Horse: Indy – 17 or 18 year old Warmblood, currently retired, has been used a little in Dressage & Cross Country
Now we’re getting to business, or so I thought. I had “done my homework” researched watched some of my old lessons and thought I’d have him on the bit and steady in an hour. I even recorded audio of myself to listen to while I rode reminding myself of the following:
– Walk on light contact, push forward, when he gives release rein
– Don’t pull, just stay steady in middle
– Be sure arms are bent, not down
– If he dives, push LIGHTLY Forward…less dramatic, as you want balance
– Remember to keep him straight
– Do halt/walk transitions first…see if can keep round, then walk/trot transitions
– Don’t steer by pulling inside rein, use both
– Just follow less with reins if he goes up
– Leg, outside rein, inside rein
– Use shoulders to slow or halt vs. pulling
– When you halt if he really pulls you can keep one rein and give the other
My observations of Horse:
– Still seemed to be fairly unsteady and pulling
– Was not willing to stop and stand, wanted to pull straight through my hand and keep walking