It was a very hot day; Z was inside; not too drowsy.
Saddled with rope on ground, no problem (on-line, level 2)
ON-LINE
Circling, Disengagement: At walk and trot on circle, was more particular about her managing herself, by swinging carrot stick when she stopped, and not clucking (didn't have string on carrot stick). Put more emphasis on disengagement then circling, bent from waist when Z had gone past me and light tug on line. She understood this to mean turn and stop or come in. I gave her lots and lots of praise. Repeated only a few times.
Canter on circle. This was first canter on-line with saddle on. Reassured her before starting. First time - going right, fairly calm, and when I tried to keep her relaxed she came to a trot, so I disengaged her and brought her in. Lots of praise, then sent out again. Better, calmer, not as worried about stirrups bumping, etc., after two circles I tried to disengage her - she went to trot but kept going. Had to be firmer with lead line to disengage, but wasn't a big deal.
Halting over pole. She was hesitant to move over pole with me bringing her towards me, but with encouragement she did, slowly. She seemed to be aware that I was going to ask her to halt, so she was a bit confused, and moved her feet slowly, looking for guidance. Easily stopped with front feet over. Lots of praise. Then forward, and stopped after hind legs were over and couple steps past pole. Only did this once.
Sideways. Attempted to have her move sideways over pole, but not successful. Somewhat successful moving sideways along pole, going towards her right. Still some confusion.
UNDER SADDLE
Mounted from far side (freestyle level 2). I was more balanced. Z had no concerns when lining her up in different direction to mounting block, nor when I mounted. Stayed at halt until asked to move on.
Hesitant to bend neck to right, as I rode on the right rein detached!. Z halted with just the left rein. Thank you Zaina! Plus, I mounted without block (but off side)
Walk on rail: My passenger walk is now very good, with transference of a relaxed back to my working walk. Walking without stirrups or use of reins with confidence. Z needed more reminders to stay on rail today.
Halts: Halts from walk very good. I'm better able to feel a change in my body - I think I was so stiff before that she couldn't feel a difference. I'm also remembering to left the reins first, and she understands this to mean a change is coming.
Weave through cones. Set up 3 cones and wove through them both directions using outside rein and body weight. They were close, so I had to make quick changes. Sometimes I did a full circle. Z is beginning to understand the directions without having to have her head pulled around or overuse of inside leg. I'm using more of my outside leg to push her, and remembering to keep my weight in opposite direction of where I want her to go.
Posting trot: To left, I am doing much better with my back flexing. We were able to stay on the rail as I did this! Started to feel how I am tightening my thighs though, and I think this is what is making her transition to a walk. Have to keep my body looser.
To right, more difficult. Z speeds up, and it is difficult for me to stay back and get the correct rhythm. When I do get it, she slows down. Still, was able to stay on the rail as a passenger.
Sitting trot: Was able to sit on my thumb to get feel of keeping my butt in the seat. This means keeping my chest open and sitting up, not gripping with butt. Still working out the correct feel - can't explain it yet. Again, better to the left, but was able to work for some time going to right, with improvement, as I relaxed my thighs and Z became more rhythmical. It was lots of fun, except my back feels the strain! Hers probably does too!
Another wonderful time.
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