Sunset at home and at the barn.
On the horse front, Mr. Scout continues to do well in the new digs. There is a trainer who teaches jumping at the new place, so I may take a lesson or two with her. I've been watching a few of the lessons over the past few days. One thing I've noticed is that people are jumping with stirrups too long. They have a hard time staying with the motion of the horse over the jump. They compensate by throwing their upper body forward and jumping ahead which can cause their legs to swing behind them due to the lack of support from a too long stirrup. They do all this and don't release with their hands...they move their bodies forward but don't move their hands at all. Really there is no release. Strange to me. Is this the new way? I remember having to be able to post trot without stirrups and canter in two point at least twice around the arena before I was able to even think about learning to jump. And it was sacrilege to not give with a release!
Having an indoor has been really nice. I ride almost everyday, no matter the weather. This regular riding is beginning to show good improvement in our canter departs. Scout is beginning to sit on his hind more in prep for a depart and we've even had a couple of departs from a stand still. He is getting stronger and it's easier for him to hold himself together instead of looking for my support so much as we canter. I think the next thing will be asking for him to continue this for longer and longer periods of time until he justs gets totally relaxed with it, instead of worrying about it and it becomes the natural thing in his muscle memory. We'll see how that idea goes......
I appreciate the comments you all leave, but I can't respond for some reason! but wanted to say thanx!
Wow 10 years is a fabulous birthday ....wish Drew a happy birthday from NZ. My Oldest Ella is 9 next birthday so we are a little way off 10 yet and I'm in no hurry. At the moment she is 8 going on 18. I'm thrilled to hear your new barn is working out great for Scout. It must be nice having the covered arena...and I know your Mum isnt with you but I'm sure she will be watching over you carefully at Thanksgiving to make sure you've done her proud ....mums are like that!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely set of pics! Glad you and Scout are liking the new barn. Hugs about your mom - I know you miss her.
ReplyDeleteI miss my mom too, and it's been 23 years. The anniversary if her passing is coming up; the accident on Nov 29th and her passing on St.Lucia Day, Dec13th. I dedicate my holidays to her, keep her memory alive and keep going. After all I had a great mom, and it sounds like you did too. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI always say a prayer for you Jill, at this time. Remembering your mom too.
ReplyDeleteHappy the stable is working out so nicely. Lovely to have an indoor. Scout is totally reaping the fitness,muscle memory goodness!! Yummy sounding work you two are doing!
Unfortunate, that jumping with no proper training is going on. Hope the new gal can remedy that if they have smarts to listen. I wad taught the same way you were...independent legs,seat,hands and true balance before continuing onto other forms of riding.
Great sale, good purchases, fun!
Your son is adorable and Happy B-day to
him!
Please have lovely Thanksgiving, with warm memories while forging new traditions for your own family to cherish!
XO
Kac