Get your rump under you.

Hampton out in the field.

Hampton is really, really happy to be living outdoors again. His facial expression is brighter, but at peace. He no longer has a defeated look about him. Yes, he does have some bite marks and dings ... but no nasty fresh ones since last week. So hopefully he found is spot in the pecking order.

As far as riding, he has been doing well. We have been working on more uphill-ness and really getting his hind end to step under. My instructor said I have taught him all the basics, now it's time to move on. Our trot to walk transitions were pretty sloppy - so now I think trot - trot - piaffe - walk. Obviously we don't really piaffe (yet), but thinking of that really helps me keep his butt under him. Then walk 2 steps - trot off right away. It's boring, but really good for him.

On Thursday, we are going to start teaching him piaffe steps (just the very beginnings of it), because it will hopefully help him get that butt under him. His canter (while SO SO Improved) is still quite croup-high, which isn't good for me because it's easy for him to buck - and won't score well at shows.

Took a gander at the 4-year-old test for next year. We can ride the test, just need to fine tune the whole thing. Especially if we are to compete against multi-thousand dollar warmbloods.

On the home front, I found a house  near downtown (near my real job) which I think will work out (fingers crossed!). Crazy lady from Barn A continues to drive me up the wall. When I am finally out of there for good, I think my stress level will go from 10 to 2. She is off her rocker, let me tell you.