A great confidence builder. Not really.

Hampton has been working great lately. We are tinkering on the edge of nailing a canter/walk transition and the trot lengthenings continue to get better and better.

So, looking forward to this weekend's show. I decided to keep things simple today. Especially since we worked quite hard on Sunday.

*sigh*

Naughty pony!!

Thing started out fine. He was fresh and spooky but I was able to redirect it. I asked for right lead canter from the trot and got hollow back, above the bit and crossfiring. WTF. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, since we have only been doing walk/canter transitions for quite some time. I have neglected trot/canter departs. I ask again. Same damn thing - and now he bulges against my inside leg. Oh bad poneh. So he got a mild scolding including more bending to the right and a few thumps with my leg.

Before I know it - we're up in the air. WTF again. He has NEVER reared with me before. And while it wasn't a dangerous -going-to-flip-over rear, it was high enough that he got a few lines on his fanny for that behavior.

After a few rounds of super-forward trotting. I asked for more canter transitions and while he came a little above the bit, it was ok. By the end we were back to our normal, obedient canter departs. Good grief.

I was really hoping to better my dressage score this weekend. But now I think my goals have changed to no rodeo moves staying on.

In light of today's antics, he will now be getting lunged before our riding sessions this week. Perhaps the cool weather lit a fire up his butt?