Haven't ridden Monfils in the bitless before, so it was interesting to know what he'd do. He was a good lad! he was actually quite forward (think that was as a result of the work last weekend, and Gaynor's efforts lunging) but I DO find they feel VERY heavy in the hand with the BB on. Still, at least it means I can ride even when he has got a cut lip (which is healing very nicely).
it was quite funny - Gaynor came in later with Charlie, and she was trotting more than me ((I'd managed to forget a strategically important item of clothing, so trot was not at all comfortable) ... but anyway, Monfils really wanted to catch up = funny that, even in the arena if he thinks he's behind, he doesn't want to be. Yet, at the same time, quite happy to carry on in walk patterns whilst Charlie was cantering.
Good news about Monfils and the bitless. It's OK if he leans a little, as long as he uses that to keep going forward. Taking contact is a good thing. Too often people think "light" and "soft" mean no feeling in your hand, but that's not exactly what it's all about.
ReplyDeleteWhat you want to feel is the horse "stepping through" to the rein and sometimes, especially early on, that might be a little "heavy."
Glad you ended up riding!