[RedHawk]

Well, lately I haven't really been enjoying my rides, as Shea is being totally out of character - lots of general silliness, shying, running through the bit, focusing on pretty much everything but me.
So I decided today to lunge him before I rode which is something I don't usually do. I thought it might take the edge off his energy but mainly I used it as groundwork to get his attention on me, and not the imagined gremlins in the grass.
I know he's not pushing from behind in these pics, but I have him in the running reins because I figure if he's going to be working I don't want him running around with his head in the air like a lama.
I was just happy that he was tracking up and that he's landing heel first which is something myself and my barefoot trimmer have been working on for a year. He used to land (very obviously) toe first, and had this wussy little short-strided trot.
Anyways, I took a ton of pics, so here are some of my favorites.

And after that we had a brilliant ride!

 

[ladybugsgirl]

very lovely horse

 

[Kiki]

yeah sometimes lunging is the answer. he looks like he was work well into the bit too which is excellent

 

[JumpingTheMoon]

He's lovely!

 

[luvmyqh]

very nice!! looks nice and warm. this is my pic from today...lol brrrrrrr...

 

[RedHawk]

Yeah, I'm in Australia and it's summer over here so it's warming up. Not too bad yet, but it does get pretty hot. I end up getting up early to ride to try and beat the heat. I'm more of a cool weather person, and I'd love to ride in the snow someday
Thanks for the compliments!

 

[Gillian]

Looks good! I'm going to start lungeing a few times a week with my boy. He's been very much the same as yours it sounds like, ha ha. Also going to be in side reins (not tight at all) to help him build up his topline. It's not a bad idea and a good exercise if done properly.


He's a lovely looking horse and looks like he was using himself pretty darn well.

 

[gypsygirl]

gorgeous photos !

 

[blush]

What a stunning boy you have there! :]
He looks like such a nice mover...especailly in that sunshine hehe.

 

[RedHawk]

Gillian - yeah, it's almost like Shea is determined to focus on anything but me, so I'm trying to re-establish some rules, like the one where I'M the boss, lol.
If you want to lunge him with some sort of reins I would recommend using running reins, as they don't tie their head down, unless I have them REALLY tight, Shea can still put his head up if he wants (which eliminates any panic attacks as he hates feeling trapped) but the higher he puts his head the tighter the reins get. They also give some flexibility with head placement.
This is an interesting read if you're thinking of using side-reins.
The damage done by side reins
I would never use them as I don't believe I have enough experience and I don't think they would do Shea any good, where he's at atm.

gypsygirl - thank you!

blush - he actually used to be a pretty ordinary mover. But I previously discovered he was having issues with saddle fit and a sore back, despite the fact that his had had been fitted only months ago. So he's had a couple of sessions with an equine massage therapist, and will have more. Plus it looks like he finally becoming more comfortable with his feet.
I actually hadn't lunged him for ages before taking these pics and so when I put him in the round pen and he started trotting I was like 0.0 BIG improvement!

 

[Gillian]

Thanks for the advice RedHawk. :] It would be with my trainer, and my horse is not young or green, and knows how to accept contact. The main concern seems to be about how they can be restricting, but I'm not too worried about that with my boy. He isn't one to freak out about something like that. We put them on today and walked him around. He accepted the contact without overbending, or reacting badly in any way. I am however, also looking into running reins. And the side reins are just being borrowed, so It's likely that I'll look into getting some running reins of my own. Sorry to spam up the thread, ha ha.

 

[barebackcowgirl99]

that horse is one beautiful horse what breed is he/she?

 

[RedHawk]

Gillian - Sounds like your boy knows his stuff and having a trainer is great! Should post some pictures of him when you lunge him, always happy to see pics of Zeus!

Barebackcowgirl - He's just a regular OTTB, although one dressage trainer I have lessons with originally thought he was a warmblood, which shocked me because I think he looks like a very typical TB.