...jumping bareback for the first time on Sunday!
Yeah, it's not huge, and in fact, I almost lowered it before I started before I came down with a massive case of YOLO and just went for it. I checked in with all of the concepts from our lesson on Saturday and then decided against drilling him again. He worked hard physically, he clearly got the concepts, we haven't jumped in six weeks.
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| Where I parked him while I lowered the second element of the line to a ground line. Also, if you're wondering why he looks like a Thelwell pony, I'm training his mane over with the help of his neck blanket and letting it grow out until my first spring outing, or my trainer can't take it anymore. |
And judging by the way his ears pricked every time he approached the line, I would say it was a good decision for both of us!
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| Dramatic reenaction of the pricked ears, but also, someone got creative with the Dressage cones. If only we were on a beach and not in the land of -6 F this week... |
sounds like lots of fun! I have always wanted to jump bareback, or just ride bare back for that matter but i've never had the guts to do it!
ReplyDeleteYou should, it's fun! I used to be scared of it, but not anymore.
DeleteHow very fun! And I feel you on the cold weather...blech. I think I could handle it if the wind would just cease!
ReplyDeleteYeah...we're under a wind chill advisory the next few days. Not fun.
DeleteJumping bareback always feels easier than I think it is. For me and Pig, it's always more about being able to ride out the exuberance on the other side of the fence ...
ReplyDeleteYeah, that is not one of my problems.
DeleteSo fun! I have not jumped Dino bareback ever... he has suck a back-cracking jump that I'm scared I'll just pop right off!
ReplyDeleteI set the fence low enough that there was no back cracking, except for one. It was actually really interesting to feel his back move like that underneath me.
DeleteI usually either get the half-hearted trot-over, or a CRACK. But maybe I'll have to put on my big girl pants and just do it!
DeleteSo fun! As a teen I was too laxy to saddle my horse so I rode barebavk every single day. My horses now are a bit too squirrelly for this now! Maybe in the summer lol
ReplyDeleteI understand that, I definitely wouldn't do it with every horse in the winter!
DeleteI have never jumped bareback, it seems scary to me! Maybe I'll gather the courage to set up a tiny xrail one day...
ReplyDeleteIt seemed scary to me too! Just couple of years ago I would curl up into the fetal position while being lunged at the canter bareback. You can do it!
DeleteWahoo! I've only jumped Fancy Pony a few times bareback. I need to start upping the ante!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun!
DeleteCongrats!! I've still too much of a weenie to try jumping bareback... lol
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! Not so long ago I couldn't even canter bareback.
DeleteEee! Fun! I am really trying to ride bareback more often, but haven't even considered jumping like that.
ReplyDeleteI probably wouldn't have, but two months of bareback Dressage does get tedious. Do it!
DeleteI've jumped a few times bareback, but I think I did it before we were both ready. We need a bit more control before I can think about it again. That being said, I know a 5 year old who can jump over 3' bareback with great form, and another teenage who jumps 4' or so bareback with little effort. I envy them haha.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's not for every horse at every stage, good for you for recognizing it. Don't you wish you had the cojones of a kid?! I want to be made of rubber again.
Deletegreat on you for jumping it bareback! bareback anything is tough so it's certainly a testament to your seat and balance.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I almost bit it once, but generally stayed on!
DeleteHis tail is divine!
ReplyDeleteGlad you've noticed - I've been working on it even though I can't wash it. Review of a new product coming soon!
DeleteI used to jump bareback in highschool, but my succession of OTTBs really hasn't convinced me that bare backs are comfortable backs. I guess I'm unlikely to slide off the side and would most likely just split down the middle?
ReplyDeleteYeah...if I didn't have a roly poly pony I'd think twice about it. One of my riding finals in college was bareback on a Thoroughbred mare they struggled to keep weight on that semester...ouch.
DeleteGo you! I've jumped bareback a few times, but it has been YEARS and obviously never on Simon.
ReplyDeleteDo it!! It's like riding a bike, or at least that's what I'm going to say, since I have only done it once and haven't had the opportunity to forget yet. ;-)
Deletewoo hooo bareback all the things!!! glad you had fun! i was surprised at how secure i felt too - definitely something i want to repeat!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! It's a good confidence builder.
DeleteBest use of dressage cones ever!
ReplyDeleteLol - that statement would be more appropriate coming from someone who DIDN'T like Dressage...
DeleteYay good for you! Honestly, I don't understand what the general scardiness over bare back is. I mean, I do understand, but I guess I just don't GET it. Start small, get comfortable, and GO FOR IT. It's fun!! So good for you :)
ReplyDeleteI think that's a good point. I used to be terrified of it and have very slowly pushed my boundaries with it over the past five years. Going slow is key!
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