A few times a year there’s a national squadtraining for us in wither beautiful Ledingenäs or ancient Strömsholm together with Lussan Nathhorst. I missed the first training of the year, so I was really excited to be there this time. Bobbo was supposed to go with me but he hit one of his frontlegs and was a bit swollen, so he had to stay at home and instead I brought Bella and she did it very well. We practiced pirouettes, tempi changes and half passes. It’s great that we’re able to level up this season. As usual, Lussan gave us a lot of good feedback and guidance about the contact, the rhythm and some technical issues as well. Boel and some of her friends were there too so first we had a great training and then we had a nice coffee moment with some treats, what we call ‘fika’ in Sweden.
This year, the plan is to start Bella a few times on a small tour level like St Georg. I’m really looking forward on seeing how she’ll take that challenge on with me. She’s really good at both pirouettes and half passes but I always have to make sure she’s motivated and alert to get the best feeling possible.
For a few months, Boel and I have really tried to focus on the supplement and her contact with the bit. She’s always very easy in the hand and has a good frame but sometimes she snaps out of it or the contact is even too loose which doesn’t make her swing enough through the back and then not quick enough in fort of my legs. We’ve also been working her a bit longer and deeper in the frame with a lot of half halts with a focus on her straightness in and out of the exercises. It has really made her stronger and more expressive in her movements and easier and quicker in front of my legs. You really have to go back to the basics of training even with an experienced horse like Bella. She’ll get lighter and easier for us to ride, and she feels happy and loose in her body, it’s a win-win.
The first competition of the season will be during Easter at Strömsholm with Bella. Bobbo will probably make his season debut by the end of April in Lidköping. I’m really looking forward to starting the competition season. All we’re hoping for now is improved weather.
Happy Easter from us!
