Sunday, September 13, 2009

Darn voicemail! I had to go in both days this weekend. Hoping we are getting closer to a solution.

Saturday night soccer was fun. We had two more new riders. J didn't want to ride as she is mad about her horse Sassy being lame and Tango the chronic colicer. It can be like watching paint dry until the horses start to get it. P started Rosie this time. She did much better than Corey.

Josie and I are our speedy selves. Getting a bit better at ball control. We did practice a little canter but I seemed to be the problem there. I didn't stretch out before like I had intended. I was a good girl and had done my exercises earlier in the day.

Sunday was practice your tests day for Josie and I. The schooling show is looming closer and closer. I have entered Training 1 and Training 2. I didn't realize how much I didn't know Training 2. One thing I can say is I haven't practiced either test into the ground so no chance of Josie anticipating. I warmed up inside. We had a serious discussion about getting off my right leg. After than I barely put my leg on and she moved over. I hate to get too physical but she ignored my leg and ignored the whip so a resulting whack, whack, whack got the point across. Most times I hit the saddle, my leg or the pad but I am pretty sure I connected by her reaction. I like whispering much better.

We headed to the updoor with Instructors' Whinny Widget (laminated test book) in hand. I laughed after warming up some trying to reach for the book, which I had set on a fence post for easy access, having Josie think she was getting a treat and each time I reached for the book she would go to my hand. It took a few attempts and one moment of feeling that we were going to knock it off the post and I finally got it. Silly Josie!

We have had a loss of brakes for transition from canter to trot. I am going to try sitting taller and exhaling after giving my half halts to get her under herself. She is interpreting any leg as forward which is great but it may also be an evasion. Hmmmm . . .

Training 2 I left off the last trot work as kitty was waiting to ambush us and Josie was seeming to think Tiger!!

We were both soaked and much in need of cooling out. A nice shower was good for both of us.

Until Tuesday's ride . . .