I managed to get three rides on Zoe this week - that may be a record for me!
After riding her on Monday, I decided it is imperative that I ride her frequently if I want to be sure she maintains her responsiveness and softness to my cues. With another person using her (who rides very differently than I do) Zoe is picking up what I consider bad habits. I found her to be rushing and less sensitive to my directions - both things I DO NOT want!
So during yesterday's ride I began the (somewhat boring) exercise of working on transitions. Zoe was choosing to not immediately transition up or down to either the trot or walk when I would ask. After a bit of work (maybe 30 minutes), we were working more in sync again and she was doing as asked most of the time. She still was rushing and jumping into her bouncy trot...but that's a problem for another day!
Catherine rides Zoe at least 2 times a week - and rides her hard! Cathy has even moved her into a new pasture, with lush grass to fatten her up a bit. I think the exercise is good for my horse, but the practice of running Zoe full-out without maintaining softness or control is showing up in undesirable ways.
Stephanie, the chiropractor, is coming out on Monday to do an adjustment on Monte. Assuming, he's back to full, pain-free, health after that, I think I will ask Catherine to transition over to him. He needs the exercise, plus I think he would be a great challenge for her.
I wonder how she'll feel about moving on from Zoe.....
