Sunday I rode Gypsy over to my neighbour's place to help "christen" her new arena. They built it last year, but only just got all the sand in and rocks removed recently, so I helped her break it in. It was fun. She's got barrels and cavalleti's, jump standards, and some solid jumps as well. Lots of stuff to play with.
For the first while, I just let Gypsy explore and relax about all the new stuff in the arena. She snorted and tried to run away from the barrels and jumps in a couple of the corners. We did the "squeeze game" back and forth by each of the corners until she was able to go up and put her nose on them. Once she decided there was nothing to be afraid of, I moved the barrels into the 
center of the arena and started riding the cloverleaf pattern. I've done some of this at home around my pylons, so she settled into it fairly quickly. She's starting to bend nicely around the corners and is actually starting to move off (turn with) leg pressure better and better. She really is starting to understand that leg pressure doesn't always mean go faster. She still does occasionally, but it's less and less, and I can tell she is really starting to think more now than just react, which I love. The Patterns really do work!
center of the arena and started riding the cloverleaf pattern. I've done some of this at home around my pylons, so she settled into it fairly quickly. She's starting to bend nicely around the corners and is actually starting to move off (turn with) leg pressure better and better. She really is starting to understand that leg pressure doesn't always mean go faster. She still does occasionally, but it's less and less, and I can tell she is really starting to think more now than just react, which I love. The Patterns really do work!We also did some figure-8's and simple changes. Then we did some trot-poles and jumps as well.
At home I've jumped her over the barrels plenty of times, but always at a trot. This time we approached the jumps a couple times at the canter, and WEEEEEE... she LEAPED over them. Wow... lots of air! Plus it's been about 20 years since I've actually "rode a course", so I was feeling pretty loose! She refused a few times coming off her right lead, but eventually made it with patience and persistence. After the first refusal, I went back to just trotting her up to it, then approached again at the canter. It took about 3 attempts, but she made it. Off her left lead, no problems.
At home I've jumped her over the barrels plenty of times, but always at a trot. This time we approached the jumps a couple times at the canter, and WEEEEEE... she LEAPED over them. Wow... lots of air! Plus it's been about 20 years since I've actually "rode a course", so I was feeling pretty loose! She refused a few times coming off her right lead, but eventually made it with patience and persistence. After the first refusal, I went back to just trotting her up to it, then approached again at the canter. It took about 3 attempts, but she made it. Off her left lead, no problems.She seemed to have fun too. She was nice and soft and was doing lots of blowing and licking and chewing. Plus her ears were forward most of the time. Something different! A good day (although quite chilly!).
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