Rode with 4 other people today, was able to work on socializing and we played horse soccer. It was a lot of fun, although my toes went numb from the cold. Gunny is still doing great. I keep getting all sorts of compliments on her about how relaxed she is and how good of a girl she is. That makes me feel so accomplished. I got to help Lisa again today with her palomino mare. She actually ended on a good note with her horse, smile on her face and all! It was nice to be able to help someone feel like there was some hope and that they CAN do it. :) She had been injured previously and gets very tense when her horse acts up. So I told her to just set small goals for herself...just walk and stop for the day. And I helped her with her cues, and to not "Y" out her hands to steer. She improved immensely even in the 10 minutes I worked with her. Whenever she got tense, I told her to breathe and relax...ease her mare down...she did a wonderful job. I hope that she keeps it up!
Gunny is backing much better now, she's softening up, and staying on the rail. She's standing still a lot better too. I do have to correct her from dropping her shoulder and trying to go to the center, but that's to be expected. I try not to rest her at all in the center now, only on the rail. The rail isn't a bad place to be. I'm working on getting her to go faster by just leg aides...and to lengthen and shorten her stride. Half halts and small circles, flexing at the poll -- or a "head down" cue. Gotta keep working hard! But it's encouraging to see the continued progress.
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