forehand, above the bit (which usually doesn't happen, as he usually goes behind the bit and hovers there). He had a lovely stretch at the walk, really pushing along from behind, but he didn't want to stretch at the trot, because he was too busy imitating a thoroughbred off the track. It was uncomfortable, to say the least. I eventually got him to settle and do some very nice work, but the stretch didn't come until much later, as he wasn't relaxed as he usually is. I played around with a pseudo-dressage test, practicing my turns up the center (and 20 meter circles in general), and halting. Believe it or not, the halt is the ickiest part of my test. Funny for such a lazy boy, but he wants to stagger into the halt and root his nose out like a piggy. Irritating. We practiced a few halts where I kept my leg on and kept him bending into it, and eventually he got the idea that rooting me out of the saddle was simply unacceptable. I should be happy that he's willing to take the bit more assertively, right?
Of course, he has started giving me neck-hugs when I turn him loose, so all is forgiven. He's such a SWEET horse.
Sam is really, really, REALLY coming along well. I'm delighted with the way he's progressing on the flat. The canter is getting even nicer, and he's solidly on the bit and through the back. Yesterday, I took him for a conditioning ride out in Weymouth Woods, and had a blast. We trotted and galloped along for most of it, and since his canter is getting so nice, his gallop is even more balanced - I can get up in two-point and let him rollick along underneath me, up and down the little hills, and over tree roots, and not feel him falter. The Woods are so nice for conditioning. I can't wait to take Ollie out there. I think that once we start jumping Novice height on a consistent basis again, we'll be ready for the January Frostbite. Hopefully, Joe will be home for that. That would really make my day.
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