Boomerang XC and SJL MW dressage 29-04-16

Last minute XC schooling before Badders.  Was meant to be at Attington but they had closed due to bad ground so we re-routed to Boomerang.  Not ideal as really wanted to practice the hanging log coffins on slopes at Attington.  Boomerang had some good jumps into water though and those horrid shaped skinny brushes so still worth going.  He was really great over 2 skinny brushes in a straight line after an oxer, jumping over actual jumps with drops into water, popping over the ditches, 2 skinnies on a left turn round a tree etc.  We finished with the 2 skinny shaped brushes.  The only time I tried to jump these previously was 2yrs previously trying to practice for Badminton and I fell off at first attempt and never tried again!  They were on a curving 5 strides tucked into a hedge line near a corner he was napping towards the horsebox so not ideal but he jumped them brilliantly on the left rein with the skinny bit to the right - foot perfect.  On the right rein he jumped the first one fine but I just couldn't get him to turn right and still had too much hold of his head when we got to the 2nd one so he ran out last minute and I ended up on the floor.  Not the best confidence giver right before Badminton.  We had another run out just trying to jump the 2nd one before finally getting over it.  Problem is I try and turn him too much from the rein and then he falls out through the left shoulder and I end up pulling on his mouth too much by the time we reach the fence.  He's not honest enough to jump if there's a way out to the left and I haven't set him up spot on.  It was still good practice though and really highlights that is something I need to work on.

Went back to Merrist Wood for an evening lesson with Sara Jane.  Wouldn't normally do both on one day but limited time to fit everything in with work getting in the way.  He actually went really well.  Ran through the Badminton test and he was lovely and forwards.  Need to remember to sit up and ride forwards.  Also practiced tempi changes and half canter piris.  Tempi changes just need to be straighter.  Canter piris need to work on not starting them with the quarters in.  The shoulders must come round first.  This is quite a difficult concept as he is sure his bum should go first and he does this in walk too so need to start correcting it better in walk if we're going to sort it in canter.  Really pleased with the effort he is putting in though - he's trying so hard!