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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Love the one ear forward, one ear back on the way to the oxer so he can listen to you. And a scopey boy, he’s not even trying yet!
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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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