Last time we rode Koda & Nemo we could see, or in Brad's case feel, a significant change in Nemo. He was clearly using more of his rear muscles, and looked great. Brad had the smoothest ride he's ever had on Nemo.
Koda was already there the previous ride , and rode about the same. We had a bit more success on our spin work. I am still learning (and will be for a while) to feel it and put it together,. I'm trying not to be too hard on myself. I really need repetition for new things to sink into my thick skull, or at least more then 10 minutes of practice every not so often. Okay it's been twice, perhaps I should give it a few more times.
I got to thinking, how does Trainer Patty teach them to use their hind end anyways? She told me they do a lot of work with the wall, turning into it and actively backing up to strengthen those muscles. I would love to watch her train sometime, not a demo, but following the daily progression of a young horse - ideally one of ours. If only I didn't have to work...
Onto other news, our boys have started learning flying lead changes. I haven't done them in sooo long, I almost forget what it feels like to fly...almost. I love the feel of changing leads, and can't wait. I remember the progression. It's a longer learning process, and Koda is - well, proving to be Koda. I've watched him do lead changes at liberty, but if you've followed his training at all you know he doesn't just hand it over. Patty said "that darn Koda will change his front, and then draggg his back" it made us laugh. Not funny, but it's so Koda to provide a challenge. She said Nemo on the other hand seems to really enjoy them. No surprise there, he has always been more willing.
3 comments:
Sounds liek the boys are doing well. About the bits ,maybe read the book , then maybe we can all share our thoughts
Do you have a picture of the "shank snaffle"? I sure hope it isn't a Tom Thumb.
If you have any hills in your area, a great way to muscle up the hind quarters is to ride them up, and down, hills at a walk. Uphill, they have to power up the haunches, whereas if they lope up it's more of a front end pull. And downhill, slower the better as it makes them balance on their hind quarters.
I like your idea Fern. It's an easy read, but don't hold your breath, it takes me forever to get through any book (unless I am on vacation).
Shirley, the hill work makes perfect sense. We would have to trailer to get to anything that resembles a hill, but our fav State Park has some great ones! I asked and the new bits are not Tom Thumb.
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