It's quite disconcerting.....

After a short in-hand session, I sat on Remy today. A short session, working on small circles asking for walk and halt transitions and I was pretty pleased with his responses. We had one unasked for reinback, so as he was stepping back I allowed myself to be moved back with him and reinforced the movement by saying 'back'. He turns very easily on the left circle, not so much on the right, so I must pay more attention to this and make sure that I work him equally and that he has the same flexibility on both reins.
I enjoyed today because he's a darling, but it's a long time since I've backed a horse and I have to admit to feeling a little hesitant as to where to go from here. I'm feeling the weight of responsibility for his education and it's quite disconcerting!!!

Another short in-hand session with Anky, continuing the relaxation work and trying to keep the mobility in her jaw. She's getting progressively more relaxed in her mouth, we've a long way to go, but definitely getting better. She's got a swelling on the front of her hock after spooking up a bank with me out on a ride. I'm a little worried about it, although it doesn't seem to be bothering her at all. I thought it may be a bog spavin, but the swelling  doesn't seem to affect or move around the rest of her hock joint and is isolated to the bottom edge just above the cannon bone. I've not ridden her for a few days not wanting to exacerbate it, but we were making progress with the relaxation and I'm missing it!