I *Think* Speedy is Back

I Think Speedy is Back

1/27/2016

Speedy has been out of work for a solid three weeks. I was disappointed at the set back, but I think he's sound enough to get back at it. On Sunday, I hacked him around the neighborhood and then did a quick 15-minute schooling ride in the arena. He didn't feel 100%, but he didn't feel lame either. He felt ... stiff.

At nearly 12, Speedy's not old by anyone's standards. Arabs tend to mature slowly and they can live a long, long time. He didn't feel old-age stiff. Instead, he just felt less fluid than he has in the past few months. In some ways, that's great news as it tells me that the work we've been doing has been correct.

On Monday, we had a bit of a Come to Jesus meeting as he acted as though he had no idea how to let go of the left rein and bend his neck. After about 15 minutes, I forget to wonder if he was sound enough for work. I focused on getting him in front of my leg and giving to that left rein. He got mad; I love Speedy when he's mad as that's when he gives me his best work.

His top line doesn't seem to have suffered during his vacation - his belly either!

Once he was ticked off, his forward got a lot more energetic and he insisted we canter - well okay then! From there, we worked on our canter to walk which definitely suffered over the three weeks that he was recuperating. We'll get it back.

While he still had some energy, I worked on changing the bend at the canter and was quite pleased with how well that went. A good change of bend at the canter helps with the change of lead through trot which ultimately leads to flying lead changes. The day before, during our quick school, I asked for a 20-meter counter canter circle with zero preparation and was delighted to get it both directions.

It might take us a week or two to get back in the groove, but I think Speedy's up to the challenge. I have an afternoon meeting today, but if it doesn't run long, I'll be on Speedy again today. I'm really hoping he feels sounder today. If not, we keep waiting.

And this too, shall pass.

jenj

1/27/2016 06:54:14 am

Now if you can just figure out how to piss him off at shows... KIDDING! Mostly... ;)

Bakersfield Dressage link

1/30/2016 08:18:52 am

Chemaine says that all the time!

lytha

1/27/2016 07:06:58 am

He's gorgeous, as ever.

1/30/2016 08:19:17 am

Thanks, Lytha, but you're just biased. :0)

Tracy link

1/27/2016 11:23:31 am

Gosh, you can hardly tell he's had any time off at all! He's such a hunk <3

1/30/2016 08:19:52 am

Thanks, Tracy. He's a hunk alright - dude just got put on a diet. :0)

emma link

1/28/2016 01:27:02 pm

meanwhile i'm stuck wondering if my mare's topline will ever look like Speedy's....

Bakersfield dressage link

1/30/2016 08:22:04 am

I've been riding this horse for almost eight years ... I hope it doesn't take all of them that long. But in truth, Speedy does have a good topline, especially for an Arab (not picking on Arabs as they are my breed of choice). I am not sure if it's due to good riding (HAHAHAHA) or good genetics. :0)

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage