08.16.06
Breakthrough in young horse schooling
AUG. 16
Last night I finally got Gil to understand that not only did I want him to move forward, but I wanted him to reach his head down and go round. and he did!! He nailed it at the walk, realizing that my little squeezes on the inside rein and supporting outside rein combined with leg were asking him to soften his poll and bring his nose down.
Gilford learning that there is more than one speed of trot
I even felt his back come up under me for a few strides and he felt so loose and forward. So I dared to try it at the trot, and he did it! Just a few strides, but it was there! I’ve been working on it for the last week and he just seemed kind of confused and would put his head down, but stick his nose out and tense up a bit. I finally got one stride out of him and praised the crap out of him and it finally clicked.
Once he hit it once, and understood that that’s what I was asking for, he kept it up. If felt so good! His frame reminds me so much of Moose [a thoroughbred Em schooled for 4 years]… long and low, but forward moving. He really does cover a lot of ground I bet all that carriage driving has helped lengthen him out. I was so excited!
And, I bought myself an ankle brace which helped tremendously. It didn’t solve the problem, but makes it bearable much less pain, and it wasn’t locking up on me like it has been. It actually helped SO much, that I was starting to notice some issues with my right ankle. Nothing more than what I would usually have, but I hadn’t even noticed it because my left ankle had been hurting so much.
Phew. I’m very pleased with him and I can’t wait to go back tonight to work with him again. I’ve been going at night after he eats so I can work under the lights (and in the much cooler temperatures). It’s nice to have the barn to myself.
EM
**BACKGROUND:**
Gilford, our 3 yr. old Arabian/percheron, was started to ride and drive at age 2. We have boarded him for August near our daughter Emmie, who grew up riding and schooling horses through 4H and Pony Club, open showing and the Arabian show circuit. Training descriptions are from Emmie’s Emails reporting her progress, working with Gilford under saddle and doing prep work for his upcoming American Warmblood Society inspection.
Also see Gilford in July pulling a training cart, along with his baby brother Glendale being ponied at 11 months old, on Blog posts Horse Peaches Training Cart and Carriage Driving Young Horse.
**PREVIOUSLY** See Gilford at 3 MONTHS old, ponied alongside his mom in Acadia National Park, Maine, at Blog post Baby Colt in Acadia.
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Connie Moses, petArtist– self-built website: PortraitsWithHorses.com
(horse and pet portraits)
