Literally progressing by leaps and bounds

A month ago, we couldn't trot with a steady rhythm up to and over an X. Every jump required a placing pole after it, to get Paddy to slow down and think. I was sitting the trot up to every fence to keep a decent rhythm.

A week ago, we were only allowed to canter a single vertical, and ONLY if we were steady up to it. (This while hubby on Reddums was gleefully cantering everything tidily. SO NOT FAIR.)

This week, we cantered damn near all the jumps, and while it wasn't anywhere near perfect, we got the job done and were significantly less of a train wreck... most of the time.

Jumps are apparently higher than they appear to be.

We are working on so many things. Rhythm, balance, straightness. So much to do, so much to keep track of.

Sometimes it looks awesome.

Sometimes it actually RIDES awesome too.

At this point in his training, I sort of have to micro-manage every footfall, especially in the canter. Otherwise he'll get strung out, fall on his forehand, swap leads, throw his shoulder, or all of the above. Sometimes all at once, too.

Then we look like awesome sauce. 

Sometimes, though, I remember to sit up, half halt him, keep the rhythm, and we make it work.

The roll top is lava! Don't touch eeet!

 Other times, not so much.

A classic "oh shit moment". Yes, I really did say "oh shit" at the base of this fence. He jumped it anyway, because he's just that kind of guy.

Wanna see this bad boy on video? Here you go. Just turn down your speakers, mmkay? The good news is that we recovered just fine and went on to do the line right after it. Eventers get the job done!

I'm just having SO MUCH FUN with Paddy. Every ride is progress, every ride is so much better than the last. He tries so hard and he works so hard, and he really, really wants to get it right. That combined with his athleticism, what more could I possibly ask for? Other than the adorable face, I mean!