After Gadget popped a gravel abscess and broke out in hives the week before the show, I was nearly dreading the show. I also was having hard time even getting Gadget on the bit in most movement, so not feeling very optimistic. On the Wednesday before the show, I put on my smooth rowel spurs and snaffle bridle and rode in the indoor. Anytime I schooled turns on the haunches, Gadget got very bulky. I think this was partly because he would knock the abscess wound and partly because I ride with too much leg and hand in that movement. I still completely suck at the TOHs. Anyway, to get him out of his bulky phase, I rode a couple medium/extended trots remembering Kenny's words to wrap my legs around him and hold him a bit in the bridle, then let him go. This wrapping my calves around the horse into a stead rein really picks Gadget up. I can feel him grow a little taller in his front end. I decided to just ride with this idea for the rest of the ride. I tried to not touch him with the...