january 12, 2022

Our lesson was very productive today. I learned a great way to hold the whip in groundwork between my middle and index fingers that allows me to use it on his side for aids, but also for the backup. We struggled with the backup today, so we will work on my energy and position and deciding when to raise/lower it. He was quite mouthy but after Meg worked with him and I took him back he did settle, but still not great backups on my end.

Meg rode again for the second time, and I watched how she keeps his shoulders in balance. It’s a balance between the inside thigh and knee, connected but opening forward outside rein, and an allowing inside rein when he starts to stretch forward down as a result of his proper balance.

My ride was very in sync and I helped him find relaxation by keeping his shoulders lifted and allowing him to carry himself. I can feel him lift in his back. I also felt for the first time like he was reaching into my hand, searching for the contact. This is when I give the hand and allow that release through the sling muscles. This happens naturally when he is in balance. He naturally wants to suck back, so my focus right now is on allowing him to reach forward. It feels really cool to understand how what I am doing helps him find balance and enjoyment in the work.