Koning Albert ~ Learning to Piaffe

Well, today Albert showed us how versatile he is, when we took him for an in-hand lesson with Ryan Shannon at Manor Grange Stud.

Albert has never done any in-hand work apart from covering mares! so this was indeed a new experience. With Ryans calm and kind training, it took just 15 minutes before Albert took his first baby steps.

Just because Albert was bred for jumping, doesn't mean he can't do other things, and all the flatwork strengthens him for the jumping. He learns to "sit" more, take more weight on his hindquarters and learns to lift his shoulder, all the while calmly stepping underneath whilst Ryan "clicks" and directs Albert with the dressage whip.

Ellie Roberts is already training Albert in the Medium movements and all being well, we will try some Elementaries with him once he's learned to soften a little more.