Uno's Flatwork

 In addition to being just an absolute star jumping, Uno and I have had an "Ah-ha" moment in our flat work.

I will not get over jumping this anytime soon!

We have recently been able to start putting more pressure on Uno within his work without losing the relaxation.  This means that I can really focus on riding him UP without him rushing or dumping his shoulders down.  I usually ride bitless (honestly we even XC schooled in his halter) and I find dressage much easier bareback.  

Throwback right leg shinanigans

We had an almost disastrous dressage lesson a few months ago, where I ended up taking my saddle off.  We were working on moving his shoulders in the canter and I just COULD NOT find a place to sit. Uno was kicking out and getting really frustrated and hot.  So I went back to our happy place and took his saddle off.  This showed 2 big things - 1. it was time to look at saddle fit again 2. my right leg is still doing WILD things.  The reason that I am so much more comfortable bareback is that there is no stirrup, or block in the way so my hip stays soft and following.  My right leg was the one that was rebuilt and has the worst of the nerve damage, so I honestly could not feel the extra weight and force.  A new saddle and more focused nerve work in my leg has started helping this, but I am still more comfortable schooling bareback.

Best potato

The next big thing was a trainer ride where she rode through several walk transitions.  This was also her first time riding him bitless and she was surprised at how normal and through he feels in your hands.  Her take away was that I am giving too much in the downward transitions.  I have to slow the transitions down and really ride the prep, especially in the canter - walk transition.  And then really get the downward with my core and keep my hands steady.  If I give up the contact when he walks he falls back into canter because I am changing his balance too much.  This has meant that we are now schooling correct simple changes through the walk.  And even better, I have complete control over the number of walk steps.

I am super pleased with my little go pony.  He might be potato shaped, but now it is a SPORTS potato!