Had I Known

I rode George yesterday. He's a very good boy and I managed to get a few really nice stretches down and into the bit at a trot on a 20m/30m circle. I cantered him once and he didn't 'explode' into a half gallop/canter, which was nice. He's still really forward and while I want to retain some of that he is too forward and rushes when he trots a lot. He's got a very hard mouth which I've also been working on, and while he's starting to get them he's confused about seat aids but also unresponsive to rein aids. He's gotten bending on a circle around my legs 100% though and that was another big thing for us. He would previous trot more in a square and when we had to round at the corners he'd go all the way to the wall and turn his body then- instead of now where he's actually bending and flexing into the circle which is great.

Bought a dressage saddle, need to sell my close contact. WIth my back I won't be able to jump anymore, at least not as my main discipline. I borrowed a lesson dressage saddle last night from my boss and I enjoyed it. It was probably most of the fact that I was on vicodin (doctors finally gave me painkillers.) but the deeper seat also helped me move better, I think. I still want to lead forward a little when I sit the canter and I need to stop doing that. I did it originally when I was riding and got out of it but now with my break I've started again.

So. Nikki and Georgia! I know you don't ride anymore Nikki and I dunno how much you actually know about riding, haha. But I'm hoping one of you two can assist. I've never had such a forward horse and I need to slow him down when he trots. Simply, rein contact doesn't work, nor does sitting deep in the saddle, leaning back, 'freezing', or rising slower to try to slow him down. He is better on circles but I obviously can't just ride him in circles. Anyone else on my flist who rides horses but I forgot, feel free to pitch in.

<3