So when I was investigating horses to purchase prior to buying Oz - I test rode a few breeds, one of which was a thoroughbred - and I thought, I'm not young enough to deal with speed, I also looked at Arabs but also thought, hmmm a bit too hyper for me... So i pick a Clydesdale... steady, slow, perfect.
Except I purchase a Clydesdale that has a split personality - there is Clydesdale Oz (never under saddle) who is big and beautiful, and is a gentle soul that would literally bust his heart to please me. I love Clydesdale Oz.....
Then we have his other personality, Thoro-clyde Oz... this is the side that comes out the moment that the saddle goes on. He believes its all about speed, and hyperness - and everything is WOW, EXCITING, FASTER, BIGGER, FASTER, QUICKER!!!! I believe we are going to have to put up motivational posters in his stall... Ones of the Budweiser Clydes and a big green circle around it... and then the other picture should be of Seattle Slew on the track with a big red cross through it...
Abby, a fan of Oz, came out to have a ride on him today, which was very handy as she worked on the flat with him and warmed him up for me. One of her things on her list To Do Before You Die, (not that she's dying, just planning on living her life fully!) was to ride a Clyde. So she has now done that, she had him walk, trot and a little canter in the arena.
Then I jumped on and out to the cross country field we go to have our lesson with Brianne. We worked on the little stump jump that he will jump one way, but not the other way.... that was an exercise of patience! And I'm pretty sure Brianne has more then I do.
We also did some vertical jumps and a couple of big canters up the field. I can't say I was thrilled with our jumping, but it did feel better then yesteday. More weight in my heels, but I'm also still feeling weak in the leg.
I also relized that I might have been a little cocky with my two point abilities. In the ring, I think I'm fine... I actually enjoy two pointing more then a rising trot. But in the cross country field up the hill - um yeah not so good..... so I know what I'm working on on Monday morning when I ride.
After the jumping part of the lesson we went back into the ring to work on some bending work... and he was feeling a lot better. Finally listening to me and my leg a lot better. In the cross country field, I have to remember to keep talking to him... Its so easy for me to get quiet and concentrate too hard, and its so easy for him to completely ignore me and just focus on jumps and whats going on around him.
Tomorrow we will be jumping at Kelowna Riding Club. We aren't doing any flat classes, so hopefully he won't be too hot. Although generally Oz puts on his game face when we are at shows, and shocks me at how well he behaves. But this will be his first show that is all jumping and no flat...
So if you see us there, remember to remind Oz, he's a jumping Clydesdale NOT a racing tb/clyde.