Socks would happily stalk and bark at me
We really started making progress with the trot transitions. He tends to pop up and hollow for all transitions and for a long time I was unable to do more than a couple, because he would get frazzled and I would lose his brain. Now, he still gets nervous but as long as I keep telling him good boy he keeps trying. I really loves how much this horse tries for me. He is so expressive you can feel him go "this is really hard" or "I am not sure what you want from me." But he keeps trucking along and trying for me.
The ride-ability is also really improving. I am able to get him to step up under with his hind, maneuver his shoulders, and really access all sections of his body. I can't really believe he has come as far as he has considering his physical issues and my lack of experience with dressage. Not to mention dressage trainer actually expressed interest in getting on him one day. With the exception of D, she is the first person that has actually asked if she can ride him. Hopefully it will happen soon because I think it will be very enlightening for all three of us.
That's so cool that new trainer asked about riding him! I have a terrible tendency to perch too, the struggle is real. I wish mirrors were more of a thing around here, although I guess that would also mean actual dressage trainers would have to be a thing too! haha. But glad the rideability is so improved! I think your new life agrees with Stinker very much :)
ReplyDeleteSocks is so cute, I wanna snuggle him ;)
Socks doesn't take to snuggling at the moment. I am working on breaking his will :P
DeleteIt's amazing how much horses respond to correct riding. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSo weird. It is almost like there is a reason they call it correct or something.
Deleteomg i'm with you on the "perch" thing.... it's a constant struggle and i got nailed for it in my recent dressage test haha. it's hard tho, i guess. anyway it's so cool that this new trainer is excited about Stinker too, and that you're able to keep him working so much better every day!
ReplyDeleteHe has been such a trooper this year.
DeleteSo cool things are all meshing together for you guys :)
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
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