Somebody's Growing Up

I can't believe I am saying this, but on Saturday (and then again on Sunday, and again on Monday), Izzy gave me the best ride he's ever offered. It was like riding a broke horse. He was respectful, thoughtful, and obedient. No, I am NOT kidding. It was amazing.

I don't think it was one of those outlier rides either. If I could plot his progress from the past few months on a graph, you would definitely see an upward trend. He is finally, finally growing up. And in case the Universe is listening, I am not saying that we won't still have bumpy days; they'e still in there, I know.

He's even more relaxed waiting to be tacked up.

I know there are two main reasons for the "sudden" improvement. We know it's not sudden by the way. Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, had me start doing two things differently. The first was to no longer allow Izzy to look around. At all. Ever. And I am not kidding. EVER. If I am working with him, be it on the ground or from the saddle, he has to pay attention to ME. All. The. Time. "Yes, dude, even now," is my constant refrain.

The second thing, which is very new, is over-flexing him when he's naughty. Now that he doesn't get to snap his head up (did I already say NEVER?), he also has to maintain a bend. That means when he wants to brace against my hand or charge through the bridle, I simply over-flex him. And I hold the flexion until he softens to it and relaxes through his poll and neck. 

Over-flexing has several benefits. When Izzy wants to get heavy and brace against my hand, all I could do before was pull back to slow him down. By over-flexing, I am now able to get him on the outside rein. From there, I can actually do a half halt.

This strategy probably wouldn't work for all horses, but it is crystal clear to Izzy. Over-flexing is what happens to naughty ponies. He has quickly learned that it is much more comfortable to listen to me and offer a bend when I ask for it. ​

When I rode on Saturday, he was able to maintain a steady tempo and change the bend fluidly. We schooled movements from Training Level all the way to Second. HIs counter canter is really nice, and simple changes should be a breeze on him; he already offers the canter to walk without even trying!

It might be taking us longer than I had hoped for, but this boy is getting better and better!