Learning to ride in a Hunter/Jumper barn, I do miss jumping. But I would so rather have my own healthy horse to ride and forsake jumping.
So, instead, we do our own version of jumping*.
Here is a fun series of photos, showing Laz and I over the cavalletti poles that we 'jump' to stretch his back, lift his stomach muscles, keep his mind healthy and working his legs differently.
(*please understand there is NO actual jumping going on here...just want to firmly put that out there)
Nice back leg stretch
Good lift here and good weight on his bad leg
Lazy leg drag
Good lift of bad leg
Lazy drag but look how muscley he looks...how?!
Maybe all that hand walking did pay off?!
Nice lift for Laz...could my arms be any straighter? LOL!
Good boy!
Isn't it awful sometimes how photos show how bad your equitation is! Eck
My toes already wing out, it is more comfortable for my knees, don't know why...
Oh well :)
After our ride, putting Laz back in his paddock
He always tries to quickly eat the grass that hides under his gate while I shut him in.
Sweet boy
Nothing like a good ride completed before a summer storm hits
Bad eq? Sheesh. You're riding an OTTB over 'fences' in a halter bareback. Most people can't even dream of that.
ReplyDeleteBesides, the rules are a little more lax when bareback. Yay for wearing a helmet!
What a sweet boy. You couldn't ask for a kinder ottb. I agree with the above poster, yay for a helmet!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures - I'm a great fan of ground poles, even for horses that do jump - you can work on lots of things without stressing their legs - all jumping rounds can be described as equivalent to flatwork with poles interspersed. He looks pretty please to be doing the work!
ReplyDeleteYes, ground poles are an excellent way to work all kinds of muscles without putting too much strain on joints and tendons and what-not. You guys look great! And I will trade you your zombie arms and wing toes for my hunchback, wiggly legs, and retarded hands! :-)
ReplyDeleteWalking is the best thing to firm up muscles and tummies, I think. Your photos are wonderful - I know exactly what you mean about pictures and equitation - mine always make me look like I am the worst rider ever. My feet turn out too!
ReplyDeleteHe DOES look great! You would never know how limited his routine is. Nice Job! He really does pick up his feet well. I bet he will be great over something bigger:)
ReplyDeleteMiles thinks ground poles are super fun for rolling:)
He looks great! I love ground poles, the really help with muscle development.
ReplyDelete