Izzy Meets His Dressage Trainer, Part 2

I am pretty sure that Chemaine would never tell a client that her horse couldn't benefit from some dressage training since dressage is good for every horse. Even so, I was a bit worried that she would have doubts about Izzy's potential as a dressage horse that could move through the levels.

Just based on Chemaine's smile and attitude, I don't think I have anything to worry about. That doesn't mean it's going to be quick or easy, but if I keep chugging along, there's no reason that Izzy can't be a solid dressage horse. Whew! That lifted a huge burden off my shoulders.

Once I got on Izzy, Chemaine had me make a few changes and keep a few things in mind. While she recognized and appreciated my effort at having a lighter seat, she quite clearly told me to sit up. You'll hear her in the video yell at me to "quit riding him like a jumper! Ride him like you ride Speedy."

I am not going to apologize for my riding, just don't be shocked. I am actually proud of myself for getting on as Izzy was a fireball ready to explode. Chemaine is so good at building a rider's confidence though, that I got on and just did what she said.

You'll hear her also tell me to regulate his speed with my core. I was trying, believe me, but he was making it quite difficult to coordinate all of my aids. I had to keep an opening outside rein, a softening inside rein, weight on my inside seat bone, and a strong core to hold him to a rhythm all while his engine was revved and needing a place to go.

When I first got on, he tried some of his don't wanna tricks, but with Chemaine's encouragement, I gave a solid jerk of the rein with a firm NO! There were several of those moments, but there were also some really good moments where I was able to get him soft and stretching.

Here's a quick burst of photos that shows him spooking and cutting the corner:

Whew! That's better. While there's a lot that's not right, I love that he came through that with a pretty uphill carriage.

While there was a lot of that herky-jerky all over the place stuff, there were some better moments as well.

"Quit riding him like a jumper! Ride him like you ride Speedy!"

Opening the outside rein ... or, I am just a spaz.

And before I get too much "advice," this was at mach 10 on a horse who has very little world experience. I was thrilled that he was even rideable on his first real trip away from home - those trail rides sure helped! 

KG did manage to get a little bit of video. They're fairly short, but you'll get a sense of what Chemaine was trying to help me with.

So ... Chemaine thinks I have a nice horse, and I was able to walk, trot, and canter Izzy the next day like a REAL horse! More on that later.

It was a good week!