Midnight Rainbow

So as I’m sure you’ve noticed I posted a few pictures of Earnhardt, the thoroughbred gelding I’ve been hired to train (as well as lesson his owner when she has time). I just need to express how HAPPY I am with him and how I love just reminding people how use of proper speed, leg, and rein can really make all the difference.

The pictures I just posted are probably my…. 4th or 5th? ride on Earnhardt. I haven’t ridden a horse for the better part of 3 years and he has never been properly schooled for more than just very basic aids (and of course the training a racehorse receives as he is an OTTB).

In just those few short rides I have lightened him in the bridle, helped him start allowing himself to stretch into his frame- you guys should of seen the giraffe/anxiety ridden/refuse to bend or even give-to-the-bit-at-all-mess he was just a month ago. He is the kind of horse who really requires his rider to be direct and decisive in what they are asking and to not back down when he has a bit of a tantrum. He has major anxiety when it comes to picking up his left lead (though picks it up beautifully on the lunge line) so that and transitions are going to be his bug-a-boo “problem” that we will be working on.

I can not even begin to tell you how excited I am to get this horse some muscle and really start progressing him along the basics of Dressage. I am dying to see the day that he has a more firm, athletic, build, and a real aptitude for what I’m asking of him. He’s got a lot of talent and I’m blessed to be the one tasked with unlocking it.