Rock n' Roll

Monday

Hamps was a superstar. His canter was as collected as it has EVER been. We schooled counter canter loop (I need to ride more accurately), lengthenings, the shoulder-in movement from Second-1, canter-walk transitions and spent some time stretching as well. I've switched back to riding him in the loose ring for a while. He was getting just a bit too heavy in the eggbutt. He is actually super awesome if I ride him in the eggbutt for a few days, then switch to the loose ring.

Tuesday
The dentist came out and it was nothing but good news. Hamps required only a light float. No super sharp edges or anything wonky going on. Yay! (Still got charged up the ass but ...whatevs)

Today (Wednesday)
Four of us hauled over to Stone Place Stables (a mere 3 miles away) to school their cross country course. Hamps was once again a total superstar and gentleman. ... Except for when he decided to put his head between his knees and bronc going down a rather steep hill/ramp. I stayed on and almost peed myself with laughter. I have to say that this is a nice farm, but they do not keep up with their CC course. There were quite a few that we couldn't jump for fear of cutting a leg or getting impaled. The fields were not mowed and the water jump was ... a muddy swamp. So we couldn't do that either. :( BUT ... we still made the best of it. We jumped a tire jump, several ramps, A TRAINING LEVEL COOP, (the biggest jump we have ever jumped), a small (maybe Novice?) Trakehner, a few other pop-over logs, too. Hamps only stopped once - at the last ramp we did. He was getting tired and it wasn't a dirty stop, just a green bean stop. I still need to give a more positive ride. He went over fine on the second approach.

No splashing today for us. Water complex resembled a swamp.

My instructor let me ride in her saddle and let me tell you the difference was night and day. I did not jump ahead or throw my shoulders at him one time! I felt solid. Like I could stay close to the tack. My leg was more secure and thus my confience was boosted! I know I shouldn't blame ALL my faults on a saddle ... but I honestly think it is 80% of my problem. Was I perfect? No (duh!) but FAR better than before. I also rode without my spurs so I could really put leg on without fear of goosing him. I think this helped as well. Time to start saving for that new jumping saddle. :) I wish someone had taken photos. So fun! I feel like we are no longer rank virgins on the CC course and are starting to get a little experience under our belt. Today was the first CC school where I took a look at the BN jumps and said "Hey - we can do this!"

I guess if I had to pick something to really work on, it is that Hamps starts to canter really flat when we are out in the open. He needs more grids, which we will start up next week. He could also benefit from conditioning work. It was pretty hot today (90+), but Hamps still got a little too winded for my preference and was pretty pooped at the end. So I may start added some conditioning rides to our program. Can't hurt. I thought he would stay fit enough for BN level eventing with just our dressage work, but he may need a little extra since he is so big. :)

Meadowlake is still next up on our radar and then in October I am thinking about doing the MidSouth Team challenge. :) We shall see what money allows. Would love to sneak in a mini trial in there as well.

It's back to the sandbox for the rest of this week.

:) Peace!


Edited to add: The bugs in KY are getting bigger every day it seems. I got stung by a bee today while catching Hamps in the field. Right on the side of my knee where my boot lies. It has been years since I have been stung. I forgot how much it hurts!!!