Continuing The Hill Work

After a couple days off, I took Victor back to working on hills and we found a nice long paddock with a steady incline in the lower fields.

I'm starting to feel Victor carry his neck more and he's becoming more comfortable with a longer carriage.  When he added tension to his walk stride, I was able to encourage his neck down to increase softness and he immediately allowed me to move his back. I found that my seat was able to encourage his neck down. We walked up and down and back again, over and over, all the while practicing gathering and lengthening the reins and frame while maintaining the same softness and stride, as well as leg yield, and shoulder-in/ shoulder-out.  We can still improve on yielding from the right leg but his sensitivity sideways has greatly improved!

Once we moved to the trot, I continued to ask for a longer frame and some lateral work but I also included some "allowing" the trot up the hill.  I want Victor to also push evenly and powerfully in preparation for first level lengthenings - he felt amazing and he came back to me from half halting thighs alone.  In the corners, if I felt Victor's balance wavering, I simply half halted him to a slower tempo and softened the reins so that he carried himself close to the fence line... he is better about settling into the outside rein when tracking left.  When tracking right, I am still using my right shoulder to press his haunches into the turn to the right while keeping the shoulder moving right from the left aids.  Great Article About Importance of Outside Rein

In the canter, Victor wanted to get tense after a few strides.  I backed off and went back to a long low loose rein and stretchy walk and from that, I encouraged Victor to canter for 2 strides in the longer frame.  Then I brought him back to the walk.  This lead to much greater control and after a few circles I received 2 wonderful canters up the hill in relaxation.  I found that it helped Victor to walk/ canter in the corner of the circle where he most anticipated difficulty.  It really helps him to increase his focus at the moment when he struggles most and i think he is understanding that better now!

Victor worked in polos today and there were no scuffs or rubs on the fabric!  I think his new shoes are helping broaden his narrowed stance behind!