Schooling in the field this evening

[Aeia]

Legged it down the yard as soon as I finished work this evening and took Neo down to the bottom field to do some schooling. We haven't worked much down there before as he never really used to settle. Tonight there was no wind and 2 of his field mates were also being worked in the field so he had company.

I've been working on our walk and trot downhill. The field is on a slight slope and we were finding it hard to balance on the downhill bit of schooling. Neo would tend to fall onto his forehand, rush and become unbalanced, fall in and we'd end up in a mess. I've started some sitting trot as I'm probably more balanced as due to my weak leg I know I'm a bit off centre in rising trot.

I think he's finally working out how to use his rear end. Its not come naturally to him as he was weak behind, is built croup high and quite straight through his hind legs. But I think its finally twigged in his head he needs to use them for balance!

Onto the pics


warming up.. I'm sat a little back here but this is the downhill side


more warming up


keep that balance.. I use the balance strap for me in trot as it helps me balance and ensures I don't pull on his mouth


Quick break.. ignore my face!!


Some nice trot..


Stretchy time.. although I expect this was a stretch and then if she gives me chance I'll have a nice mouthful of this yummy ungrazed grass!


A mess.. unbalanced!


Nice extended trot.. I think we were just working on straight line trotting here


A bit more chill out time


Sitting trot and he really looks like he's tucked his bum under here


Have we finished yet!

Cookies for those that got to the end. I've got some vids I may post but they take an age to upload!

Comments on both of us welcome!

Andrea

[Tiaki]

He is looking super, much more in proportion and he has filled out loads to when I last saw pics of him

xxx

[Aeia]

His bum muscle is finally catching up with his shoulders. I think its now reached a strength where he finds he can use it rather than being on the forehand. I noticed hacking the other day when we come back down a fairly steep field it felt so much better. Not choppy and uncomfortable but much more comfortable to ride so I think he was engaging his rear rather than just falling onto his front feet all the way down.

[classic astra]

its mad to think that when u was buying him u were doubting your ability to bring him on!

you done a fab job, he is lovely!!x

[My Crazy Clan]

lovely photos, he looks good!

[chelle83]

You both look to be doing well. I remember your post when he was at a different yard and you were getting lessons on him, is that correct? Are you still having lessons?

He looks a lot more in proportion.

[fell lover]

He is deffo looking more mature!! Well done x