I realize that through a traditional jump chute with an oxer at the end his form and timing would be better. My exercise was a pure liberty exercise to see if he was trusting and listening to me–we started with a small crossrail each direction and gradually went up (after a warm up on the longe line with no jumping). He already knows how to jump with a rider–this was just a fun exercise in trust and attention. I was thrilled he absolutely knew what the question was and executed the answer without hesitation.
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A show ring update as well–things are slowly starting to come together for us–still good and bad days (pilot errors) and we are working on consistency but this day we got it together and had this trip. This journey has been a couple years but I am still so proud of my horse and the fact I have done all his riding myself. For a working AA like me who keeps horses at home this vision has been a long time coming. We have a great support team including my wonderful trainer. After this day I felt as happy as if I had won the Olympics!
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So cute! The two of you are a perfect pair and suit each other well. 
As an aside, I was filled with eager anticipation midway, because I thought, “Oh, here we go. The notorious Long Approach to the Single Oxer.” The bane of every AA hunter rider. In fact, whenever I’m facing a tough decision or challenge in life, I tell myself it’s just another long approach to a single oxer.
But you did great! I’m very happy for you.
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Great trip. He is so cute.
I like him
What a lovely horse and rider. You’ve put such a nice foundation on him that the moves up should be easy 
This is the best thread on COTH. You, your lovely horse, and your very competent riding are reminding us all that there is so much joy to be found in this sport when we are enjoying the journey and not the destination.
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So with all the craziness in the world I felt like it was a good time for a happy update on me and my guy. We have continued to work hard with excellent coaching (hunter/jumper and also dressage) and have progressed slowly and steadily in our consistency. I know things would have been faster if I had had pro training rides and not done all the riding myself but to me that’s not the point. For this middle aged lady who grew up in Pony Club and eventing who was unaware of lead changes as a child and never counted strides entering the hunter world as an adult opened up so much learning for me. To be able to bring a young horse along in the hunter discipline and teach them myself was a dream challenge. Every horse I have had in my life has taught me so very much. This one is no exception. I try to learn from each mistake I have made with my horses. We are still showing at 2’6 but when our consistency and changes are close to 100% perhaps we will move up. Right now I am just so grateful for the relationship I have with this horse, the fact I still get to ride and show and the great days and little things that make me so very happy. Nothing about us is perfect but we have made slow, steady progress. Posting some recent videos of a show, a jump school and a day riding at home.
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I absolutely love your forward pace at the show. It’s great to see a horse moving to the jumps like that.
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I love following your success! Keep the updates coming. Your horse is stunning and you’ve done a fabulous job. You’re an inspiration to me as I embark on a similar journey with my new chestnut mare!
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He’s lovely! And you’ve done a great job with him!
Coming quite late to this party, but wanted to thank you @Trekkie for prying me off the couch & getting me on my horse today 
Seeing your progress on your OhSoLovely guy got me moving.
I just recently was able to restart having my (Dressage) trainer come to me for lessons after a {gulp} 2yr hiatus.
In those years I did hardly anything with my horse.
Make that: next to nothing 
She’s due this coming Wednesday after a lesson a week ago Wednesday.
Then she began knocking the rust off us both & I owe it to me, her & horse to put in some saddletime before she comes back.
It was hardly earthshaking, but it felt good.
Thanks again 
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So nice to see that great canter has not changed a bit from 2 years ago. Not only a good indication of proper training, riding and conditioning either. He is as square ad sound as he was then and that is good to see.
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