Working on Third: A training plan

With show season behind us for the year, I've changed our training focus to 3rd level and maybe higher. I'd like to come out early next season and nail our final two scores for our Bronze medal, and be able to play the rest of the season without stress.
Bring on ze ribbons?
We'll see how that actually goes. We still have a lot of training left to accomplish before we can debut at 3rd with a chance of success:

  • Prompt, relaxed, and through flying changes. These need to be on my aids, and not alter the rhythm of the canter. Pig must also not anticipate the change or be late behind.
  • More collection. Our level of collection is sufficient for 2nd, but not quite adequate for 3rd. Must convince the pony to accept more weight on his hindquarter for longer periods of time.
  • A stronger connection, with less evasions and more consistent pressure in my hand. Pig cannot throw his head up in transitions, or all is lost.
  • A better following seat for me in the sitting trot. I bounce a little too much for my own comfort.
  • More separation of my body/aids for clearer communication. I need to be able to swing my legs for changes without altering the balance of my upper body. Need more work on this.
  • More suppleness and flexibility in lateral work, especially the traver/renver. We barely made our scores in this last year, as Pig would get tight in the back and not hold his bend properly. We can do better.
  • A real medium/extended gait button. I'm starting to lose hope that we will ever understand these particular movements... 
Basically, there's a lot of work to be done. Of course, in order for this work to be accomplished, Pig has to be in condition to work. Let's hope this week of spa life and no work will help him come back to normal.



Comments

  1. Super jealous, just saying. By spring you'll be on top of it all and you'll have no problem getting those last two scores!

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    1. Fingers crossed! We came kind of close in our experimental show last spring, so I'm hoping we can be accurate enough next year to get them.

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  2. haha pretty much every one of your 'to do' items is so far beyond me, except maybe 'more separation of body/aids for clearer communication' - that's one i definitely need to start working on NOW. seriously tho - hopefully Pig's splint chills out asap and you can get right back to working on the breakthroughs from the Birchall clinic!

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  3. Pig you are the man. You guys will snag that Bronze next year. No doubt in my mind! Can Hampton have some of Pig's half pass talents? Will trade you for some extensions ....

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    1. Totally. We have enough half pass talent to pass around .. MAIL ME DEM EXTENSIONS!

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  4. Fab goals and i have no doubt in my mind that you guys will ace your winter study sessions and come out swinging in 2016

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    1. Hitting the books while Pig is on rest, won't lie.

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  5. very good plan! we will also start working on our flying changes in the coming weeks and I am so excited about it! we also want to show early next year so I am even more excited - hope Hafl gets the changes quick :o :D

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    1. Ah! I'll be staying tuned! It's so interesting how many different approaches there are to teaching changes! Can't wait to see how Hafl takes to them!

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