Lisa's Blog post # 49

I’ve ridden with a few different people lately who have offered complementary encouragement about how greatCotton and I look. They are intelligent, advanced riders so who am I to disagree?  But, even if they are right and we do look good, in reality I’m like a duck on a river trying to swim to shore! At least it’s not obvious to the casual observer that I’m working so hard but it is a true mental and physical taxation just to keep him together for a 20 meter canter circle.  Someone please find that EASY button!  

The past few months have each had their own theme and February is no different.

November was Back to Basics Month as I focused on my job (keeping my position correct) and refusing to help Cotton do his (obey my aids).

December was Magic Formula Month as I re-discovered the dressage riding scale and ditched the bubble bit to learn how to ride him in his snaffle.

January was Lesson from Lesley Month so I could knock out the whole “round and connected” thing once and for all.  I also learned he does better (or maybe I do better) with the bubble bit for jumping and poles on the ground.

February has turned out to be Canter Month.  He needs lots more suppling and straightness before his canter will come together. 

March, I am predicting, will be a continuation of Canter Month but some other issue may very well come up too…

April - wouldn’t it be awesome if this could be Jump a Course Month?!

The Golden Ticket I’m looking for is “instinctual” riding at the canter so we can maneuver around the stadium ring without so much effort on my part - that includes the whole “I get to choose the lead, not you” thing. I’m sure it will happen in the next few weeks or so. 

Once that baby’s in my hot little hands I’m calling Lesley up and cashing it in for a few jumping lessons!