Working away by ourselves ...
I had a disappointing jump the day I arrived here. Ninja wasn't used to me and I was used to riding youngsters or a 2* warmblood.
Since then I had been working on the dressage and jumping on my own since as Gilli was off at a five day show. Things had seemed to be going well and the jumping session today confirmed it. We were relaxed and athletic, with a composure that has wanted to come out for a long time after racing. Now I have to try to nurture it so that we can produce it all the time.
I did a dressage session too and videoed it and although there is always plenty to work on, the quality of work is better than ever.
We just have to refine and push everything and then produce our best at comps.... simple!
I have to give credit to having more suitable equipment as well. I have had new saddles for a period now and I appreciate that. But I have decided to go back (over 10 years) to a very basic Bates Grand Prix dressage that was an original sponsor saddle for me. After the tree had been broken and then repaired (thanks for fixing it Gary), as well as layers of dust wiped away, it is so comfortable and it fits my horse! I am sure I will have the oldest saddle at Pau!
That possibly goes for the jumping as well. We have recently bought a second hand jump saddle in the UK that would be quite expensive new and I really like my new 'old' saddle. We are spending our money on the trip so it is hard to justify buying a saddle for us, but I am very glad we did. It has been a long time since I felt I have some sort of natural position rather than produced.
Bye for now,
Murray
