Conditions: post-call day off :) Last night was very quiet on call, so whole night to sleep :). Snow mixed with rain, no hacking.

Tia: lesson: Rode in double worked on 1) changes 2) pirouettes 3) med towrads extended trot at end.

1) So I've been thinking of an article that Hubertis Schmidt published where he said the neck should be straight, a stride before the change, soften the new inside rein. The first ride I tried this, it worked beautifully - but now, I think that has become my main focus.

changes left to right are very good - ready to show. changes right to left are a problem, she may change a stride early and may be late behind.

Fran had me go back to the simple changes and work on the straightness. I have been doing this on my own. It is surprising how crocked she actually is. Nothing like a lesson or a SHOW to keep you honest and aware. Anyway still need to work on this, but on the right track.

2) Really good work. Easier to right. Pirouette canter very good in both directions. Working to the right Fran pointed out that my right leg is too far back. Very good work.

3) Need to think more about the balance then going for it. Heather Blitz on the radio show had a really good analogy to ice skating. when you 1st skate, you take slow short glides - then as your balance is established, you will take bigger glides. So when I start the extended, Tia feels so good I just want to GO, but then she looses her balance.

Boogaloo: A real unexpected treat. When I was riding Tia, Fran mentioned that she had been trying to get the piaffe and that she thought he needed a little help on the ground. I was thinking I would help HER - but actually, I got a lesson on Boog's. I asked Fran how old he is and she couldn't remember thinks 7 or 8 (probably 8) He has had training with Gunner Ostagard who I believe started the pi/pa.

worked on 1)canter 2)passage 3)piaffe

1) canter Boogaloo's worse gait:(. Worked on transitions and counter-canter. He handled counter canter 20m circles in both direction reasonably well.

2) For the passage, Fran had me really work the half halts and rocking him back in the trot. so we went whoa (a few strides), relax (a few strides) repeating rocking back and relaxing. Keeping him straight and round working my calfs together in stride and poof, he offered the passage first a hint then a hint then a few strides and finally able to keep it SO COOL

3) piaffe was harder. Boogs REALLY wants to swing his haunches to the right and he is worried, so Fran couldn't help much from the ground. in the end, he got the idea

Caddymaster Fantastic ride on Caddy I am so thrilled. Worked in double, no lesson. Worked on simple transitions in warm up. Was amazed at how much rein I needed to get the whoa in Kyra's ABC's. So in the warm-up simple trot walk trot, then trot canter trot. once that was working in both directions I was amazed Caddy was great!!