Post by fimacg on Jun 6, 2010 16:00:01 GMT
Took Brave to some more XC training on Friday, and what can I say, we had some good bits, we had some great bits, and we had some bad bits, but I guess thats what training is for.
We mainly stuck to the smallest 2' course but did do a couple of the 2'6" jumps one being a really inviting log, but he couldn't have made it more difficult if we tried. The instructor asked us to jump the small log then go around and jump the bigger one, well we did the small one with no problems but on the approach to the bigger one he slammed the breaks on stopped and looked at it for a second then jumped it from a stand still, so so uncomfortable, 2nd time around he popped it with no difficulty.
then we moved up the hill, Brave by this time is getting quite excited and on his toes, we had a little bit of backwards and then GALLOP! over a little house and a chair and off into the sunset... as we were going up hill by the time we were over the chair we were away from the others and it was easy enough to pull up but we danced until the last of the other 3 horses joined us.
Back down the hill a bit and when I turned him to the step we had sideways canter back up the hill until 3 strides out and then ping we were up the step and away. Brilliant!!!
we then carried on up the the hill but when 2 of the horses started to trot Brave thought it a race and had to canter, when they cantered all three of us ended up galloping up the hill for about 50-75m before we could resume control
Then we did the chair and a little flower box while the other three did a bigger chair and Helsinki, then instructor knew Brave was still learning and hadn't done much so the aim was to keep building his confidence rather than over face him. The flower box was only just 2' but we still had to have a good look before we went over, again second time around he simply pinged over it.
doing even that little bit had taken an hour, but we begged the instructor to carry on as the sun was shining and everyone was enjoyoing themselves.
So we did the ditch or tried to, they have a baby ditch that is about 6" wide then a second ditch which is about 1' at one end and getting wider and deeper toward the other.
Brave and I approach and walk right up to it, at which point dragons leap out and we rear and spin to get away. Unfortunately for Brave that doesn't work so we face the demons again at which point he goes into rapid reverse. Its the evasion I hate the most and the more I kick the faster backwards we go, he knows I won't let him turn so he reverses in a totally straight line up of down whatever is behind him.
One of the other horse a super safe cob picked us up and walked in front of use over the baby ditch about 4 times. hopefully that will have set his mind at rest that they are not terrifying holes full of dragons and demons, but I doubt it.
All told very pleased with him, he did not make it easy for me but I think if we keep doing it a find a way of simulating a ditch at home he will turn into a brilliant little XC pony.
www.kinnairdcrosscountry.co.uk/fences.htm
This is where we go training, every kind of fence ranging from 2' upwards, brilliant place I love it.
Its also on quite a steep hill so great for fitness
We mainly stuck to the smallest 2' course but did do a couple of the 2'6" jumps one being a really inviting log, but he couldn't have made it more difficult if we tried. The instructor asked us to jump the small log then go around and jump the bigger one, well we did the small one with no problems but on the approach to the bigger one he slammed the breaks on stopped and looked at it for a second then jumped it from a stand still, so so uncomfortable, 2nd time around he popped it with no difficulty.
then we moved up the hill, Brave by this time is getting quite excited and on his toes, we had a little bit of backwards and then GALLOP! over a little house and a chair and off into the sunset... as we were going up hill by the time we were over the chair we were away from the others and it was easy enough to pull up but we danced until the last of the other 3 horses joined us.
Back down the hill a bit and when I turned him to the step we had sideways canter back up the hill until 3 strides out and then ping we were up the step and away. Brilliant!!!
we then carried on up the the hill but when 2 of the horses started to trot Brave thought it a race and had to canter, when they cantered all three of us ended up galloping up the hill for about 50-75m before we could resume control
Then we did the chair and a little flower box while the other three did a bigger chair and Helsinki, then instructor knew Brave was still learning and hadn't done much so the aim was to keep building his confidence rather than over face him. The flower box was only just 2' but we still had to have a good look before we went over, again second time around he simply pinged over it.
doing even that little bit had taken an hour, but we begged the instructor to carry on as the sun was shining and everyone was enjoyoing themselves.
So we did the ditch or tried to, they have a baby ditch that is about 6" wide then a second ditch which is about 1' at one end and getting wider and deeper toward the other.
Brave and I approach and walk right up to it, at which point dragons leap out and we rear and spin to get away. Unfortunately for Brave that doesn't work so we face the demons again at which point he goes into rapid reverse. Its the evasion I hate the most and the more I kick the faster backwards we go, he knows I won't let him turn so he reverses in a totally straight line up of down whatever is behind him.
One of the other horse a super safe cob picked us up and walked in front of use over the baby ditch about 4 times. hopefully that will have set his mind at rest that they are not terrifying holes full of dragons and demons, but I doubt it.
All told very pleased with him, he did not make it easy for me but I think if we keep doing it a find a way of simulating a ditch at home he will turn into a brilliant little XC pony.
www.kinnairdcrosscountry.co.uk/fences.htm
This is where we go training, every kind of fence ranging from 2' upwards, brilliant place I love it.
Its also on quite a steep hill so great for fitness
The things that we think might scare them often don't and then they throw a wobbly over ... a hole.
