Pro gets triple tag-teamed

So on Friday, Pro got a big surprise when Andrea and I brought a guest to help with our tag-teaming - our very own Dare from the blog! :) Unfortunately it was just about dusk so we didn't get many good pictures, but we at least had a good time. Andrea warmed him up for us and despite a few pissy moments in the beginning, he settled right down and behaved. We've been really focusing on keeping his back up. Dare seemed to have the magic touch with finding the right spot under his belly, so she made him do a few back-lifts before the ride and also while Andrea was in the saddle. Then Dare got on and we walked her through the routine - she had him looking quite good! I was pleased that we had him working decently over his back.

Then came the fun part - jumping!! I was only brave enough to do a crossrail (haha) but Andrea was bold enough to get back on after me and take him over a small vertical. He's a tricky jumper because you never know if he's going to go over it or not, if he's going to jump it or just trot it, if he's going to launch from a long spot or chip in, etc. Combine that with my rusty jumping skills and my position left a lot to be desired ;) but Andrea was much better.

Monday's ride was more of a 30 minute discussion centering around who has the authority to dictate rhythm. I won, but he was quite insistent on trying to dictate it himself. What helps me a lot is to think back on watching great dressage - where it looks like the rider dictates not only every stride, but every footfall. So I imagine my seatbones dictating, or at least giving a stamp of approval, for every stride. He was much better by the end! Can't wait for our lessons to start again. :)