30 Day Video of Claire

I tried all day yesterday to post my 30 day video to either Youtube or to my blog and it didn't work. VERY FRUSTRATING! I had to use my old video camera because Hillary has my new one in Houston. It was also a very frustrating day yesterday because Brian and I had poor communication during the filming (He thought it would take 5 minutes) and so that was a stressful thing for me.

I am taking a few days off from riding enjoying family, but I woke up this morning dreaming of Claire. Yeah, it is pretty much of a love affair between her and me.

Here is what I learned from watching myself on the video:

1. Claire travels very nicely, and mostly consistently down the rail. She swings her hip alot and so creates a bouncy trot.

2. Her head level is low, but her nose bounces around. I know it will take time, but she is really not responding well enough when I ask for her to move into bit. I was reading some more of Doug Carpenter's book and I have determined to take some more time in the biting ring. I will probably take only 10 minutes each day, but will do so for about a week or two.

3. Rating her speed exercise is working wonderfully. When I take the circle she really slows down. I treat the rail like it is a reward.

4. Her trot departures are very nice and getting better!

5. I need to wear a very small and gentle rowel spur to get her to move off my leg better. Claire is such non reactive horse-- unlike Annie-- who kinda moseys along in everything she does. It is time for her to give immediately to pressure and I don't want to create any bad habits and I need that extension of my heel.

A BIG WORRY!

1. I tried several times yesterday to get Claire to pick up the right lead. I had cantered her around in the left lead with no problem. I tried everything, but she completely would not let me pick up the inside shoulder or push her hip over (I need spurs)
I know it is because of that bone spur, and I am not going to canter her until Sept. like the vet said. I was just doing it for the video. SO, I am wondering if I should be riding her at all, or if I should take her to another vet for an opinion. UGH!

2. She has this persistent crack in her hoof that I noticed is making its way up and around the small hole my horseshoer put in the surface to stop it. UGH!

Okay, so I will post the video on Sunday if I can get my brother-in-law to help me.