In a rut

Fawkes and I seem to be a bit stuck.  He has been right on the verge of obnoxiously spooky most rides and I have been right on the verge of really frustrated.  At our lesson on Sunday, he kept spooking at the trainer's dog.  The same dog that has been at every lesson ever.  So clearly our rides have been super productive.

He was otherwise pretty good this weekend, although he has regressed some to sucking back before a jump or pole.  Not every time and I am not sure the best way to handle it.  My trainer just wants me to put leg on but even when I use all the calf I can, I still feel him slowing down and losing rhythm.  I have been forbidden to kick or sit down and drive (yeah, I have a few bad habits) so I have been clucking but my trainer doesn't want me to do that either.  So maybe I am supposed to let him suck back some?  Or maybe it is all in my head.  Honestly, I haven't prioritized resolving that issue.  And usually by the second or third time over he maintains rhythm so as long as he is going over, I let it go.

In general, I think we are both just kind of irritated with each other.  He loves his trainer rides and goes really well for them and I am like, fine, live with the trainers then.  Which has pushed me to the decision to at least post a sales ad for him.  I wasn't planning on selling him and there is probably a large chance he isn't going anywhere but.....he and I are clearly not a match made in heaven.  And he goes much more happily for the trainers.

So maybe, just maybe, there is a person out there that he would do better for.  I doubt there are many pros looking for an <16 hand, spooky gelding, but there could be a talented, ballsy rider with a tiny budget that would do well with him and it can't hurt to put the ad up and see if anyone comes along.  I would happily give him away to the right situation, if that existed.

In the meantime, we will just keep on keeping on.