Very interesting day. When I was more insistent on Z going over a ground pole, she jumped it a mile high, and wanted to run. Instead of interrupting the pattern, which hasn't seemed to transfer into confidence, I mirrored plus 4% (which was hard, given her energy). She ran and ran, jumping high over the pole. But she didn't pull the rope taut, or rear, or try to get away. Nor were her ears back. She seemed really okay and good with all the excitement.
Eventually, she did what Linda says they do, calmed down.
I wonder if she was playing, once she started running? She certainly was MUCH more attentive and respectful afterward: touching things, playing stick to me, walking on the tarp, with more confidence than usual. Mmmmmmmmmmm. When I let her go to pick up toys she gave me multiple neck swings, but wasn't running around, just stood by the arena gate and did it. After a longish grooming session I put her outside, and even though she took the opportunity to run (cause the dog was harassing her outside the paddock), she didn't swing her neck at me.
Mmmmmmmm.
Well, will have to see what happens next!
Also learned today - stop yattering at her, and do not pat her after she takes a long time to achieve a task, as it scares her - just let her be.
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