Ace The Hunter? Or Ace The Dressage Horse?

Ace and I haven’t quite decided exactly what it is we want to do when he grows up … err, starts going to shows anyways. We’ve been putzing around for two years now, getting to know each other, learning and refining the basics, and having fun together.

I grew up as a hunter and equitation rider. But I’ve since developed an appreciation, and interest in, both dressage and eventing. It’s a chance to re-make myself, try something new. So, I decided I would see what Ace enjoyed and let him decide.

The only problem is, Ace doesn’t know what he wants to be. On Tuesday, he was quite the dressage horse. He was offering a lovely forward with great drive from his hind end and round carriage. We even nailed two whole leg yields!

But yesterday, he had no interest in getting overly energetic, or tucking his nose in, or performing any of the finer movements. He was content to trot around happily with his ears perked, reins loose, carriage level, without a care in the world. It was the perfect imitation of a hunter.

Fortunately, yesterday was the first time in months I intended to take him over some little jumps. And his hunter-y attitude was perfect for a relaxed, confidence building jumping session. Ace hardly paid attention as he nimbly stepped over the little X’s I had set up, walk, trot, and canter. It was by far the most relaxed and happy he’s ever been about jumping. And it also made me realize that a huge reason for his hesitancy about jumping was very likely the old saddle that was too flat and restricting his back. Duh!

Both our successful jumping session and my realization about the saddle have me feeling more confident about Ace’s jumping ability than I’ve felt in a long time. So we’re going to keep building up and see how it goes.

I still don’t know if Ace wants to be a jumper or a dressage horse, or if he’s brave enough to go eventing. Maybe just maybe, he wants to do a little bit of everything!