Training Training and more Training

Whilst some dressage divas are excited about the new matching 2013 Spring collections (ok I am a tiny bit too), I am excited about how much training I have lined up! Yesterday I had not one but two lessons with June which was fantastic and I feel so much more in tune and balanced from it.

It was Risby's first lesson in his new double bridle and he has taken to it really well. Previous riders and trainers have found him tricky in one and didn't pursue it, but after all the recent work on getting him more connected the transition has been completely smooth and natural. I would go as far as saying he even feels happier in it so I am really pleased about that. We had a great session working on basic suppleness and straightness, making sure every bit of created energy was flowing through his body and not getting lost somewhere as tension or crookedness.

I then had a lesson on 4 year old Dotty. She was impeccably well behaved as always. She is lovely and forwards thinking and always wants to please which is so nice in a young horse. June had me establishing the contact with the outside rein and making sure she stayed in a nice, steady rhythm as she truly is a little power rocket! June also had a sit on her which was really useful to watch. The overall conclusion was that this mare is very exciting!! With continued correct, sympathetic training she is going to be a real superstar.

This week we also introduced Jack to a double bridle for the first time. Like Risby, he took to it beautifully and I couldn't believe how happy he felt in it. He was feeling so uphill and light in front I thought I'd have a little play and ask for a few steps for piaffe, which he offered willingly, and then a few more! Owner Nikki was understandable emotional as it had always been her dream to see the little 14.2hh Dales pony piaffe. What a talented chap!

I took Charmeur on a very lively hack in gale force winds and rain to a huge field, at about 6.30pm. With a snaffle and no martingale, some may call it suicidal, I call it bomproofing! It was certainly fun. I keep reiterating, if you haven't pushed yours and your horse's boundaries outside of the dressage arena, how can you possible push on those extensions in the arena, and ride "all out" as it were and feel confident. A little spook in the ring shouldn't be a major hurdle.

Risby and Jack have also been extremely busy teaching other riders which I find very rewarding. Its great when people are new to dressage, finding ways to break it all down and make it relevant to them personally.

Looks like a very busy few months ahead with 4 horses lined up to compete, lots of teaching and very importantly, lots of lessons to keep improving and raising the standard. If the choice is between a new saddle cloth and a lesson, a lesson wins every time :-)