7/27/05 Working with Kasza

We've been out roading now a few times under saddle and training at home. In an open pasture we have the canter, so now I'm trying for it in the arena. She's still not always straight, but there's no trouble staying in the arena now. Just regular training stuff.

I love her back end. She's got nice round muscles and is developing nicely.

 

She's still easily distracted, and I could always feel her asking if we could stop and talk to the photographer when we were passing by.

This is the frame she's comfortable with. On the forehand but moving out.

 

I do some bumping to try and get her a little more 'up' in front.  Also to remind her to balance going downhill.

Here in the trot her neck is coming up a little. The fact that she's leg yielding also seems to help her see the need to lift in front.

 

Bending helps get her more up. I have to be very deliberate with my legs and 'tell' her that she needs to bend. It's getting better.

Some resistance, but we're both learning how to communicate. She leg yields nicely, once she understands what I'm asking for.

 

Easing her around the corner. Corners are great for developing balance, but she's not sure if she can stay balanced or needs to slow up. Support helps her make the right choice.

Letting her relax and encouraging her to stretch.  I like that she still reaches forward from behind.

 

Ugg, back to work and we're back to where we were in the beginning.

Her first response gets some bumping up and driving aids.

So, we get back up and give a pleased smirk to the cameraman.

And the canter. We didn't get the lead, and we only got it one direction, but it's a start.

Her canter is a bit odd. Very rocking horse. When we're out in the pasture she's forward on her own. In the arena I had to drive, and that doesn't make for pretty pictures.

So hot and humid. The weather is hard on both of us. It's no fun to be soaking wet after 20 minutes.