Hoping for rain

It's been heavy and overcast today so we've been hoping for rain. It's been so dry here recently and there's not a lot growing on our hay field. No joy, I'm afraid, and even though we could see it was raining in the distance it managed to avoid us.
Having said that, it was great weather for riding and I had a short lunge session with Remy, followed by a sit-on. We started with walk on a long rein around the school and he was really stepping out and stretching into my hand. His halt transitions were also clean and crisp. He struggled with the rein-back today so I got off and worked on them for a few minutes from the ground. When I remounted he responded a litle better, but I think there's confusion when I ask for the rein-back mounted, so something to work on. We finished by riding back down the lane and a little way up the track before heading home.
We then took Bonbon into the school for her lunge session. The last time she had a couple of explosions, spooking away from the top end of the school and I'd had to stand with her down there asking her while she started to relax and focus on me. By the time we finished the session she was calm and focussed and today there was no sign of worry working at the top end. She had a little squeal  today when I asked for trot, but she calmed immediately and settled into the trot. She's unsure of what I'm asking, but is giving me the benefit of the doubt and going with it, a good sign with Bonbon.
The chicks were out today, but by the time I got there with the camera, they were settling down for a snooze.

Short and sweet

Two lunge sessions today with Remy and Bonbon. It's been a while since Bonbon's been in the school and she was so focussed. I lunged her around the school at walk and trot and I couldn't be happier. She's starting to come up in her wither and she's definitely looking less croup high.

The first time in the school for Remy since his osteo treatment and I worked him the same as Bonbon, around the school at walk and trot. A little tight on the left rein (his worst rein), but when I asked for trot on the right rein, he immediately relaxed and stretched forward and out with no tension whatsoever on the line. He gave me the trot that I've been aiming for since we started. Chuffed doesn't describe the feeling.

Smart cookie

Continuing the lunge work with Remy today, looking for good forward movement with active hind legs, good rhythm and relaxation and lowering of the neck. He's getting there, with better rhythm today.
Bonbon had her second session at starting lunge work, she was a complete star. Walk and halt transitons on a circle, both reins with good forward movement. Started and finished on a good note. The shortest session I've ever had with a horse!! A smart cookie.