We are taking a bit of a break from the dressage saddle and are riding with a bareback pad. The girls love Oberon's trot for posting, but it isn't the easiest to sit. So, for balance and a change of pace, this is what they have been doing. I already see an amazing improvement in their balance and it will be interesting after another week to see if their riding in the saddle has improved.
I rode him today and I worked on look, leg and "hopefully no" lead. Every time Oberon deviated from my straight line, I circled him around and put him back on track. We started with the walk, and then a trot. We really did make progress! I want to get really good before I try it at a canter as I am also trying to get him to feel my energy and drive "stop" as well without using any rein.
I know it is all very basic. But, this is where we are.
I know Oberon's head should be carried differently for better collection, and that will be addressed eventually, I'm sure.
Of course, we always find time for ground play, and I had a fun time working him in a crazy 8 around two cones and also an exercise while I walked a straight line and he half circled and cut back and forth in front of me. I will try and get a video of both of these as they are a lot of fun.
The summer heat has lifted and riding is a joy again!
And of course, after a hose down, a bit of green grass is always a nice reward!
Oberon is such a good fit for your family. Have fun riding!
ReplyDeleteI think you may be (happily) surprised to find that cantering bareback is easier than trotting. I like your new routine with the girls.
ReplyDeleteHe is so handsome! Those groundwork games do sound fun. I look forward to seeing the videos. :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't take offense to your comment about Chrome's mane at all. Everyone has their own personal taste. I used to hate pulled manes, but after working at a dressage barn for years it got to be the norm for me and it can be really cute if a horse has a nice neck.
However I would like more info on the scissors. I think I know what you're talking about and I've been wanting some for maintaining my own bangs (because cutting them with regular scissors leaves them too blunt, but I don't have the money to get them shortened and thinned once a month at a salon) and I'm also curious how to use them on a horse's mane. Would you be interested in doing a post that has a picture of the scissors and maybe a video showing how you use them? I'm a very visual person so sometimes I have trouble understanding instructions in text. I would really, really appreciate it!! :D
Also just curious what is it about a pulled mane growing back in that you don't like? I don't think I've seen a pulled mane growing out because once they are pulled most people keep them pulled. I hope it doesn't make Chrome's mane hideous lol. Thanks for the info!!
WoW! Spectacularly captured. Loved all of them. You are an excellent photographer Ma'am :)
ReplyDeleteRe: Longeing. I'm not sure how long my rope is. I used the longest one I had because the bigger the circle the less stress it is on the joints. I don't want to longe endless circles, I just want to do enough that he understands the cues. I've decided not to worry about the trot right now and he knows walk on really well, so I'm just going to work on whoa a little and then start ground driving him. I would enjoy seeing a video. :) Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteOberon is beautiful. Bareback is invaluable for balance. I think with the season change we're all having fun riding again.
ReplyDeleteOberon is beautiful! I wish I had the bravery and strength in my thighs to ride bareback! My gelding has some very prominent backbones that make it just impossible, if I want to be comfortable during the ride! I like to think I can do Anything Equine but this one is beyond me!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're doing some bareback! I simply adore it! Now it has gotten even better with my personal trainer ( sister) helping me. She taught me to open my hips up by lengthening my thighs . Pointing my knees to the ground, which brings your legs back under you. I'm like glue on my bareback saddle now at trot! Even if she raises her head inverted.
ReplyDeleteOberon is such a cool horse!!