Two Rides

A little cold front is blowing through and it's actually coolish!

Gracie:  Canter/walk's were pretty darn good.  I started with the move the neck around exercise at the canter.  She is getting better about it even on the left lead, though she still wants to go upside-down. I never had the behind the bit, through the hear around, drop the back hissy fit. :^)  We tried a few flying changes instead of the down-transition and they were much better also.  If I can hold onto them she can stay balanced.  I really have to think about tipping my pelvis up and tightening my lower belly.  It's hard!  That gives her the room to come through though.

Also did canter squares both directions.  Almost had the hissy fit to the left, but I hung onto it and kicked her through as soon as the thought crossed her mind.    Right went pretty well.  Left was of course more difficult.  

Canter half-pass both directions - not bad.  It's hard to regain straight from left and still keep her engaged. Right is easier.  Also tried canter lengthenings -- not so hot there.

Trot work -- mostly half-pass.  Her medium comes and goes, but is getting  little more consistent.  I think it's just practice.  The extended is still in my imagination only.

Pico:  Carried a whip again and banged on the fence with it.  Also moved the arm of my jacket, which was hanging on a fence post.  My.  He held on though.  He did not want to relax his back this morning.  In the canter I ended up holding him until he gave in.  Dropping him didn't seem to get us anywhere.