April 5, 2022

Since Karl’s been feeling off, I worked him on my own at liberty. He’s clearly landing hard on the left front, but I only notice it at the trot. I kept him mostly walking and it doesn’t seem to bother him. Hoping it’s a stone bruise. I took him right up to the indoor in his halter without brushing him and he didn’t want to roll. I’m going to keep working on that again, especially if he’s feeling off at the moment.

The boys help with rock picking. Karl, Impy and Heller (and Meg!)

He challenged me to the right and I didn’t get emotional, but was clear and firm in my request that he move his shoulders around me. He took me seriously after a few attempts and we connected in the side position to the right (left is not an issue). By subtly sending my weight back and energy towards his hindquarters, I can create the end through the body and get his eye on me to keep the circle around me. I found using my fingertips to send energy to his inside shoulder and lift it up and out was more effective than the whip.

I was quite tired and hungry and I think he felt this in me, I know I did. Yet we were still able to have a dialogue for the whole hour session. Working on not judging his or my actions and just being and observing so I can learn from them and stay level.