Saturday we were going to go outdoors with another rider but by the time I got the grooming and everything else done she was finished so I rode inside. I did some ground work first with the rope halter on. We set up some trot poles and went over them a few times. I have been doing some stretching exercises on Coopers legs and they have really been helping. His muscles are not strong enough yet or something, that is why he kept slipping with his back legs.

I rode with the bit and practiced circles in each corner of the arena and trying to remember to release in the circle. We did great, ok, we did good, but it sure felt great. We practiced the turning on the haunches, it won't be long before he has this down pat, as long as I can remember the cues.

Sunday we did ground work again inside, trot poles, circles, change of direction, transition changes. Cooper had a touch of the runs and I think that really tired him out. I thought maybe working would get some gas and poop out. I was going to go outside with him but it started to rain. I just tied the lead rope up to the rope halter and rode with that. Again he was very good, remembering most of the cues. He was trying to go off where he wanted several times and I would have to pull a little hard to get him back on the path. He never relaxed the half hour we rode. He was high headed and was still going a little fast, but slower than he usually is.

Not all play today, we had a long grooming and cleaning up after as he made a mess down his back legs and on his blue smb boots. A medicated bum wash and some aloe cream on him and I think he felt better.

I hope to get out again to see him on Tuesday. I have really enjoyed spending all this time with him, but it will be slowing down soon, the cost is getting to be a lot and I am so tired for work the next day.

Do what I can now, I am going to miss when I can't get out as often.