Stadium Ride-a-test with Dorothy Crowell

Oh boy, as the days/rides went on the tension and energy level was building in my horse.  It seemed to be a theme that in each ride we focused a great deal of time finding ways to keep Steady under control and halfway balanced.  I was a bit bummed about that because this was  not a usual nor a problem that will likely happen in any other situation than the 4 full days of 2 lessons a day, cantering with other horses and him being out of shape.  My theory on why he was acting this way after getting home and sorting it all out.  I think a big part was that due to all the soundness concerns before hand he did not come to came conditioned for that kind of work and I think he was over compensation with his crazy energy level to overcome his lack of fitness.  He was trying hard to keep  up with all I was asking him but I really think that the amount and type of work along with the heat was a bit much for him.  I wish I wasn't having so much trouble uploading video.  First of all the information given is so valuable but also I would love to show you the difference in Steady on day one in grids with Peter and day 3.  Day one he was calm, relaxed, head low and listening.  Day 2 a little quicker, head higher.  Day 3 taking all my strength to keep him at a reasonable pace and balance is gone, head so ridiculously high in the air. 


Waiting our turn...
















So this brings us to our staduim Race-a-test  Ride-a-test.  Guess what we had to work on the entire time???  Him rushing!  He was turning a bit better but his head was high and he was rushing in between fences.  This was the first time we rode with Dorothy and the first expereince she had with my horse.  So her first impression was not the best I am sure.  She was extremely understanding and wise to the fact that Steady is not the run of the mill OTTB.  He didn't come off the track young because he didn't do well at racing but instead raced for many many years and was extremely successful and experienced and honed in the skill of racing.  I really liked that about her.  She gave us the exercise of Walk/Trot Pop.  Start walking up to a fence and about 4 strides out take a deep breath in, give a little pressure to go into a trot, exhale over the jump then land and go right back to a walk and reapeat all the way around the course.  The idea is to get him to anticipate the downward transition after a jump.  I will incorperate this exercise into our scheduele at home.


Having a chat with Dorothy.

Good lesson and then it was hosing off, eating dinner and onto a demo with Peter that led into that double bareback jumping craziness.  Post to come and video!