Of Riding and Raking Leaves

   

Fall has come to Maryland and the leaves are not only changing colors, they are also falling.  Riding provides a welcome respite between bouts of raking and bagging leaves – and with the cooler temperatures, there is really no better time of year for it. 

The training with Aries continues and he has become increasingly engaged and balanced – all a reflection of his growing strength and greater understanding of the aids.  Lateral work has included turn on the haunches, leg-yielding, shoulder-in, as well as a bit travers and renvers.  Aries’ canter work is progressing nicely as well – this is particularly true with his transitions.

In news about some of the other horses I work with, Black Jack has come through the summer looking both plump and fit – and has recently done some of the best flat work I’ve seen out of him.  However, his preferred activity is to stand by the fence line looking at his mares – including his favorite Daisy.

I also recently gave Nikki a lesson on her horse Marko – working on her position and rein length – she generally rides with her reins too long, which puts her behind the movement as she collapse back through the waist.  By shortening her reins, her position improved and Marko was able to relax a bit over his back and give her a bigger, more relaxed and balanced trot.