And we're back to normal!!

After seven weeks of Strangles hell we’re finally back out on grass. Safe to say someone was pretty happy about this!

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From Saturday he was out overnight for the first time and we’re settling into the summer routine. So that’s stage one complete. Stage two is groundwork/lunging/long reining and generally getting a bit loosened up and stage three will be getting back in the saddle. As his shape has changed a bit I’ve asked the saddler to come out on the 17th and check it before I ride so that gives me two weeks to get him moving a bit. I’m also doing some clicker work to try and get rid of his leg waving and make him happier about being groomed and saddled.

So this week then I shall be doing some lunging/long reining. Mostly in walk with a few bits of trot but focussing on keeping him calm and correct. We shall see how it goes…

Training plan: w/c 5 June

Ok plan for this week is a bit of clicker stuff mostly and getting him looser:

Handling stuff:

– grooming without nipping or leg waving

– being saddled without angry faces (in stages, so just saddle pad, then saddle but no girth, then saddle with loose girth and finally properly girthed – but this should be done over a few sessions)

Schooling: short sessions focussing on attitude as much as anything else.

Monday – In hand: walking, teaching ‘out’ & ‘back’

Tuesday – In hand: as Monday

Wednesday – Lunging: poles

Thursday – day off

Friday – Lunging: physio band

Saturday -day off

Sunday – Lunging: poles