This week saw a lot of progress for Mistie!
We've made considerable progress with Vertical Flexion at the Standstill, Walk, & Trot & have been working on Draw to a Stop at all gaits as well. While she stops pretty well, she does have a tendency to lower her head & brace immediately after, especially stopping from the lope. We'll be spending a fair bit of time working that tension out as she begins to figure out how to position herself to stop effectively. I see some of that brace in the Back Up as well. We've also added Down & Around to our Flexing routine at the start of our rides.
On Thursday & Friday, she had her first rides outside of the arena down the gravel road. She was a bit of a 'looky Lou' taking in all of the new sights & was a bit nervous about crossing the creek culverts on the lane (common for most horses the first few times out), but overall she did pretty well!
A little video that captures her demeanor before a ride. Not too fazed!
Next week, we'll continue to chip away & improve what we've been working on as well as continue to ride outside of the arena. We may start Sidepassing on the Fence.
Next week's update will be posted Friday.