lesson instructor: Zentry Boi and Allie

[hunterjumper]

I'm now a lesson instructor and I gave my first lesson today, Allie and Zen. Allie wants Zen to be a jumper, but he's just starting out. So I made a little 18 in. cross rail to start. I could tell right away that both of them needed help. Zen was going way too fast and anticipating the jump too much. Over the jump, Allie's upper body was too close to the base of his neck. I just shook my head and said "We have a lot of work to do" So Allie went for it again, holding Zen a little bit more, collecting his stride. Over the jump, Allie did way better. Basically, only her hands went foward, and her body just went a little bit. "That was great! I think you're ready for a vertical" I said. It was a baby vertical, barly qualifying as a jump, but that was really all Zen was ready for. Allie repeated the actions of the last "fence" and had a great jump. Zen got a good distance, Allie's position was great, and it was a perfect turnout. We kept repeating this until we were up to 3 feet! Zen was starting to get excited as the jumps were getting higher, so we quitted with that. " Zen is quite a jumper. I think your ready for and upcoming show. It's novice 3-day eventing. Why don't you take him along with Key Lime Wonder! It's "every man or woman for him or herself, so you don't have to worry about other teammates. What do you say?".....

[horsgal517]

I guess I could enter him..but he's not a 3-day eventer, so I'll have to just show him in the jumper division. He has the speed for those big show jumping classes...bit like you said we have to work on the little things first! Thanks...see ya tomorrow.

[hunterjumper]

I gave Allie and Zen another lesson today. It's amazing what difference a day makes. I made the same size cross rail as yesterday, and both of them went over it perfectly. Zen had a great distance and Allie's position was great. We didn't waste our time with the little stuff. I quickly made a 1.6' vertical, with a ground pole on each side. The bright colors of the standards and jumps didn't bother Zen like they did the other day. Allie gathered her reins and went for the jump. I payed close attention to the speed and pace of Zen's canter. His stride was collected, but it was a little quick for this size jump. After they cleared it, I said to Allie, "You're doing a good job collecting him, but you need to make his pace a little slower for this size jump. That pace is okay for a 2.6' vertical, but not 1.6'. Okay? Now, do it again" She did as I said and went for the jump agian. This time, Zen's stride was just right: collected and slow. To top it off, they got a good distance. "Good Allie! That's what I want to see" I raised the jump to 2.3'. Allie got herself together again and went for the jump, again. Exactly like the last one. "Wow! You're really improving Allie! So is Zen. You guys are definetly ready for the jumper division. Now, let's work on oxers and in and outs". I put the back rail up to the vertical to make it a 3.3' oxer, with a spread of about 2 feet. "This is probably the height or lower you will be doing at the show. You can speed Zen up a little bit, since this jump is bigger" And she did. Zen's pace and stride were good for this size jump and Allie gave a release just long enough, too. I just clapped my hands while she gave Zen a big pat. I raised the back rail to 4 feet. "If he does this good, I'll make an in and out for you guys" She cantered a circle and got herself set up for the jump. 3 pouding strides and she was over it. Since the jump was so big and the spread was so long, Zen's "air-time" was beautiful. I swear, he looked like a hunter at that moment. Even knees, beautiful trailing hind end, and Allie looked just perfect. I shook my head, Allie looked at me confused. "Guess I have to make an in and out for you guys!" I said sarcasticaly. She just smilied. So I seperated the oxer and moved the back rail 2 strides away from the front rail. I raised the front rail to 4 feet, making the combo even. Once again, Allie cantered a circle and got herslef set up for the combination. 1, 2, 3 jump, 1, 2, jump! "Georgeous! That was great, Allie! I'm so happy, you're doing so much better since our last lesson. That's good for today, you can cool him out. O, i have to ask you a question.What time are you taking Kiki to the show and what day?"...

[horsgal517]

I think the show dates are August 5-7 so those days!

[hunterjumper]

okay. this will be your last lesson till the show. and then if you want me to give you any more lessons after that. seeya at the show!!!

[hunterjumper]

Hey Allie, how are you and Zen doing, do you want me to ride one of your horses for you some time? Or how about another lesson? Let me know, okay..cya!