Change of plan.

Aieee!

Both Derby and I overdid things early this week, and I ended up cancelling my lesson last night.  My entire body was sore from an ambitious workout, and Derby was sporting a fresh cut on his leg and a sore back, both most likely the result of playing too hard.

Tonight we reported for duty, and we were both feeling better, though as we warmed up, I could tell that my leg muscles were still going to pose a challenge. My legs felt really tired and the muscles were burning just a few minutes into the lesson.  After a few more minutes, I told Christy that I needed to get off the circle we were working on, because I just didn’t feel able to sustain the bend and all the corrections and adjustments necessary.

I'll remember this when he tells me he can't sit into collection in a couple years.

Nothing was going particularly well, and then things actually got a little worse when Derby spooked at some activity in the aisle. It was completely rideable, making for some funny video stills.  And I got a much better trot out of the deal.

It was also an opportunity for me to “sit up and ride” as I used to when Maddie lost her marbles.  And, as these situations are, it was a reminder that riding more purposefully and assertively yields results.

Well, at least he's round.

He was still a bit distracted, but responded nicely when I got busy with my inside leg, yielding out on a circle and giving me the nice quality trot I was after (and must re-establish as our norm.)

Until he pulled that crap again.

When he spooked again, I stuck my spur into his side and kept him cantering.  He actually picked up the wrong lead, so we went around and around and (*kick*) around counter-cantering.  I was just hell bent on keeping him going, because, as Christy says, if you have the energy to spook, you have the energy to work. On a positive note, I supposed, Christy said the counter-canter was nicely balanced and he held it for a while.  At this point, second level is light years away so I’m not too worried about this at the moment.  We transitioned into a trot, and I kept him going some more.

He's like a drama-queen tween, intent upon looking good while making a scene.

At this juncture, we finally got some nice work.  Derby was really on my aids, and was electric and forward. He felt fantastic. And despite the nonsense, I felt good and in control pretty much the whole time.  He came right back to me after each bout of the stupids, which is the outcome I prefer.

However, at this point, I was about to slither from the horse.  I was worn out – my leg muscles were completely shot.  Not sure how I’ll feel tomorrow – I’m taking some Advil and hitting the sack!