First time sitting up on Bob and flatwork lesson

Sat up on Bob for the first time on Thursday. It was an experience. It was only his second day being ridden, so just lunged, walk and trot. He was totally different to Millie, huge long neck and just so much bigger. Took a bit of getting used to but getting there. So after YO took him for a little run, my turn. Sat up and walked for ages, just to get used to him and the feel of him. Then we did some trot for a while. 

He was so good, couldn't have asked for anything more obedient out of him. He done everything he was asked, walk, trot, slow to walk again. No pulling, no fighting, just done it and I was mega impressed. Didn't do much with him just a bit and left him because he is only coming back and don't want to do too much, plenty of time all summer. 

Got the dentist to him on Friday, again was so quiet. Was a bit shocked at the injection but didn't really kick up a fuss, just took a step back as if to say 'What in the name of God is that mum?' and then he was fine. Just stood up while they were done. Dentist told me that his teeth were very sharp and was a good job we got them done as he could have developed some bad habits if they were hurting, so glad that is done for another year. YO was riding him until next week for me so won't have any reports until then about him. He is coming on so well socially though, a lot easier to catch in the field, even makes his way down now, so I'm really pleased with him. Have a video and photo of me on him

Me on Bob

Also had a flatwork lesson with cousin Claire Saturday on Millie. She brought her famous book '101 Jumping Exercises' but she was helping us a lot. Got us to lengthen and shorten trot and canter with trotting poles and canter poles, worked on turning with my body and legs rather than just my hands, balance and done some grids, with cones in the middle, and a final spread of about 1m  - 1.05m which was great to end on a good note. I know we were supposed to do a flatwork lesson but with us we always end up doing some sort of jumping, can't help it, lol. But she was very good for most of it, she tears off a bit in canter but she really concentrated during trot and started to listen, and even lengthened her trot stride with out exactly getting faster. So at the moment, very happy with both of them, and their progress. Also have a nice video of Millie and a photo of her efforts. 

Jumping our grid:

Quick Snap