Went down to Merrist Wood to do the 80cm - even 80cm looks big at the moment but first course we've jumped since last May so really need to get my eye in again. Bought 2 tickets and put numbers down with just a couple between us.
Warmup was a bit frustrating as no-one putting anything decent up so just concentrated on getting good rhythm and keeping leg on and went ok.
Round one I was a bit backwards into a few fences when I saw a dodgy stride but we went clear and nothing felt too dodgy. He was a little looky but responded well to leg..Round two made an effort to think forwards strides, leg on, took a flyer at the last but another clear round and felt much smoother so pleased with that. Photos show good position so pleased not forgotten that! Felt like we got good turns round the 2 tighter turns on the course and made a real effort to ride him in between fences and get the balance back. He landed on correct leg all the way round and it felt nice and smooth so couldn't ask for anything more.
Hatcam vid from round one (need to adjust angle of camera!)
So, 10days off due to snow and tonight was first time I've ridden him since the clear round! Did a good 10mins of walk warmup as not been ridden for so long. First trot felt rather ropy - poss even a bit wonky but not forwards or anything so difficult to tell. Probably first time he's trotted in 10days so not surprising really. Warmed up quite quickly though and so after a trot round on each rein on a long rein I picked him up and we did some sitting trot - walk - halt - sitting trot transitions. Well, this is a fabulous exercise - really got him sitting on his bum. Then moved on into some LY and SI which he did really nicely - staying soft and round whilst going sideways. Then felt I had the power to let him out into some lengthened strides - fabulous! Think it might have tired him out a bit though as moved on into canter work and he just felt a little flat - def need to up his fitness now ready for eventing in 6wks time! Still managed to do some good stuff though - did some canter squares to get him sitting on his bum round the corners then some canter-trot-canter and some canter-walk-canter. Right rein as always more challenging but it is improving all the time. Finally stretch down in trot both reins. Really pleased with him.
Off to Crofton Manor tomorrow for some arena hunter trial thing - should be fun - something a bit different!
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