The heavy snow has played havoc with our plans but we did manage to get some riding done and I think that Baker is learning that he can trot at various speeds and length of stride. We haven't cracked a relaxed medium trot yet but we are getting there. I even had a jumping lesson on him on Tuesday! I would have been happy to get over a small cross pole but Joan had us building up to a three fence grid and it was really fun. Baker enjoys his jumping but he didn't get out of control and when I got the turn into the grid correct it was easy to keep him steady and relaxed. It made a nice change to doing flat work, but it has also had the benefit of improving our walk/canter transitions and holding a steady canter round a corner so I'll definitely be doing it again.
I've been using the Forest Farmacy 'Ring craft' drops to help him with his concentration and I really do think they have helped, he isn't as easily distracted but I think we still have a bit of a way to go on that front. I also spray on 'Clean Limbs' after we have worked to help his joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles etc to adjust to his new job as a dressage horse. He really objected to the spray at the start and danced about all over the place trying to avoid it but then Joan suggested that I hold up one leg at a time and spray like that - it worked like magic!
We are also adding 'Coat Power' and 'Joint Power' to his feed, he's not thrilled about the taste but he is getting used to it. Apparently the first time it was given to him he looked at it in disgust, but then his natural Irish greediness took over.
We managed to get through the snow to a show on 31st Jan and did two prelim tests. We scored 60% and 60.4% in these. The good thing was that I was able to speak to both judges and they both said the same things - he has fabulous presence and paces but needs to get his chin off his chest. We are working hard on that, but it was good to hear that they both thought he has great potential. Hope you enjoy seeing the photos - at last!
