After championships, I was 1. Feeling kind of down, and 2. Desperately wanting to change something. So I asked my trainer if we could do full training for the month of November. Now that I am somewhat removed from that experience, I know we made progress last season, but it really didn't feel like it at the time.
Since then, we've had some really good rides and figured some things out. I learned some things about my body and about how to ride him, those will be written up probably from a hotel room this week. I'm feeling way less down about things than after championships.
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| Free bird! |
I went back and forth on whether to keep the full training month, but in the end, decided to go ahead with it. It surprisingly won't add a ton to my board bill (sigh), and I'm going to be traveling/working a LOT in November. It will give him consistency when he'd otherwise be sitting in a field, time without my crooked body on his back, and loads of time with my skilled trainer on his back. I've done half training before, and during/immediately after that month was some of our quickest progress. Here's hoping that happens again.
Full training is five sessions a week, any combination of lessons and training rides. As much as possible, she wants me to be there for the training rides to observe and listen as she talks through what she's doing. I'll still make all my usual trips out there, but may not even hack him. As much as possible, I want her to be either the one sitting on his back, or the one directing me as I sit on his back.
Here goes nothing!
I'm excited to hear how this opportunity goes for you!
ReplyDeleteMan, full training can be SO worth it. I hope it makes a big difference for both of you!
ReplyDeleteI think that it's a good plan. I just caught up on your show recap and I'm sorry that the judge was harsh in her comments. We all struggle to be better and it's hard to not have it recognized.
ReplyDeleteYay for continuing progress! And your bird is gorgeous 😍
ReplyDelete:) I think a solid month at boot camp will help you and him both a lot! Can't wait to hear more about it!
ReplyDeleteThat's exciting.
ReplyDeleteC is in half training right now and it is life changing for us. Perhaps not "show changing" just yet (oops), but definitely a huge step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear how it goes! I'm sure you'll make even more progress then you guys have been :)
ReplyDeleteExcited to see how it helps!
ReplyDeleteOoo lots of winter bootcamp for blog ponies!
ReplyDeleteExcited for you and Connor and what next year holds! Looking forward to the posts!
ReplyDeleteSometimes this is exactly the right decision!
ReplyDeleteI was just discussing with a friend how I wish I had access to a trainer that could ride my greenbean at least once a week. I am putting all the training on him, and we are struggling. I want to say I can do it all myself, and I have done so in the past with other horses, but this one has me a bit in the deep end and training rides would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteSo exciting, you guys will be unrecognisable next season 😄
ReplyDelete