But I liked the horse I had at my lesson Sunday afternoon! The one I had Monday night was sleepy and pretty lazy. We were told the mares were all running the fence line yesterday...probably all going in to heat...sigh. So Riva was tired - she fell asleep while I was grooming her - which is NOT her norm. Granted, grooming took some time. My lovely horse, who never rolls, was a mud ball. Got her cleaned up - kinda - and got her ready to lounge.
Ok - who took the horse I had Sunday? Sunday - she was lovely on the lounge, and full of energy. Monday - not so much. Had to really get after her to get a canter and could not hold it long. L was already riding and no one else was in the arena. So she was not distracted - just Western Pleasure Pony.
Took her to the mounting block and got on. Riva walked off fine - went into trot easily, but it was not the energetic faster trot that I wanted. Had to keep after her constantly to almost get it. I asked for canter after some wam up trot work - was able to get the upward transition, but no good at keeping the canter more than on the long side. On the left rein, she threw in a buck at the canter as we got to the first corner - BAD MARE! I yelled and growled at her for that one and asked again. This time, she tripped on some scrap wood in the arena. Henny tripped over it also, so I couldn't get after her for that one.
Decided to give up on canter for the night - Riva just was not going forward enough. Was able to get her trot speed up after the canter tries, though. Worked a lot of 20 meter circles and changing diagonals. Worked some on walk/trot/halt transitions.
All in all, not a terrible ride. So much better than we were a few months ago. I just get a bit discouraged that we are not progressing more at the canter under saddle. I try not to worry about it - after all - I am still learning to cue the canter and ride it. She is still getting her balance with me on her. Just keep on asking and trying - that was Sarah's advise for the canter work.
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