KK and Rain

I had planned to condition Z tonight with a long ride, but life got in the way. Instead, KK and I went out and played with Rain. We washed and conditioned her mane, hosed her legs (she just had a heat cycle), and I trimmed her mane a bit. Then Kendall hopped on and I helped her practice her seat bareback as Rain went up and over obstacles. She had a fun time and I'm always glad when she gets on a horse. After Kendall was done, I asked Rain to go over the barrels a couple times. She's a terrible jumper! :) But, such a great horse.

She went back to the herd looking groomed and pretty. Nice to focus some attention on her for a change.

Dressage Lesson #2

Whoo - this one was physically challenging! I was sweating and breathing hard throughout the lesson.

We focused on my leg placement, Gem with contact, getting more forward if he over collects and allowing the canter if he continues to offer it. KC wants to see a faster and more productive canter. I tried to ask for more energy in the canter and often got the gallop. He did quite well, though!! He worked hard and really tried. He wants to stop and I'm trying to figure out how to keep him forward w/o "driving" him forward. However, it seems the dressage riders tend to drive forward in the seat. I'll continue to figure out the best way for me to get things done with him without damaging our relationship.

We did find a really nice place in the trot with him feeling back to me and carrying the bit. That was lovely. He also did very nicely with picking up the correct leads every time. Making my outside leg long and back really sets him up well. I lengthened my stirrups today, too.

I'm going to add spurs to help me be lighter with my leg, mainly because of where my heel hits him and how much I have to wrap my leg around him.

Great lesson. Ready for the next one!!

Gem on the trail - more progress!

Another great day on the trail with Gem. We made it our farthest yet. He was was safe and sane. He didn't do anything silly. I took my time with him. His feet were getting quite stuck as we hit his threshold and I honored that by turning him or backing him to move his feet again. Interestingly, he's happy to go south on the trail (also away from the trailer) but he doesn't want to go north (the way we normally go).

Regardless, we'll keep going! I was thinking today as I rode that it's been months since he offered a buck. Maybe that's all behind us. He's doing great.