Kate & Pro - 6/2 (much better!)

Alright, Dare. I'm starting off with a picture to make you happy. :) It's from a month or two ago, but it's still one of my favorites.

Much better tonight!!! I didn't get out to the barn until 7:30 (yay grad school) but Pro seemed happy to see me. I decided not to even bother with the poles...I just started easy and gentle on a 20m circle at the end of the arena and went from there. He rounded up nicely with a free-moving walk and moved off my leg promptly, so I was pleased with that. Since he had no troubles accepting the bit, I played around with some shoulder-fore on the circle. He really seems to like (when he's in the mood) figuring out my requests with shoulder-fore, straight, shoulder-fore, straight...like a game to him. Mixed in some half-halts and full halts.

Moving on to the trot, he stayed quiet. I even tried some shoulder-fore (for brief, quick moments, gently) at the trot and he still remained quiet and even figured out what I was asking. He really seems to round up after I ask for shoulder-fore for a few steps and then re-straighten. I mixed in some sitting trot so I could blend in some smoother walk-halt-trot transitions and he was fine with that. His back is so much stronger so he doesn't get nervous and tense up at the sitting trot these days. When he DOES tense up, it's for some other reason, like an errant bunny or ghost. Of course, way before my time, he was leased by someone who insisted she was ready for the sitting trot...and wore the FUR off his back by "trying it out"!!!! So I can understand his tension.

Still great for the canter both directions, even with some playful shoulder-fore for a stride or two. I loved his attention and focus tonight. I had even put some tiny carrot pieces in my pocket so he was *delighted* with the random carrot treats throughout the ride. I ended our cool-out walk by walking past the poles, but I didn't try anything further. It seemed a shame to push the issue after such a pleasant ride. :)