I Did It!

Yep. I dragged out the jump standards.

I set a cross rail and a vertical. However, since the lowest hole on the standard is higher than I was comfortable with, I quickly opted for two crossrails. After all, we haven't jumped in ages. More importantly, if I'm ever going to be comfortable jumping higher, I need to be comfortable jumping tiny little things.

An aside: I hate my jump saddle. Even just walking, I feel like I'm going to pitch off over Izzy's shoulder or slide down her neck. I thought I could just suck it up, but now I'm less convinced. Still no saddle hunt luck, though. Also haven't had time for wither tracings.

Anyways. Izzy remained lovely and forward as we did series of transitions to work on our coordination and responsiveness. We even had a canter-halt within two or three strides.

She loves jumping and thought the little crossrails (probably 18") were ridiculous. I felt better though--I could comfortably trot in and canter out without feeling like I was too dangerous.

Progress made towards one goal. I don't think I'm going to make the dressage lesson goal, though. I haven't heard back from the instructor and I'm quickly running out of April.

Interesting side note: I rode Izzy in our normal jump bridle, not the Micklem.

Since I got a happy mouth bit to play with, I'm back to having a bit for each bridle.

Anyways. I haven't noticed any particular difference in her way of going between bridles, BUT after I took her jump bridle off yesterday, she proceeded to rub her head all over the fence and then come up and have me scratch it.

Interesting... I'll have to ride in the Micklem next time and see if I come up with a similar result.