Sophie had a great time at the AEBC and the staff there could not have been nicer. The 'boys' worked hard and were very tired but they have both benefited from the lessons and the 'McLean Method'. Finally we have a system that seems to suit the Andalusian sensitivity!
Animado Azul (Blue) is coming to terms with his huge canter and learning to keep his very bendy Spanish neck straighter and travel with more shoulder and less 'sewing machine'. (That less than attractive high but choppy front leg action of the Andies until they learn they can stretch more forward; something Ridozana seems to know naturally.)
On the Friday they came home Andrew McLean asked Sophie to bring Ritzo as a demonstration horse for the presentation he did that evening at Amber Lodge in Geelong. Poor Ritzo was very tired after having a lesson at the AEBC that morning, a two & 1/2 hour float ride through peak hour traffic to get home and then, after only 45 minutes at home, he was back on the float with a youngster from down the road and back to an indoor in front of 30 or more spectators.
Ritzo was an angel. For those that know him from times past, the change is obvious. He is so much calmer, relaxed and confident, showing good rhythm and tempo. He was too tired to show the passage he was developing during the previous few days but he has continued to improve it since and, although it is very early days, Sophie and I are very excited about what he might be capably of.
Watch this space...!
Animado Azul (Blue) is coming to terms with his huge canter and learning to keep his very bendy Spanish neck straighter and travel with more shoulder and less 'sewing machine'. (That less than attractive high but choppy front leg action of the Andies until they learn they can stretch more forward; something Ridozana seems to know naturally.)
On the Friday they came home Andrew McLean asked Sophie to bring Ritzo as a demonstration horse for the presentation he did that evening at Amber Lodge in Geelong. Poor Ritzo was very tired after having a lesson at the AEBC that morning, a two & 1/2 hour float ride through peak hour traffic to get home and then, after only 45 minutes at home, he was back on the float with a youngster from down the road and back to an indoor in front of 30 or more spectators.
Ritzo was an angel. For those that know him from times past, the change is obvious. He is so much calmer, relaxed and confident, showing good rhythm and tempo. He was too tired to show the passage he was developing during the previous few days but he has continued to improve it since and, although it is very early days, Sophie and I are very excited about what he might be capably of.
Watch this space...!