Loop de la loops

I've recently discovered a cool exercise that is extremely beneficial to T-Bone's suppleness. It's nothing new, but something I've never tried before.

We've been having some issues with tension in the neck - especially when attempting counter canter and even the First-4 canter loop. With all the work in collected canter we've been doing, T-Bone has a tendency to hollow and tense his back ... some accidental flying changes have started to occur on occasion too. Ooops. SO ... my instructor gave me this exercise as homework: Canter on the true lead, counter flex and leg yield off the rail mantaining the true lead.

What do ya know ... suppleness instantly improves. The First-4 canter loop still needs polishing, but I'm glad that at least we're on the right track now to fixing that. The canter serpentine (which I believe appears in Second Level) should also become easier.

Hopefully this will also help leg yielding at the trot. Leg yielding right is really no problem, but T-Bone is resistent when yeilding left. He hollows, comes above the bit and gets fussy and resistent when I try to supple him within the leg yield. A massage may be in order, but at the same time he has to learn to accept flexion to the right.

Shoulder-ins continue to get stronger, travers is strong and half pass is continuing to improve. T-Bone's collected canter is freakishly amazing for a horse who's so early in his training. Flying changes will be no problem when we go down that path. (Famous last words eh?).

I need to work on keeping my toes straight ahead and keeping my leg underneath me.

But we're on the right track for tackling First Level this summer. Woohoo!

that is all.

mind vomit

I am so sick of winter.

Now that that's out of the way, in other news T-Bone has been fabulous lately. Despite the fact that riding days have been somewhat scarce due to weather, life, sickness, etc. Mostly the bitter cold. T-Bone no longer lives outside 24/7, but rather goes out all day and spends the night indoors. I think this suits him well, as he's lost some weight over the winter and coming indoors gives him ample opportunity to eat some grain and a good chunk of hay without worrying about other horses.

Anyhooooo ... the rides we have had have been wonderful and I can't wait until show season gets here. I need to seriously get my act together and take lessons once or twice a week before that happens tho.

What else ... uhh.. saw The Bucket List last night, I thought it was pretty good. Love Jack Nicholson.

Maybe a more detailed update later. My brain isn't functioning today. Whoduthunkit.