We continue to get rain so I have more time to write than ride. I’m happy to report that Clipper is learning his lessons very well. I rode on Thursday, despite the previous night’s rain, in a very mushy arena. Technically we were not supposed to be riding in it but the owner tends to sleep late so we snuck in for a lesson anyway. Clipper’s canter is finally becoming more balanced and adjustable. When I first got him, his canter only had one speed: fast. We’d pass everyone in the arena. We still pass other riders but not like before. And he can canter on a circle at one end of the arena without leaning in so far. His jumping is fine, as it always has been. It’s the pace between jumps and setting him up for jumps that still needs work (for both of us).
Last weekend I was sick so I watched the assistant trainer ride him. He still has problems with flying changes but after he learns to balance himself better, those will come. My trainer’s prices went up significantly so I can afford about 3 months worth of training before I have to figure out something else. Clipper is learning quickly and some of those lessons I can do myself — canter in circles. Lots of circles. I don’t quite trust myself with draw reins but perhaps my trainer will give me a lesson with them before I have to take him out of training.
Three months of training is actually appropriate as we hope to move in just less than four months. Job pending, of course. I’ve been applying to lab jobs at the University of Washington in the Oceanography Department. Keep your fingers crossed! In the meantime, I only have 2 more weeks of this quarter, spring break, then 10 weeks of next quarter. Time is flying.
Instead of draw reins, you might try a German Martingale. It has stops on it which draw reins usually don’t, so It’s a little safer. I used a german martingale on Cosette because she likes to raise her head way up high and spook at stuff. If you are thinking of draw reins to help with collection/getting him to use his hindquarters, this can sometimes be better accomplished by using side reins on the lunge and lots of leg yielding exercises. Sounds like you guys are having fun, though!