This month we have actually started to get into gear a bit. Although there has not been a huge amount of competitions we have managed to get a fair bit of training in and new boy Ashley has done the majority of his basic fitness work.
We have had a couple of fantastic lessons with Caroline Creighton (BE accredited trainer and resident trainer to Lucy Weigersma). We have been working on improving the quality and energy of Sarnita’s canter using a variety of exercises to engage the hind leg and get her in front of my leg.
This showed to be much improved at our first competition in 2010 when we were 2nd in a strong 1.10 open although the day was slightly spoilt with 2 down in the following Foxhunter. We have had a couple of sessions with Pammy Hutton which really changed my flatwork schooling. She basically pointed out that I had made a very amateur mistake by presuming that as we were now advanced the horse had to be up in front but in doing this I lost her engagement. By working for 2 sessions deep and round the engagement returned as did the suppleness and the fancy movements! In February we are off to Talland for 3 days so hopefully we can cement the improvement.
Ashley has progressed fantastically well. I have still not done a huge amount with him as I have been trying to get basic level of fitness however we are starting school work and he has shown a willingness to learn and a quick brain. He is changing shape and muscling up all the time, I’m hoping to hunt him a little before the season ends in preparation for him to hopefully start eventing in May. He has already been promoted from a short term project to no.2 horse!
This weekend we tried our first ever JAS competition with Sarnie at West Wilts. Probably a long way to go for a single class (4 and a half hours each way) but it was nice to do something different. Unfortunately she didn’t go her best and reverted to being behind the leg but despite this finished 6th and qualified for the finals at Addington. The distance may prevent us going but was great to qualify. Things are getting busy now so plenty more next month. In the meantime keep up to date via www.shoestringeventing.co.uk
