My husband was in the BN group, which started right after lunch. Unfortunately, I missed almost all of his lesson because I was busy with the vet and dentist. This was the only date I could get the dentist to see Levi before April and I was worried about him since he wasn’t eating right. While Eugene was having fun jumping things, Levi was getting drugged and his mouth poked at.
I did manage to see a bit of David’s lesson at the beginning while I was waiting for the vet to arrive and then a few moment as I walked by when the dentist asked to see Levi’s bit and I had to walk over to the trailer to get it (and then walk back again when he explained that he wanted the bridle too). I definitely got my steps in that day.
Anyway, I didn’t get to see much of my husband’s lesson so this post is mostly pictures.
I did ask my husband for his main take aways from the lesson.
Ashley wanted him to have a lot more contact with the outside rein for two main reasons. One: to keep Eugene balanced around turns.
The second reason was to create a more uphill movement. Basically take the impulsion and push him into the outside reins and use that to rock Eugene onto his back end.
![](https://diyhorseownership.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/P2242800.jpg)
maybe not like this
My husband said the theme for the weekend was basically balance + impulsion. They did a lot of the same exercises that my group had done, just with bigger jumps and some different patterns. Twice when I walked by and watched my husband go, I watched him make a mistake (turning left instead of right after a jump or taking the wrong jump). Just like in my lesson, Ashley switched up the courses every single time and you really have to be paying attention.
![](https://diyhorseownership.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/P2241629.jpg)
double checking the next course
Despite the bobbles, they did really well. Eugene was popping over the jumps without a lot of issue and really moving forward. While he goes forward well on XC, getting Eugene to move with impulsion in the arena can be a challenge. It was good to see him really hustling and even taking off without crawling into the base.
My husband also really enjoyed Ashley’s teaching style and had a great time in the clinic.
Stay tuned for day 3 where my husband and I ride together.
i am loving all the recaps from this clinic!! So cool that Eugene did well to. Wow you had a busy day or couple days for sure what with Levi and the dentist too!! looks like you had nice weather too! I love Eugene but am tickled you had a good clinic with Levi too!! 🙂
All I can think is that I would be mentally EXHAUSTED after this clinic, but it sounds like both horses (and riders) got a lot out of it!
Eugene is jumping GREAT! Hope all went well with the dentist too!