february 19, 2022

Watched Meg’s first of two clinics with Bent Branderup - only could hear Meg’s end of the call but it is so informative to watch her work in such a technical environment.

In our lesson we went right to lunging and I’m really learning to move his shoulder around me and keep pressure on without being aggressive. No emotion from Karl though, just stopping and turning in once both ways but I got him forward. Canter is hard, I’m fumbling between rhythm (1,2,3) of my steps, using the whip in a low rolling motion and keeping my circle. Meg helped me and I know we’ll get there with practice. I found a real softening and bend in the riding where I’m able to fill up the outside rein and move the shoulders around on the line of travel. Softness in my elbows and the release after applying aids are crucial. Had balanced trot with minimal emotion about transitions. Sitting trot improving, upward to canter is still hard and I feel all over the place, but I can feel in my heart as we keep practicing we will get there. I found true softness in my ankles and legs at the end of the canter which was HUGE! Great lesson.