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Late May 2013 post

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So Gadget is back home from bootcamp with Kristin. I'm not sure if it was bootcamp for Gadget or me as it has become clear that most of the problems are actually mine! Kristin has been working him in the double bridle, and he feels great. He really likes a lot of support in the snaffle. I have to remember to keep him active then carry him up into an even contact in the snaffle.

During my lessons with Kristin, my right canter halfpass has disappeared. It was there the week before the schooling show, but now it's gone! Kristin has me think of haunches in, then move the shoulders. I have always ridden it by pointing the shoulders then bringing the haunches. Regardless, I couldn't do it any way, shape, or form in the last three lessons. Thank God I am not riding a test that requires canter halfpass at Grand Haven!

The quality of the trot and canter connection and self-carriage have improved dramatically. Now I need to practice riding my tests with this new feeling. I am riding second level test 3 and third level test 1 on Friday. Then I am jsut riding third level test 1 on Saturday and Sunday. I just forked over more money for lifetime recording numbers for Gadget, so I can enter qualifying classes for regionals. Not sure that I have a chance of qualifying, but I might actually try this year. Second level will be a challenge, as I have to remember how to not give the aid for flying changes during the counter canter. I intend to try to smile through my tests and laugh at my mistakes. After all, I am really, really stoked be riding at this level.

 

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