I got Jackson out for about an hour. We
worked some of that time on the lunge line.
I was trying to get him to lift the base of
his neck and round his back. I did this by
using the endo stick. I would tap his belly
in time with his inside foreleg. When I do
this he often extends his stride and you can
see him lift the base of his neck. The first
10 times or so that I was able to see him
lift the base of his neck, I clicked and
rewarded him. After that, he started to
offer it on his own, which I rewarded!
I was very happy with how he worked on the
lunge line. He was starting to reach much
farther forward with his hind legs. I am not
quite sure where to go with that, but I
think I will just try to get him much more
consistent with lifting his back.
I then rode him for a bit and I felt like he
offered to lift his back much more than he
ever had before. However, at the trot, it is
a lot bumpier and I find I tense up and
bounce! I will just have to work on my seat
and try not to bang his back too much.
I also worked him a little bit at the
canter. I was working on speed control. I
was pretty pleased with how he did. I would
also tap the inside shoulder when I felt he
had dropped it. I am sure I was only doing a
mediocre job, but I think it will help.
One thing I have found is that as I am
learning more about how the horse moves,
collects, and all that, I am more sensitive
to what Jackson is doing. I was noticing all
those times when he throws up his head and
hollows his back. I noticed it both on the
lunge line and while riding.
