THE BIG WET.
What a wet week,I am very lucky to have the grass area because there are still parts jumpable.
I am a keen jumper, I cannot go many days without jumping something!
The young horses (2/3 year olds)we have been starting ground skills with etc have been ignored this week.
Next week will we will be starting on them again, patience and perserverance.
If you take the time to teach horses in small bits it is amazing how well they remember.
One young horse was a bit wooden and slow to pick up on his backing up and being light off the halter,or to stay inside the halter, a phrase that makes sense as well.After a week or two of going slowly what an improvement. He is very light now when I ask him to yield backwards and sideways.I have learnt from smart horse people to teach horses on the ground what you need before you jump on.
I like the halter better than the bridle to start because the horse can learn without the pressure of the bit. It doesn't take long before you can add the bridle and you have a happier horse.Most importantly you have a lighter hand/feel on the rein.It will make a difference too when you are leading your horse around in the halter, no dragging you around!!!
Liz is riding in a Jumping NSW Youth Development clinic this weekend at SIEC.
There are two coaches and it should be a fun weekend weather not withstanding.