4-12-11 What a fun day! Lordy put so much effort into our play session today. It was quite motivational! We started with a warm up and to engage mentally and emotionally on the 22 foot line. Our focus was the power of neutral. We played on the 22 foot circle with focus on Lordy's responsibilities. His canter is really developing. At one point when I was in neutral as he passed behind by back he did the most fluid change with a flying change and his expression was priceless. You would have thought he just got away with something big!
After that we took off the halter and played stick to me at liberty. The arena had numerous stadium jumps set up. One cross rail and the rest straight rails about 2 - 2.5 feet. At my suggestion Lordy jumped the cross rail. His energy came up and I played with increasing his draw to me after the fence at both trot and canter. I proceeded to suggest a straight rail and as Lordy approached at the canter he slid the brakes on at last moment.... stopping dead in front of the jump. I paused and then started to quietly suggest he back up some to take another attempt and he backed up 2 steps and then proceeded to trot off and around the jump picking up the canter and went straight over the cross rail then looped back to me. He had an expression on his face that said..... I didnt think I could do that one jump but look I can do this one... It was so funny... priceless! We then played some more and he did jump everything with such a great attitude and off the slightest suggestion from me. He partnered up beautifully. I owe his love of jumping to Parelli. He had NEVER been jumped before starting our journey in PNH. Everything he has learned he has learned naturally. He outwardly shows how much he "wants" to jump! There is never a "make" moment...... It is such a wonderful feeling when you see your partner offer so much all on their own. I am looking forward to doing a natural liberty spotlight at the May Parade of Barns Tour!
No comments:
Post a Comment