Moray Clinic

So... here it is. My Clinic Report. On Saturday, March 21st, I had my first lesson in... goodness... almost five years. What can I say? Moving, building, horse shopping, and family have taken some time.

I ended up riding Tokaj at the clinic. After trying out my good friend Tammy's mare again, I realized that I would need a few rides on her to know her "buttons" and since the clinic was a week away... it wasn't feasible to get enough time on her. Also, Miss Tokaj was doing 100% better and I had gotten some nice rides on her so I decided to take her and just let Moray know that she was having some issues with arthritis.

I was very excited about the clinic. It has been a long time coming. The morning of the clinic I pushed away my nerves and went determined to just have fun.

I explained to Moray about our difficulties and he asked me to show him some of our regular work so he could see what was going on. After we finished walking, trotting, and cantering both directions we approached Moray to get the verdict. And he said: ... What would make you satisfied? Most people would have a ride like that and be quite happy with it. It must be something you are feeling that feels wrong because it looked good.

My response? I cried. Sigh. How unprofessional. At least it wasn't loud BOOO HOOING or anything, but the tears just came. I have a lot invested in these horses, and perhaps too many of my dreams. It all seemed so hopeless just a little over week before.

So we got down to work on our dressage and improved things to the point that I am looking forward to a dressage schooling show next month. We learned that we needed to be more forward, and that Tokaj is strong enough to carry herself more in a dressage horse way (big chargy energetic horse), and that I needed to insist when I ask her to go forward in a certain speed that she know it is her job to continue and not have to be "nagged" to keep it up. I learned that I collapse at the waist to the inside at canter, and some fun exercises can really help that and thus help Tokaj really step under herself and get a nicer canter outline.

All in all, it was a big boost that I desperately needed. I learned so much that I am going back tonight for another lesson before Moray departs and I am left in the trainerless void again. Thankfully, Tammy caught our lesson on video for future reference.

Another nice development is with Savannah. Thanks to the beautiful Spring weather, Savannah and I have had some time to work. She is under saddle, going forward at the trot, and is even beginning to understand rein contact and to stretch into the bridle a bit. Her trot also is a surprise in it's non-Quarterhorsey springiness and nice overstep. She is the easiest horse I have ever started under saddle, and I have had some easy ones including her brother Bailey. No question though... she is the easiest. I feel the need to test her some by trailering her somewhere and seeing how she is away from home. A crazy idea that I am mulling over is the enter her into the Dressage Schooling Show with Tokaj. After around 12 rides? That would be something.

Well, enjoy the nice weather!
P~