helmet cam test part 2: jumping in the field!

You knew there would be a part 2 to this whole test thing. I certainly couldn't leave well enough alone with a trail ride via helmet cam, could I? 

(tho then again, perhaps you already know where this is going bc my video editing prowess can't really be classed as 'prowess' after all and the content of today's post was partially included in yesterday's video too by accident)

lol isabel has known all along that i'm kind of an idiot

But yea anyway - phase 2 of testing out the helmet cam involved jumping around our mini-xc course in the field at home. We didn't do the whole thing since the ground was soft and it was hot and and and whatever. 

We just did the following five fences (images are from the helmet cam beta test with the shitty elastic harness - note the shifting horizon), tho one segment of the natural brush box was tipped over, making it a skinny, and the tires were in a new location perched on top of a small rise (and Isabel gave them PLENTY of room haha).

i don't care if they're small, these fences are just so much fun!

Just gotta say: Isabel is the coolest horse, guys. I really can't stress that enough. We were fresh off our 30min hack through the woods. She was sweaty and buggy and the barn was in sight - which typically indicates that our little jaunt is over. But then I asked her to trot and then canter and she just slipped right into that lovely cadenced canter from our lesson with Dan last week. Effortless. 

And then I started pointing her at the fences and she just went with it. Stayed in the same canter, no rushing, no looking, no nothing. Just eating up the little pallets right out of stride. God I love this horse!

tho this is why i don't jump Isabel in the hackamore. that chain is toooooo much!

I annoyed her a bit with the hackamore - as evidenced in the pics above - but she wasn't speeding or being rude in the slightest. She just really really does NOT need a curb chain for regular riding and I am not master of the 'half halt from core.' 

Maybe one of these days I'll try a side pull... but then again the curb chain has come in handy out in the woods so.. yea idk. Just probably shouldn't be doing anything that requires shorter reins in this bridle. 

Also my fly whisk got tangled under my leg in the turn to the tires, immobilizing my right hand (to which Isabel objected). For future reference: do not jump with hackamore or fly whisk!

video here

So yea. That's our inaugural helmet cam footage of Isabel doing her thang over fences! The camera is super stabilized and doesn't make any weird noises. Plus it's super easy to use, so I think we've got a real winner here!

I was also a bit curious to see what kinds of nonsensical subconscious chatter would be made apparent by the helmet cam, but it turns out I just repeat 'good girl' over and over. Boring!