Ringing in the New Year

I rang in the New Year the best way possible. Terry and I hauled over to Mona’s for a ride. I need to get updated pictures. Lucy is really changing a lot for the better. She’s filled out substantially (she’s almost fat) and her mane is growing in nicely. She’s also changed quite a bit mentally for the better. Those who met her when I first got her comment all of the time about how much she’s changing and how she doesn’t seem as crabby which is a good thing I think.

We got to the arena around 2:30 and started off with some GW. Lucy retains so much and she was so much quieter during LFR Stage 1 and smoother in her transitions on LFR Stage 2 which makes me very happy. Clockwise is her bad side. I usually get at least one “up yours” and like clockwork I got it this time. Only this time she got a surprise. As she kicked her heels up I sat on the end of the rope and threw her off balance. When she turned to face me in shock I immediately started to back her up quickly. There was no attitude the rest of the time we did groundwork.

She’s stopped her backing up after I yield her HQ from LFR which is good but she’s still not drawn to me. One step at a time right?

When it came to riding I decided we’d done enough passenger lesson so we needed to start with something else. I really don’t like loping her as I don’t think she’s ready (physically) and with her winter coat I don’t want her getting too hot since we do have to haul home so we worked on the stay on the fence exercise at the trot. I focused on my riding and just keeping her on the rail. I really do like the mirrors on the arena wall because I can see what I look like riding and make changes.

Terry was riding Bishop and we were going in opposite directions which was nice because we would pass on the inside on one wall and on the outside on the other. Neither horse cared for it much but they got over it quickly.

For the first time Lucy was unsure of an object. Mona got new carts for her muck tubs and Lucy didn’t like them so we rested next to them. It didn’t take her too long to fall in love with them. LOL

I rode with spurs for the first time (CA’s blunt spurs not rowels) and we worked on the bending exercise. LLL was not a happy camper about that. I’m not sure how many times she tried to bite my left foot but the left side was not her preferred side. We did however finally establish a starting point. Not a large one but I did finally get some bend.

After that we worked on yielding the HQ which she does almost before my foot hits her flank and then we worked on the clover pattern. Mona’s arena is long and narrow so that was harder but we still tried.

When we were done we watched Mona’s trainer ride her Friesian and while “B” rode I just rubbed Lucy’s head. She had it hanging pretty low and looked very happy to be done. DH is home this weekend so I’m hoping to get over there again sometime so I can work with her some more.