Aug. 15, 2010 Mounted

August 14, 2010 Mounted Inside

Happy day - Z was not angry at me for the challenges I presented to her last day!

She was worried about my mounting from the off side (remembering my bad dismount of the other day). I had to play friendly game with her to reassure her. Will need to do more of this. 

Did light work mounted, being more particular about my position. Had reviewed my goals, and had looked at some of Level 3 Free Style dvd. From that I  worked on:

Trotting into the corners and stop (to prepare for cantering to corner and stoping). This helped our trot work a lot, slowing Z down from the beginning, and helping me to half halt her in preparation for the corners and especially the long sides when not stopping. Kept Z more attentive. 

Trot, walked and cantered with inside shoulder forward, and with a straight arm (one hand on rein). This worked wonderfully to better my position and Z's abilities. She was happy with this.

Trotted the cloverleaf pattern, and from there went into a right lead canter, which wored great. Z immediately picked up the canter (I was in the correct position). Still laboured, but not as much as last ride, so my position has a lot to do with it (KEEP OFF HER SHOULDERS)! Canter on left lead was VERY GOOD. Cantered long side and halted in corner. 

When I untacked Z in the arena after the ride, she was again jumpy. Her left eye seems to be showing more white. Am continuing to worry about the vision issue.