video of my boy

[kip]

I posted a while back with pictures of my horse who I just started under saddle. I tried to find the post but was unable. I thought it might be fun to share a little video clip of him now that he is actually doing more then being sat on and fussed over. Please keep in mind that this was only his 25th time I've sat on him and only the 3rd time I have ever cantered him so he still feels a little bit like riding in a car without power steering or breaks, at least the gas works for the most part (except when we're passing doors). Getting him started has been a very slow process with a lot of long breaks in between; I am overly worried about overdoing anything with him especially do to his size. I have to say though that working with him has been one of the best expereinces in my life.

A little info. about him. He turns 4 in April, he is a Hanoverian sired by Woiwode (I know you've never heard of him, neither did I until I bought my guy), he is 16.3 hands and won't stop growing no matter how much I tell him to stop, and he absolutely loves horse cookies but won't touch a carrot or apple; go figure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OX-tVA5moI

[DiscoMom]

Fellow Hanoverian owner here. You have a very pretty boy and he looks like he is progressing nicely! Congratulations!:)

[Threedaydream]

WOW! He looks wonderful. You've got a lovely horse there! :yes:

[Feuerlilie]

He looks great!
Give him another 6 months and his balance will be greatly improved! :)

[vanillabean]

I like your first upward transition. He looks like he has carrying power behind that will be fun to develop.
Just out of curiosity, what kind of saddle are you riding in? It looks comfy!

[in_the_zone]

Nice! Dare I say FEI prospect? Yes, I think so.

[kip]

Thanks for all the great comments. I am really hoping that he has a future in the FEI but I try to remember that it is more about the journey with him than the outcome, which is easier said then done of course.

Also, I ride him in an older Hennig. The saddle is great because it really sits away from his shoulder.

[CTM]

Really nice horse!

[grayarabpony]

Wow, he looks like fun. I love his freedom of movement. He's light on his feet too, so as far as potential goes look like the sky is the limit.

[Brady'smom]

Wonderful! You have a soft hand, independant seat. At the very first with trot I was watching him going BTV and was thinking either push a tad more or give a titch more rein, he seems to be rooting for a bit more room. But he then picked himself up and moved along so well - did you leg him on a bit more there? He seems very calm and obedient, with no fuss. Very soft and quick trot-walk transitions. One thing I noticed - your eyes are up but your chin is down - I personally would like to see you lift your chin so your eyes can look straight ahead, and the weight shift would make a difference in forwardness.

I LIKE HIM!! (and you ride him very well - a loving mama for sure!)

[Elegante E]

You make me want a WB. Oh the horror, LOL!

[kip]

Wonderful! You have a soft hand, independant seat. At the very first with trot I was watching him going BTV and was thinking either push a tad more or give a titch more rein, he seems to be rooting for a bit more room. But he then picked himself up and moved along so well - did you leg him on a bit more there?

Thanks for the great advice. Keeping my head up has been a constant battle that I always seem to lose unless I have someone reminding me. Also, I did give him a little bit more leg to have him carry up to the bit. If I so much as tense a muscle in my arm he will take that as a signal to come behind the bit. I read on this board that you should carry your reins as though you are pushing a baby stroller and it couldn't be more true with him. Once I back my light and foward contact up with a little leg he carries himself up into a heavenly spot.

Also, Elegante, owning a WB is awsome! but I also love so many of the other breeds as well. I spent the summer showing a Fresian, he taught me so much and was a blast to ride.

[Bugs-n-Frodo]

Oh, why, Hmmm, I think maybe you should just send him to me! He's lovely!

[ride-n-tx]

Nice horse, nice rider! what a wonderful walk and canter!!

just curious about his breeding? any Weltmeyer in there by any chance?

[kip]

Yes, he does have Weltmeyer in him. His sire is Woiwode by Wolkenstein II by Weltmeyer. His mothers line contains Borneo by Bolero.

[STF]

He looks lovely! Nice soft and getting regular tempo. Your not holding his head where he cant move or use you for balance, etc. You cant ask for any better that what your doing. Good for you!!!! Congrats!

[STF]

This is the daddy, BTW, for those who dont follow bloodlines -
http://a-1performancesires.com/Hanoverian/Woiwode.htm

[ride-n-tx]

Yes, he does have Weltmeyer in him. His sire is Woiwode by Wolkenstein II by Weltmeyer. His mothers line contains Borneo by Bolero.

Aha! I knew it ;). The babies i have seen that have Weltmeyer in them have such nice hind ends. It's like they pick up and place their hind feet so delicately on the ground. Makes them look like they float.

[coffee-crisp]

What a lovely boy :D I just love his facial expression, lol!

[petitefilly]

He is a lovely boy. Congrats! Could you do me one little favor and put some bend in your elbow? He is going well, but some more give to your arm is needed. Eyes UP! Forward thinking would help you keep him from diving down to the forehand too. I see little things that would in the future be easy to fix and improve your riding 100%. Good luck, he is going places. :)

[Halt At X]

He is going very nicely! You have a beautiful horse.

I love the music in the background- a barn I used to work at played Gypsy Kings all the time :)