Pacha - march 20, 2009

Nice weather. Outdoor large arena (for the first time this year), empty but for F. on Milha and us. Deep sandy soil, somewhat heavy. Draw reins, no spurs, no whip. Pacha showed no particular fear for the open environment, although strong winds made noises in trees; neither did he did wince when a small dog came barking like mad towards him! It is puzzling to see how different a horse can be when indoors or in the open...
As I felt he was quite warm, we took a long walk session, looking for relaxation through neck extensions and unrolling. It worked well, faster than indoors. I often noticed this with more than a few horses: you can get a relaxed back and good horizontal balance more easily outdoors. I believe it is due to the motivation of the horse which is prompted by the fresh air and the open space, and which translates into an increased natural impulsion.
Then, posting trot went fine, on the bit and with 'telescoped' neck. Some noticeable extensions were possible, again better than indoors. At sitting trot, we made figures and a few shoulder-fore. I was pleased with the steadiness of the stride cadence, and of the placer. At first canter depart, his heat surfaced quickly though, and he went into a jerky, precipitated canter, with high neck and hollow back - not what I was looking for of course. I applied the good Baucherist principle of 'retour au calme' and de-composing the resistances: walk with impulsion, flexions, quarters out on circles etc.. After 10' of this, I asked a new depart, with no hands. Pacha rushed a bit into canter, but as I put him on a circle with almost almost loose reins, he found his balance, stretched his neck forward and progressively reduced his speed into a satisfactory 'galop moyen'. This is also a big plus of working outdoors: there is enough space to let the horse let his steam out on large circles, which you can increase the diameter to your leisure. He ended up cantering in a good cadence, and resistances disappeared: no more pulling on the hand, engagement of the quarters, lowering of the neck. It was really nice to have him in a relaxed canter, and we left the circles to do some figures at both hands. I noticed that he should be amenable to flying changes without much difficulty.
He was a bit wet when we finished, but in view of the energy he had to spend in order to get steady and relaxed, I believe the session had been overall very positive.
Later in the day, he was on duty on a group lesson, and I was disappointed, and sad, to see that the rather unexperienced rider he had got had tight draw reins, and was struggling with him who was compressed between hands and legs. But unfortunately there is no way to avoid this with a horse on half-boarding regime...