Sexy Rexy update

Little Rex has been working hard all week, too! He has really started to make some dramatic progress lately. This is why I really enjoy the young horses. The progress is so obvious from day to day.

He will start out a bit wiggly but then settle into a nice rhythm and balance as the ride progresses. Today we had NO WIGGLYNESS at all. He stepped right into a balanced trot both directions and we were not even riding in the ring - we were in the grassy area surrounding it. So no "barriers" to rely on. Good critter! Very steady in the contact today with numerous moments of roundness, too.

Ears shot!

Looking not quite so awkward anymore.

Vienna reins help him lower his whole neck.

I have been lunging him a bit in vienna reins which really help encourage him to lower his neck. He is of the Friesian type where he would rather go around like a high headed driving horse. But he needs to build his top line and use his abs. He has really figured it out and is looking super. He is also getting more crisp and prompt canter transitions lately. That will improve with more strength and time.

So, at 3 years old here is where he is at:

• Ties like a pro in the crossties
• Stands quietly for baths, grooming, feet picking.
• Easy to bridle.
• Lunges walk, trot, canter. With or without side reins. Excellent with voice command and body language.
• Walk, trot, canter under saddle.
• Waits by both the small mounting block and the larger one by the arena.
• Can also mount him from the ground
• Hacks out in the field
• Walks over poles and flower boxes
• Rides alone or with other horses

Here is what needs improvement:

• Still thinks fly spray is going to kill him
• Needs more time with the clippers

What's next for Rex:

• Learning baby leg yields at walk and then trot.
• More hacking out in the fields/trail rides
• More prompt canter transitions
• Hill work
• Teach turn on the forehand

Overall he is such a pleasant creature to be around and I have been really enjoying him. He is sensitive but in a good way. He prefers if you just whisper your aids. He has never offered to do anything remotely naughty but I do think he would prefer a quiet rider who has light aids. He tends to worry if you are too "loud." 

Meanwhile ... Hamps has been getting clipped and washed in preparation for Sunday. He will get another bath on Saturday before we take off. But don't tell him that. haha.

woman where is my cookeh!