Sometimes it's tough when you have a very talented horse or pony, to focus on one thing. Way back when I first got Mazy, a friend of mine told me that she felt this pony has a lot more potential than the last one Izzy. This came a short time after I had finally uttered the words to another friend that I didn't think Izzy would have ever been a driving pony and if she was- it would've taken a lot more to get her there. Mazy on the other hand, seems to take everything in stride and enjoys her job- whatever it may be that day.
Therein lies our problem. One of our biggest hurdles is finding a saddle that fits her for longer than a day or 1 ride. Mazy is 5 and still growing some and with her work and recent diet change (I scaled back a few things) her back seems to change from day to day. We started out with a focus on dressage before turning to jumps- which she really enjoys! In an effort to make all of her experiences positive- I decided to switch things back to driving for a while, let her finish growing and top out (hopefully still under 14.2h) before we take another whack at it under saddle.
I also changed bits. Wolf teeth had been pulled over Christmas break so that hasnt been an issue but Mazy did not seem to like a French link at. all. She did ok with a simple snaffle and an eggbutt snaffle, did better with a thicker mouthpiece but still not great.... and then I noticed she started putting her tongue over the bit. Well that needed to stop! I looked thru the assortment of bits available for my use at the barn and tried a Mullen mouth short shanked Pelham. At first she did not like this bit either but once she figured out it is to be respected and not ignored, she settled right down into her work in a way she hasn't before.
I also like to ground drive any horse in a new bit before climbing on. Self preservation much? I would like to remain safely on the ground while we both feel things out and see how it will go. The horse can focus on learning to be comfortable and carrying the new bit, while I can suss out how much rein pressure is needed to get them carrying themselves properly and can watch them while they go. I can see if they're sucked back behind the bit and afraid of it- too much bit for them, or if they blow thru the bit ignoring it and my rein cues- not enough bit, and adjust accordingly before saddling up again.
Mazy worked okay with the lines on the snaffle rings. Going to the left was as good as ever. Going to the right she became a little resistant and would bring her head up, hollowing out her back and getting heavy on the fore. I stopped her and switched the reins to the curb setting. The shorter shanks mean less leverage action, but still enough to get her attention and get the point across. When I make contact, she was to soften and bend to the inside, come up under herself in the rear and work thru her back and top line.
Once that was established and the praise heaped on for doing things right, I stopped her and put the reins back up on the snaffle setting. I am able to get the same results now just by closing my fingers on either hand. Mazy is incredibly soft in the bridle and I'm itching to get back on her. In fact I did get on her with the surcingle the other night. She did so good and I could really feel the difference in her walk and jog.
That's another thing we are able to work on in the lines- elasticity in the gaits. Collection, regular working gaits and pushing for some extension. Part of this is also teaching Miss Mazy that the normal working walk is not a race to cover ground. She can relax and chill. The trot can be more relaxed and fluid as well and when it all comes together for a few strides or more- it is such a beautiful sight to behold. I was able to get a couple of short videos and take screen shots going frame by frame. I will share those in the next post. I think you will all be pleasantly surprised.
