Cantering & Windy Spring Days

Riva had Tues off, due to her power float. Wednesday, I expected her to be full of energy, rested, and ready to go...not so much.  She seemed very mellow when I groomed and tacked her up.  Stayed in the indoor to lunge, since all the other riders had headed outside to ride.  She was good - just not much power.  Hopped on and got to work.

I asked P to come out and help me a bit with canter.  Surprisingly, I was able to get a full lap around the arena not just once, but twice on the left lead - yeah!  But it was the slowest canter I have ever rode on her.  She did not rush into the canter from trot - no bucking or sillyness - just smooth slow canter.  Switched to right lead - full arena once.  Tried for a second time, but she just did not have any forward going.  I went back to trot - which after canter - she is normally very forward in trot.  It was better, but not her normal forward.

Decided to head outside for a little work in the jumping arena.  We worked a trot pole line of 3 poles a few times, then walked out around the property.

Today, a boarder was having a lesson in the indoor, so I took Riva outside to lunge.  L had been out lunging Henny, but she was already coming in as Riva and I headed out.  L said 'good luck and hope she is better than Henny was'.  It was windy, but we have worked this Spring in worse.  Riva was good on the lunge, listening, despite the fact her favorite Belgium Warmblood was being ridden around the field by the dressage arena.  Good Mare - keep those hormones in check!

I decided to go ahead and ride outside.  By this time, another boarder had joined us and the BO was walking one of her horses around the field.  Lots of distractions, but Riva did well.  She never tried to exit the dressage arena - that is a plus!  We worked lots of 20 meter circles - worked on consistent trot speed, and on her right bend.  We finished out with a long walk around the property.  She is doing better every time at staying relaxed - whether we walk out on our own or with L and Henny. 

I received comments from two different people at the barn tonight on how well she is doing for an almost 4 yr old.  Always makes me feel good. 

Oh, and bonus...I ordered a new helmet and it arrived today.  Love it and it fits great, comfortable, and I am no longer sporting my daughter's old blue hand me down!