Moment of Truth

I was somewhat nervous about riding in a lesson today.  Not only have I not been riding my horse due to his being in training, but he hasn't jumped anything in almost two months.  So there was much trepidation leading up to the lesson - at least, on my end.  Leo just seemed happy to be getting ready to do something.

Game face.

I wasn't sure what bit to use - Trainer K has used a vast assortment throughout the training process, but she's out of town at a show, so I was sort of on my own. He likes his fancy expensive Novocontact, but I need to find something a hair stronger that I can use for the upcoming Haunted Hunter Pace, so I decided on a whim to borrow Barn BFF S's happy mouth elevator.  

Sexy beast.

This was the first time he's ever gone in a leverage bit, and I absolutely loved him in it.  He wasn't fussy or head-tossing, and I've never felt him so, well, happy about a bit before.  Definitely beginning the hunt for one as soon as I'm done with this post.  (Does anyone have a 5" happy mouth elevator that they want to part with??)

Majestic AF

The full jump tack setup included our fancy-pants PS of Sweden bridle, boots (his first time jumping in a full set of boots), and the new breastcollar that I picked up today for the HHP.  It's a little big, but it's more there to be part of our costume so I think it should be fine.  It was a super steal on consignment.

Our warm-up flatwork was a little rough - I have ridden him exactly three times in the last two months, and two of those times don't really count.  Assistant Trainer L, who was teaching today, had me work on relaxing my arms.  I have a really bad habit of locking my elbows when my horse starts speeding up, which with Leo leads to head flinging, mild flailing, and EVEN MORE SPEED.  Our first canter was a little...speedy.  Partly because of the arm-locking and also because crazy excited saddlebred.  And then, we jumped.

homeboy has scope!

We had one refusal for the entire lesson - the above sunburst gate thing was a little terrifying the first time around.  Trotted back to it, extra inside leg, open outside rein, and the result is the photo above.  Yeah.  My horse is legit.  We worked through a full course, which I've never actually done before on him.  Granted, we came back to a trot between everything that wasn't a line, but he did really well.  He saved my butt a few times - he definitely had chances to run out because he's a wiggly greenbean through the lines right now, but instead of ducking out he would lock on to the second jump and go over it, even when by all rights he should have run out.

Not quite centered...

I can't even explain how proud I am of my horse.  He was brave, he did everything I asked him to and more, and I had so much fun!  The more we jumped things, the calmer and quieter he became; his frantic racehorse canter from the beginning of the lesson was mellow, floaty, and lovely after and between fences by the end.  I truly believe that this horse enjoys jumping.  It seemed to zen him out.  Which is super exciting.

We look like we know what we're doing.

I love my horse.