Scooby 3/30

Well, I think I figured out Scooby's issues. Detective Wesley at your service!

First off, he was MUCH better overall. I had already fit my saddle to him, but I carried out a softsaddle (by Cashel) to try on him just in case a bit change didn't make a difference. I also carried out two bits to try as well. I've noticed while lunging him that his right hock does not have as much flexion as the left, though it's going on the left rein and bending left that is harder for him. While tacking up today I noticed an obvious kick mark on his right hock, confirming there might have been some temporary damage there and that's why he's so resistant to put his weight on his hindquarters and flex with the hocks. He will slow his gait now like a western jog, but will not actually "sit" on his hind and work--he gets hollow backed, high-headed, jiggy and upset when I ask. But he's willing to track out in a BIG lengthened trot all day long. Unusual for a horse of his conformation (short legged, short strong back, round hindquarters, round croup).

I noticed his teeth were sharp and I think the D-ring snaffle was really coming up against his molars. Additionally, a little horse like him often has a small pallet and doesn't like bits that are just two-piece snaffles--they engage and "tent", putting undue pressure on the roof of the mouth. I tried a french link baucher (a personal favorite for skygazers) and he was receptive from the beginning. I really didn't need to try any of the other equipment--between the bit change and noticing the hock injury I think it accounts for most of his problems. I checked my records and I don't show his teeth being done since his arrival in the fall of '06 and don't have it on his entry paperwork. I emailed our dentist to start scheduling the spring teeth floats, and I think Scooby should be first on the list.

I worked him in lots of transitions--walk/trot and some canter. He was tentative for the first couple transitions, sucking back and not sure about going forward (but never balked). After the first two he moved out great, and then the LIGHTEST leg would send him forward. He has a BIG transition in to the trot, and tends to drop his forehand during the transition. One thing I really need to work on with him is getting that transition to smooth out and not be so dramatic, with him often lowering his head (not so much as he used to!) and pushing hard into the trot, which unbalances his rider and then causes a lack of harmony. He also still tries to take the reins, but not half as often and just gets deep and round in his work instead now. I do reward him for trying to round his back by posting very lightly and putting my seat a little more forward to absorb his energy, while "putting a floor" on HOW low he goes. He does this more tracking on the right rein than the left.

He needs to learn how to bend-it's a missing key component in his work and makes it difficult to correct his balance at times. Of course, when he loses his balance, he loses his confidence and gets choppy again. But overall he was very responsive to seat aids, to the bit (once he got used to it) and even his canter work became quite nice once he settled into his gait. He really needs to have a lot of repetitive transitions into and out of gaits so you don't spend as much time working to relax him after he's changed gaits. Overall, though, a great improvement in his work. I think he's missing some key musculature to get his job done, and he does get snarky after he starts getting tired. More training work will help improve this as well. I didn't have ANY gate-sour behavior tonight, though. He was willing to take his transitions anywhere in the ring.