Living Large {Open}

[sammie]

I nod, checking over Midnight. He wasn't sweaty at all, and wasn't breathing quickly. He was ready to go! I clicked him into a smooth trot, followed by a perfect transition into a canter. My cues were invisible as we seemed to glide around the ring, my position flawless and Midnight's gait beautiful. His hoofs barely make a sound as they touch the ground, and his muscles ripple and through his glistening black coat. My hands are steady and my heels are low, and Midnight and I are connected. I count down in my head as we approach the first jump, and we leave the ground at the perfect time. Midnight's front legs snap up and we soar over the jump, landing in perfect harmony without making a sound. I regain my canter position and do an invisible yet effective half-halt when he tries to speed up. We approach the liver pool with ease, and we fly over it in perfect timing, Midnight barely blinking an eye at the usually-scary jump. We finished the rest of the course without one fault, and I am so proud of Midnight- he was so amazing. I smile triumphantly as we approach Violet, I can't help it, because I know all of our gruelling work had payed off. You'll do great.

[calliefan234]

I smile at her ride. "Awesome." It wasn't a critiquing practice, so I clicked Harley into a trot without saying anything else. Approaching the 1st vertical, Harley doesn't bat an eyelash as he soars over the plain jjump. We round the corner and I give him a slight half halt to remind him I was in control. We easily jumped the double oxer and the triple bar. When we approached the Liverpool, Harley's ears flicked back and forth and he tried to slow. I push him and give him a slight tap with my crop that I rarely used. I sent him all the confidence I could muster. Harley sped up and snapped up his legs to clear the smallish jump. I didn't hide my grin as I moved to the next jump. It was the highest jump on the course at 4'9, and it could be daunting with all the flower boxes and pinwheels that spun slightly in the breeze. Harley, empowered after the liverpool, sped up, eager. I sloowed him down a notch, and counted down in my head. 5..4..3..2..1.. [/i]now Harley took off, soaring over the jump. He landed quietly on the other side and shook out his head and did a mini buck. I gently pulled him back to reality and did a finishing circle before trotting back to Sammie. I smiled, proud of my ride.

[sammie]

I smile. That was great. Want to critique for practice?

[calliefan234]

I smiled. "Sure, you can go 1st." I say, leaning slightly back in the saddle, preparing for the critque.

[sammie]

I smile. Well, I thought you and Harles were really good. I can definetely see that he'll always be a bit wary given his past, but you've come a really long way. I reccomend plotting out your takeoff spots more accuritely and if you could, count down in your head. It helps.