I’m working to entice Stevie to reach to an elastic contact. This is the beginning of developing a new connection between Stevie and the rider. When he does reach and make contact with the bit, because I am soft and elastic, there is room for him to continue moving his body to walk or trot. …
Stevie begins more serious work in the arena. I want him to stretch, but in order for him to stretch over his top line, he must find balance. Notice his hocks are coming under now instead of trailing out behind him. Although his pace is slow, it’s as fast as he can go at this …
It’s windy and cold and he thinks he knows how to do this because he learned some things yesterday. Stevie is a people pleaser and very generous. He gives me his all when I just want 5% of his effort but that’s a Thoroughbred for you! He’s ready to go from the start and I …
We begin the trot on the lunge line. I could ride him at the trot initially and help him find balance on a circles but this would add the burden of my weight making it physically more difficult for him. It would also make him dependent on me for balance. I want Stevie to learn …
This is Stevis Man’s third hack at Leighton Farm. I sent him with Z, my most dependable citizen to show Stevie around. Z was born here so nothing worries him at Leighton Farm. Annoy, yes, frighten, no. I had someone to video today so this is the third ride not the first but they were …
1/10/2023 – Our Sixth Ride – This is the first time I do not prep him with lunge at the walk before riding him. I work the poles on the ground to present a small challenge that I believe he can handle. Applying a little pressure and seeing how he handles it will prep …
01/05/2023 – Our Fourth Ride. – In the beginning of the ride I begin gentle neck suppling. Racehorses are almost always very tight in their neck and their poll as Stevie is. Throughout the ride, I do not care where he puts his head. I don’t want to restrict his movement or his body. I …
Each horse is different, and we act accordingly, but there are some basics we tend to follow with each one of them. The first thing we do when a horse arrives from racing is to allow him to settle into the new routine. The more the horse can count on a schedule or routine, the …
Stevis Man retired sound and healthy from an impressive flat racing career in October 2022. He made $437,208, making 74 starts and winning 26 races, finishing second in 8 and third in 8 races. You can find his racing record here. He retired sound, happy and healthy. Stevie, as he is now being called, began …
My horse Z has been jumping for years. He’s got a wonderful flatwork foundation that makes him very rideable and confident. But Z is a true skeptic about everything. He’s open to reason, but he begins with being skeptical of the latest human plans for him. Probably a good way for a horse to survive …