Summer 2010 Training

Well, after a hard winter and what seemed like a very quick spring, summer has arrived with a vengeance in Maryland – 90 degree days and high humidity are the norm. Riding early in the day or during the evening when the sun has dropped in the sky and isn’t quite so harsh is a necessity for both rider and horse.  And after each ride, we have to take real care to make sure the horses are cooled off properly.

Despite the challenges brought on by the weather, Aries continues to train well.  I’ve introduced the rein back to his repertoire – and although he’s still a bit resistant to it, he’s understanding the movement and getting better and straighter while performing it.  The benefits of the rein back to his ability to collect in trot and canter have been dramatic.  The improvement has been particularly noticeable in his right lead canter where he is not able to maintain his balance and work over his top-line to far greater degree. 

One challenge that has come up with the better quality of work he is offering is that when he starts to really collect, he gets very excitable.  The goal is to get him to that point and to try and keep him there while maintaining the relaxation and rhythm – both in his body and his head.