Pleasant Surprises

I've been half-leasing Syd for about two months now and we've done some work that I'm really proud of. It's still a work in progress but getting him to come onto the bit is getting easier. In fact, every now and then I just have to whisper and he's right in my hand. Then there are the moments when I'm kicking him forward and muscling him around. I try to focus on the former rather than the latter ;0) He's also starting to get a little adjustable. On those whisper days I can let him out and gather him back up all within the same trot rhythm. Very cool feeling. This on a horse that this time last year wouldn't let me touch the reins without mentally shutting down! We've also been working hard at standing by the mounting block and he's coming along beautifully there.

But the best part by far was when K got on last week (owner and trainer) and was pleasantly surprised by him. She said he felt just like he had before she went on maternity leave. While I was slightly disappointed that I hadn't improved his overall way of going (just his way of going for me), I was ecstatic when I realized that I had kept him up. And I managed to surprise the trainer! Not an easy thing to do. She texted me another day to tell me that his cross-tie and mounting block manners were a lot better so I managed to accomplish that! Overall, I think it's been a successful experience and I've really enjoyed having this time to just ride and work on my own. I think lessons are going to start again in March which will be fun too.