Catch up

I really did ride more than it looks like I did.  Missed Sunday and Monday though.

Last week Friday and Saturday, both Pico and Gracie.  Gracie and I worked on collection/extension at the canter.  She has swapped sides on me - right now the left lead is going well.  She engages her left hind and really pushes into the extension.  Right lead not so much.   We worked on leg yields around a circle at a trot to help with that.  She really didn't want to canter with her haunches out.

Part of this is where I sit of course.  I have to continuously think about stretching my left side up, turning my belly button to the inside (not just my shoulders), and keeping my left knee bent and functional. Getting better, but it sure doesn't come automatically.

Yesterday was snowy so I went up and rode Esteban.  We did all trot work -- shoulder in to half pass.  Belly button thing is important and then I need to learn to look where I am going.  I get all twisted up looking back over my shoulder.  Did some piaffe work - it was very good to try it on another horse.  Goal is relaxed and regular.  No tension, not really any suspension.  Gracie has quite a lot of sit, which is nice to know, but too much tension still.  

Of course some Spanish walk and some extended trot.  Always fun.  I need to work on the Spanish walk with both Gracie and Pico.  Extensions with Gacie - on Esteban I can really feel the lengthen, but he doesn't really come up in front for me.   I can get his good trot now and then, but usually end up in a nice relaxed first level frame.

Lisa