Clinic Recap: Part II

“I want to think again of dangerous and noble things.

I want to be light and frolicsome.

I want to be improbable beautiful and afraid of nothing,

as though I had wings.”

― Mary Oliver, Owls and Other Fantasies: Poems and Essays

I've always read about and heard trainers talk about "on the bit" and in my head I knew what they were getting at, but I realize now, I had never really felt any difference until this past weekend.

Jutta coached me through some wizardry involving my ring finger and the opposite knee, and suddenly, Tesla lifted her shoulders, wasn't pulling on the bit, and there was a bounce in her step I could feel. Tesla could only hold it for moments at a time (and I'm not skilled enough yet to really help her with the exact timing of my aids) but we had some seriously magical moments.

A spectator told me afterwards that when I exhaled, she could visibly see Tesla just relax and stretch down.

Jutta gave me a stern admonition that it was imperative I get a good trainer, to help me help Tesla carry herself properly (and so. fancy.) so I'm trainer shopping for someone who is good with sensitive thoroughbreds ;)  and planning on continuing to clinic with Jutta as often as I can.

I can see I have soooo far to go, and lots of hard work ahead.

But if Tesla is game, so am I ;)