Post by Admin on Nov 19, 2016 14:26:20 GMT
The colt was one of several recent additions to the stable - a handsome chestnut juvenile who had broken his maiden several months previously. Like the others, he was on lease, and Ryan was hoping that he could bring the thoroughbred into his own. When he had gone to collect the new addition he'd done what he could to learn about the horse they called Shocker so that he could both ease the transition and start training quickly. From this conversation he made a series of choices - the colt would always have access to his pen as well as his stable at night; would be in the pasture daily to help with his claustrophobia; and would only work from the gates occasionally to avoid unnecessary stress.
The colt seemed fairly relaxed as he was led toward the gallops by Jason. The head lad, as always, took every moment in his stride and actually seemed fairly pleased that the newcomer showed no major signs of apprehension or trouble. Once on the turf, Ryan gave the jockey a boost into the saddle and the apprentice took up the reins. "Just a simple one today." the trainer instructed. "Warm him up, then run him over two furlongs at a steady pace. If he seems to be running well, push him in the third otherwise keep him steady. I want to see how he's doing, and what you think of him."
The warm up consisted, initilly, of a fast walk which was followed by a trot and a canter. Ryan believed that such work increased performance while reducing the risk of injury but in truth had little to back this belief up. Still, it was good practice in his opinion to have a routine prior to work and this would be easily replicated.
Once the warm up was complete Brian cantered the colt to the three furlong marker before pushing him to a gallop. Shocker seemed willing enough, and took up a fairly middle paced gallop. Brian was uncertain at first, with the chestnut seeming to be in a world of his own but soon realised this was just how the horse was. He liked how the movement beneath him felt, with a powerful and sure stride which seemed to promise more and after a rather uneventful two furlongs decided that he would push in the final of the three furlongs.
Once he asked for more, Brian was shocked. The colt seemed to suddenly jolt to life and the jockey was caught a little off-guard having expected a smoother acceleration. He wasn't about to complain however, and once he regained his balance started to drive the horse, not one to use the whip in a workout. Shocker pushed, listening to his jockey's commands and soon Brian couldn't help but grin.
The passed the final post at an impressive speed and the jockey warmed down the horse before pulling him (finally) to a halt and sliding out of the saddle when Jason had hold of the rein. Ryan was waiting at the edge of the gallops. "Did you see that?" the apprentice asked with some excitement.
The colt seemed fairly relaxed as he was led toward the gallops by Jason. The head lad, as always, took every moment in his stride and actually seemed fairly pleased that the newcomer showed no major signs of apprehension or trouble. Once on the turf, Ryan gave the jockey a boost into the saddle and the apprentice took up the reins. "Just a simple one today." the trainer instructed. "Warm him up, then run him over two furlongs at a steady pace. If he seems to be running well, push him in the third otherwise keep him steady. I want to see how he's doing, and what you think of him."
The warm up consisted, initilly, of a fast walk which was followed by a trot and a canter. Ryan believed that such work increased performance while reducing the risk of injury but in truth had little to back this belief up. Still, it was good practice in his opinion to have a routine prior to work and this would be easily replicated.
Once the warm up was complete Brian cantered the colt to the three furlong marker before pushing him to a gallop. Shocker seemed willing enough, and took up a fairly middle paced gallop. Brian was uncertain at first, with the chestnut seeming to be in a world of his own but soon realised this was just how the horse was. He liked how the movement beneath him felt, with a powerful and sure stride which seemed to promise more and after a rather uneventful two furlongs decided that he would push in the final of the three furlongs.
Once he asked for more, Brian was shocked. The colt seemed to suddenly jolt to life and the jockey was caught a little off-guard having expected a smoother acceleration. He wasn't about to complain however, and once he regained his balance started to drive the horse, not one to use the whip in a workout. Shocker pushed, listening to his jockey's commands and soon Brian couldn't help but grin.
The passed the final post at an impressive speed and the jockey warmed down the horse before pulling him (finally) to a halt and sliding out of the saddle when Jason had hold of the rein. Ryan was waiting at the edge of the gallops. "Did you see that?" the apprentice asked with some excitement.