When you are engaged in a long run training of a single horse, as I am currently with Pacha, it is not a bad idea to try other horses from time to time. It helps putting in things perspective, and refesh the trainer's appreciation of his pupil. Mocambo is a grown-up bay Selle Francais gelding, medium sized and stoutly built. He has been schooled and ridden for show jumping exclusively so far, but his new owner wants to broaden his scope to dressage. Here is one of his first sessions. His double-bridle has been adjusted very loose. He showed some good dispositions: lovely character, reasonably straight, with regular gaits. But as for impulsion compared to Pacha, it is water vs. fire! And his front end with heavy head and short, massive neck is a shortcoming with respect to (future) collection.
This experience has re-emphasized one of Pacha's key qualities in my mind, viz. impulsion. Of course, it has needed a lot of work to be able to control it, and there is still room for further improvement... But impulsion is so important, that a horse which has it naturally is worthwhile, regardless of his other features. As L'Hotte said 'No impulsion, no horse'. A strong encouragement to carry on with Pacha.
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