After not having a lesson for several months, I finally made it to a clinic with Kristin at a lovely private farm of one of my friends. For my first ride, we warmed up in the double bridle by getting his neck a little lower and softer. We then did a couple shoulder-ins and I worked to keep Gadget from traveling with his hindquarters to the outside. We also really emphasized being able to get true bend through the body, not just the neck. We moved into canter and got him a little softer through the bridle doing some big circles.
We then moved into the canter halfpass. First, it's important to have an active but organized canter. Turning onto centerline, I should move his haunches to the inside a bit. Then step into left stirrup, keep the contact soft, and bring the outside shoulder forward. He moved readily over by just making sure I was not blocking him with my outside shoulder. I did the same thing to the right and it actually felt even better. Amazing!!
In the changes, we played with trying to get multiple changes on the longside and on a circle. It became clear on the circle that I absolutely must make sure I am on the new seatbone before asking for the change. I also have to give the new inside rein.
On Sunday we again tested the halfpasses to make sure that I could do it. They felt amazing! We played with legyield to changes in the canter to get me to step into the correct stirrup. I need to make sure to actually move my but to the side of the new lead before asking and give that rein forward.
For the walk pirouettes, I am overcomplicating them. Right now, I need to think of them as though he is a western cow pony and just neck rein him around while guarding the haunches. To do this correctly I must sit very straight and tall in both hips.
Overall, great lessons!
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