Make me a Liar
So if you follow along on facebook or instagram (@redheadlins) you know that I've been jumping Prisoner. A couple weeks ago something new (to me) and magical and french arrived in the mail. It felt so magical that I decided I would pop over a few jumps with the floofy pony, no pressure, just for fun. I thought he might enjoy the change of pace after 4.5 months of nothing but dressage. Well...he was freaking fantastic!
Like no big deal
I started out trotting over some cross rails and little verticals, he felt so great I up and decided to canter around a turn to this oxer. He just cantered right up to it, no rushing, no head in the air, no sideways, two times in a row. I promptly cooled him out while grinning like a loon. In fact he felt so good that I brought him to a jump lesson the next week. I went with the plan that if he wanted to jump then cool beans and if he didn't than no worries I would just keep calling him a dressage horse. It was a whole cauldron full of cool beans.
Don't mind us, just flying
It was practically magical (apparently this is today's theme). We were forward, straight, and honest. I think that our months of dressage gave him a chance to get more trained, gave the both of us a chance to work through some baggage that we had with each other, and I really think it also gave him a chance to heal from some underlying body soreness.
Bold as can be
It was an amazing feeling to be jumping this horse and feeling all this training that I have put in with him and have it all click. I was actually able to trust him and I think he felt like he could trust me. I worked hard to not sing 'climb every mountain' (sound of music) all week and keep any sneaky hopes and dreams at bay. One good jump session does not a Prelim horse make. I went for another lesson yesterday and it was not quite as magical, but still pretty great.
Saddle pad spoiler alert
Aimee even came and took video and pictures. I started out slightly worked up for who knows what reason, but then we settled and had some great jumps. Prisoner attempted some drama at one point (at a cross rail after already being fine with verticals, oxers, and flowers) but I didn't play into it and we quickly moved on.
Watchful coach and her trusty sidekick cat
He was a bit zoomy, but we still felt like a team and that was a great feeling. I'm going to keep jumping him, not putting pressure on myself, and see where this goes. I love adventures!
Let's just stare at my leg
Side note here, it is possible that I never want to ride in a non french saddle ever ever again.
