It was so good to see John after 8 weeks off. We worked on Calo's basics. John recommended leaving my legs lightly on him, for support rather than to urge him forward. Then we worked on his flexion in his neck, using a squeeze and release, and then if he was resistant, opening my hand to the inside. I had to anticipate him going faster and be ready with the outside rein to slow him down, and also some inside leg to leg yield out on the circle.
We helped him work more over his top line at the canter by doing some big turn on the forehand circles before asking for the canter, and just a bit of leg yield. It made a big improvement, although he can't really hold the canter for more than 1/2 of a circle.
John said to keep working on helping him get stronger, that his muscles aren't riding strong from his couple years off, and so we need to let him build up some strength and gradually add a few more strides at a time.
The good news is it was not me. A pleasant surprise.
Charlie with the long sought after cooler
Spring NWEC 2013 Novice
