BE jump lesson 21-02-12

Went over to Fairoak Grange near Kingsclere today to do a BE training day with Anne-Marie Taylor.

1st session started with pole work.  We had to count down the strides to the pole and I made it to 6 strides out spot on each time but couldn't manage 7.  Got a pat on the back for that.  Then we worked on putting 4 or 5 strides in a related distance.  We also worked on getting the canter much better, put stirrups up a hole, much more up in a 2 point seat, hold hands much higher and get him softer in the hand.  Dont fiddle and dont push him on, keep him in a rhythm, keep arse out of saddle and wait for the fence to come to us.  Did some work on and back in the canter by using body position and leg but keeping up out of the saddle. We popped over a couple of little fences without too many probs.

Lunch break then 2nd session.  Immediately the canter felt better from this morning's work.  Big, scary fillers came out and I did feel him backing off a little so lots of leg and got over them safely.  1st time through the related distance he got in deep and landed short so held for 5 strides which she said was the right hing to do if he lands short rather than pushing him flat.  Then we put them all together and jumped a short course at 90cm.  He met every fence spot on, cleared them all nicely and we got our 4 strides in the related distance as he jumped in nicely - I almost pushed him too close to the 2nd part as thought he'd struggle for the 4 strides but actually as he'd come in so nicely in a powerful canter he made the 4 strides spot on the 2nd time we did it.  The canter felt much better in between fences, he changed leg much more easily than normal rather than going disunited, I remembered to keep hands up and leg on and it all worked!

Lets hope I can keep that feeling now!