A lot of hair for the winter.

 

She's got good reach at the walk. This time I used spurs so we could keep the energy going.

I really need a ground person. I want her to soften a bit more, but it's difficult for me to tell when I'm asking for too much.

Now working on the trot. Again, I'd like more softness, but not a shorter neck. Always a bit of trouble.

And getting a little too much of a response. She's not curling, just trying to do what I'm asking.

More of what I want. Her neck isn't so cranked in, but her nose is closer to the vertical. Circles really help with flexing.

Pushing with the seat and legs and pulling a bit with the hands. Probably if I'd leave her alone she'd look even better (and I could focus on those shoulders).

Yep, a trainer on the ground would keep me from seeing problems that probably aren't really there (and over reacting with bad riding).

It's very easy to shorten her stride and feel safer. Not what I should be doing in preparation for showing. Luckily these pictures let me see that.

There's a little more reach here.

Catching our breath before we attempt the canter in the ring. The temps were in the 70s for the weeks before and after Christmas.

Yes, she cantered. The suggestion of spurs worked a charm. Quite comfy. I didn't really move around in the saddle, but I did keep reminding her that the spurs were there after she picked it up. No bucking into it, so I think I can get where we need to go for Training level this spring.