Flexion: 50% legs, 50% hands
I noticed recently that I was only using my hands with Leo in vertical flexion, so I’ve been working on using my legs as well and it was pretty frustrating for a while. Here’s the trouble I’m having at times. Say he’s at a trot and I want him to yield to the bit and drop his head. But when I bump with my legs and “jiggle” the bit, he thinks I mean to speed up and yield to the bit. So then I’d go back to just the bit.
I like that slow jog of his, but it virtually disappears into a bone jarring speed trot when I use my legs. I was about to throw in the towel, but the last few rides I’ve noticed that if I bump just a little with my legs he drops his head and keeps his slow pace. It doesn’t work all the time, but I think we’re getting the hang of it.
I got to ride on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday we rode in the rain but today was just beautiful out. The spurs are really making a difference with his responsiveness on his left side. I actually went and picked up a pair of my own. I’ll post a picture sometime this week. They have a really flat clover rowel on them, which is probably best for a couple of beginners like us.
This weekend the equine dentist is coming to check out Leo’s teeth. I’m looking forward to it. I haven’t mentioned it to Leo. No need to make him stress all week about the consequences of cavities.
