I had a super lesson last night. I have to be told things a million times before it actually sinks in. Blu is a very sensitive boy in terms of the downward transition. You can not sit into him for the downward transition or he will land like a lump of lead on his forehand. Instead I have to keep my seat fairly light and steady and compress with my upper abs and sit a bit taller. Presto! The perfect transition from canter to walk or trot. I am really challenged by his walk. He tends to be lateral and my instinct is to push him forward. Wrong! Instead I have to quiet my seat and soften him in the rein so he does not set up against me. I have to think of slowing his gait and getting him relaxed through the topline. He gives me lots to think about.
He also rides very differently from left to right. Going to the right I have to think about him bending and giving in the neck whereas to the left I cannot take as much inside rein and I have to keep his hind legs on track.
The trot continues to be the most challenging for both of us. I have to stop letting him set the pace and I need to ride every step. Once I do that he is most complicit and the trot improved tremendously.
Strength through his back and in his hind end will need to improve to get rid of his "pony steps" . I have started him on another round of Estrone which helped him that last time.
Every ride is a joy and a discovery!
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