Improvement.

I rode both Cash (a pony that we might be getting) and Gunny today. Both were good. It turned out to be quite a nice day. Gunny and I have been working on lengthening and shortening her stride, speed control, line, and half halts. It's a work in progress, but things are getting better. Her neck reining is getting better, and she's doing better with staying on the rail. I did ask her to lope today -- but tried not to "smooch" too loud..and she went into it, just as my barn owner was near. He said I did a great job. She does still pin her ears, but the head tossing is less, so that's a good sign. Still need to work on getting her head down at the extended trot as well, before I can do loping work, but she is improving.

She's been really spooky on the trail, so I've been trying to take her out of the arena just a little bit, until she gets uncomfortable. I always ride her in the outdoor arena first, so she can get used to the sights and smells, while being in the security of an enclosed area. Every day I try to go a little further on the trail. I've been making up songs and singing to her so that we both relax. Surprisingly, it works wonders. We went a bit further than we have been going today, and I just turned her in nice, slow, gradual circles in the area...she started to relax. Then, we headed home. She's been getting slower and slower on the way home, because whenever she tries to hurry back, I back her up and make her stand. So, she's catching on that it's easier to go slowly and get back to the barn faster. :)

The weather is supposed to be superb this week, so I'll keep working at it. I'm sore from riding so much today, but it's sure nice to be able to ride outside again! I have to get in a lot before I head back up to the island at the end of May. It's going to come quick.