Dressage Day by Day

It's been such a long time since I posted that I don't know where to begin. Work has been all consuming over the last couple months, so Gadget has had very light work. In mid-February I rode with Kenny again in a 2 day clinic. It was extremely helpful. One of the most important points he made was that I need to sit UP. I tend to bit on the back of my seat with my shoulders behind the motion in a constant driving seat. I am trying to be more conscious of sitting up and staying with the horse. Walk I was warned not to chase the walk. Gadget has a nice natural walk.  I need to let my legs hang and if Gadget gets a bit slow, give him one good kick, then leave him alone. Trot Get him more energized by trotting longside, walk in corner, and turn on the forehand by really swinging his haunches, then immediately trot the same long side. Gadget loved this. Lengthening think of actually bumping his nose up and out -- do not let him lean! Then use legs further back, and ask ...

Work has picked up for me with more traveling lately, so Gadget has not had the daily, consistent work that I would like. However, the little bit of down time seems to have come at the right time. My last few rides have felt really good. Maybe he needed a few days off. I am finding a collected canter that feels strong, 3-beat, and balanced. I usually find it toward the end of the ride when I begin to really sit in and use more upward-thinking half-halts on a small circle. I am flexing softly left-right to unlock his jaw, then asking him to step up. He is staying soft in the neck and maintaing a nice canter rhythm. With more strength, this may be the collected canter I need for 2nd level. I'm interested to get Ryan's feedback in a couple weeks. The weather was crisp and beautiful today, so I rode in the jumping arena outside today. After warming up lightly in all three gaits, I started asking for flying changes while changing directions in different places. Gadget gave...