This week in lessons

This week in lessons we will be continuing to work on quick response times and patterns.

I think lessons will likely be inside once again, but will teach outside as much as possible.

For the quick response times we will be doing transitions at markers (pylons). Not only will this require accurate transitions, but also riders will need to set their horse up properly to canter on the correct leads on a straight line.

For patterns/jumping, there will be a "make your own course" challenge. Riders will have to start and stop their course at the markers, and get over all the jumps in an order that they think will be the quickest for their horse. It will be important to take into consideration your horse's strengths and weaknesses when coming up for your ideal course. A smaller horse will do better with tight turns, and a big, fast horse, will do better if allowed to do larger turns and make up time with its big stride. Rocket will do best if you cheat.

It is also a good idea to make up a course that makes SENSE to you so you can remember it! 3 seconds added for a rail down.

For dressage riders who may want to compete at Westwood Warmbloods in July and August, or Amberlea in the fall, we will use nice weather days (aka days we can ride outside) to start riding the EC tests to pick out which ones will best suite each horse. Please note, I do expect riders who have show experience to memorize at least ONE of their tests for these shows to save me having to read....this will be particularly important if I take Coregel to any shows...or even worse...both Coregel and Izzy...two nutty mares will surely keep all my attention!

Karen