Equestrian Team Fall - Day 3

I'd just like you to know that there's a small hurricane going on outside my window over Lake Michigan right now. That is all.

As for my lesson, I'm so angry at myself! The flat was absolute perfection. Even though I had to fight a bit at the beginning with my new horse Sunny to get a canter as opposed to a fast trot, it was SO GOOD.

Then comes the jumping. I'm always getting left behind now! I think it's because of my fear that I'll go over the top and fall off by anticipating the jump, but I almost fell off from being left behind tonight =[ Stacy really tried to explain it in every way that she could to make me go WITH Sunny over the jump, but it just wasn't happening. Maybe I was thinking about it too much? What do you think I should do to help?

Also, I'd just like to say that after riding Paso Finos for so long and now trying to go back to hunt seat is ridiculously hard for me to conceptualize the correct leg position. I'm so not used to having my leg so far back, it feels like I'm going to topple over. I don't really understand how that's going to help me keep my balance...but I'll try.

Next week Stacy's promised Emily and I to do all no-stirrup work. Whoopee. =/

Day 123

Worked a lot with Harry today. Did a lot of lunging just on the Parelli halter before I rode. We made little bracelets for his back feet so he would pick them up more, but they didn't really keep an effect while I rode.

I think that trying something new, letting him romp around before we got down to business, was a mistake. I think that it messed with his head and set off the day in a bad direction that took way too long to get back on track. I guess now I know. He just needs a lot of warming up, not losing his focus, and to just keep being reinforced when he's doing the right things. It'll take some time for him to get all his legs in sync, but we can do it before show season starts.

Brie was wonderful. Didn't ride for very long, but she listened really well. I can't wait until it gets warm outside--I can't wait to start trying trail rides again with her! I just need to find some trails.