Some good work in the school

A session each in the school with Remy and Bonbon this morning. That's twice this week I've managed to ride them both, and today was extra nice because the sun was so very warm and relaxing.

Bonbon was a little tense and distracted, but once she started to relax we got some good work. She's started to really soften in my hand, giving her mouth and relaxing through the neck. When we get it right, she's like flowing water, moving with ease and a quiet power which is lovely to feel. When we don't get it right, she's a little bit like  an oil tanker trying to turn in a small space, heavy against my inside leg, wanting to look outside, and falling on the inside shoulder.
It's becoming less like this though, it's very early days in her riding career and I have high hopes that we'll make a good partnership.

Remy softened immediately when we started, he stretched down and flexed easily on both reins. We did a small amount of work at walk to get him nice and relaxed and bending easily, concentrating on keeping it slow and accurate, allowing him to raise his shoulders. The reinback was fluid and the shoulder- in was good with correct bend and even steps.
I moved on to walk/ canter transitions, and was really pleased when he immediately raised his energy without pushing against the hand. I wanted to start to address the rushing  in the canter, as, after a good transition, we get a few well balanced strides and then he loses his balance and starts to rush.

A well timed visit to the 'Horse Listening' blog reminded me of the use of transitions as a balancing tool, and something I need to be doing.
Well, today, I asked for the transition, let him canter a few strides (aiming for three, but not always accurate) and then asked for a transition to trot. After a few attempts, he started to rebalance himself into the transition, and gave me an active, well balanced trot. Because he started to listen and anticipate the transition, his canter remained well balanced. A timely reminder, as, although I know that this works, I'd sort of forgotten, gettin lost in my attempts to ride and rebalance the canter.

All in all, a great morning, made all the better by the weather.