'Ten Years Younger' - equine version!

Discovering another advantage of in-hand work...........

Had a second in-hand lesson with Becky on Saturday. The Madams and I have been trying hard at our homework from last time, and Becky worked her magic and sent their training forward by a quantum leap. Our 3 year old was an absolute star but thought you might like to hear the 'before and after' tale of our 23 year old Senior Madam:

this dear old mare was a fabby hunter and dressage horse. She is still very enthusiastic and mentally 'up-for-it', unfortunately time is catching up with her a bit physically and she gets very stiff. Following our first lesson we've been practising the basic lateral movements in hand - and she has taken to it to with her usual aplomb.

moving on six weeks or so to now.......
I wanted to see how the linkages between the in-hand work and ridden work would work for us - so under Becky's eagle eye we did just that - and how! The 'little old lady' walk became freer, tracking up, and continued even under saddle. The transformation has been quite remarkable - and has definitely improved the mobility of an older horse.

The old baggage has got quite a sparkle in her eye at the moment and that usually means mischief............she's definitely NOT feeling her actual age today!