Pace work

Wohooooooooo it was so scarey and exciting going to do pacework at the beach when a storm was coming in and it was full tide!! After Oliver's eyes went back into his head he went in the water and the waves didn't seem so scarey after all, he did get tired very quickly and start to lean on my hand and as he's big and heavy rather than try to pull him it the trick is to do a downward transition and then canter off again so he gets his hocks more underneath him. So nice having such a rhythmical horse.

Jen Hamilton Clinic

21/22nd Feb we went to Hunua (Angela Lloyd's place) and did a clinic with Jen Hamilton, she is awesome, i wish she came over more often, i also went last year with Tigger and for two such different horses she was great for both. Oliver was amazing, i couldn't have asked for more, he got a bit tired near the end on both days but for a horse that has had about 3 months work he is a star. He is so rhythmical and has good technique, Jen said he has got a lot of ability he just needs to get strong so he is more balanced and fit, she also said if we improve 2% a week by the time she is over next year we would have improved 100%. I am so motivated and inspired now and I love Oliver. He cracks me up with his personality which has taken me a while to understand but he is a tryer and loves to be doing stuff that he has to think about, infact he seems to find hacking rather boring. Off this weekend for a xcountry school at Te Rapa and some canter work tonight at Duder's Beach, i know i need more photos!! Will attempt to, got the first day of the clinic on video which was good to watch so will see if i can get some photos off that.

Second Phillip Lesson

Well Oliver went like a star last night, there was already huge improvement from the last lesson, much softer now and was more forward, I guess he's getting stronger and more balanced every time, he still gets tired near the end though so we give him a few breaks throughout the lesson, his left canter was even round and on the bit and in control, the right still needs a little more work, he runs a bit and doesn't want to be so round but it will come. His trot work really is lovely and he was so soft i just had to wiggle my fingers and he was through and light. Phillip said i need to be careful as just because he is a big solid horse he still doesnt have the strength yet so not to push him to much and listen and read the signs when he's had enough ie. the jumping when he starts to get a little strong, so think I may ease off on that until i get him going beautifully and balanced on the flat and he is stronger and then may go back to the jumping as we are in no rush and want to have fun positive times. Also from how he's jumped so far I can't see there being any issues and that's what he's bred for so...... Now i just have to decide weather the Jen Hamilton clinic next weekend may be too much for him, so contemplating pulling out, will have a think.