Beautiful relationship today, on line and mounted. Change of direction on walk circle to left (change to right) was done with phase one, Z gave eye contact, and smoothly walked in new direction. Sooo nice. Not as smooth in other direction, but that's okay!
Mounted, remembered sooner and more often to use my upper body. Z is moving into trot when I use my shoulders now, is backing when I use my legs, without being pulled back. Walked a circle with very few corrections.
Best of all - first passenger lesson at the trot! Only when going to the right (I think - maybe the opposite!), but felt so very good.
When I was sitting the trot and she was anxious I finally realized I was being a clothes peg, like I used to be all the time at the walk and posting trot. When I released my thighs she released her stress.
Tried to go into a canter but she got stressed and spooked at the door. First time for that in ages, but a quick shift to relaxed again.
Shelley was visiting - so nice to show off Z. She held her while I practiced mounting from the ground on the off side. Ugh, I really had to drag myself up to the saddle. Didn't try to throw my leg over as I knew I'd thump her. She stood like a soldier through all the struggle and moaning and groaning, and the less than gracious "lowering" back to the ground. Need to get in better shape.
Z backed into her stall with phase 1, then came out nicely toward me when I was looking softly at her. I didn't ask, but took what she offered since this had become difficult. Interesting, how after just a few times of taking away my eyes and belly from her at this "ask" she's now offering when I am looking at her. Horses are sooo interesting.
When I arrived home I learned my theraflex pad is waiting at the post office. Can't wait to try it.
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