XC schooling yesterday

[fimacg]

Took Brave XC schooling yesterday for the first time since August, which been a bit of a disastrous day. Jumped mainly 75cm.

I was experimenting with riding in a Pelham, he gets very strong out in that environment and also has a tendency to go very on his forehand and pull me out of the saddle after a jump. I then can't bring his front end up quick enough.

Initially he was very backwards, not off the leg and jumps were a bit uncomfortable with him looking for reasons not to do it. We also had a bit of sideways, napping and hopping, so I thought the bit too strong, this slso rapidly saps my confidence, so i had to go back to jumping the little jumps again. Then about 2/3 of the way through the lesson I got cross, said no I am not scared we are doing this and you just get on with it.

After that we had a ball, things started to fall into place, the bit worked as I could balance him and then go. Amazing what a difference a positive attitude makes. I will try to put up some pictures when not on my phone.

[fimacg]

The small log was getting him going after a napping episode, we jumped the next log up straight afterwards. the tyres was when it all came together. The slightly larger log and tyres are 75cm the big tyres to the left of the ones we were jumping are part of the 90cm course. Yes, when flowing he does jump everything as though it is 3' high!

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[solomon]

Thank goodness you remembered you were wearing the brave pants on Brave! Or maybe he was wearing some! Either way the 'can do' attitude is the way forward. I was taught a trick for schooling years ago, imagine your horse isn't yours but your instructor's. You would then expect it to be well schooled and obedient. Works for me! I am too soft otherwise.

[fleabitten]

I think this as well sol. I think on your own horse you do be too soft sometimes lol!

Sounds pretty successful fi, thats what xc schooling is about, working through any wee issues! Pics look good!

[haffyfan]

He certainly gives them some height, bless him. Looks like he's enjoying himself too.

[racaille]

Brilliant! Yup, the positive attitude makes all the difference ... well, those brave pants do!

[brigadier]

Thats good. I find pelhams make them lean more in the long run though initially they seem to work. A horse I used to hunt a lot was impossible in a pelham yet in a thinner snaffle he was easy, he had worked out that if he could get his head down in the pelham he could simply barge off, but in the snaffle I could lift him. He once bolted with me in the pelham and I could only hang on and wait for him to realise we had left the field- scary stuff!
He looks good in the pics!