He had such great energy, and since the gnats hadn't quite crawled out of wherever they were, we worked the whole arena, spending time on keeping the circles 20 meters at the trot. We did lots of transitions to walk and back to trot, changing direction and bend through the center of the circle. We worked on quarter line to center line and back at the walk, taking some breaks, and then picked up the trot again, working on maintaining tempo and rhythm.
As I was concentrating on keeping him out on the circle, keeping my inside leg on the girth, and my outside leg a bit behind to keep him going, he suddenly realised that it was easier if he kept himself lined up, no nose in or out (caused mainly by the rider), and following with my seat became easier as well. For a split second he became lighter and the stride became more regular and his ears started flopping. It's his sign of being relaxed. I didn't push the issue, and came to a walk allowing him to take a break.
I made the decision, since tomorrow we have our first lesson with Valerie Knight since November, it might be a good idea just to have a little canter about. Instead of starting to the left, which is his easier side, I went to the right. We trotted, he picked up the canter where I asked for it, on the circle, and stayed out for two circles. IT WAS AMAZING! I can honestly say these were the most energetic yet relaxed and soft circles we had ever had. I did not push the issue further, came back to the trot and walk, and proceeded to the left. AMAZING!! They were so close to being the same I almost lost my balance, but managed to make the transition without him falling on his forehand.
We finished with our trot to halt, which was very square and he got his puffy treat. We took a walk around the fields for about 10 min., and he got a lovely warm rinse off, just in time for the rain to start.
What a day! I even got an unexpected order from a retail shop for earrings, bangles, barrettes and a few necklaces. I'm finally going to be busy! Now if I could figure out how to cut that 3' 14 gauge 3" diameter copper pipe I have! Obviously my hack saw isn't going to cut it.........I think a trip to the machine shop will be in order for Monday! Everything jewelry related, hammers, drill press, grinder, buffer, plate, wire and forming stakes are out of the horse trailer, except for my 85 lb. NC Anvil. That is just a bit too much for me to schlep up the steps and into the studio.
