Hi Jackie,
Just sending you an update, though as I said there won't really be much news for a while. Lots of trotting circles and getting stronger - this is a time of rapid improvement but very little skill development.
As a general rule I divide the program into sessions of "skill development", "consolidation", and "testing". Each work day falls into one of these categories but there are also longer periods where one trend predominates. In effect you teach the horse something, allow them time to develop strength and confidence with the skill, then test the it by adding another layer such as moving to a faster pace, changing location etc.. Right now Cat knows all she needs to know for a bit - stop, steer, trot - and she needs to gain some strength over her topline to do all those things while working over her back and accept contact from leg to hand. We are doing work on the longe in long side reins to help that on the days I don't ride her.
She is less fussy in her mouth but I would still say she is on the sensitive end of the spectrum in all her physical reactions. This week has been her first heavy heat cycle - she has been "in" before but approaching spring tends to ramp things up - and I notice a little more sensitivity but that's about it (the equivalent of an adolescent girl getting a bit tearful and fussing over a lack of chocolate ice cream in the fridge!).
We wormed this week but Odette has not let me know the $ yet - she bought a box for us to share to save costs. I'll let you know as soon as I do.
I see Michelle is showing at York this weekend. Perhaps I'll remember when I see her.
Hopefully today was the last blast of winter and we can all get down to business now.
R.
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
First 
