I was lucky enough to be able to go to Andy Austin to have a jump lesson with 3 horses. I took Dougal, Wally and Stanley. I have been having help with Richard Waygood for the last 4yrs now and he is fantastic. Wally's owner was keen for me to meet Andy as he used to train with him himself. I am always open to new ideas and views on how to improve as long as they don't completely conflict with what I know already works. Dougal was first on, this was a little bit of a step into the unknown as I have only jumped him twice so we are still getting to know each other. Dougal was very full of himself, but he had good reason to be-he was FAB. Andy really liked him and thinks he has a very trainable brain with a great attitude to his work, all reasons why we bought him at the sales last month.
Stan was up next, although not a typical event type he is a great jumper and Andy was able to help me with starting to train him into a more consistant canter which doesn't change just because a fence is involved. He also adjusted my position slightly to the way showjumpers sit, lower leg further forward and toes out so i can use the heel much more effectively. Stan jumped amazingly so I will definitely be keeping the position for him.
Wally was up last. He is German and has a habit of diving at the fence 2 strides out so Andy started to help me in trying to keep his stride even to the fence and not letting him panic and throw himself at it. There is no doubting this horse has some serious scope and talent but over the winter I will be focusing on keeping him even into a fence so he is able to push from his hocks more effectively than he is currently doing so.
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