Question for you all. (sorry for the long post) I have been working with my OTTB on getting back to event shape after a few weeks off due to a move. We did a week (with an off day) of slow, flat, ring work only, long/low trot work, adding a few minutes of canter (with mostly transitions) to the end of the last couple days. Second week added some large circles, both trot and canter, and did a couple days of poles/low fence work. This week we did one day of ~2 fences (he was doing 26 regularly before moving, and was prepared to do a BN event) which he was very excited about, as he loves his jumps. For our second jump day this week, we went out to a grass jump arena to start seeing the world again. The ground is not perfectly level - certainly not hilly or rough, but it slopes here and there, basically natural field ground. Now, he is a cool (read: also often lazy) kid, and stays chill and relaxed in the ring and has a beautiful trot and is learning to push through his back. He also has a lovely calm canter in the ring. When we hit the field.... we cannot manage any kind of forward trot at all, nevermind a correctly engaged one, and once we pick up a canter, it just builds speed. I have a very strong feeling that a lot of both of these problems are due to a lack of strength - his, in not having the back muscle/confidence to balance/support himself on uneven ground; and mine, in not being able to hold myself up completely to help him out (as im a bit out of shape now also XD). Now finally my question! I know that doing hills will help his muscle development. Do we need to walk or trot them specifically, or does he need to be engaged while doing the hill in order for this to be a benefit? Also, what kind of exercise can i do (preferably OFF his back if possible as I dont want to create bad experiences/habits for him) that will help ME build the strength to help him?
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 04:11:34 +0000
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