Chasing the Tiger (trot)
The goal with having him trot with his head down is for long and low work at liberty. It's the beginning work done for dressage to teach them to lift and use their backs while stretching the topline. This is especially important with breeds that have a naturally high set like the Friesian (imagine that) and the Arabian (double dose for Chrome). Eventually this will be taught on a longe line as well, but since he's young I'm trying to keep him off of repetitive circles.
This one he's almost in dressage frame. He needs a little more impulsion to finish rounding his back and bringing up his shoulders. At least I know he can do it. :D I can't wait to start dressage lessons! I probably won't put him into formal lessons until he's four though since arena work can sour them if they aren't mature enough.
Chasing the Tiger (canter)
Look how high he brought his rear leg up to kick/stomp the Tiger.
This is where he stepped on it, accidentally ripping it from my hands in the video.
This is where he stepped on it, accidentally ripping it from my hands in the video.
Shoulder Yields
A hug. In the video you'll see he tried a lateral flex to his left and then tried a shoulder yield.
He wasn't ready to stop training hehe.
He wasn't ready to stop training hehe.
One last smile. I hope all of you who can't view videos enjoyed the pictures. :D
I loved them both. He was really reaching high!
ReplyDeleteThose are some nice still shots, I like his expression in a lot of those shots. Good job in his progression!
ReplyDeleteWow!!!! I can't believe all of the progress you've made with him. Good work. Very impressive. He's gorgeous too.
ReplyDeleteI taught Cole to trot on the lounge in a dressage frame, first, before he started to do it under saddle. I just clicked whenever I saw him do something I liked. He will now trot all rounded like he has side reins and everything, but he is in just a halter. I never used side reins. He holds the position without any support.
ReplyDeleteHe also does it in hand with me trotting at his side. I am teaching him to follow the beat of my feet.
I'm sure Chrome will do the same. Clicker makes some things so easy.