Christmas break!

     Christmas break is here! I'm only a couple days in and I've been at the barn every day so far. My friend Kayln came back for winter break at college and she's been riding with us some. It's in our sights to jump a little next week!

     So far I've dome some suppling workouts with Malachi and some extra work on our sitting trot. He's really working on slowing down and collecting himself. I think the leg yielding work has payed off because he's become so round in his neck and back. I'm really proud of the guy.

     The first day I rode him it was after two solid weeks of pasture time. I lounged him for about ten minutes before hopping on and I swear he was just fine. He acted like there wasn't a day missed between rides. He was as calm as ever even though the neighbor's chain saw was raging in their loud little barn. I've been very proud of his good ride.

     Today I practiced some of Jane Savoie's riding tips. I'm trying to get him to listen to my seat bones when I tense up and push him with my seat. I use my retardant seat for slowing the pace and even changing gaits. Basically, I just sit very heavy and still in my saddle arcing my back a little and following through with my hands. Eventually, he will be so sensitive that I won't need the reins anymore. For my following seat I just sit normally, following with my hips. It's the natural position in walk, I just needed a name for it. And finally, my pushing seat. I think about lightly pushing the cantle to the prommel of the saddle with my seat to increase his gait. Until he gets used to the dramatic movement, I'll use a little leg, but like the retardant seat, I won't need leg.

     He's beginning to understand it too. The retardant seat is much harder because he doesn't quite understand the tenseness in my seat so he looks for a reason to spook. I have confidence in my pushing seat because he tends to understand the movement there.

     So we'll see what tomorrow brings with that training.

     He was really good on his left lead canter. The transition upward was really nice, but the downward transition was a bit forced. His right lead is still another story for another day. I'll try to get a video so I can show you an example.

     I had my camera with me and grabbed a ton of pictures! I'll make a post to introduce all the stable horses soon!

Malachi and his best friend Hurry

Pretty eye

Sweet face

He wants to follow my camera

Malachi and Hurry again

Sleeping baby

Look at his flat ears!

Forelock braids

This keeps the sweat off his neck

Wavy mane