One of the things that has held Tonka and I back from going up the levels in dressage has been the recurrent comment from the judges on our tests: needs more energy. He does the patterns correctly, precisely and with a willing fluidity. But my horse just hasn’t had that engaged energy that he needs to be a successful competitor beyond First Level.
When we moved to Maine last summer, I ended up in a hunter/jumper barn. Going over poles is good for a dressage horse, so I started taking lessons. Mostly we trot and canter ground poles. I had no intention of actually jumping, but Tonka had other ideas. You could tell that he was eager to do more than poles on the ground, so in a lesson in October we tried cross-rails. In November we went back to only doing poles, with a focus on being able to canter a course of them. I had one lesson in December, in which we did five cross-rails. Tonka jumped BIG and it was decided that if were to keep this up, I’d need to ride in something other than my dressage saddle. At the beginning of January I borrowed a jumping saddle, did the requisite poles, and then we went over five little cross-rails. Yesterday we had a lesson, again in a borrowed saddle. We started out over those ground poles but Tonka knew what was coming.
From the get-go he was full of beans. Tonka was impatient for the real jumping to start, so he leapt over the ground poles.
When I tried to explain to him that jumping wasn’t yet the thing to do, he disagreed.
I eventually did convince him to canter over the pole without leaping.
But this seemed to rev his engine. Doesn’t he look light on his toes?
When I finally pointed Tonka at a “real” jump, I swear I could hear him say Yay!
He was, perhaps, a tad too enthusiastic, but I managed to stay balanced on him!
When I pointed him at the jump again, Tonka was a bundle of controlled energy.
My trainer says that he’s a natural. Without much guidance from me, Tonka heads to the center of the jump and places his hooves perfectly for take-off. I’m trying to stay out of his way and off of his mouth. Tonka would appreciate that.
His enthusiasm makes us laugh.
I’ve been a dressage rider for forty years, but riding is a sport that involves two. Right now, my partner is telling me that he wants to jump. Honestly, I didn’t see this coming and I’m a bit out of my comfort zone. But, as I said, Tonka’s jumping seems to make everyone happy. Including him. And me. So, we’ll jump!
Has your horse led you to activities you hadn’t planned on? Tell me in the comments!
Hi Terry,
I really enjoy your essays, photos, and comments. You’re such a pleasure to read. I like hearing about you, Tonka, and your relationship (both in and out of the saddle.) Today’s jumping essay was a fun read.
I’m from CT, so understand the challenges of New England winter riding. My husband and I have been living in NC for the past 15 years. We now live in Tryon, NC, where we built a house and the first barn I’ve ever had. There are loads of horse activities and events here in Tryon. We’re about seven miles from the Tryon International Equestrian Center. I have two QH geldings; we trail ride and do hunter paces. My hubby is a writer.
I’ll include his website below.
If you’re ever down this way, know you have a place to stay with us at First Edition Farm.
Best wishes,
Tara Boyce
One of these days I’m going to do a road trip to Tryon, Lexington KY and Aiken SC. And stop at every tack shop along the way! I checked out your husband’s website. He contributed to a serious and seriously important book.
Your photos here capture great balance for both Tonka and you, it really gives a sense of him being energized and light! I also love the shadows in the indoor.
Personally, I had never expected handwalking a horse to be fun. I normally run, not walk, my dogs, and casual dog loose leash walking suffers at best benign neglect by me. So, it has been an interesting surprise to see that handwalking a horse can be engaging and relaxing.
A friend who has a big fancy warmblood dressage horse loves taking him for hand-walks on the trails in the woods and down the road. I think she enjoys that more than the riding 🙂
I love this! Yes, it would be out of my comfort zone, too, and I’d have to borrow or buy another saddle. But how fun to see him energized!
It will also make his hind end stronger and improve his canter. HAVE FUN 🙂
It’s already mentally improved his canter 🙂
Tonker looks as if he loving this. You both look great.
Thanks!
Tonka looks so charged, you are so lucky to have the indoor arena. Toby was so full of energy and raring to go where he had been in quarantine for two weeks, luckily we are finally getting slightly better weather to get out in but masses of standing water everywhere. 🙂
I wish we could all send our excess water to Australia!