Finaly figured him out

Well I think I finaly figured out Lucas. Today we only did troting and walking and cantering. No leg yeilds, no hip in, no pushing him to round though his ribcage more than what a 20 meter circle would do.

And he was great. No stoping, no flinging of the head, no stomping of the feet. He just went and did his job. Maybe we will be ready for show season after all. Maybe instead of trying to make him into what I want I need to ride him the way that works. I really need to get some leg muscle in order to do all the rising trot I need to do though!

National Champion!!

Well I havnt posted in a bit. Im in the middle of a big flair up of my RA, so Lucas has been on a 'lunging break'. I rode him last weekend and he was very good, he rides better when there are a few people around (or maybe it relazes me more!)

In other news, ApHCC released its national list. Sassy was National Champion Amateur Mare (tie) all ages! She also managed to come in reserve for the Open 2-year old class that I showed her in. She also finished her Amateur Superior as well! This was great news, a great way to end my 'professional' career.

Its kinda kept a smile on my face all day. What ever somone may say about me or my riding, or my training, Ive now proved them wrong. I trained a National Champion, what have you done?

Im going to post a picture of Lucas as well to show how much weight hes gained and how well hes looking.

Here comes the chiropractor

The chiropractor came out today. On the side that Lucas has been the worst on (rushes though doorways) he had 6 ribs out of place. He had 2 on the other side as well. They were most swollen where my leg would be when I was riding him. He commented that he was amazed that Lucas was letting me ride him. He thought that the pressure of my legs must be really bothering him but he was a trooper for putting up with it.

Hes done work on Lucas before, and though that he looked the best than he's seen him look in years. That he was carrying enough weight had put some muscell tone he thought I was doing all the right stuff with him. He sujested some streaches to do to improve the musclle tone along his back but thought that it would improve in time.

He also said that my saddle fit!! the rigging rings had a bit of a twist to them (which were also pressing onto one of the ribs!) but he thinks we can get that strightened out. He of course liked my friends Wanger better, but thats ok I'll buy one eventuly but Im glad I just dont have to buy one right away. Liked the fit of the english saddle, loved the olgovy half pad (bonus points) and though that he should be ok being ridden in any of the 3.

Feb.

Well Im finaly starting to feel alot better. I had a horible cold all week, but other than a stuffy nose Im just about back to normal. Lucas has been on his own most of the week. Weve been getting some -30Degrees C weather and I really didnt need to be out there felling like I did. I went out on Wensday and brushed him, then I went out tonight and took some pictures and lunged him for about 15 minutes. He seems to be completly sound again. Hes still a bit more swolen in his chest but only slightly and it isnt hot at all anymore. The cryropractor is comming out on Sunday so we'll see what he says about the saddles. I havent had a chance to ride in the wanger yet... I hope to tomorrow so well see what happens...