On line and Mounted: No Fighting

Outside, On Line

Walked and halted over cavaletti (lowest position) with confidence (me at her side). Backed up zone 4 and 3, with me directing from zone 1.

Inside, Under Saddle

 Plastic owl was tied to gate, but Z only gave it a look and touch and was not at all worried about it during the ride!

At walk, worked on mirroring  her body with mine, especially using my ribs when she bends her. This seemed to be very calming for Z. It helped me to direct her without pulling on her face.

I was better at flexing my back during posting trot. Worked on bending her ribs to bring her down from trot to walk when she stiffens, and speeds up rather than pulling her back. Difficult to do, had to do more disengagement.

Worked on finesse with flexion, releasing with triceps. She's still confused in that she thinks I want her to stop when I keep the contact.  I need to release faster and more often at the beginning when she gives (old habits die hard).  But she wasn't upset, and we played at finesse trot for about 10 minutes.

Sitting trot is much better.

Three canter transitions to the left using my body with energy rather than legs (need to change how use body though, canter rhythm not trot). Still rushing forward, brought down to trot and rested. Third time was very nice, and went into trot afterwards with flexion - beautiful. Ended on that note.

It is really nice not to be FIGHTING with Z, as we used to do, all the time.