riding Raven

[flambards]

Some walk/trot/canter schooling. I knew he was rather upright in his headset, but I didn't know the extent of it until I saw the video! Will definitely keep working on it. Any other advice always welcome (I know I'm nagging too much with my legs).

YouTube- Raven

Will post some pics later, too.

[sparkey]

He looks a bit stiff behind in trot and canter. Has she got anyone to see his back recently? He looks very sweet though and you ride him well.

[Anni~Bell]

Agree with sparkey he does look quite stiff behind. He just looks like hes not using it at all and its just dragging behind him. Really need to engage the trot and the canter once his back has been looked at :)

[flambards]

Interesting - I think what can be a little confusing (and I know I sound like a broken record) is that he's 17 years old and they tried to get him to move literally vertically in his stride his entire life for saddleseat. He moves really up and down, but compared to the other Morgans he has quite a long and low stride, and it has gotten longer since he's started to relax a little in his frame. I would be a little more concerned if he was uneven in his stride, but to my eyes he looks even in both directions and on all 4 legs: just short and really upright.

I will definitely feel him over for soreness tonight and if I feel anything at all I'll suggest a vet. Thanks!

[a11gac]

I thought he looked very nice - yes maybe a little stiff but you only showed us 2 minutes worth so if that was at the beginning maybe he started to come through after that? If not maybe just needs to push t hrough a little more but I like hiom. Very nice.

Question (hope I dont get shot down in flames as only asking) but why doesnt everyone's first comment is get the back checked? Surely first comment would be about the riding, are you pushing him through enough etc before its a problem with the horses back? Sorry, hope it doesn't sound rude as not wanting to be but reading so many posts its always check the back first before anything else.

Anyway back to topic - nice horse - hope you post more video's.

[Christine]

Stunning horse, looks lovely to ride.
C x

[amandaco]

lovely horse
he needs to be a lot softer in his back and track up better as he is tense and stuffy. he possibly looks stiffer on the left hind.
nice rhythm in the work though and the balance is ok.
making the flexation of the neck more pronounced will help him to bring his inside hind underneath more and round his back. remember to release the outside rein a little to allow the bend.
there are a few times when he is not bending around corners at all, especially in the canter where he is looking outwards. and a few where he is moving his head from side to side- usually caused by following the riders hands.
practice bending, straightening and counter bending him in walk trot and canter on the outside track and on different size circles to loosen his back up.
also trotting and cantering on a bit in forward seat will help.
also some leg yeilds will help him to move away from the leg and then around the leg in the corners and through into the bridle more.
also some smaller circles with changes of rein will be very good.
bringing his neck lower for most of the warm up work and during the session will also help. you should be able to place his neck where you want without tension or resistance.
he needs to walk with more purpose and stretch into the bridle more- doing some trot-walk-trot or canter-walk-canter work will help keep the walk more active- if you feel him dropping off in the walk, rather than nag him with the leg, make a transition.
i like him and you ride nice and quietly.

[Zeitgeist Mom]

I really like him, and I like the way he carries his head. I would say he just needs more 'oomph' from behind as he is lacking a bit in impulsion.

[My Crazy Clan]

I really like him xxx