|
This is Mia, who
belongs to Emily Cochran, my working student.
Mia is maybe 6 years old and is obviously a paint,
but I swear there is some Welch pony in that body and
attitude. Mia is tenacious and strong willed and never
runs out of energy. Our job is to turn that
determination into a good dressage performance.
|
|
Emily is 14 and in
high school.
She gets off the school bus at my farm every afternoon
to ride and do barn chores. Emily is basically my lower
back. She does all the heavy work, but on weekends, she
schools Grace for me and with training, will take Grace
into the USDF Young Rider Program. Emily is a member of
the 4H Club and last year she and Mia won the Junior Dressage
Division at the 4H Championships in Lexington. |
|
Our immediate plans
are to take
Mia as far as her confirmation will allow. This year,
Emily will show Mia at first level and prepare for the
4H Championships this Fall. |
|
Mia begins by loosening Mia and
stretching her top line. |
 |
| Mia
struggles with keeping her forehand lifted, so this
lengthened trot just gets fast. |
 |
| With
a little higher neck, Mia begins to balance the
lengthened trot with collection and engagement.
Lengthened trot becomes the more advanced extended trot
by third level. |
 |
| For
a horse with a short neck, long back and tight coupling,
this mare has a lovely canter. Here Emily is working on
self-carriage and a slower tempo. |
 |
|
Emily can canter Mia from a walk and can come to a walk
from the canter. Second level someday? |
 |
| The
"evil pony" side of Mia pops up from time to time. Here,
Mia has locked her poll and is beginning to run away
with Emily. Mia thinks she would rather run barrels than
let Emily's half-halts through. |
 |
