I have had time to process and feel much better now.
As I was driving out, I noticed I could see Wyatt's head in the rear view mirror. Hmmm what is going on here. I look back to see him balancing on top of the soft kennel in the back. My little worry wart. I couldn't believe it.
This is my first attempt at taking the picture:
Josie noticed me from afar while I was loading up the SUV. I hear a neigh of welcome and here she comes. I wait for her as I want to reinforce her coming when I am around. After a quick shoe check - all intact. We drive up to the other barn for staging.
Nobody was riding - yahooooooo! It will be a canter depart ride. Josie is accepting contact very well. She is getting more accepting of the single leg on meaning to move over, not take off in canter. I have so much more awareness of how much leg to use with her. I definitely have increased my ability to have independent leg and hands. Practice, practice, practice.
On the third try Josie got her left lead. The first two she picked up her right and I had her go on for a few strides and then come back to trot to relax her so we could try again. At first I wasn't sure she was on the correct lead and just as I ask outloud for verification she breaks. Darn it! I trotted a bit and then dismounted. She can think about that until our next ride.
I lunged her in side reins on Saturday. I started at our old magical number of 8 and moved to 9. At first she didn't think she could move very well but I kept after her and had her do trot and canter transitions. She was foaming at the mouth when we finished. I have to say this is my best ride ever on her. I love weekend rides, as I am in no hurry.
Sunday I brought my western saddle out to do a little trail ride. The weather was not what the predicted and this would be a good way. We warmed up in the new, new updoor. It has been out of commission while they fixed the footing. They took every thing out and started over. So far so good.
Josie was very relaxed. I only had her walk and trot. Practiced a few halts and turns. It is nice to have steering and brakes when out on the trail. I went with H and Molly. Molly is a little gray Arab that Josie bosses around. This is my second outing without P and J. We start off down the lane and Molly spooks at the end of the lane. Josie and I were both so relaxed we were delayed reaction. Nice to know Josie doesn't care. We got a bit further, crossing the railroad tracks and that darn mare does it again. Josie again was unfazed but I wonder if this is going to happen the entire time.
We get to the water crossing and her horse acts up so I mention that Josie can go first, she loves the water. Sure enough, she plays a bit and then walks across. M crosses and I remain in the lead. I was curious if Molly would still spook - she didn't the rest of the ride. To start out Josie was a little slow but leading very well. We were probably out there an hour. We took H's hellacious hill, P's peaceful path, along with the main trail. Oh it was beautiful. Josie is learning the trails now. I am not sure if she was pinning her ears at me or if Molly was too close when we went to go on a different trail. Mares definitely have their opinions of things. Josie just tries to get out of things but I gently insist and she is okay with it. Our partnership is coming along very well. I know she trusts me as she has been so good about all the things I have been asking of her lately.
Pixie chased a couple of squirrels but didn't get one. She ended up full of a burr I hadn't seen before. Wyatt had no burs and didn't find anything stinky to roll in. They were both getting baths anyways due to crossing the water.
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