Wednesday - Try and Mind Reading

Today we took our time and played with the concept of mind reading--that is to be careful of my thoughts, feelings and intentions because Try reads minds.

Played easy games at liberty in the ring then walk and trot bridleless and then played with using hind quarters in the canter. Day 1 of Adequan for Try. Day off for Devon.

Tuesday - apology day for Try

BA rode Devon today and I did not ride Try we just did fun things and hung out together. Also groom and quick bath.

Monday - Devon in the ring and Try teeth floating

Devon: basic hack in the ring, warmup, no stirrups--first time 2 laps without a break in the middle and canter success--maintained gait until the very end when I began thinking about the downward transition.

Try: terrible, awful, traumatic teeth floating, re-drugged 4 times, she fought with that electric drill in her mouth and had terror in her eyes.

Saturday

Attended EDCTA's Dressage 101--interesting session with Janine Malone on rider tests and massage session--also met Sherri Moore and Rocking Horse Ranch therapeutic riding program folks.

Friday MH and Devon

Today I tried a session with MH and Devon. (I am hoping to find a way to take advantage of the opportunity of her being at Rollover—not sure where our common ground for exploration may lie nor if Devon or Try is suitable or its appropriate for them.) Anyway—discovery—some wonderful trot, rounding up, I was able to sit the canter with contact and isolate the difference between my hands and the rest of my body and not feel I was doing anything I didn’t want to his mouth. BUT the whole idea for Devon, as a hunter, to begin with the energy from his HQ and get a good walk was difficult for me as he kept wanting to slow down. Then at the canter we would get a few good strides and he would slow and break gait. It was very interesting and I loved the really lovely trot we had for a while.

Try: Today she got the day off but seemed to say “pick me.” She is so different--have to wonder how long she has been in pain. Is that why she would be sooooo cooperative and mind-reading after I am gone a few days?

Thursday - Magic Day with Try and Kathy

I thoroughly enjoyed the lesson with Try and Kathy. Try was so relaxed and pleasant and so much good self carriage so I could work on myself. Forward from the waist, open chest etc.

Also Karen Bullock gave Try a clean bill of health. (Well I suspect some arthritic stiffness in her shoulders. The Adequan arrives Monday and should help.) Try just seems so happy now.

Wednesday

Devon
Session to clean up breaking gait at the canter. Was able to maintain the let loose, follow, sync feeling at the trot. For the canter had to just focus on maintaining gait. Focus,forward and shorter reins. One lap of canter with soft feel.

Try
Played outback liberty and bareback pad reviewing for lesson with Kathy tomorrow. Stretching and soft feel, nine step back up and lateral flexion and some HQ/FQ suppling.

Watched two dressage lessons MH taught and was excited at possibilities for future learning.