So a tough weekend for the big E.
After some very successful clear round performances on Friday - with Sophie, so not at my hand I modestly point out - schooling on Saturday and Sunday, so sadly by the time we then took him out for a hack he was clearly not quite as up for it as usual. Firstly perfectly happy to drop in and follow Barney around the woods, not storming to the front or bucking till someone lets him (can this be Ernie); then the whole idea of trotting up the hill in the chalk woods was too much. Thought I broken him for one second. How many times in the next few years will I actually consider that I may be in better shape than my horse, let me have my brief moment in the sun ....
His schooling has been excellent this weekend, really trying to get back to basics - both of us. We have largely got him through his napping - the trick in this case, deep seat, look ahead and tactical crop support. Short bucking bursts on Saturday but largely clear today. However we then got compalcent and went for the the school canter, much bouncing ensued. That said there was a vague hint of promise there, especially as I began to feel for the first time that my seat (again) may make a difference .... dare I hope.
He already feels like a different horse. We are very close. It is special. I am a lucky man.
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