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| Subject: A jumping lesson on Better I Do It | |
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Author: Laura |
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Date Posted: 14:16:11 11/08/02 Fri Laura’s boots clicked on the cement aisle as she walked through the barn. She looked at the bulletin board and looked at note from Susan. It said: Laura, Mike is going to give you a lesson on Bet. Tack up at 6:00 p.m. She glanced at the clock and smiled. 5:45 p.m. The cool, autumn air felt perfect as she walked out to the paddocks. Bet was racing along the fenceline, whinnying to her. She smiled and opened the gate. The elegant stallion galloped over, his mane and tail flying out behind him. Laura clipped the lead shank to his halter and led the eager TB/QH to the barn. She smiled and hooked him in crossties. She brushed his bay coat until it gleamed and then laid the saddle on his back. She tightened the girth quickly and then strapped on her helmet. She tucked a strand of hair back into her braid and patted Bet’s majestic neck. The tall, regal stallion tossed his head and then accepted the bit easily. “Good boy!” Laura praised, buckling the last buckle and heading out to the arena. She swung into the saddle of the handsome TB/QH and gathered the reins into a light contact. She squeezed firmly and he surged into a light, prancy walk. Laura sat lightly in the huntseat saddle and saw Mike walking towards the arena. “Hey, Dad. Bet is moving nicely today.” Laura called. Mike laughed and nodded, sitting down to watch the pair warm up. Laura sat flawlessly in the saddle and asked Bet for a trot. The stallion tossed his mane and then pulled into a hunter frame. He was lightly on the bit as he moved forward with big, ground covering strides. Laura posted gently and then touched the stallion with her inside leg. He tucked his head closer to his chest and bent around her leg. After working both ways at the trot, Laura sat deep in the saddle and bumped Bet lightly with her outside leg. He skimmed along in a graceful, light canter. Laura sponged the reins and he collected, moving lightly down the long side of the arena. Then she sat a little lighter and pushed Bet into an extended canter. Mike walked into the center of the arena and motioned for Laura to come over. “Sweetheart, you and Bet look great. You are going to have hunter lesson. Let’s walk out to the jumping arena.” Mike said, surveying his daughter and her stallion. They walked over and Mike showed her the 4’ hunter course. Laura smiled and squeezed firmly. Bet sprang into a light canter and headed for a warm up crossrail. He bounced over it like it was nothing and was light & responsive after landing. Laura took him over a 2’ jump and then cantered a courtesy circle, ready to start the course. The teen pushed him towards the first fence an oxer. He tucked his legs under him and leapt over it in perfect hunter position. “Heels down more, Laura.” Mike called, watching closely. Laura smiled and sat lightly in the saddle, urging Bet over each fence. He settled into a rythym and as they headed for the triple, Laura was confident. 1…2…3… GO! Laura squeezed and her talented stallion flew over the first fence in the triple with ease. They took the rest and then finished the course. She squeezed the reins and was pleased as Bet dropped to a nice, smooth trot, chomping the bit eagerly. Mike clapped approvingly and Laura laughed. “Very good. I liked your style and rythym. He had lovely position, as did you. Now, take him over that small 5’ course over there to keep him on his toes.” Mike said. Laura grinned and pressed Bet into a fast, springy canter. His strides were long with a nice amount of bounce. They flew over the first 5’ spread with ease. Bet snorted eagerly and surged over the next few jumps. After the exhilarating ride, Laura walked back over to Mike and grinned happily. “Laura, that was excellent. I’ll be on a trail ride on Chance if you need me.” He said. Laura nodded and took Bet to the barn :-) [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] |