Thursday, June 4, 2009

Excited to go for a ride tonight. Toyed with the idea of further breaking in my jumping saddle but want to make more progress with what we are working on - Acceptance of Contact.

Josie is a bit burpy tonight. I always feel glad I am working her as gas is not a good thing. Gas leads to colic. Some days she sounds like a motor boat putt, putting along with gas escaping from behind.

Working indoors once again, we warm up taking a lap or two in each direction at walk and getting a feel for what the other rider is doing during her lesson so I know where to ride.

Josie went forward well enough. I am finding that she really doesn't like "hug, hug". I think I tighten everything in an attempt to do this which is counter productive. I still do it to a degree but my way seems to work for Josie. As I am asking for flexion on the 20 meter circle, I am going over my body parts. Am I looking up and where I want to go so this helps turn my shoulder so my legs naturally change to inside asking for bend and the outside back and keep her from falling out. Am I relaxing my elbows (this is hard for me). Is my chest up with shoulders back (again hard for me).

We practiced leg yield both directions and turn on the forehand. This is coming along very well. I turn up the quarter line and ask for her to move over and watch in the mirror and it is happening!! This is off my right leg. We change directions and she won't yield over to the left. Josie, let me review. Yes, that is it. Please understand that my left leg is weak. I am trying my best for you but I will try harder. I know it is me not her. I am getting better at turning my shoulders and head in the corners to make proper corners.

I am sweating quickly with sweat rolling down from under my face. Josie is patient with me as I make adjustments to be correct and allow her to do what I ask.

I put the stirrups up and off we go. We start hollow and short strided but as I work on relaxing my pelvic area to go with her movement it isn't long before we are moving very well together and she accepts the contact and I begin to feel the energy cycling though us. There it is a very lovely trot. I can feel suspension - mmmmmm wonderful feeling. We circle and circle. I ask for leg yield on the circle and get it in both directions. Asking her to step under with her inside hind and support her with my leg and outside hand. Yes!

Now we both are hot and sweaty. I decide to go to the updoor and I managed to get some good flexion with contact without resistance. Well, that is after a little bit. We walk for a while to cool off and dry a bit then return to our herd and pack.

I worked so hard tonight my right hip area is sore and very tired. Mentally, I feel very good. This is good riding. Minimal tension in my horse and I was not just a passenger.

Now, I must wait until Saturday to ride. Both of us need the day to recovery from the gymnastics of today's ride. Enjoy your grazing and sleep well my trusty steed.