Thursday, September 15, 2005

After a few errands, Wy and I made it to the barn. PJ was clean so tack up was quick and easy. Wy played with Tia for a while but came to check on me as I was getting ready to ride. He's like hey, watcha doing can I play with you and PJ? D kenneled him for me, that is after carrying him around like a baby.

PJ settled to work very rapidly. I was very impressed as there was a lot of hammering going on and he didn't mind at all. I decided to venture outside after working off both reins and getting decent canters. I really have to use leg to get him to round. We hold it for a few strides. Like weight lifting we add a little more each time. His back comes up and you just feel power with every stride.

I remembered bug spray this time (you should only use a lame excuse once) so off to the outer world we went. J and Punky were outside so they were are babysitters. We did some very nice trot circles and a change of direction through the circle. I got the left lead no problem and he was very nice. J turned into coach for my right lead canter depart. I had tried once and actually got the lead but quit riding (bad, bad, bad) and he went to a trot. J is like just DO IT! I want you to canter around three times and you get after him and keep going. Sir, YES SIR! It was wonderful. He stayed connected and rounded.

My weaker left leg really shows up outside. Have to do more sprinting with Wy. It has been a year now since our heel hanging episode due to Bo Bo mysteriously appearing outside the arena and PJ catching me in an upward post and with blazing speed spinning to the left. It still bothers me. Your butt tendon is not meant to support all your weight. That was my first indication of how great a mind PJ has - not taking off hysterically went I was hanging off the side by my heel and standing there while I struggle back up using his bridle then mane to return to the upright position.

Took Wyatt to Total Puppy. After a week off we were a little remiss at our obedience. He pulled the down and then full out lay quite a few times. I did receive a positive as far as his attention to me. They were very complimentary tonight. Might be that we received the future class schedules hmmmmm.

The agility part was a three piece set up, consisting of chute, box and weave. They had the chute's chute rolled up for the in experienced dogs. I let them hold Wy the first time but after that I just sent him through running as fast as we both could and me saying chute, chute, chute. What a star! We had to keep waiting for the other dogs to do the next part so I would circle Wy and then do the next piece. The first time on the table what I now call box he was confused but the next two times through he was fine. For weave I didn't have to baby him through at all. I just kept the leash from weaving as he went through. He got more and more excited as we did the course. I can't wait until we put everything together.