Monday, June 28, 2010

Another Awesome lesson 28.06.010

Toddled out to Wendy's, where Sammie is 'at boarding school', and had a SJ lesson.

Sampson didn't put a foot wrong, and I was thrilled to find that I had not one moment of even slight concern, or the "what if's".

Hard work though....we did a lot of work on my position, and in particular keeping the lower leg in the right place, rather than swinging. In fact, if I hadn't swung it so much in the early part of the lesson I may not now be in agony with a large rub on my leg. So much for cheap chaps...the burn on my leg is not nice, and extremely stingy in the shower.

Lots of work on two point, working on balance and maintaining leg position.

And trying to simply sit and wait for the jump, whilst maintaining rhythm and impulsion.

Sampson just kept on doing his thing while I tried again and again to get it right - lucky for him I did - eventually.

Interesting also, that now I am learning to ride Wilson more forward focusing more on getting him to come from behind, he and Sampson feel a lot more similar to ride. OK, Willie doesn't have the spring from behind of Sampson, but I felt yesterday riding the two of them, that there was FAR less difference between the two of them. I also didn't feel that Sampson was going too fast at all, which initially had been my feeling when going from one to the other. So that tells me that I am also riding Willie much better too....so all good!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Kaurilands - 13.06.010

Sampson is now an old hand at this dressage lark, and he is ever improving under Wendy's careful schooling.

He just seems to be getting more and more confidence, and more relaxed. Wendy has helped him heaps with his little insecurities, and it is really good for me to see first hand the fact that with a rider who does not get tense and anticipate trouble (like I tend to), Sampson manages to cope with the little distractions.

Both his tests were on the grass, which was a bit slippery for a big green horse, but he tried really hard.

First test was in torrential rain and I was so proud of him; he just kept on trucking.
I was writing for his second test (otherwise would have had some photos), and again it was a 'proud mummy' moment. He lost a little balance on occasion but overall went very nicely and he looked so relaxed.

Much kudos to Wendy for the help she gives him.

First test:
80.83 % for 2nd

Second test:
67.69% for 4th

So again a very successful outing for the wee pony.

And again, many thanks to Wendy for the wonderful job she is doing with him.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Change of Heart

How surprising!

Like many others before me, I changed my mind about selling.

I think if the initial agent had managed to contact his buyer sooner, I wouldn't have had the time for my doubts about selling to grow. The agent had looked at the pony, liked him and asked for first option, which then delayed him being listed on the open market.

However, no sooner was he listed than people wanted to view him. As soon as someone had made an appointment I knew I wasn't ready to sell.

Maybe I had to go through this exercise to realise that in my heart of hearts, it is not the right thing at this moment. It may be that down the track it is the right thing to do, and I will be more sure of my decision at that time (hopefully).

I think also, having looked for a replacement with a budget MUCH higher than any I have ever had before, it made me realise that it isn't that simple.

17h does not necessarily mean 17h, indeed it seems you are lucky if it is a good 16.2 (which is big enough anyway).
Good paces and 'straight' movers often dish.
Never bucked, reared, shied etc, means that on viewing the horse does some big leaps at trot, then proceeds to hop behind at the canter.

The horses that I actually got to the point of looking at, and even riding, just didn't cut the mustard. In fact the ones I tried, I found that I quite simply did not feel happy on. And funnily enough, having ridden them, Sampson suddenly felt so much safer - added to which he is a lovely ride anyway.

And of course good old Willie: he's also a tough act to follow in terms of comfort.

Maybe I am just spoilt.

Well, too bad.
Now to continue to work on the confidence, and Tally Ho!!