Yeah! Frankie’s Hocks were done 11 days ago. He went back to work 7 days ago and boy was he happy. Mentally, I think it was good for him and I to take 4 days off riding. Physically he breathed a sigh of relief.
I could feel him really coming through, most noticeable at the trot. He is so funny at home, or more specifically, at home and not jumping. He just lopes around at the canter. I can get collection, but have to work REALLY hard for a forward canter. Forget about gallop, he has to be a wild man for that!
After not jumping for 4+ weeks I gave it a go on Sunday. I chose to ride outside, better footing and more room. I had no plans to jump big. I just wanted to see if I could get a nice, quiet figure eight going. Just two fences, both verticals, one about 3′6″ the other 3′9″ (we warmed up smaller of course). He was charging the fences. Not in a protective I need to shoot over them, more of a “woohoo this is fun”. So, I wasn’t mad and didn’t get in his face about it, plus he had 4 days off and only a short ride the day before because of bad footing. I did have to circle or pull up a few times because I could tell he was going to attempt to leave 1-2 strides away from the fence OR I would have to pick at him all the way to the fence taking away his stride. Both those options are bad so I picked circle or halt. Never got him real quiet, but listening. Most importantly sticks weren’t flying!
With our flatwork I have been putting him in draw reins once a week and then riding him exclusively in the Chambon. I have been using the Miklem Multibridle and I think Frankie likes it and the bit I have been using is a Myler jointed D ring. All in all, I can’t complain about his flatwork at all.
On Wednesday I decided to get him back in the jumping routine. Trot fences! I set up two trot fences and two canter fences (plus a warm up). I was riding inside because of the weather so I wasn’t sure if I was going to attempt the canter fences or not. One trot fence was 3′9″ and the other was 4′, both had a trot pole 9′ out. He was fantastic! Both fences were on the diagonal so I had a hard time keeping him straight because he wants to turn before we land because there isn’t much room. He stayed quiet, calm, and was jumping pretty good, though not great. Big thing though, he wasn’t knocking them down! I decided to do the canter fences which were 3′6″ and 3′9″. I try to stay soft and not pick at him, but it’s hard when I know he can make a big move if I don’t keep it in check. So, The first two weren’t pretty. Again, which was better. The key was he really wasn’t making a move, he was just making me work really hard at keeping his canter. The third try was the charm. He was such a good boy. I was able to soften in front of the fence and HE added, nicely and jumped really well. Good boy Frank!
The day after jumping I decided to ride outside even though it was sleeting. The indoor is getting the rut back so I opted for the outdoor. The outdoor footing was a little rough because it was used for turnout so some horses rolled and got down to the base in two spots. Grrr. Plus there was manure EVERYWHERE!! However there are only two jumps up and a pile of them close to one end so there was plenty of space to ride to avoid the bad spots. I decided to do some lateral work and he was a champ. He anticipates so much though, not by getting nervous, just by assuming we are going to do a leg yeild or half pass and just doing it before I ask. Sweet, but I wasn’t always planning on that OR was planning the other direction. Silly Frankie.
Today was a day off. He went outside so I just stopped in, brushed him and de-ticked him. Since Lyme disease is so prevalent in my area and when I first moved here would find at least one tick a day on him I decided to try some “product”. I swear by Equi-spot. It doesn’t work on flies, but I have not found a tick on him since I have used it. I didn’t use it over the winter, but it’s supposed to warm up so I rather be safe than sorry.
Here are the major obstacles me and Frankie are dealing with:
Ulcer’s – Currently he has been doing really well with no symptoms on GNF. However I worry once I start trailering him regularly that may not be enough.
ADD – Frankie has terrible ADD keeping him focused is a daily chore.
Soundness – His hocks were done, he is obviously comfortable. I also have him on Adequan, but want to make sure that is enough.
Back Sore – I am WAITING for my new saddle and hope that a properly fitting saddle will make him more free in his back.
Relaxing – Keeping him relaxed has a lot to do with the top four issues, but also keeping my mood in mind because he feeds off me so much
Overriding – My issue, I need to stop being a control freak and let Frankie make mistakes at the fences so he can figure it out. I’m just not sure Frankie wants to figure it out, therefore I have to find a good balance of control and freedom…



