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Lucky 13?
Cruise control, I am convinced some riders have it installed, they sail around in a perfect canter, equal amounts control, rhythm and balance. Not me, Pixie and I sometimes resemble we are practising for a Moto gp. One of my biggest goals is to improve the timing of my aids and my sense of rhythm. In training, I can come around the corner leg in the correct position, hugging the horses side with inside leg, moving my fingers on the rein to keep the bit soft and a nice feel in my hands, allow the jump to come to me, enter the ring, chaos ensues, my poor horses have to endure either too many checks or too much leg but anything is better than when I decide to sit like a lemon and do nothing! I’m hoping some day soon, the cogs in my brain will co operate, with my muscle memory and a nice balance jumping canter will be achieved. Aesthetics aside, a mouthful of sand has made me really consider the importance of canter. Paris has a naturally open floating canter completely different from my other horses. The day before a show I like to have a small jump, to get my eye in and also allow the horse to get off the ground. Following my usual plan, I was coming around the corner to a tiny oxer, obviously saw a flyer (according to dad) I think I closed my eyes! Paris being young and still weak for a five year old didn’t get the landing gear out in time. We both went for a nose dive. Luckily both of us escaped without even a scratch, but left me with some food for thought.
Ego dusted off, we went to Coilog with three. I love a sneaky annual leave day for Thursday jumping. Paris was first up and showed no signs, she had any bad memories from our mishap (me, I may have been a new shade of white and not because I forgot my fake tan) She is still young and green and I was conscious it had been a few weeks since we had been in this ring but Paris was a star, she sailed around for a lovey double clear, even if her rider was now red faced and puffing for more oxygen. Next was Rocco in the 95cm, this time I remembered my curb chain! A few growls from Rocco let me know he much preferred when he was in charge of selecting the gears. His second outing of the year was a good one and he cruised home with a clear. The rise in the temperature is really telling me it’s time to go back to the gym, or jogging, walking, anything! A quick turn around and Paris was back out for the metre. Unfortunately we couldn’t replicate our previous round and I over-held to the double resulting in no stride. A quick circle and she finished on 4 faults but a good educational round for me. Paris is definitely learning quicker than her rider.
Next was Pixie in the 110, my fourth and last round of the day. Some chocolate in between for fuel and we were ready. We had a lovely simple warm up keeping everything contained and under control. Not allowing our Dunlop brother impression to creep in. The course had changed and I knew the turn to four was going to be a challenge for my little eager beaver. We overshot the corner, brakes engaged again and some dramatic clicking, we were back on track. Pixies stride although still quick and sometimes flat is getting longer and my distances were simple. Still lots to work on, but she delivered another clear. No one has a heart like Pixie, even if she will cause Dad to loose the rest of his hair. After wearing my spring socks all day, I am thrilled to report no swelling or pain in my dodgy leg. I would definitely recommend them, they are very hard wearing and unlike other brands keep the foot cool all day.
We took the weekend off and my horses enjoyed some down time for the bank holiday. Silly me thinking they would be thrilled to be back in work Monday. They spotted my boots and our usual game of cat and mouse began! Pixie always gives in first and thinks running around is a waste of time when she can get some Banana horse treats. Rocco an independent man has to load himself. A creature of habit, I tend to focus on flat work Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday we jump. Paris and I had a lesson. These are really paying off and it’s great to look back and see our progress. My parents always told me they don’t negotiate with terrorists (I was the terrorist, possible still am depending on what day you ask them) but thankfully negotiations with my chestnut terrorist has paid off. Sophie Richards has been instrumental in our progress and I feel so fortunate for all her help.
Old habits die hard and Saturday we were back in Barnadown with two. Work was has hectic this week and unfortunately Diva hasn’t made it back to shows yet, but fingers crossed she will make an appearance soon. Rocco also stayed at home. I was 13th on the start list, weirdly me being overly superstitious, I’m not cautious of 13, but I think a multiple of 3 is a very good omen. I have loads of rituals I consider good and bad luck, I salute goodbye to bad luck when I spot a magpie and my Navy smashield apoline show shirt gets lots of wear as it’s my current lucky one. Maybe one day I’ll grow up and be a functional adult, but for now my rituals live on. Here’s a link to my lucky shirt, I can’t be the only irrational showjumper, or perhaps four faults is an excuse for new gear, who knows? https://www.equestrianworld.
Don’t forget every €20 euro spent online, qualifies you for an entry to the draw for the fab samshield helmet, just in case anyone needed an excuse to treat themselves or their horse.
Happy Jumping,
Jade
Horze Biscuits Treats https://www.equestrianworld.ie/product/horze-horse-biscuits---banana
Spring Revolution Socks https://www.equestrianworld.ie/category/spring-revolution
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