A Phenomenal Ride Today

[Logan-24-]

For the last two days Logan has been hoarding the gate, guarding it like a guard dog to get out first. But for the last two days I haven't been out to get him, I've pulled out the two mares for the last two days and Logan has promptly showed his utter distaste (we know how they are). Well today was his turn and he couldn’t be happier, met me at the gate and was ready to get out and work.

I decided to work him a bit on his groundwork, which is what I’ve been doing for the last few months after practicing the “One rein stop” to slow him down over the last month. I have seen the most significant change in his personality and willingness to work with me. I really feel that the intensity of his working partnership with me, the strongest I’ve felt it since I’ve owned him.

After warming him up, doing circles, a few one rein stops, figure eights… etc. I didn’t have to keep contact in his mouth like I used to and it’s amazing. I can’t express how awesome it is to not have to feel obligated to keep him on a short rein. He’s been trotting and cantering on a loose rein for the last week or so.

Today was just an amazing experience, like I mentioned one of the best rides in the three years I’ve owned him. He was attentive, responsive, supple, and every good thing in a ride. Just an amazing ride, period. For a minute I felt like I was riding a push button school horse back at Wilson College when I was younger.

I just had to share my pride and happiness for my boy I sure wish I had pictures.

[BornToRide]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
That is just great!
Nothing better than having those great experiences on your horse..
keep up the great work!

[Wolfie]

Congrats! Sounds like you had a breakthrough.

[Logan-24-]

Thanks guys, I'd sure hope so Logan has always been a great riding partner and he's finally coming around and giving me full commitment. I honestly think that English may be his calling. He loves the speed, but the simplicity of English may be what he enjoys. I've had two more rides since this one and he's been the exact same way, willing, committed, attentive, and all those other good words

I think I am going to contemplate taking him in a few English flat classes next year.

[annem]

Congratulations. Your committment and his willingness as a combination made this transistion possible. This change can happen in both Western and English riding. It is up to us to show them what we want. Not that we always know how to show them!! I certainly am not a pro in that area. I just listen and learn from others then try and put it into practice. You should be proud of yourself.

[Logan-24-]

Originally Posted by annem

Congratulations. Your committment and his willingness as a combination made this transistion possible. This change can happen in both Western and English riding. It is up to us to show them what we want. Not that we always know how to show them!! I certainly am not a pro in that area. I just listen and learn from others then try and put it into practice. You should be proud of yourself.

Thank you I'm more proud of him than I am of me .

I took him out today, he seemed like he was in a good mood and I was hoping he had been. I get him out and he's walking calm and collected around, doing whatever I asked, one single one rein stop and I go to start trotting. He's supple, responsive, and so forth on the loose rein. So instead of progressing to the canter after several minutes of trotting I decide to ask him to collect. After a brief and silent argument he obliges.

Not only did Logan give in to what I was asking but then he starting collecting with out me even touching him! I was awestruck to the point I threw myself on his neck and praised him. I was soo impressed with him. He's never been one to collect easily and when he went around twice, collecting himself without my guidance I couldn't help but throw myself on his neck and stroke him for his efforts! I ended the ride one more round of trotting to make sure it wasn't just me thinking he was collecting himself, so on a loose rein I trotted him out, he dropped and collected without even a fingertip touch from me. I was just speechless and bursting with excitement and pride when I finished.

He's doing so well... I truly feel that his thing is English and not so much Speed.

[Carri]

He sounds like a really wonderful, smart horse!

[horselady]

Sounds like a wonderful time for you and Logan, Keep up the good work