Since the last session reported here, I have gone back to basics with the objective of obedience in calmness and forwardness. Much work on the lunge, looking for stretching the back, nose in the dust but without any reinings. He does this fairly easily, once he has been requested enough impulsion; I do not keep him on the same circle, but rather move (run..) alongside him which helps getting this impusion. This is much better than using Chambon or side reins, because muscles are not contracted, but instead kept 'long'.. It invites Pacha to relaxing, while engaging his quarters and preparing him to seek contact by himself with the bit.
During the mounted sessions, we devote half of the time to walk, with very simple movements such as halts, turns,voltes, reining back, change of speed and LY - but with two overriding conditions: flawless execution and constant, light and self sustained contact. I have realized that perhaps Pacha is not yet able to accept full lightness, and can get behind the hand both easily and subrepticiously. He needs more legs and even less hand than one would think.
The second half is split into three stages of equal length of time:
- sitting trot (looking for regularity, straightness and again scrupulous execution). Deviations from the track, even small, are to be immediately rectified with legs without hands.
- canter at slow speed, on circles and on the track, with some variations of speed but constant, not too high head carriage. Each stint is kept short (One or two arena rounds), and each time a sign of heating up appears, return to walk until calm again.
- posting trot: horizontal placer, long neck, contact and build up of impulsion with legs only, keeping cadence
- walk on looped reins to finish.
This process seems to work fine, despite him being still quite hot (springtime?, jumping sessions with his other rider?). I feel encouraged that we might ramp up again towards better riding, built upon stronger base.
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