Jean rode Gem in lesson last week. I was unable to watch the lesson but Jean told me they both really got a work out. She had to really work at getting him to lope, but once he realized that he was going to have to work, he started listening to her cues. However, he kept picking up the wrong lead - unusual for him as he almost always picks up the right lead. He's a smart horse, so my conclusion is that Jean was sending the wrong cue. Obviously, there were a lot of starts and stops. They were both puffing at the end of the lesson. Jean admitted to being quite sore the next couple of days.
Jean also rode him last Saturday and I did get an opportunity to watch that session. I must admit that initially when I see her riding him, I get a little jealous. But after I got over myself, I really started to watch what Jean was doing. STA joined me watching my beautiful boy and we both said at the same time "wrong lead" as Jean transitioned to a lope. She tried again and again. I noticed that Gem's nose was bent outside (those lateral moves again!) and he was not bending around her inside leg. STA agreed. I mentioned it to Jean afterwards over a cold alcoholic beverage. As we were enjoying our drink, she actually got a little misty-eyed when she realized that she may only have another couple of lessons on Gem. She has grown quite fond of him and has really enjoyed the challenge of riding him - push button school horse, he is not!
My non-horsey friend has continued to help me groom Gem. As a matter of fact, she helped me give him a bath last weekend. He was stellar. I still believe that he understands that I am not 100%. He has been so kind lately. My friend is getting the impression that Gem is such a gentleman! She has not had an opportunity to see him push boundaries. :-) My friend walked him in the front paddock to dry him off. With the warm weather we have been having, it didn't take long. He certainly has not being neglected over the last few weeks. Jean is riding him and so is LA.... my friend and I get to baby him. :-) I have had no guilt over not being at the stables 3 times a week and knowing that he is being taken care of has helped me concentrate on recovery.
I really, really miss riding. I may not have been exercising myself in the saddle over the last few weeks, but I certainly have been exercising my "riding" mind through reading. But, when I think about getting back in the saddle, my heart races with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Boy, when I do, I hope it's like riding a bike - it all comes back to you!
What was I thinking.....?
It does all come back to you! Oh! I completely understand that jealousy thing too. I had to fight that myself. Your lucky to have so many people you trust to help you! Hang in there. Two weeks will go by in a flash!
ReplyDeleteTwo weeks will fly by in no time at all. It's so nice that you have friends you can rely on to help you and Gem out while you recover. I can relate to the jealousy thing, we had to use my horse Erik once in a while in lessons when we had a small business and I really didn't appreciate it and neither did he I think. Oh well, you do what you have to and get over it right?
ReplyDeleteOn the lead thing - try having him bent slightly to the inside, and off the rail a bit. Leg yield him towards the rail, maintaining the bend and then ask for the lope/canter as you reach the rail. It's also helpful if the cue is given while the strike-off foot (right hind in left lead, left hind in right lead) is just leaving the ground so when it comes down it starts the lope/canter - the mechanics of doing this are too hard to explain in a comment, sorry! Hope the time flies by until you're able to ride again.
ReplyDeleteHoping the next 2 weeks goes by quickly for you! It is nice having lots of people helping you with Gem and I 100% get you on the jealousy thing. It is almost like an auto response. Your glad they are getting worked but you want to be the one doing it!
ReplyDeleteGood morning!
ReplyDeleteThank you - I appreciate your supportive comments. I will work at getting over my jealousy!! :-)
Wilsonc - I hope it comes back to me! I am actually nervous about getting back on.
GHM - You are right; you do what you have to do and having Jean ride Gem is good for him.
Kate - No worries! I know exactly what you are describing. Thanks for the tip on the strike-off foot!
Stephanie - Yes, I absolutely want to be the one working him! :-)
It might be kind of childish- but it is nice to know that other people can't ride or handle your horse better than you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you're healing really well. I would tell you that the next two weeks are going to fly by, but they might not. The final weeks seem to be the longest!
Soon is never soon enough. I'm glad you're healing up and that the end is in sight.
ReplyDeleteI hate to see someone ride my horse. So don't feel bad. It may be good for him, but still...
Hi Shannon - I am not so sure that I ride better than Jean, but Gem knows who loves him. :-) And, I think you are right...time is dragging!
ReplyDeleteHi Breathe - Even though I will only be able to walk for the first couple of weeks, it can't come soon enough! I will become an expert on lateral moves. :-)