Feelin' Good

Had a super session today!  Started out on the 45' line with a goal of using the entire line.  Spent some time playing touch it from the end of the 45' line.  Went really well!  Did some circles, which was not so good.  I think I need to get Cal's confidence up before I go to circles and really test it and have him able to find rhythm, relaxation, and contact.  So I then did figure-8's, attempting to use the entire 45' line.  I got pretty close, and Cal really seemed to be getting the pattern.  Started getting some trotting figure-8's at the end!  After I felt he had some more confidence I tried circling again.  Got a lap of a really lovely, confident canter!  Yes!  Made sure to wait for licking and chewing after that.  =)

Then saddled Cal with the Natural Performer.  <3  We mostly did circles.  Me, practicing my focus.  Seeing if Cal could stay on the circle without me using rein or carrot stick.  Challenge for me...Focus is hard!  Once we got the circle going at the walk, practiced doing indirect rein (yield the hind end) from just my body, then used carrot stick and/or rein if needed.  Got some really great effort and response from just my body language!  Did it both ways at the walk, then trotted for a bit.  Even harder for me to focus at the trot.  I correct before I need to, and I think its stopping Cal from really understanding the pattern.  He also still thinks leg means forward, because he started cantering at one point when I asked him to turn.  Not what I wanted, but a lovely canter it was!!!  Soft and smooth and relaxed!  Ended the ride by standing on the pedestal.  My ride on Sunday it took him over 15 minutes to lick and chew when I asked him to stand on the pedestal.  Today, got licking and chewing right away!  Even cooler...he put three feet on the pedestal with me on him!  Awesomeness!