Lesson yesterday

[fimacg]

Went for a XC lesson yesterday and Brave showed how brilliant but how quirky he can be... but main lesson for me is to ride the last 3 strides to the jump.

I can get him going really nicely between the fences but have a tendency to 'drop' him three strides out from the fence (particularly if its new and I haven't jumped it before and looks a bit scary) but when I keep riding he pops them really nicely. Instructor had us jumping some 2'9" jumps as well, once we got our confidence.

We were doing ditches, 2'6" sunken road and popping out over another rail as well as a variety of log piles, chairs rails etc.

Last jump of the day was the water jump. 1st time through in both directions Brave trots through with no trouble, next time was to go through and jump out up a step. But we get to the middle and Brave decides he wants to play and starts splashing and bunny hopping and threatening to roll... I have never taken a stick to him as hard as I had to get him out. But I did stay dry! we also did manage to do the step on the second attempted.

Instructor said it was the 1st time she had ever had a horse that didn't want to come out of the water!

For those of you with FB these are the course photos
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.454814049324.234716.211356334324&type=3

[fleabitten]

I think its a common problem fi - im the same! but good on you, now you know what to concentrate on when you are jumping. some nice wee jumps there fi, looks a nice course.

[racaille]

Sounds like he really wanted a bath!!

I too have that habit of 'dropping' Paco, particularly in a combination. Annoying, isn't it?

[brigadier]

Sounds a really positive lesson. I too remember lessons where the instructor kept telling me I was 'dropping' the horse, even now Im not so sure what was happening as it didnt feel as though I had stopped riding at the jump, sometimes I think it is a 'fashionable' thing for an instructor to say when the rider isnt too sure of the stride.

[dannyboy]

Sounds like a great lesson Fi. Not on FB so unable to see the pics, worst luck!

[fleabitten]

im not on facebook either DB but they came up on my computer anyway.