I remember reading somewhere that if you want to get your horse to do something you must first suggest the idea to them, then (if no response) ask them and then (if still no response) tell them (which is sometimes easier said than done.) But having to tell your horse to do something is never quite as fulfilling as merely having to make a suggestion... I realised this whilst lunging Spice in the arena today, when i suggested that she jump over a cross jump and with immediate effect and more impulsion than i even asked her for she did it.
Spice really seems to come into her own when in an arena. It's almost as though she doesn't really need a teacher but merely a director - someone to guide her - she has all the skills needed, she just needs someone to suggest that she use them. I've read in many equine sales adverts the term 'push button horse' or the phrase 'you just need to point them at the jump' and from what i've seen so far i believe Spice is one of these horses and her potential truly excites me. Why she loves jumping so much is beyond me but you can actually see the excitement in her face when she realises a jump is coming up and her natural ability to work out striding, footing and pace truly amaze me. I was actually in awe of Spice today and so proud.
I had such a brilliant schooling session i was actually buzzing with excitement when i put her back in the paddock and i think she was too. I always know when Spice has enjoyed our sessions because i always ask her to 'canter' after i've put her back and often if i feel good about our session and she does too she canters off, tossing her head playfully in the air but if i ask her after what i feel has been a bad training session she often just walks off with her head down!
I think 2011 might be the year for Spice competition wise but for now all this is very good practice and bringing smiles to both of our faces. :)
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