Thankful for Homework
WallE and I ventured to McCullough Sport Horses this weekend. We rode with Molly Xanthopoulos on both Saturday and Sunday. Molly is based in Maryland and makes her way down to NC every two or so months. We have been riding with her for roughly two years and she has inspired us in a variety of ways. During our first lesson in 2020, WallE was hollow, spooky and unable to focus...our success was cantering one full circle. Since that time we have been inspired to work harder, practice more and create more consistency, so that when we do ride with Molly, we can work on new things.
I feel that this weekend, we accomplished that goal. WallE has been very forward the past few weeks, so it was surprising when he was relaxed and a little lethargic in the warm up. Molly could see I was struggling and having to use leg and whip to urge WallE forward without much success. To increase tempo without me increasing my energy, Molly had us continuously change directions. Circle to the left, change through the circle, start going across the diagonal, track left again, cross the short diagonal, half circle, etc. Constantly changing so that WallE became more alert. And...it worked. Within a few minutes WallE was moving forward on the bit at the trot.
Next Molly had us work on a circle with me looking over my outside shoulder. This helped me keep my outside aids steadier and made WallE more aware of the contact. We flexed slightly to the outside and had a few canter transitions. In the canter we worked on the tempo...1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3. WallE and I typically like to move slowly, so increasing the tempo and staying connected is an accomplishment.
She had us transition to the trot and lengthen the reins so WallE could stretch, then have a walk. After a short break, we recollected and worked on sharpening the walk/trot transitions until they were crisp and immediate. After the response time had improved, we played with leg yields, 10 meter circles and cantering, keeping the connection at the forefront of our minds.
On Sunday we traveled back to work on suppleness. Since the wind had picked up and temperature had dropped, I expected WallE to be a little wild, but he was focused (other than one tiny spook at nothing). Molly had me take up my reins so that they were short enough to maintain a connection (even if WallE was not round) and then return to my changing direction exercise. WallE responded very quickly and before long we were leg yielding in and out of the circle. Then we began to work on the shoulder in on the long sides before returning to the circle for a canter.
WallE was very responsive and attentive to my weight and leg aids. Molly had me focus on keeping my hands togther right above the withers and letting WallE figure it out. I have developed a habit of opening my hands and dropping them lower whenever WallE becomes fussy. With the reins short and hands together, he has nowhere to go but forward (I need to remember this).
Molly ended our lesson by suggesting that we do our leg yields and shoulder ins every time we ride, sharpening WallE's skill set. She also noted that we both have to commit to what we are doing and not doooo......iiiitttt.....soooo....sloooowlyy. When we decide to trot, it needs to be a trot immediately - same with canter, walk, leg yield and turning.
WallE was so much fun to ride this weekend. He felt well schooled and allowed me to relax my leg and work on my seat. It has been a journey, but I think we are both starting to understand dressage a little more and are thankful to have homework!
