Tuesday

The usual stuff--groom, hanging out, walking in and out together except played briefly with drawing HQ from intention and it is improved--big HQ step toward me and just a big of movement in front. Still not a plant in front and HQ only big step to me.

 Lesson with Kathy 2 hours--and of course we did not ride the whole time, talking, hanging out as well. When we finished Try wanted to just hang with us! Try seemed to thoroughly enjoy the two hours! Course Kathy gave her treats--we only rode for 3 segments and when Try improved we quit and Try got a treat. Best canter with contact--using outside rein to rebalance, outside leg to step deeper--quality of canter improved--using HQ better and more consistent and canter was never rough. Working on my positioning hips open and relaxed, long leg, weighting stirrup to bend and change direction, transition to walk to prevent falling on the forehand etc.

1. Keep hip open and relaxed. With back injury I was tenser than usual and tended to raise and shorten leg and pitch forward which puts Try on her forehand.

2. Took right hand and held the rein near the left hand which helped me keep my hands in the center and raised a bit. Important to keep my hands/elbows relaxed and in position to help Try be relaxed in the contact. Wantonly minor adjustment with the reins, to not drop her in the contact.

3. Homework: more frequent changes of direction and bends/yields etc to re-energize Try and keep her interest.

4. Transition to the walk using HQ instead of stumbling onto FQ

5. Canter departs using HQ--indirect rein/falling leaf and backing and 1/4 turns on HQ. Also lifting the FH. Outside rein and leg are her security blanket for her to frame up. Rein rebalances and my leg helps her to step deeper--keeps her from falling in.

Next time: leather reins and set up camera and tripod.

6. Remember use outside rein to rebalance. Outside rein and leg are her security