That was E.'s question last night as she left the ring after the walk/trot competition at the final night of Hot August Nights. She totally gets why she would never get a ribbon for the other classes but was very disappointed that she didn't place in this one. Both her 4-H leader and her trainer reassured her that she did do very well and then explained the few things that need to be improved upon. It is moments like these that make the 4-H group so wonderful - incredible support with clear instruction to boot. Anyway, it mostly boils down to an inexperienced horse and the need for more time. We all keep telling her, "Next year it'll be better!"
I've been taking E. out to the barn for 2 hour lessons in the mornings these past couple of days. It's wonderful in the early hours - cool and breezy - and the animals are much more willing to work. Getting E. out of bed is another story! She isn't enjoying the 6:00 a.m. wake up calls. Poor baby!
Cantering is becoming easier. Curly still resists E.'s signals but ultimately listens. E. is letting him get away with less and less, and hopefully soon he'll stop trying to get away with anything. It all just takes time....and they've really accomplished so much already.
