Week 11: Finally Moving Forward

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               The last two weeks have proved difficult due to a combination of lost shoes and bad weather. In the last 2 weeks Finn managed to pull off 4 shoes causing us to consider other shoeing options. Due to Finn’s Pedal Ostetis we made the decision to go with glue-on shoes instead of hoof boots or other barefoot options. We decided to go with Sigafoos Shoes. These shoes were originally designed by the farrier at The University of Pennsylvania as an alternative to direct glue –on methods. The shoes are aluminum with a urethane rim pad and fabric cuff. The fabric cuff is coated with acrylic and applied to the outside of the hoof. If put on correctly these shoes have been proven very successful for horses with poor hoof condition as well as horses who tend to yank of traditional shoes. So far Finn has had the shoes for 4 days and they seem to be doing their job.

                In the last two weeks Finn has also begun group turnout. He seems to really enjoy playing with the other horses and playing in the mud! I have found this extra play time makes him much happier and, thus, much easier to work with under saddle. In the ring we have begun some harder trot work. I have started asking for a stretchy circle at the end of each ride to help loosen his back and shoulders. Although I have seen some improvement it is hard to make too much progress due to the shoes.

                Overall, Finn seems to be learning fairly well despite the constant hiccups we have experienced so far. I hope to get some newer footage of Finn over the long weekend as well as updated photos of his feet!

Week 9: Creating a Plan

                Now that Finn is sound it is important that I create a plan for his training. Young horses thrive on a schedule; especially OTTBs. I have decided to put him in three riding lessons a week with one of those lessons becoming a professional ride every other week. I have also come up with some basic goals for all three gaits. I have put them into a table below. 

                 

                As you can see, my goals for each gait are very similar. The most important thing is that I do not progress to the next gait without first perfecting the gait before it. For Finn, I need to ensure that he respects my four aids at the walk before I can expect any type of response at the trot or canter. Beyond that, straightness is key! Instead of asking my horse to collect and bend for the get-go my goal is going to be to develop an elastic back and a horse that knows how to travel straight.

                A lot of this training methodology comes from the Pyramid of Training used in dressage. You must first develop a strong base before you move to more difficult movements. I would not ask my now 4 year old ottb to perform a collected sitting trot if I had never ridden his trot before. I plan to use this training pyramid throughout my time with Finn.

                Today Finn and I had our first lesson where we preformed all three gaits. At the walk I asked him to stretch towards the bit and slow his pace (he tends to get fast and stabby) and I worked on speeding up and slowing down using my seat. When I want him to move forward and extend his stride (not always just go faster) I engaged my seat, opened my hips and became more elastic in my elbows. In order to slow him down I closed my knee and tightened my stomach. Finn was extremely responsive at the walk so we decided to move to the trot. At the trot we worked mostly on straightness and getting Finn to loosen his back. At the end of the lesson we decided that it was time to try Finn at the canter. We managed to get one canter circle going each way on the correct lead. In order to give Finn freedom in his back I rode all canter work in half seat.

This is his right lead

This is his left lead