There is really nothing like riding a galloping horse. When I was about 12 I decided that I wanted to be a jockey. I had a rocking horse that I "practiced" on. I made a little saddle complete with short stirrups. I don't think I really ever mastered the whipping technique however. :-)
I mentioned in the previous post that we went "hilltopping" last night. Hilltopping is cantering/galloping up a hill and (hopefully) stopping at the top. The purpose is to build muscles in the hindquarters from the impulsion required to get up the hill. As we know, Amber needs strong hindquarters to get her over the jumps. Trotting over poles helps but doesn't quite do enough.
I crouched low over her withers and urged her on but surprisingly Amber was still ready and willing to stop once we got to the top of the hill. We did this 4 times! I let Jean do the first two times because I didn't really believe Amber would stop when asked. I can't help but wonder if she'll get into such great shape that she wants to go up over the hill and down the other side. Haha.
