Mo (Moose?) was SO FANTASTIC yesterday. We were in the indoor because it was raining, and she had what I think was her first experience with other horses being worked in the ring. Granted they were only walking out, but everyone was talking very loud and the horses were going in all different directions. She remained attentive and focused on me, moving off my leg when asked, and was more concerned about the birds than anything.
We didn't really start to work until everyone else had left, and did walk and trot serpentines as is usual. She is really getting better at rounding and being on the bit instead of throwing her head up to avoid it. She's also calmed down with the bit chomping as well.
Canter was fabulous. I did two departures each direction and half a lap of the indoor. Her brakes at the canter are not so good: canter, running trot, normal trot, then walk. It takes a while for her to stop but at least she does stop! It's something for us to work for. I got Dude from a gag snaffle and 3-ring elevator to his current loosering french link, so I think I am capable of teaching her to have a soft, sensitive mouth.
Her kickouts are practically nonexistent at the canter departure, and she no longer swaps off her lead by the gate. She also no longer drags me to the gate and bulges when we pass it. I am really happy with how she's progressing.
The only snag of the day came when I decided I would braid over the bottom of her feral-pony mane. Mo/Moose was not too sure about this, and I let her stand a little too far back on the cross ties. She took another step back, hit the end of the crossties, and when I reached up to help her forward, she panicked. Thankfully she didn't break them and I was able to coax her forward by just holding my hand at about chest level in front of her.
Karen found treats she likes! Carrot cake flavor "Luck & Love". Guess she only likes crunchy cookies.
Her feet still look great barefoot. Dude, on the other hand, pulled his LF shoe. Dumbo.
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