I've been a bit run down and under the weather for a while now, so I skipped both work and the barn Monday and Tuesday so I could be a princess and sleep the days away. Yesterday was the end of my impromptu hibernation, and good thing because Bridget was full of herself.
Our lesson was our first jumping one in a couple of weeks, and I think our fourth or fifth one ever. Bridget saw our coach setting the jumps and I could feel her grow about a hand taller. She was super excited!
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| Looking about as majestic and impressive as she can. But, shiny and cute! |
We warmed up trotting in to a little x, then cantering out over a ground pole that eventually grew into a vertical. Bridget was awesome, in front of my leg and really taking me through.
Next up, we added a bending line with a little oxer followed by some plastic barrels. Again, zero issues.
After that, we cantered a circle and cantered into the above two lines. No issues. Next challenge, adjust to fit 5 strides rather than 4. Done.
Finally, put it all together: a course with the above two lines, add an outside line, and the bending line again in the other direction. Again, Midge was a star. I had a huge grin on my face, particularly as EC had bumped everything up a little to be legit Entry level height (only 2'3", but a big step beyond our usual crossrails :)
Homework:
Play further with adjusting the canter. Spirals and shoulder in in canter also.
My thoughts:
- Bridget was really, really enjoying herself. Her canter also magically improves when she is motivated/regulated by jumps.
-There is something to be said for having a horse that suits you physically. I am a less than stellar rider on a green pony but I rarely feel like I'm not in sync with her. It just feels easy (even in the slippery yoga pants I accidentally packed instead of my breeches lol) That's something I certainly couldn't say on some of the horses I was riding last summer.
- I am just so thrilled with this pony. We won't be setting the world on fire at any point in this life, but holy crap are we ever having fun together :)
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| Riding photos one of these days, I promise. I've been a terrible blogger of late! |
I've been struggling to comment (but still reading!) lately, but I just popped in to say that this post made me smile. AND she looks like quite the mature Cob these days! Glad you two are having fun!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! Yay for great lessons. I know exactly what you mean about having a ride able horse. I love not being scared to get on my pony and this is the first time I've had that in a long time.
ReplyDeleteaw yay Bridget!! i love it when they have so much fun in the lessons :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun lesson! Sounds like you guys are making a great team!
ReplyDeleteHow ironic. I was planning what to do for a warm up before my dressage lesson Sunday. I thought... hmm... we haven't played with distances for awhile.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds I tell you!
Lovely dapples!!!
I am so glad you are having a good time riding her :)
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