After a fabulous Saturday at camp, we were up bright and early for one more day of lessons on Sunday.
I rode Hamps early in the morning, and he came out ready to work. This was probably our best lesson. Our flying changes were clean, HUGE and off the aids. I was able to see them in the mirror and got goosebumps a few times. The changes have been SUCH a struggle for us, and finally it is coming together.
We worked maybe 30 minutes and called it a day. He did everything he was asked to do.
 |
| Not from camp. Actually a Derby Day photo. :) |
After our lesson, he got another chiro adjustment. He had a few other areas to deal with, but nothing major. One rib was out, and he has some adhesions on his right glute. Possible left over from a kick he sustained a couple of years ago. He has tight hamstrings (which I knew). But otherwise, no signs of soreness from the saddle and nothing serious. This made me feel better, as I was worried something was causing him pain on Friday.
After Hampton was all put back, I had the opportunity to ride my coach's Grand Prix stallion. This horse is amazing and ranks in the top 5 most cool horses I have EVER sat on. We played for just a little bit on piaffe, passage and some canter pirouettes. It is so cool to have a horse like this teach me the aids and feel for these movements. We had some good moments but he is so much cooler with a rider who knows him and knows what they are doing. But he was a good sport and offered me some good things. :)
 |
| Testing a canter pirouette |
 |
| Piaffing it |
... and with that dressage camp was over. I did not want to leave! I was exhausted but loved every moment of it. I learned a lot, and we made a lot of progress in just 3 days. I'm not upset about Hampton's "issue" on Friday. It was actually a good thing because I had a teacher who could help me through those moments and give me tools to keep myself safe.
Our first show of the season is in just a few weeks.
I feel prepared for it. I like that feeling!
In other news, Lady updates coming soon! :)
That is awesome! Nice work.
ReplyDeletewhat an awesome experience all around!!
ReplyDeleteSounds amazing! Definitely on my wish list for next year - need to up my stamina though :)
ReplyDeleteSuper jealous of this experience. It sounds awesome, minus Friday. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great weekend! So cool that you got to ride a piaffe :)
ReplyDelete