March 12, 2022

Started with groundwork in our lesson, first some shoulder-in which is coming together quite nicely. For haunches-in, Meg helped me from behind to keep him forward, and we kept him in this “stretch zone” but it never progressed to a “stress zone” — he was pushing into my hand but not pushing through me. It’s getting there. Meg did some lunging so we can really work through those issues with the whip and turning in. Finding the balance of keeping pressure on until desired response, but not being harsh with the pressure.

Riding was just as - if not more than - wonderful as yesterday. Giving with my hand but keeping contact so he can stretch into it. Lifting the right shoulder and always checking that I’m not holding tension. Had a really balanced canter both directions, and without Meg helping with a whip from the ground. So so amazing.