We trailered Rose and Blondie out to Rose's old barn near Campbell Valley (which has an indoor arena - *sigh*) to have a good, focused ride that hasn't been possible at our barn because of the weather.
Rose loaded into the trailer fine, just a little hesitation. Both mares were very quiet on the drive there.
I won't talk too much about our lesson, just to say that I realized I haven't been asking enough of Rose under saddle - it seems I've been too light with the contact and not holding my legs against her side firmly enough. Basically, I have to give her a bit more credit and not have any doubt that she can do anything I ask of her.
For example, today we got one or two very nice walk-canter transitions, which I didn't think she was ready for yet. But it's actually not that hard for the horse, if you think about it. I just hadn't been practicing it because I thought it was harder than it actually is.
By the end of the lesson, Rose was walking and trotting nicely into my contact, and I had a much more confirmed seat. Basically I was being a more active rider.
I also learned that part of the reason why Rose was sticking her hindquarters out to the right is because I am stronger on my left lower half of my body, which means I put most of my weight on my left hip and stick out my left toe. This has been throwing her balance off and she has been moving under me to try and keep us centred.
Now, Robin said it is partly because Rose just likes to stick her hindquarters out to the right, but also that I've been riding her unevenly.
So now I will try to remember to lower my right hip into the saddle and keep my left toe turned it. See if that makes a difference.
Rose was okay loading into the trailer to go home, but she did have a lot more hesitation that in our practices. Oh well, she's getting there.
Unloading was a different story. She had to back out (instead of turn around and walk out) and she was very uncomfortable with that. She did do it in the end though. However, I feel like if I had taken charge of the situation instead of following other peoples directions in the moment, Rose would have completed the task a lot more calmly.
No pictures from today as my mum was riding too. Blondie and her had a great ride. An indoor arena does wonders to the horse's concentration and mood.
Also, it got really cold today. Blondie is now double blanketed.