Attempted Increase

Hola.

Jimmy and Doobie were both exceptionally good today. Both a little wild, since yesterday was 57 and today was 24 out... the cold got to them.

Doobie and Kix had their typical "make out" session, where they both groom each other at the wither while Chelsey & I sit & laugh hysterically on their backs...

Jimmy was "jumper pony" today (even though he's not a PONY, I still slip and call him that). Chelsey was kind enough to tie Greta up and video record JC & I working over fences a bit. I got ambitious and wanted to jump "big" on him, so we put it up to about 3'6"... but he still didn't really care and dropped his toe... Since there are no standards with cups, these barrels are the best we've got. Him dropping a toe = a rail... but the still shot of it makes me proud because he looks like he's jumping really good, and I'm still proud of the video because even though he knocked it down, his pace, line, and distance is really good. He's improved so much. He's not rushing to the fences anymore (away now more than anything.. but at least it's not TO the fences, so I'm thrilled) and he's staying a lot straighter. So long as he's not nervous about a fence (it being scary looking/random objects piled on top of each other -- which is common at our farm) he has really learned to stay a lot straighter. I also set up two no-strides in a row today -- on a curve so he had to keep a nice rhythm through the corner, which he did really, really well. He never ceases to astound me with all the things he will just accept. God love him.

Here's some videos for your viewing pleasure :D Little Jimmy Choo-Choo. Also, here's the still-shot of him going over the "big" verticle. We both have good form! It's just that lazy damn toe. It's something Chelsey & I will be brainstorming to try & fix. I think a big part of it is that we only have PVC poles and no standards with cups... so he knocks it and nothing happens.. he doesn't feel much. I think wood rails in standards with round cups would do him some good... Now where could I get all of those things for free... Hmmm.... To be continued...