The heat has been horrendous around here - topping out over 100 every afternoon. But there is a benefit to that - in my mind at least. E has been motivated to get to the barn to ride before the sun really starts baking everything in sight. She has actually gotten out of bed willingly at 7 a.m. for the past few mornings, and plans to continue with that schedule until school starts. Amazing what a cool breeze can accomplish! And I much prefer mornings at the barn to middle of the day excursions.
At her second lesson with Ruben (Monday) she practiced timing her stops, turns and lead changes. Everything is still being done at a walk, but her communication with Monte is improving dramatically. Ruben also showed her how to assess muscle soreness in Monte and what to do when she finds a sore spot (he had many). By the end of the hour Monte was fully engaged and was listening intently to E's requests. She's finding that she has to have a goal in mind to keep her horse interested; he isn't one to be happy just aimlessly walking around.
Since fair is fast approaching, E is stepping up her riding time and plans to go out to the barn every day that she can. That gives her only about 25 more rides...to perfect her Western, English, trail and halter/showmanship skills. Piece of cake. Ha!
Actually, she's doing really well and is comfortable with most of her skills in Western at a walk. She'll add the trot and canter over the next few rides. She's been ending each ride with some time on the trail course. Monte is learning to think right along with her as they approach the various obstacles. Showmanship is something that E really enjoys doing, so I expect them to click on that skill fairly quickly. That just leaves English...and my hope for them is to just get through the classes. E knows that winning ribbons isn't very likely at this year's fair. And she's okay with it.
