It was a lovely day today and although originally I had planned to ride Dudley in the school, procrastination and the lure of the sun drew us beyond the gate and into the loveliness of the day. Besides, Sarah was teaching and I had faffed so much as to make it unfeasible to use the school before her student arrived.
One of the things I`ve been learning in my lessons with Sarah is the need to be consistent and definite in what I`m asking of Dudley and to insist that he gives what I ask. I am learning the difference in Dudley`s way of going when he is on the bit as opposed to when he is lolloping along.
We turned right out the gate, Dudley`s favourite direction. I cut some slack as we walked downhill on the slippery tarmac and allowed him to slow as the bus rumbled past. At the T junction we turned left towards the village and wow, Dudley`s feet had little wings! The sun provided a shadow which enabled me to see (rather than feel) if Duds was on the bit. I had taken up the rein and pushed him forward into walk and felt that what he gave was the feeling of being ridden into my hands. He slowed only to ogle the firemen who happened to be returning to their vehicles which were parked at the TA camp. Not one to argue, we ogled together!
Riding him into a contact seemed to release an energyy and impulsion that was maintained throughout our hack. He was responsive to the slightest aid to the extent that I barely needed to do anything but sit and enjoy the ride. I could concentrate on where my legs where and what my heels were doing . Unlike on most hacks previously, I didn`t feel that I was constantly moving him over to the left or being thrown to the right. He was forward and straight and absolutely fabulous!
Arriving back at the yard with Dudley on a loose rein and ambling happily stablewards we were met by Peter who commented on the relaxed picture before him. I commented upon the difference that having Dudley on the bit had made and just what a lovely ride we had had.
It`s like having a born-again pony and I`m liking it a lot!
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