Tuesday's ride was about continuing to encourage Stitch to come forward through turn. He's now looking for the turns, so that's helping a lot.
First full circle in the middle of the arena. He fell in a little bit after crossing the center line because he knew where he was going, so I didn't complain about it.
To me, he's still not carrying us as forward as I would like, but it's getting closer. He gave me a figure 8 that he just dialed in on when we turned off the track that felt wonderful - locked on to the spot we were returning to on the track, and a steady, strong forward. That's the feeling that I'm aiming for.
Stitch was all "I got this".
Part of the lack of forward is totally related to fitness. I still want to keep the rides short and not drilling, but we need to start increasing the amount of trot we do in a ride. I'm aiming for 5 minutes in the next few rides and working up to 10 (currently averaging 3-something). As he starts getting tired the forwardness definitely decreases. It would also help if he didn't do things right so fast!
Look at that leg yield! Well done, Stitch! I can see what you mean about not quite being as forward as you want, but there were portions of the figure 8 that he "got it", and steering is clearly improving!
ReplyDeleteHe's so close to getting it!
DeleteHe can be a little more forward but he’s so relaxed and rhythmic. I love how he’s moving.
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy overall with how he's going, and I'm pretty confident that the forward will come with strength and fitness.
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