Chrissa introduces us to Faustus, a horse she presented on DTO in two other videos- Developing the Changes and Frame and Contact. They have had some wins in the Developing PSG classes, but slowed his training to sort out some ulcer issues and are just returning him to work. Chrissa, due to her own injury, has her assistant, Mel, ride for this video. They are going back to elementary school to find the relaxation needed for them to ride his body correctly while they rebuild his muscle and weight. They are looking for him to soften in the jaw and poll and for relaxation in the topline. At almost 18 hands he is very long with very lofty gaits, and straightness can be an issue. Chrissa wants him to be submissive and give to the bits when pressure is applied with the leg and closes the rein. Chrissa explains how she deals with a horse that is resistant to get him more over his back using his topline. She explains how with his expressive, huge trot it difficult for him to let go of his neck for balance.
