Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Rushed to the barn, double header tonight. PJ was a little dirty but cleaned up real nice. Put dressage gear on today. Need a tune up for jumping night. Managed to get ready very quickly. Warmed up slow as there was a lesson. I find it helpful when riding during a lesson to do what the instructor says thus I am able to concentrate and relax like a true lesson. This way you listen and can stay out of the way or take advantage of going large and follow the lesson.

PJ was very forward but had a few misteps behind. I am wondering if he didn't tweak something in the mud. Will monitor, hopefully it isn't anything. It definitely wasn't constant. His shoulder-in in either direction were awesome so that makes me think he is fine. It was a little warm and humid and I am sure he played hard so will attribute it to that. The first Canter departs were a little sticky but he warmed up to it and would go immediately. I only rode for about a half hour. I cooled him off, gave him a show and a roll option which he didn't take. Too wet. Haven't figured out what is the difference between most sand and true mud. Apparently mud is more appealing. It maybe it's the satisfaction of hearing me say "Ohhhhhhh PJ".

Tonight was fun night at the TLG Obedience. I was a few minutes late but I think Wyatt would have gone out of his gord as we didn't start right away and he knew those were FUN things laying around.

We did the Tunnel several times, gradually increasing difficulty. He locks on target and goes let me tell you! My little man can point and shoot. I pointed him at the little jump and said jump and over he went. I am going to need to increase my speed as he is a quick little devil. We did a Chute which he had no fear. The instructor said "good handling" not exactly sure what I did to get that compliment but I will take it. After thinking about it, it may have been noticing his hesitation I flicked the end of the chute and then moved on.

I was a little worried about the teeter totter which I will now call seesaw (there are too many T words). I really liked the instructor's method of training at first Wy was a little worried when it moved but then gradually didn't care and towards the end she let it bump and he was fearless. At every obstacle he wanted to do it and not wait for the other dogs to have their chance. Wy was barking and way pulling on his leash. I just kept telling him to wait which he understood for a few seconds and then would want to press on.