If nothing else, check out the rider's face... :)
But as the photographer friend said, "It's not the faces you pull but the feeling you have."
We haven't jumped for weeks, so nerves show. However, I intend to keep it regular now as potentially taking part in a competition in Dec.
Riding bitless also has no adverse effects on steerability or anything! Very pleased.
Things are going well with Rainbow. Our weeks consist of flatwork, hacking and occasional jumping. I feel at the moment that I don't have much to report on... And also I am aware readers possibly want some juicy problems and or some exciting picture collages...
I am aware it is boring to write about how wonderful hacks we have – we now canter or gallop on most hacks ... On Sunday, I felt we did most of our route to Wääksy and back in trot or canter. Rainbow jumped over a big puddle as we cantered with our friends, on a road between two fields, towards Wääksy... I stayed on. She didn't buck. She just cantered, listened to me and we felt the wind in our hair. The day was sunny. We saw five swans landing across the fields into another field. On the way back I actually whooped and said "Go, go, go!" (yes, in English) to Rainbow as we galloped on a forest road.
I have ridden Rainbow bitless, except on hacks when I think we might be galloping a lot... I don't know why – I guess I need to build my confidence on it. But in school she goes like a dream. I am improving too and she works in collection. I can now produce that with her. All I need to do is sit correctly, relax and let her relax into me...
The other day, I rode bitless and with a bareback pad. At 8am in the morning. There was no one else at the yard. The school sand had been levelled, so we were the first ones to make our marks on it. Is there anything lovelier than the hoof print of a barefoot horse on slightly damp sand?
So, this is my life with Rainbow.
... Are in my view made of getting up early and riding out with friends, galloping through a forest....
Apologies of the relative lacklustre selection of posts here of late, I am having a really busy time with work and I have also started studies again, doing an MBA, so all the time I have with Rainbow is dedicated to enjoying her and keeping me sane! We are currently getting ready for the autumn and winter season... And as it's our first Finnish winter, I am sure I will soon again have something to write about :) ... Don't give up on me yet!
