As we all know, Charlotte is 100% full Clydesdale, however yesterday during our ride I could have sworn I was riding a Thoroughbred ...
Charlotte normally gets 2 days off, Sunday and Monday, so I knew going out to the barn that she may be a little "fresh". I don't know if it was the cold weather, 2 days off, or her new found love for the Alfalfa added to her diet or a mixture of both. Charlotte was crazy!
Our normal Tuesday is spent getting back in the swing of things with her usual "Monday morning" work through. Like most of us we dread Monday. Not this Clydesdale! Usually I have to persuade her to move forward and under her self ... Not yesterday! Walking was a challenge to keep her slow and steady without pacing, trotting felt like riding a jack hammer or a llama. Our transitions were like a the first time teaching a new driver how to accelerate and break! Don't get me started on all the "spooky monsters" around every corner.
After many failed attempts of stretching circles and trying to get her to relax, she continued to strut her stuff like a camel in the desert. So we started cantering.... get a little energy out changing up our canter patterns, making her really use her brain. Slowly but surly she started to relax but we had a while to go. Along with all of her new found muscle and tools on how to use and support her body, comes the much added strength! And with the added strength came a few pretty high bucks from the draft horse!
Jenny, our trainer and savior! walked into the arena just in time to see Charlotte at her best. After the nice comment from her, making me feel confident in all the things she has taught me. However, I needed help! Confiding in Jenny she suggested lots of canter, and then start adding in leg yielding at the canter. I had to stop and think about this, my Clydesdale doing leg yielding at the canter? Can she even move that big butt over like that??? "if she wants to act like a thoroughbred, treat her like a thoroughbred". Make her brain work, use that energy and harness it in your canter work. Charlotte quickly got in the swing of things and really enjoyed the new challenge. Soon, we were back on the road to success.
After lots of cantering and multiple beautiful leg yields, she finally started to relax and "blow out" and look like a normal horse. Not a fire breathing dragon! We ended our very educational ride with a cool out up on the track in the trees. Half way around the old track it started snowing. Thinking about the things I did that worked and the things I could have done better, makes me really enjoy Charlotte's spunk. She is not the typical draft horse that will babysit and carry you along the way, she will challenge you and voice her opinions on different matters. She has a very unique personality and I wouldn't want anything different.
So now since I got all the wiggles out of her, I'm hoping she will be perfect for Jenny's schooling today! It's very refreshing to have a trainer you can talk to about your struggles, one whom will keep those in mind while she rides. Jenny has helped improve my skills along with Charlotte's by riding her once a week. I'm still learning and trying to teach Charlotte was a challenge sometimes. Jenny is able to ride Charlotte, show her what the aids mean while teaching me how to properly apply the aid. I am beyond greatfull for the partnership and friendship between the three of us!
" All bonds are built on trust, with it you have nothing"
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