This week brought a bit cooler temps, so we were able to have our lessons in the regulation size outdoor arena (20x60m). This larger space entices the horses to go forward more, the 'end of the line' is a bit farther away.
Remy didn't quite get the long leisurely weekend he had probably hoped for. It seems his "Monday Blues" are worse when he has too much time loafing around. And the strategy worked: He was way better getting back to work. Roz is so great with giving us always new exercises, it keeps us on our toes AND gets the goals accomplished. Case in point: Remy still has a tendency to ignore my leg. So Roz has us trotting nicely forward on the long side, and then at a marker, i.e. at V, we walk, do a smooth turn on the haunches, and trot briskly off again in the other direction. No rinse, just repeat. It wakes Remy right up and makes him more obedient to the leg.
As he was quite good in the snaffle yesterday we decided today was a "Double (Bridle) Day". As this is still new to him I am very careful to keep the curb reins quite loose. As Remy as a very nice forward in the larger outdoor space the double bridle helps me keeping him more 'up' while maintaining the momentum.
Still, not many dull moments with the guy: We took a small break as Roz was explaining something to me. Remy obviously thought he was done. Sure enough, he used the next right lead canter for a "spook and scoot". I growled at him and immediately made him go forward in the trot. Remy was clearly disappointed that I foiled his plan of making me quit. Nope, no such luck, Mister! Wouldn't you know it, this produced the best medium/extended trots so far. And yes, Remy had to go back to the right lead canter and finish that one nicely, which he did.
"Can't blame a guy for trying" - as long as he gets better in the process!
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