This week in lessons...

This week in lessons we are going to work at creating useful energy in our horses, and keeping it.

For both dressage and jumping, we want the horse to be energetic and responsive. We want to feel that the horse could and would go faster/more forward if we asked, and we want the horse to be powered from behind.

All too often when jumping, rider's let the horse lope up to the first jump, leaving the horse to have to increase its energy to perform, and then the horse continues to increase its energy as it goes, resulting in a round that starts with a pokey short stride and a chip, and ending with a rushed horse and an overmade line. Instead we want a course that starts with the needed tempo, and finishes the same. This means the rider must create energy to start with (rather than let the initial jumping effort create the energy), and must rebalance during the course to regularly "reset" the horse to the ideal pace.

In dressage, things that require effort and precision sometimes make the rider forget the forward part of the equation, and the horse ends up behind the leg and on its forehand. This leads to sloppy transitions and a dull horse.

By being less boring as a rider, and by setting higher expectations of the horse, we create an energetic, focused, and willing mount, that will feel (and be) more athletic. Transitions, paying attention to details, and being sure to be in control of the horse at all times (by doing things such as riding off the track) all help to create a more focused horse. Energy can be created and kept by paying close attention to the horse, and correcting it as needed when the energy level falls. It is also very important to remember to use leg when steering and balancing. Riders that rely too much on hand will also find the horse getting dull, unresponsive, and tipped on the forehand.

Carrying a crop may be a good idea for this weeks lessons unless you are confident in your forward!

Oh, and if you are wondering, yes, my face is swollen, and no, I have no idea why. I am sure the cure is chocolate....or cookies....or cupcakes....

Karen