It has been a little while since I had some serious training, and Freya is definitely getting to the point where I need some expert guidance to keep us on the right lines. I have had lessons from Ferdi Eilberg since I was twelve. He knows me really well and I trust him to be honest about my riding and training. Making the most of some pre-booked annual leave, we decided to head up to the Eilbergs’ lovely yard in Worcestershire.
I was really pleased that Ferdi had a good first impression of Freya. He has trained so many horses to Grand Prix, he really knows what to look for! He commented on how compact and balanced she is, her good attitude, and her paces. The first thing he picked up on was her tendency to shorten in the neck, particularly when I half-halt and ask for more engagement and collection. As regular readers of this blog will know, Freya LOVES to go fast. When I try and bring her back, she sometimes shortens the neck instead of steadying.
We did lots of work on a small circle on the first day, using it to control her speed so I could allow the neck out without speeding up. It was a simple but effective exercise, and she seemed to pick up on what I wanted really easily. When I felt that she was holding herself in true collection and self-carriage, I could then gently push her away from the inside leg to a bigger circle. Once out on the big circle, we spiralled back in to the smaller circle and started again.
After working on the canter, we came back to some trot and the difference was amazing! By allowing her neck to lengthen, she was able to balance more easily without relying on my hand. That meant I could start to ask for a bit more energy without worrying that she was going to rush off.
On the second day, I switched from the snaffle to the double bridle. I have ridden her quite a lot at home in the double, and this was a good opportunity to see how she would react to it in a different situation. She was really good, and accepted it just as easily as she does at home. In many ways, I find it easier to allow her out in the double; she has a bit more respect for it and isn’t tempted to ‘fix’ on the rein.
We picked up on where we left off the day before, starting to build in some more challenging work. Ferdi pointed out that Freya finds most of the exercises very easy, so it’s my job to ask for more. I have always liked how Ferdi uses exercises, particularly the lateral work, to improve the horse. It’s easy to focus on how you want them in the test, forgetting that they are also the best way to increase athleticism and suppleness. By the end of the session she was able to really bend through the body without speeding up.
All in all, I was really pleased with both lessons. Ferdi’s got a real knack for picking up the key issues immediately. He then works on them in a very precise and methodical way. I now know that I’ve got to really focus on building the collection and letting her out in front, and I’ve got some useful exercises to help with it. We are off to Cholderton to compete tomorrow, so it will be good to try and put it into practice.
For those interested in seeing Freya in her lessons this week, take a look at the video below.
E.x