Sudi, the most intelligent horse we have ever worked with

[Heather]

As you know, Sudi has given us a lot of problems, but Becky has been working him solely in long reins for three months. His progress is so fast, it is untrue. Two weeks ago, she started some work on passage, and last night she was working him on the outdoor school and yelled for me to come and watch/ Only two weeks later, it is almost copy book- he is able to easily do piaffe/passage/piaffe too. To think his owner sold him to buy a young warmblood,  'as he will never make a dressage horse'!

I hope to get some pics done very soon! I cannot imagine teaching a horse now without teaching the movements in hand and long reining them first. It helps to have someone as skilled as Becky doing this, but it is ever more fascinating to see how, as we also work with either Beck or myself on the ground, the other in the saddle, with the other horses, the incredible development of the bond between the horses and ourselves.

I wsa giving staff, Vicki and Steve a lesson this morning, Vicki is much more experienced than OH Steve, so she rode Fanta first, and we concentrated a lot on lateral work. Vicki was in hysterics, because Fanta is so in tune with me that he has one eye on me all the time, and I darent even say things like 'travers' because he instantly knows what I mean! He then thoroughly took the pee out of poor Steve, who although is riding nicely, hasnt yet the timing or coordination of the aids, needed to influence the highly sensitive Fanta, who also delights in doing it wrong if the rider hasnt asked him absolutely right!

Trouble is, the more we laugh at Fanta, the more he plays up to it-for those of you coming to the conference, I am sure he will be at his very worst when it comes to showing off! He is far more like an eager collie, than a horse!!

Heather

[Torsornin]

Cool Heather Its nice to hear things are coming along nicely. I am looking forward to some pics

[AnaE]

UAU!!! I wish to see all that!!! :

[chapsi]

AnaE,
you do, do you????  8) Then you shall have to come with me to the Conference!

[AnaE]

I would love to! We must talk about that

[toni]

Trouble is, the more we laugh at Fanta, the more he plays up to it

So true, he was fabulous at the demo - had us all in stitches!! 

[DOOGIE]

Hi Heather,

Wow that sounds wonderful; and it's really great to hear that you are having such fun and success with both of you working together.

Is Becky/are you going to do any more in-hand/long reining clinics - I couldn't see dates for any anywhere?

As an aside, I think said warmblood owner was in H&H last week - stunning horse but she may be kicking herself about Sudi.  Will he compete?

CT

[Sonora]

He sounds great! Looking forward to hearing more reports

[Becky holden]

He is the most intelligent horse i have ever come across!!!!! He never ceases to amaze me, show him something once and thats its he can do it! Incredible he really is! I once thought he was a complete fruit cake, especially when he ran me over : : but now i think he is a complete genius .

As for Fanta......... :P :P : what can i say!! He's definitely the joker, but will always be Eastleigh's star!!

Hi Doogie
If you look on the home page and click on training you will find course dates there. Hope they are suitable,

Becky

[1 morejump]

A smart horse will ask why they have to do it and if their way is better.  Sudi sounds really smart Heather, I can't wait to see pictures! 

[TashaKat]

They sound like real characters, all of your horses

It's great to hear of horses like this who aren't drilled like robots and who have these big personalities   That's how I want Saff to turn out even though it can be a challenge at times!

I really, really must try and get to the conference if there are any tickets left.  I've got to see you guys in action

[Flashback]

awesome! he really is a gorgeous ned .......... a cut above the rest  (apologies to the others but Sudi is definately my fav of your boys  )

cant wait to see the pics 

[Heather]

Hi Caron,

Nearly right! Wasnt the owner, but the person who was er.........schooling him , or in her terminology 'it' >:(

Heather

[shoveltrash]

BRILLIANT news Heather (and Becky!).  i hope to get the chance to *see* your neds, in all their glory!!! 

[Heather]

You will Trish- sorting out that date for you shortly -

Heather