[Solly Jumper]

OK, so I didn't place that well. However... I accomplished a huge goal that will hopefully let me do well in OVPSC this year. I made all the strides. Yes, it was only one line, but who cares?!!?!? We started out in the flat eq. class. The judge said I would've placed 1st, but I messed up a lead, which brought me down to 5th (second last.) Then we moved on to the o/f portion. I felt me and Will did very well for where we were last year. I was a lot more relaxed, gave him his head, had a QUITE LEG (with heels down) through both rounds, and we got the 3-strides. So I am very, very happy with that. While we did place o/f, it was quite a big class, I think we still accomplished a lot. Now if we can just clean up the rest of the course, not just o/f, I think we could point chase this year. That's what I hope for anyway! Though I do just want to have a good time. Here are 3 videos of my rounds.

Warm-up round - missed the left lead, which I attempted to fix but he picked up the wrong one again... missed the last one as well, but since we weren't circling I didn't know if I should fix it or not... I'm really driving him with my arms a lot, I noticed that through the line because I was really trying to get the strides

First judged round - he got the lead change after the first jump, then switched, otherwise he got all the leads... but he really hates those corners! I tend to crank his head around and use my outside rein more than my inside leg, eek

Second judged round - I think over the second jump he did half a lead change and was disunited up to the line, but I can't really tell... after the second last jump we got the lead change, then about 3 strides before he changes back

Will was such a good boy. He was running out earlier with the little kids, which isn't really like him, though he does take advantage of you if you don't keep your leg on. It bugs me that my arms are flapping around a bit through my rounds!! I'm so pleased with him. Once we get our rounds a bit more cleaned up (not so rushed looking and fix those corners) I think we'll look so much better and it'll look a lot smoother. But not only that, I think Will and I have a stronger bond since when we first started working together. I knew instantly when I got on him that I'd just love him. I know this because even when he did refuse with me (in my first lesson on him!) and other refusals when I've fallen, I'm never scared to get back on and try again the next time. He's not as headshy with me anymore either (I'm not sure if it's shyness or he just doesn't like hands on his face) but now he lets me kiss his nose when he used to hit me in the face and he lets me rub his forehead. He also HAAATES having his mane pulled, they had to use a twitch on him the first time, so I used my friends dog groomer and he eventually got used to it and stood still. I'd like to try pulling his mane more often to see if he'll get used to it... maybe having it done more will help.

So, here's a question I have. We've gotten lead changes at shows before, obviously he knows how to do them, and he does even when I don't ask, but if he switches back right after like you saw do judges mark you down for that? I don't really know how to prevent it, perhaps holding him more would help?

EDIT: I just realized this videos are taking about a minute to load on Putfile, so be patient. Let me know if they don't work and I can put them on Photobucket.

Here's a cool picture I got of Will while he was relaxing after a long day. GHOST HORSE! Stay tuned for more pictures, I should be getting some from my friends dad next weekend.

[SilentSpring]

Omg Meaghan...that photo is insane aha. I love it!

I'm glad the show went well!! It sucks I couldn't make it out to watch...but I was at work all day. Maybe next time!!

[Buckshot]

NEAT pic!

Good job, glad he was a good boy for you.

[BarrelBaby18]

Great job!! he did so well!

[kellidahorsegirl]

OK OK since you said to be PATIENT...I'll try for a few minutes HAHA. The vids are NOT loading for me. Back in a few to let you know haha

[kellidahorsegirl]

Ok I have no patience and just watched the 2nd judged round REALLY liked your line on the left side coming toward the camera! So flowing and foward! Look at you go

Overall a nice quiet round...with lil quirks here and there that you were perfectly capable of noticing.

And something I wanted to add to tell you: I'm so proud of you for how open you are to other's suggestions. You realize that you're having 'issues' with certain things and are able to admit that and seek out the help you need. You also try your darndest to put it into action, and when it doesn't work for you, you ask more of the right questions until you DO get it. This is the KEY ingredient to getting somewhere with your horses and I know that you will get past all those oxers and be a star in no time because of the effort and humilty you demonstrate on a daily basis.

Good job!

[Feliche]

Hahaha that picture is CRAZY cool!! Did he pick his head up quickly or something? Awesome.

Congrats on doing so well! It's so wonderful when you're so happy with your horse that you don't give a rats patootie about anyone else

[Solly Jumper]

You guys are so awesome! And thanks so much Kelli, such kind words. I value everyones input so much, all the critiques I get on here help A LOT in my lessons. I think my biggest improvement right now is my leg! I think we can both agree on that.

[Solly Jumper]

Most of them aren't that great, but I did my best.



















Best for last!