Still working on those lead changes with Nic, but they are solid now. We're trying to be less wild in the changes, but a mare has to show some excitement, right? She's getting there. I'm hoping I can show her 3rd & 4th level in the spring. Wouldn't that be nice.
I tried canter pirouettes with her today, but shhh....don't tell my trainer. It's a secret between you and me. We aren't supposed to do them until she's quiet in the lead changes. Nic can do haunches in on a volte, but as with any new exercise, she's sure it's going to kill her.
I made a mistake with her earlier this week. I'm trying to bring her trot to the next level by asking her to have more upward impulsion instead of just forward impulsion. I think I asked for her to do it for too long because she's not quite in the bridle enough anymore for me, although that could have just been how she was today and not necessarily an issue I have to address.
I know it's early, but I'm completely over winter already. Who wants to sweat outside in the cold? I'd saved up money to go to Florida, but I didn't get myself ready in time and missed out on reserving a stall. And that thing I go to every so often called a job made it difficult logistically. Kind of. I had enough leave to actually go down Jan & Feb, but again I don't have a stall. Think I got it all worked out for next year, and believe me if I can do it, I will. Those 5 years I spent in CA killed any ability I had to get through winter happily.
So Nikita and I are going through this phase where I'm getting better at making her do her job and she's not happy about it. I went through the same thing with Nic, so this is my 2nd round. Nikita's been kicking the sideboards of the indoor in protest.
