brasstackminis
Well-Known Member
So I have been racking my brain with what to do with my shetland. I have been working on getting him to a point where he can compete in CDEs. He is so reactive and high headed, but really smart. He really reminds me of the Arabians I have owned and trained (I love my Arabs). I am constantly working on trying to get him to relax, travel in a more level headed manner, not with his nose above his ears and his back all hollow!
So today I had an epiphany! I have trained many Arabians and succeeded in Dressage with them. How? Training. What did I do? Side reins and round penning before I rode them. I remembered teaching my gelding with a high neck set to streatch...I can teach him!
DUH!
The driving trainers I have gone to clinics with him have said, "this horse does not need to be any more fit. He needs an education!" I agreed, but still just was basically putting more miles on him.
All of the sudden I realized that he needed to teach himself, with my guidance, how to carry himself in the frame I am looking for. I acted like he was my 16.2hh warmblood/arab gelding and lounged him in side reins. I marveled as I watched my stiff and nervous little black horse begin to relax and carry himself like one of my big Dressage horses. I actually saw him in my mind in the classic black and white Dressage bridle with his legs wrapped only smaller, like he was afar off. My little Dutch harness horse...so handsome! I wanted to ride him! He was so different!
I realize that he needs to build up different muscles and change some muscle memory, but now I have a plan. Treat him like a horse! It is so funny how easily I forgot that! I will try to get some before the exercise and during the exercise pics so others can marvel in my forgetfulness! LOL
The driving trainers I have gone to clinics with him have said, "this horse does not need to be any more fit. He needs an education!" I agreed, but still just was basically putting more miles on him.