Wizard Rides 243 & 244: I’m Into Something Good

Wednesday, 6/8/11

Something good is happening with Wizard. Actually, a lot of good things are happening. This spring, he has really turned a corner and seems to really like working with me. He was always willing, but now I’m seeing him act in a more affectionate manner. And under saddle, we’re solidifying the beginnings of a great team. I’m feeling him taking contact on the bit WAY more than he was even a few months ago. He is bold and responsive. We rode outside under the lights on a VERY hot night. I took it easy with him, and our ride was really nice. We worked on our usual transition sets, walk, trot, transitions within the gaits, halt, a little canter work, and some lateral work.

Thursday, 6/9/11

I really enjoyed reading Sinead Halpin’s COTH blog entry about finding a rhythm and committing to it. I need to keep that in mind while jumping Wizard. I set up a cross-rail to a tiny vertical, with a 9-foot placing pole in front of the cross-rail. There were four strides between the two jumps. The first time through was one of the best, with me committing to a rhythm and Wizard gamely riding the line. I worked on the line a few more times, and when I tried to micro-manage the jumps or distances, Wizard lost confidence. He read my every thought and responded. It’s very zen, this jumping thing. Carole gave a little impromptu advice through the lines as we did the jumps a few more times. We kept it short and sweet in the hot weather. She was really impressed with the progress we have made in our flatwork. And Wizard’s owner saw us riding and said Wizard looked “phenomenal”. I’m so proud of The Wiz!