Just Average

I am grateful that Speedy has fabulous days. It's on those days that he shows me his potential. We had one of those days last week, and I even wrote about it. Unfortunately, they're not the normal. Most days find us struggling with something. 

This weekend, Speedy decided that dressage was a lot of work. As such, he further determined that it would be better for me to hold him up with the left rein. He was adamant that he certainly couldn't sit back on his own butt as that might wear him out. And really, he has better things to do with his hind end than carry me around. 

I don't think I've ever seen him go this wide behind before! And he looks straight which is even weirder!

When you look at this next picture, you have to ask why he can't happily rock back on his tush. I mean look at him. There is plenty of butt there upon which to sit. I know, I know. It's hard work, but at least I know he's got the butt to do it!

I swear he is not fat, but he looks like a linebacker in this shot. The guy has packed on some muscle!

One of the great things about leaving Training Level is that the levels that follow offer so much more to work on. That doesn't mean we do them brilliantly, but at least when we get stuck somewhere, we can change the exercises and move on to a new topic.

Right now it's all about our struggle with the leg yield, improving the trot lengthenings, and getting a more and more collected canter. While the trot lenghtenings are fun, the leg yield is not. I really need some eyes on the ground. 

I have a feeling I am asking for too much straightness in the shoulder, but Speedy wants to lead with the outside shoulder and trail his butt along behind. If I really dig my spur in, I can get a deeper step with the inside hind, but he gets really annoyed with me when I do it. If I don't poke him with the spur, he refuses to cross over with that inside hind leg.

Weird picture, I know, but look at how much different his body looks when he stretches his hind leg.

The canter work is improving, slowly, but he is able to collect more than he could at the beginning of the summer. It took both weekend days to get him to let go of the left rein, but the instant he did, his canter got light and soft.

We've also been working on the canter lengthening. He's starting to get more up and forward in the stride rather than just forward. When he gets flat, it's very difficult to return to working canter. If I canter him forward with more of a scoop in my seat combined with small half halts, his stride has more bounce and suspension. It feels like a good thing, but what do I know?

Doesn't he look like he enjoyed his post ride roll?

We have a lesson with Chemaine this coming Saturday, so I am trying to hone in on the areas where the most growth is needed. There are just so many things to fix that it's hard to focus on just a few!