Stuff.

Hrm, nothing much interesting to say today. Rode Mare through a de-spook course: we set up a pole between blue folding chairs and put cones all around it, set up another "fence" surrounded by empty trash bags and cardboard Capri Sun boxes, one with two neon buckets and polo wraps wound around the standards, and had a super spoooky tarp to walk over. Mostly, it was for Chagall, Paige's warmblood who will spook at anything, but hey, it was fun to put Bunny through her paces as well. She only cared about the tarp- she was a little leery of the grey crinkly monster thing.

We had to ride in the dressage arena (20x40m) and by the time we were warmed up, four other preteen riders had joined us. It got to the point that I had to be mean and remind everyone about left shoulder to left shoulder, as one little girl consistently rode too close and Bunny nearly took a chunk out of her leg. So schooling wasn't very productive.

We HAVE had an epiphany with our canter work, however. I got the niiicest, slowest, roundest canter when we went out to the dirt road to finish schooling. I really think the long stretches help her focus- there's nowhere to go but forward, and she's always so much perkier and attentive when I have her out. Now if only we could take that to schooling on site... hmmmm.... haha. Spurs have helped too- I no longer have to wale on her to get her to move, and my position is a lot more consistent.

Lastly, we are having issues with impulsion. Although she is much more prompt off my leg, she just isn't feelin' the whole long strided hunter thing. We can get a nice jog (haha), and though she carries herself with her back up and all, it's just not even remotely sufficient. But whatever- she's four and spoils me to death with her good behavior :)