I've even managed to ride with friends this week to so I also have photo and video evidence of how nicely he is working at the moment :) It's been great to see for myself that he actually looks better too! Whilst I have felt that he is working so much better its nice to actually see it for myself!
What's really exciting is I know that whilst he is getting better and better there is still so much more to come :)
On the flat I am using ground poles to help build his top line and core muscles, as a result he is getting stronger and able to hold his frame for longer, he's much more flexible, responsive and adjustable. He has honestly never felt so good. He always struggles with lightening his forehand and he is built quite downhill anyway but I'm now seeing and feeling improvements every time I ride him. There is no hesitation when I ask for a transition or more impulsion and he has much more bounce and energy in his paces, this in turn helps me to think about my own position and make little adjustments to improve things even further. I'm so excited by how much he is improving but I know I must be careful not to push for too much too soon so I am avoiding schooling more then twice a week.
I am continuing to use poles once a week when I lunge in the pessoa too, I use different exercises each time and find it really perks Jack up, he has to think for himself and adjust his stride so its good for his mind as well as his body.
On the weekend we managed to jump with a friend, I've not jumped him under saddle in nearly 3 months but I loose jumped him a couple of weeks ago and he was brilliant so I was looking forward to seeing if the improvements were as good under saddle. It's safe to say the answer is yes! He blew me away with how well he jumped and far exceeded my expectations. He was suddenly able to use his shoulders and back and bascule over the fence releasing behind, the difference in his jump was immense, for the first time in years I didn't feel like I was being launched out of the saddle! He has always been very tricky to jump and would often stop, even when he did jump I was always getting thrown up in the air or left behind as he couldn't use his back so would try to cat leap with all 4 feet at the same time! I thought it was just me and I was rubbish at jumping but now I know I'm not - I can actually jump and stay in balance with my horse!! We set out 5 fences across the E - B line of the ménage 2 on angles so we could ride a nice flowing course of 5 jumps with 1 double and all the fences were nice and small to start with both horses warmed up well and jumped all the fences individually before jumping them as a course. Jack just made it feel far too easy so we put all the fences up and had another go. Again Jack jumped round like a pro well within our comfort zone. We decided to put the fences up once more and then leave it for the day as the grey clouds were gathering above us and looking very threatening! The 2nd part of the double and the 3rd fence were now 95cm high! As I set out to jump round again the heavens opened and a hale storm ensued but Jack bless him just put his head down and kept going. We go very close to the first fence and in the past Jack would more than likely have stopped or knocked it down with his front legs but not now, he never even hesitated, he just tucked his legs up quick and twisted his body to clear the fence! He jumped through the double beautifully making it feel like it was only about 50cm! Again he got a little deep to the bigger 3rd fence but still cleared it with ease and finished nicely over the gate and skinny. We had jumped all those fences and never touched a pole, he has never been what I thought was a careful horse but he was really pinging and picking up his toes.
As we were with a friend I got videos and photos again too!
We also got to join the Sunday morning hack this week so early Sunday morning 4 of us headed out together, this is the first time in over 3 months that we have managed to hack with anyone else!! Jack was a little excited but very well behaved and both lead and followed. We had lots of trotting and some canter where possible and I was pleased with how well Jack felt, he didn't feel tired or like he was struggling at all. He was the most sensible out of the 4 and lead the way when there was some scary building work by the side of the road.
So I think it is safe to say the magnetic boots and rugs we have been using lately are definitely having a positive effect and I will be using them daily to keep Jack happy and able to work to his best ability.
It's taken a long time and a lot of effort but my horse if feeling better than ever and I can start to believe we might achieve what I brought him for and compete at eventing after all :)
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