Riding Tobey, Lots of Pictures and Video

[EnglishGuy]

I went out for a lesson today with Tobey. We actually had a lot of good runs over jumps and most of the lesson was pretty good. He was acting up a lot though and started to misbehave as we got going so things got difficult. He kept pulling on the reins, coming off the rail despite my cues, etc.

I took two falls. The first was an exact repeat of last week over a different fence. I wanted him to chip in but he took it really big and threw me out of the saddle. I should have been ready for it but I wasn't and I paid for it. I got back on and he did well for the rest of the lesson up until fall #2

The second was really stupid on my part. We were going around for a 1'6" vertical, tiny little thing that hadn't been a problem at all the whole day. It was the 2nd to last jump in our course and I was making a loop around for it. He started to drift left, so I gave some leg and then he started to drift right so I gave some right leg. Then he hit the brakes despite me cueing him to move on and I just couldn't think of what to do quick enough (should've either used the crop or gotten in my two point and been ready for either a stop or flop). He ended up slowing down to just about a stop in two strides and then rearing up and flopping over the jump. I again popped out of the saddle and landed infront of it on his withers before slidding over his shoulder. That one hurt and I ended up having my trainer school him around because I was exhausted from all the work we had done and was just not ready to get back on again.

So overall it was kind of a bummer lesson. I think the reason he acts up is because he knows I get nervous at lessons because of some of the falls I've taken and because I want to impress my trainer, and I think he senses that and tries to take over. Oh well I'm going back tomarrow and I'll be doing some flat work to do some work with manners and responsiveness and just take it easy and have fun. I just need to relax!;) I suppose there is always next week so no big deal.

Warning: I suggest you turn your volume way down or off as it is REALLY loud for some reason.

Brians_Pictures055-1.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Brians_Pictures046.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Brians_Pictures044.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Brians_Pictures040.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

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[carla]

Well, I'm sorry the lesson was a bummer, but I can say that Tobey is such a handsome guy and you two look great together! I love the first pic of you two.. and beautiful scenery, too! That would be a reason for me to fall off.. too busy looking up into the hills. LOL :D

[Dakota Sunrise]

Wow, beautiful pictures!

I'm sorry you took a fall(s), but if it's any concolation you two really do look good together.:)
When I took lessons years ago I used to get nervous too because I wanted to impress my trainer. Watching your videos brought back memories, I forget what it was like to have some one watch you ride and give instructions. No one ever watches me, I always train alone. Sometimes I wish I could take some lessons with Beauty though.

[Arrow]

Great vids and pics! I'm so homesick, though--that's just a few miles from where I grew up and rode my horses as a teenager.

[Gypsy Rose]

Bummer about the lesson!

You and Toby look really good together, though.

Love the scenery pics! Thanks for sharing the pics and video.

[Arrow]

You know, when I have a day like that, the very next ride is often the best I've had in months!:)

[carla]

You know, when I have a day like that, the very next ride is often the best I've had in months!:)


This is true. :cowboy:

[HeartofSteel]

Wow you and Tobey make an awesome team! He is so beautiful! Your jumping looks good! How long have you been jumping for? The scenery is perfect!

[shewasmyshadow]

Good movies. I tried jumping awhile ago. I did not like it. I didn't have the guts. Jumping takes GUTS. I have so much respect for you and all who do jumping. The only horse I ever felt good riding over jumps on was my gelding. He knew what to do and did it. I would just keep my eyes closed. LOL. :D

[valleyrider]

great pictures, you two look good together. sorry you fell:( try not to be so nervous. I know it is easier said than done..
http://tinyurl.com/5tbhql/.gif (http://tinyurl.com/5f6mo5) click please

[EnglishGuy]

You know, when I have a day like that, the very next ride is often the best I've had in months!:)

Well I sure hope so! In the past two lessons, I've had a combined 3 falls. My goal for next week is to just have clean runs and do okay, not looking for perfection.

[Annasmom]

looking good! beautiful scenery :)

[Remali]

You look great and anyone that can even attempt to jump those kind of jumps is an amazing rider!
Tobey sure is a handsome horse!

It is so beautiful where you live....I miss it out there!

[cloedoll]

I loveeee Tobey! He's such a handsome guy. Great videos and pictures, there needs to be more guys riding English!

[EnglishGuy]

I went out today again to ride. I talked a lot with a really good trainer friend and a couple of high level eventers and got some great advice. My trainer friend, who rides western, helped me work a lot today with Tobey just on his manners and suppleness and responsiveness and although we didn't trot or canter a whole lot I feel really good about how well Tobey seemed to relax, supple and respond to me this time around.

I think yesterday was just a combination of nerves, Tobey's energy (He hadn't been turned out yet and we didn't warm up for too long), and a couple mistakes I made as the rider. I'm over it though and feel good to go, especially after the help I got today.

[Arrow]

Glad that today went well!:)

[quicktodance21]

you and tobey look great together. i love the secenry around where you ride its gorgeus. Sorry to hear about your falls :( and that your lesson was a bummer, i know how that feels and man it stinksss

[cloedoll]

Glad today went better for you and Tobey. ^_^