I got him out, groomed him, and then we headed to the arena.
I set up a jump and a chute to help him set up, since this would be free jumping. Brett helped me with the set up and Winston inspected our work.
I started with the poles very low, even though we know he can jump the arena fence if he wants. We weren't eager to watch that particular trick again so my plan was to make it low key, low stress, fun and easy for him. I pointed him towards the jump and off he went, ears forward, tail up, prancing between rounds.
All I had to do was stand in the middle of the arena and watch him go.
I set the jump up a bit higher when he started just trotting over without hardly breaking stride. He was having a blast, coming to a halt in a cloud of dust and then taking off again.
If you don't believe me, watch this short video and see for yourself. At the end, I had it up a bit too high for his comfort and he knocked the rail down. He was tired and covered in sweat at that point so I lowered it a notch, sent him off again to finish on a confident note, and called it a morning.
I think I'm going to incorporate this into our weekly training routine. He loves it, it's something different and I can watch him play over the jumps without worrying about coming off. My jumping days are over. I think.
he really does enjoy it! so cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun he was having!! He has such nice movement too - bet he's a fun horse to ride. Don't you love it when they have fun? Made me smile today, thanks. How did you hurt your toe anyway? 2 years ago, my mare peeled out on my big toe. Had to have my toenail removed, so I can relate to the sleeping under tented blankets and not being able to wear shoes, etc...it was a drag. Looks like you're on the mend though. Hope so.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's obviously a lot of fun. He sure is maturing and filling out nicely, he's a beautiful boy.
ReplyDeleteLove that fancy prancy trot he has going on!
ReplyDeleteYou can tell he's having SO much fun!
He looks like he was really enjoying himself. And I'm sure he's very proud of himself too.
ReplyDeleteNever say never about not jumping again. You might just decide to do it one day. I don't think I will either but sometimes I find myself wishing to just go for it and take a jump...then common sense prevails.
I love watching horses having fun!!! If ever a horse was saying 'yeehaw!!'
ReplyDeleteLove the skiddy stops into the dust cloud. He had a blast - fun to watch too!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Winston! I'm impressed and he had a ball. A nice change in his routine...I would not be remotely interested in jumping...too old and can't imagine an injury after this knee replacement. He looks great!
ReplyDeleteHe looks strong,and he is a very nice horse.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the video,I thought he was going to jump out of the arena. :)
Looks like he had a LOT of fun. That big trot is amazing when he lets it out!
ReplyDeleteCan I just quietly suggest "Boots" ?
It would be a shame if he got a knock just as you're coming back to fitness.
I love it when you can see the horse having fun. He really gravitated toward the jump each time, a sure sign that he was happy to fly over it.
ReplyDeleteI occasionally free jump Harley. If I bring some carrots, he stops after each jump and waits for his reward, then he goes for another jump. I have found that it keeps the crazies down, because he gets pretty excited like Winston. Maybe then you wouldn't have to worry about him jumping out!
Such a fun clip! Love that big trot!
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