Started with a session on the gallops. It was quite warm which always makes for a lazy Monty. We managed a 6.5min gallop at a consistent 510mpm after some steadier warmup canters though so that was good as that's how long we're going to need to gallop at Badminton.
After a few hours rest we had a shared XC lesson with Philippa and the lovely Jack. Chris was out to test what we were made of. Started with a gentle warmup but then upped the anti with tackling a decent oxer on the left hand angle which he made easily. Then taking the skinny brush on an angle. Right was no problem but he ran out to the left. It was a stupidly acute angle but he did it fine to the right so should have been fine to the left but he was never really straight or locked on so round we went. He then reared vertical when told off for it. Came round and jumped it again with Chris holding the flag out but not quite what we were aiming for. Chris got on and jumped the big saw bench I had refused to jump (serious Novice fence that one!) and then did the brush on the angle. He said as I long as I get straight, put left spur on and commit to going over then he is fine! Easy for him to say.
Moved on to the water. First we jumped the trakehner and then the massive house on an angle then back round, over the 2 houses 4 strides apart then one stride and log into water, 4 strides to step out and he just zoomed into the water without any hesitation - so proud! Then we did the big skinny house and through the water, up the step and supposedly over the big house on 3 strides. First time fell up the step as went on a long one. Second time managed the step but no momentum. Third time lucky, up the step but no way could he make 3 strides so just let him pop to it on 4 and he made it feel easy.
slow mo version:
Then we jumped the corner from left and right and a skinny on the left angle. Not great at the corner - just find them so hard to see a flipping stride to. Is driving me mad at the moment! No hint of a run out though at least.
Finally we did ditch, 3 strides to skinny house and round to our makeshift coffin with a SJ either side of the ditch on one stride. He popped through both ways no problems so finished there. He is a frustrating horse - so much jump but that cheeky left run out keeps coming to get us. Really need to remember to keep him together round the corners, get him straight and channel him forwards.
skinny brush:
oxer on the angle:
skinny house before water:
No comments:
Post a Comment