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| Connor is too regal for this photography business. |
Some random CJF thoughts:
- On his canter: "His canter is phenomenal, so much better. He didn't have a canter when I first met you (May of 2012), he was the king of trantering. It's a testament to [you and trainer] that you have made so much progress with his canter, because it's a lot easier to improve a trot than a canter."
- He's a lot stronger in his body, and has a lot more "tools behind" to create that compact canter.
- "Balance first, then move". The canter has to be balanced first before you can go forward.
- On Geometry (video here, for those of you on RSS readers):
The first time I rode this line, it was good, but a little awkward at the purple gate because I took the first vertical slightly off to the side and rode a straight line instead of a dog leg to the gate. That video is the second attempt, after she explained to me that "With a careful horse, the geometry of your ride becomes very important." Basically, he's not just going to jump anything well from anywhere, he thinks so hard about where his feet are, that he is going to jump better with as much time to take the fence in as possible.
Another video clip - (normally I edit the sound out, but you can't hear much of anything in these besides instructions on where to go - CJF gives feedback after you've returned on XC)
One more - I get lost on this one. Can't be ballin' all the time!
So this weekend gave me the confidence to enter one final event this year, Jump Start HT at the KHP the last weekend of September. Anyone else going?
I can't see the videos :-(
ReplyDeleteThey should all be working now!
Deleteawesome - he is jumping so well and you guys look great together!! super excited you entered another event :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, me too! First time at the KHP.
DeleteGreat job!! Sounds like just the clinic you needed. Love how Connor is jumping across the fences so much better!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope it translates to scary new places!
DeleteHe is jumping SUPER well - all those spots look right in stride, up and over the fence. It's truly amazing what having a good, quality gait with a steady rhythm can do!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am ashamed... ASHAMED... that your bonnet does not match your pad. I think imma go cry now.
We were seeing distances really well that day, both of us. He felt great.
DeleteI KNOW! I forgot my black pad at home.
It looks like you two are nailing the distances, and he's jumping so well!
ReplyDeleteThanks! As long as he's in a confident mental state, we have an easier time with distances in the open field. It's always baffled me.
DeleteSuch a great clinic! Y'all look fantastic and keep getting better and better.
ReplyDeleteYou guys look awesome!
ReplyDelete