Puzzle and I had a dressage lesson with Hannah Esberger Shepherd. Hannah is an International 2* dressage rider and trainer. She has competed internationally for Britain as a Pony, Junior, Young and Senior rider. We focused on getting puzzle more forward off the leg, into the bridle and working over her back properly for the more advanced moves she will need to do later in the season. Hannah suggested a change of noseband and bit, we opted for a jointed snaffle with french link and a grackle noseband. I rode her today and she went very well, the grackle stopped her crossing her jaw and the softer bit made her take more contact into the bridle. The main thing Hannah taught me was how responsive your horse should be. I had to rest my lower leg and see what she did.. as you can expect she went into walk. I had to give her flappy kicks (like little tots on ponies!) to make her shoot forward, so the next time I took my lower leg off her side she immediately responded and went forward into the bridle. It worked great and for the rest of the lesson I didn't have to keep nudging her sides. All my horses can benefit from this exercise and in the long run will be better for it if i keep it up! Looking forward to the next lesson.
I also managed to take Candy out to the Pony Club SJ Rally at Fenella Walker's. Candy was amazing and tried so hard, the fences were put up to 1m/1.05m I was slightly worried as it was the biggest course she has done and didn't want to push her too soon. She really surprised me and jumped a fantastic clear round, so excited for her first BE at Stafford all being well!
RSS Feed
