lessoning at new heights

Our lesson this week went pretty well. Isabel's been doing great under saddle, despite our concerns about her current physical state. We obviously want to keep it that way - and help make sure she's feeling 100% well so we don't start seeing any new issues. 

jump 3, one stride to jump 4, five strides to jump 5

But as it is, Isabel is at a place right now in her riding where any mistakes made are mostly my own. If I stay out of her way, she's more than likely gonna get the job done correctly. This makes me just so so so happy!

jump 4

Isabel flatted really really well. I focused almost exclusively on my upper body position - meaning 'LOOK UP, Emma.' Geez. This helped get my shoulders over my seat, and my arms hanging in the right spot. It also helped my core/seat be more effective in regulating pace, rather than using so much rein. P wanted my pace slow enough that I could feel Izzy's hind end coming up underneath, but not so slow that she's sleeping on the job. So we needed *energy* - while not just bombing around. 

jump 5 - monsters inc

P had a pretty neat course set up using essentially everything in the ring. We went through all the lines individually at 2' - 2'3" first. We did ok, tho I was maybe a bit conservative. Isabel had to remind me over and over again that *she* knows how to count perfectly fine, thankyouverymuch, even if I apparently don't... 

jump 6 on the rail, three strides to the uber colorful jump 7

The 6-7 outside line on the rail was three strides, but I kept getting a questionable in jump that made me expect to add a stride... Same goes for the two stride line on the other outside rail. Isabel was wise enough to ignore me and get the correct striding all on her own. Good mare!

jump 7 - the rainbow brite or 'easter' jump

Once we'd been through everything individually, the jumps went up - all the way up to 2'6"!! I've jumped Isabel at that height once or twice, but it's generally a bit beyond my comfort zone. The highest I've ever really jumped was 2'9", and that was eight years ago on Lad, who I still feel comfortable enough with to hop around 2'6"... But Isabel is just different. Maybe it's her size? Her way of going? Idk, for whatever reason bigger fences just make me nervous with her. 

yes, i think we made it to the base lol

But she's been making it perfectly clear that she can handle - and maybe even *wants* - the bigger stuff. So I put on my game face and went for it: nine big fences, with optional bending line from coop to roll top at the end. (The roll top was actually backwards, disguised as a white gate - and therefore *much* less scary for me lol)

disguised roll top is disguised. haha brain, tricked you!

Our course wasn't perfect: some questionable distances, per usual, and some inconsistent rhythm. But it was really fine. Isabel took the initiative in a few places when I kinda just froze up. And after it was all said and done, all the rails were still up and we had made it over everything. And I felt GOOD about it. 

Like, ok yes, I have work to do. Lots. My lower leg was swinging around all over the place, my eq is ick, and I still have no real release (at least I hold the mane like it's my job...). Plus, I really need to understand that Isabel can do the strides even if we get a questionable in jump - I just need to help her move up (rather than trying to hold for an add... it just doesn't work). 

video of our first ever 2'6" course for your viewing pleasure 

And P wants me to think about 'exhaling' in the last stride or two before the fence - to help me loosen up a bit and relax, rather than grab grab grab. 

But over all, I felt safe and not over-faced. And Isabel clearly enjoyed herself - so I can really focus on improving my own self without needing to worry about her. She's got it covered! So. 2'6" - we did it! :)