Perhaps I brought two horses ....

So perhaps there are actually two Ernies - and I brought both of them but the only let one out at a time!  There is the one that I fuss over and potter about with at the weekends, trying to sharpen transitions and mumbling about how I might sustain his implusion, and then there is the other who is the focussed and motivated competitor.

Why do I say this?

Well I went to watch him show-jumping under Sophie's command at the MM  Friday red-nose event... and what a performance that was - I didn't sleep most of the night - such was the impact on me.  From his "on-his-toes", prancing, "i've just grown a whole hand" arrival into the arena through the determined spirit displayed and drive throughout his clear-round of the course. Even on the tighter turns and subsequent jumps, in some cases with a grace not displayed by peers. 

OK, he still needs to be fitter and can definitely improve his balance but lets remember he's a very big young horse, that was one hell of a display.  No rosettes but hey this is just the beginnning of the journey.

I had expected to see a slightly laconic but neverless good-natured clearance of the jumps - clearly not so!  As spectator I was stunned, as a rider I was humbled.  As an owner I felt that wonderful feeling of pride that I guess TB owners experience greeting their horse and riders in the paddock after a postive first public performance over 20 furlongs - I sat there mumbling to Courtenay "that's my horse that is, that's my horse that is...."

Well perhaps there are just two riders.....  So thanks to Sophie!  I have seen others ride Ernie too, but never have I seen the partnership and that willingness or enthusiasm he displayed for the task on Friday.

Anyway watching that performance has convinced me of the incredible honesty and potential for the big lad - any talk of laziness should be commited to the domain of gossips and idle whispers - and I have to say the word from the saddle is similarly robust.

It also convinced me that we need to loosen his back up, his brief stint as a school horse needs to be undone.  Yes Ernie bucks out of high spirits, let it always be so for those spirits are his very essence, but there was also some that came over as perhaps some slight resistance and/or discomfort.  I had been willing to believe it was more my cumbersome seat.  So we are starting some osteopath work this week.  If by some chance he is experiencing some discomfort I want to relieve that now, not after of a few months of pushing and fighting for no reason - what's to lose.... OK I know £50!

And for my riding? Watching Sophie was the best lesson in ages.  I saw the potential in Ernie and in that I saw opportunities for my personal improvement.  Ernie is young and Ernie is willing.  I think he wants to do what is asked of him, I am beginning realise properly through the performance of others that perhaps my sometimes lacking personal discipline as a rider is confusing this young horse, I am at best giving him too many signals, at worst conflicting ones.  I have started this weekend positively trying to say less, early feedback from down below was promising.  Someone remind me of this lesson next week when I have my next obsession!

Writers for centuries have observed that horses are both generous and humbling - it is that which has driven me to this place.  It is that which will keep me moving forward.