Kate & Pro - 5/24

Well...first post! Let's give this a try. :)

First things first - HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN, PRO!!!! Yup, today is Pro's birthday! I can't believe he's so "old" but I think he looks really fantastic for his age. And shhh, no one tell him he's 16. He thinks he's 6.

Yesterday I did some hand walking (with Mr. Dressage Whip) through/around the scary jump poles by the side of the arena and he was fine, didn't even need to tap him. Then I warmed up at the walk and made Realization #1832 with Pro - if I start at the walk and get him chewing the bit, I have a better ride. So I do some steps of shoulder-fore on the circle, some halt-walk transitions and then he was all interested and focused and chewing the bit.




Trot and canter was great, although he was a bit weird to the left at the canter when we were over by the pole area (kept trying to switch leads or something, who knows what). I did a lot of "almost walk, then push on to a forward trot" at the trot. He likes those!!! Especially when I mix it up with some actual walk transitions to keep him guessing. And when I do the "almost walk" transitions, really PUSH off into a springy, energetic trot so he gets that cute little butt engaged.


I need to remember to keep my hands up (as I'm trying to remember the 58329 other things Gayle's told me) but at least I'm getting better about consciously pushing him out in front of me. His other evasion is to curl under the bit now that he knows "giraffe-face" is no longer an option. BUT he's developing a gloriously sexy butt, which Gayle was thrilled about when she saw him for his trim yesterday. The canter picture isn't the best shot, but he's rocking back!


Well, that's it for now! Thanks for following along with yesterday's ride. Let's hope this test post goes alright...

Happy riding, and welcome! And happy birthday to my sweet boy!