Lessons with Mollie Robbins

Cool session with Cal!  Played on the 45' line.  My goal from yesterday went well, and I was able to catch him and bring him up to the arena while playing without him checking out.  He was being really extroverted.  He was blinking and licking and chewing a ton.  It was great.

Had a lot of energy and I was kind of chaotic playing with him when I first went out there, but I think in general I made a good choice to move his feet.  Then Mollie once again emphasized rhythm, relaxation, and contact.  Maybe I'll get it one of these times.  He's been getting super on the 22' line at the trot, but the 45' line and cantering showed me I need to be progessing with it.  Mollie showed me that I could ask for more and be more persistant.

And then Mollie had me make sure I was using a lot more of my 45' line.  She had me stand on a pedestal and play figure-8 (like Pat so often has people do)...The cones were so dang far away!  I really struggled, but was totally blown away and astonished when once Cal got it, he did it!  Woohoo!

So what I've taken away from today: Make sure my horse feels safe and comfortable before I ask for more difficult tasks.  Get rrc on longer lines and faster gaits (this also supports finding safety/comfort).  Play more with the longer line.  Use the entire 45' line!  Lastly, give things a try, don't give up because it looks impossible.  =)