Yup. Pony was a super star today! I have been working on dealing with my riding anxiety (control freak here) and telling my self to just get out of Ruby's way and deal with whatever happens. Seems all of the practice has finally started to pay off.
We started the lesson with the gymnastic line (trot in, canter out) with just the first jump up and the others left as poles. These were one strides. The first time through was a bit awkward (it usually is), but Debi tightened the stride for Miss Pony, and we went through super well (with me adding some leg). We continued going through until all three jumps were raised.
Debi had me do a few variations of the course, and we singled out a few elements at a time to practice. If you look at diagram B, there is a non-numbered jump between 4 and 5- not gonna lie, that jump stumped me. Ruby was a champ, and let me goof up a few times before I finally figured out the approach. The bending line from 7 to 8 was also a little interesting at first...I don't think I have had to do a bending line since I rode with Connie!
Diagram A is the course we started with; B is the course we finished with. Course A was absolutely excellent if I say so myself! For B, we had one run-out at jump 4: I came out of jump 1 with way too much speed and instead of paying attention to lining up my next jump, I was half-halting my ass off. We came to 2 a bit too far to the left- I felt her wiggle at 3 and was able to correct but she darted left at me on 4. Totally my fault; I am actually surprised we even made it over 3! Second time around was MUCH better.
Very proud of Ruby today. I am hoping we are back on the path to trusting each other again :)
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