Practice session for next weeks’ ODE at Somerford Park Farm – our first event of the season. Fab lesson today, shared with Lynsey. Finn was great – really attentive and trying hard. Feeling confident that we can achieve our first clear round next week at Somerford!!
Did about 30 jumps in total today and only had 1 down. ROde two full rounds on nine fences and had 2 clear rounds. Potential bogey fence – the final and penultimate on a related distance where she would normally get long and strung out – I was able to take a pull, bring her back on her hocks and balance her for the final fence. Need to concentrate harder n the first fence and the last fence of the round. Thinking about rhythm, balance control.
Now the jumps are getting bigger (1.05, 1.10) I need to think about sitting up on the descent from the jump rather than waiting for the first stride after we’ve landed. Finn makes such a lovely bascule it throws me sometimes and I must get up quicker in the air and stay light on her back.
Lynsey has not seen the last couple of lessons I’ve had with Nick and was impressed by the improvement.