Winter is just tough. The indoor is small, so it’s hard for me to work Frankie properly to keep him in shape and to work over fences the way we NEED to.
My goal for winter was to have Frankie relaxed enough to jump around a 4′ course like a hunter. I mean loose rein, quiet, and relaxed.
Problem is, 4′ in the indoor is virtually impossible. Sure, 3 fences-but that is hardly a course. 3′6″ is even difficult.
Yesterday, I had a two stride set up with four single fences. The two stride was impossible because over the fence we were having to turn to make the corner. This was making him anxious and tense while I was concentrating on keeping him straight over the fence, which made for dropped rails.
The other direction was better, but then it was corner, one stride, oxer, two strides vertical, two strides, corner. Ahhhh!
The single fences were better, but still difficult because of corner anticipation, along with both of us staying relaxed in between fences.
All in all he has been good. However, in the indoor, the biggest jumps we can do in course form are probably 3′3″, which isn’t super helpful. So it looks like I am going to have to make courses out of 3 fences. No lines. Boring, but it is what it is.
I would work on gymnastics, but a true gymnastic wouldn’t really even fit. Gymnastics have to be set big for Frankie to get any benefit out of them. When they are small, even if they are set tight, he is able to get through them with zero effort. Plus our biggest hurdle is relaxing!
I did, however, find the miracle cure for everything wrong that your horse does or ever will do.
The Micklem Multibridle. The bridle has intrigued me for some time. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information on it out there. The few people who had used it before were, well, not people that I would trust their judgment or opinion in any way, shape, or form.
I wasn’t looking for the lunge caveson or the bitless bridle. The part that interested me most was the ergonomic design that the bridle claims to have. It looks different, that’s for sure. Plus, even though Frankie has the one side of him that is Mister Mellow, Cool, Calm, Collected, Nothing Phases Him Horse; he also has the side of Mister Sensitive, Anxious, Nervous, Everything Bothers Him Pain in the Ass Horse.
Knowing that tightening the noseband on a bridle too much will instigate teeth grinding, is there something else in the bridle, a little more subtle that might create enough discomfort or irritation that could effect where Frankie’s brain might be?
Well, I’ve ridden in it twice now. First ride I decided to go all the way and jump in it. Not just jump, but to jump in a Dee instead of my usual pelham. Wow. I was expecting the usual problem which is no whoa. Surprisingly, he was incredibly receptive and responsive. I was able to get him back in the corners, even with the tense small indoor ride. It’s a miracle for only $170.
I hacked him in today with the De-Gouge and he was REALLY good. Not a great ride, but just because of my lack of inspiration. Not bridle related.
For anyone who reads this and doesn’t know that I can be “sarcastic,” please note that this bridle is not a miracle piece of tack that will fix all of your horse related problems. That was just a joke because 75% of all horse people are looking for just that (100% of the time it’s usually the rider who is the problem.)
I would, however, suggest anyone that has a sensitive horse to give this bridle a try. Also, I think a very practical use for this is for a beginner rider, one that isn’t quiet with their hands yet. I will update you with my continued experience with it, since two rides is hardly a true test period.
I can’t seem to gauge me and Frankie’s progress. I can only hope the ring gets drug, the weather warms up, and jumping 3 fences 4 times can equal a course. Maybe by spring I will be surprised with what I have accomplished. I sure hope so anyway.
