The professor and the kiddo

Sorry this is the newest media I have of the Porkchop

Finally I am getting my act together for a proper update on the 2 boys.

HAMPTON:

• Working on keeping the flying changes straight, straight, straight. If everything is going well, I can try some (random, no counting) tempis. But most days we just do single changes. OR no changes at all.
• Increasing the steepness of the half pass (trot and canter)
• Ranvers in counter canter (helps both above issues)
• Canter pirouettes are coming along! They are still a little big, and sometimes he gets his legs tangled, but I think as soon as I can refine the aids a bit they will be right there.
• Half pass zig zags (just one "zag" obviously)
• Always always testing the forward and back
• Refining the walk pirouettes. This is a movement we need to be getting 7s or 8s on to make up for the fact that he doesn't have 8 or 9 gaits.
• Always focusing on the suppleness.
• Continuing hill work and trail rides with power walking.
• Recently got saddle reflocked, and massages for both me and the horse. Interesting we are both tight in the same places ...
• Developing the "show trot." He can now maintain this for quite a while. BUT ... we lose it when we try to keep it within the movements. Will def be something we can show off on the short sides in the ring.

ok He is ADORABLE

ROYALE:

• Adjustment to herd life. He is doing quite well actually. He does like to play, and can be a pest but he isn't stupid. When one of the mares pins her ears, he backs off.
• Standing quietly by mounting block. He does well at this for as young as he is. He does eventually walk off and loses patience, but it will come. I expect my horses to stand until further notice.
• Stretching at the walk. Really asking him to overtrack. As a saddlebred, he has a tendency to walk "up and down" with his back feet. Lots of walking and trail riding will help this.
• "Cruise control" at the trot. He likes to start off quick, then when you ask him to slow down he slows down too much. Just needs to learn to keep the tempo I request, until I tell him otherwise.

Baby's first ears photo!

• Canter transitions. These are a hot mess. Like, I have to kick and fling my reins at him and run him into it. That's ok though, he will learn. :) Once in the canter he is quite lovely.
• Consistent contact. I don't really ask him to be on the bit, but he naturally goes there so I am rolling with it. He is quite soft and supple (compared to Hampton who has the most rigid neck evah)
• Trailer loading - CHECK! A really good boy
• Itty bitty baby leg yields at the walk
• Bridling. His only real issue is that he does not like to be bridled. He will throw his head up and back away at the moment you ask him to take the bit. This will just take time to fix. Not sure why he is doing this ... teeth have been checked, but he is young so could be losing caps.

That's about it for the baby. Mostly he is just hanging out and figuring out what herd life is about. Right now he only gets worked maybe twice a week, which is just fine for his age. He has had a lot of change happen in the past 3 weeks. Bless his little heart. :)

Royal and L's second level mare.

Hamps and I are just about ready for our first show of the season.

Next up: Vaccines, worming and coggins day and then we will be set!