Sunday, August 7, 2005

Hot and humid once again (22 days of 90+). PJ came when I called him, okay so I walked half the way out and then he came up to me. I did the Monty (Horse Whisperer) shoulder drop and arm across belly.

First, things first make sure all four shoes are on - check

Second, check for bites across back - check, check

Third, check legs - check, check, check

Prepare horse: after picking feet, rubber curry (get those favorite spots), stiff brush, soft brush, saddle (please horse stand still), bridle and apply bug spray (yahoo he only backed a few steps).

Proceed to indoor for warm up (can you believe it 10 minutes to warm up).

Instructor asks student (me) how has he been. My reply, "Wonderful! I haven't been riding much with intensive training schedule of new canine."

We circle on left rein and she has me flex him slightly to outside, then straight and again. This was to get him in both reins - I actually felt it. We did a couple steps of spiral in and then spiral out (on the open side of the circle). We did these on both sides - of course. We do a serpentine and a couple canter departs and head OUTSIDE!!!! to canter in the sand before he gets tired. We walked around and he was a little above the bit but listening. She had us circle then trot and then walk and rinse and repeat. The usual "Canter when you are ready". My thought process -YIKES! Cowboy up TJ and go! Yes, depart without saddle departure. With his head up at the canter he actually sits better - good one less thing to worry about at this point. We had one spook - D was bringing in horses - No, PJ we are working, horse listen. When he bulges his right shoulder think right rein and right leg - really helped. We did 15 meter canter circles - felt awesome. K said you could really see his hocks working. K also said can use smaller circle as half halt. He is getting stronger and better able to handle the deep sand.

We ended up staying outside for the remainder even though it was excessively hot. Leg yields better off left than right. Shoulder-in need to put right rein against neck and half halt, half halt. K was really pleased. Makes me most happy :) Last lesson she mentioned she could really see the partnership - I was totally beaming.

Shouldn't do bending circle so small when he is going fast. Will work on this.