Anyway, I've been struggling with Luke because when I have a horse pin his ears at me or get nappy in response to the leg I think ohhh maybe he's not feeling well, ulcers?, maybe he's a little off? (or maybe I think uh oh I don't want him to start bucking - self preservation and the good ole' sympathetic nervous system definitely kick into gear).. regardless, I've been working really hard in my last few lessons to ignore the little bounces and attitude, sit up and ride forward. It's definitely getting better, but I know I'm not there yet because our canter work is consistently filled with... shall we say expression. Just about every time I ask for canter, Luke bucks. This is not a good cycle, I get tipped forward, I tighten with my knees, this makes him mad (understandably, I know), he bucks more. He's not the sort to tolerate bad riding in this stage of his life, I guess it's actually a good thing for me (trainer certainly thinks so) because it's a pretty good barometer for my equitation. Luckily Luke's bucks are the sittable sort and he isn't really a malicious horse, just a HEY what are you doing up there stop getting in my way sort. Which I suppose I can appreciate. Sucks to suck, as we say in med school.
Pinch me with your legs one more time, lady...
This is the horse B thinks I'll be making my showing debut with this spring. We're going to be doing a training level test, too... I'm a dressage newbie, but I'm pretty sure that test involves a canter. Hmmm, well when he's 'expressing' in the canter he certainly has an active hind end, maybe that will save us a point or two.
