Let's start with the halt. Both of these pictures are taken at the final halt in the test, but I want to look at them first as an overall snapshot of Courage's condition/tack at the time as well as my riding.
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| 2014 |
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| 2015 |
Which is to say he's had a complete tack overhaul and I didn't buy new clothes.
More importantly, look at how he's filled out and filled in--the whole picture is longer in the second photo as Courage continues to develop a sporthorse body. My position has started to become less defensive and more dressage-ish. I'm intrigued that his color is actually somewhat different as well.
Then we walk:
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| 2014 |
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| 2015 |
You may notice that my reins are habitually too long. I don't think either picture is bad, but Courage looks so much soft and pleasant in the second shot. Why is my left hand doing that? BECAUSE REASONS.
For a little reference, in 2014, Courage was closing in on a year off the track. Now we're full-steam-ahead towards two. I think the derby was the only show we actually went to last year? We talked about others, but life circumstances were not permitting.
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| 2014 |
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| 2015 |
These angles are a little harder to just compare straight across, but I love how much more Courage is moving across the ground now, rather than up and down over it. It's hard to see if you don't zoom in, but his mouth is open and resisting in picture 1, while he's actually started to close it most some of the time now.
Yes, my position is different in part because of the dressage saddle, but more importantly, dressage lessons have been HUGE for both of us.
So... Progress has been crazy slow and uninspiring, but look! We're getting somewhere. Eventually.
You look great! 2 thumbs up for Dressage lessons.
ReplyDeleteWhat a transformation! Courage definitely looks more like a racehorse in last year's pictures, and much more a sporthorse in this year's pictures! Great job, keep up the dressaging :)
ReplyDeleteHe looks so good, as do you! :)
ReplyDeleteI think the biggest transformation (especially in the halt photos) is how relaxed he is in the second photo! That is awesome.
ReplyDeleteProgress might be slow but it is anything but uninspiring! I love this post, you should be so proud of how far he's come. He looks like a happier, healthier, more athletic horse in every photo.
ReplyDeleteHe looks so much more relaxed and attuned! Great job.
ReplyDeleteBoy has he changed! I really love the difference in relaxation. He is much more relaxed in mind and body, like he understands his job now and is so attentive to you! Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteI concur with noticing a huge chance in overall relaxation. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHuge improvement in the trot. Great pictures!
ReplyDeleteHe looks super chill and relaxed! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteWow. He looks amazing. I have to say, may times when people post progression photos, I don't always see a big difference. Not yours.
ReplyDeleteCourage's transformation is remarkable. This year's photos show so much development. His body has changed so much. He really looks like a sporthorse - mentally and physically.
You have a LOT to be proud of. Huge improvement.
Love comparison pics! You both are right on track and progressing nicely - great job!
ReplyDeleteSo much more relaxed! That 2015 trot is lovely :)
ReplyDeleteYou have to give a lot of credit to yourself, here. Your position has improved dramatically in the past year, as is clear from those pictures, and that's a lot of the reason why Courage is going so much better. Don't sell yourself short, you look great up there! A relaxed, correct rider makes a relaxed, correct horse. And everybody's inside hand wants to do that, it's just something you have to consciously avoid at all times. If you're a visual person, think about never allowing your hands to come behind the saddle pad. If you're more physical, tie a pice of baling twine to the d-rings on the pommel of your saddle and loop the pinky of your inside hand onto it. It will feel totally awkward for awhile, but you'll eventually retrain your body to think of that position as normal.
ReplyDeletethe entire picture is so much nicer now - nice work!
ReplyDeleteExcellent progress. All the frustration is worth it when you can see such progress. Training horse is not an easy road. Each horse demands his own methods of training and figuring all of that out takes a long time. We must always remember they are living, breathing creatures with minds of their own. We speak a foreign language to them and it's up to us to fry to find out how to communicate our meaning and encourage them to agree with us. Now, just try that with other people and see how far go and how fast you get there.
ReplyDeleteSuch relaxation change!
ReplyDeleteHe looks great!
ReplyDeleteHe looks like a super fancy dressage pony
ReplyDeleteLOVE THIS POST! Wow it really shows all the progress you've made. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWhat I notice immediately is that in 2014 you both look like individuals who happen to be in the same space but not communicating. In 2015 you both are communicating and all his attention is on you and the task at hand.
ReplyDeleteYou guys look great! I really like that 2015 trot picture.
ReplyDeleteI hope you look long and hard at these photos because even though you feel like the progress is super slow... there are HUGE differences even I see!! Your hard work is paying big dividends here and I'm so, so so happy for you and PROUD!
ReplyDeleteWhat a change! You guys look amazing, definitely more in sync and he's filled out so much. He looks relaxed and confident in what you're asking. Yay progress! Especially given how things have been going recently.
ReplyDeleteI can see a lot of positive change!! And I feel you on the left hand... Mine has a mind of its own I swear.
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