It's About The Journey

It struck me last week that Trouble has taught me more about riding well in three months than Casanova did in a year. I had an amazing journey with Casanova, progressing to practicing third level movements from a horse that wouldn't canter without bucking. And in that time I learned the aids for half pass.

With Trouble I learned to ride with more balance (I was very crooked in my first clinic with Cindy) and quieter hands. It's these little subtle changes that make me a better rider. They make my aids more effective.

Excellent Lesson Yesterday

Yes! I had an excellent lesson yesterday. Tricia gave the word for me to start demanding more from Trouble. He needs to start using his back more when cantering and get more round. I know he probably isn't that happy about it but I'm over the moon. Trouble is getting stronger.

Our first schooling show together

Trouble and I attended our first schooling show this past weekend. We competed in Training Level Tests 1 and 2. Tricia and I both wanted Trouble's first show to be fun for him and a positive experience.

Trouble is a nice horse. He did his job and listened well. He has a good heart.

I have all four tests on video from this weekend. The one I'm posting here was Tricia's favorite but it wasn't our highest scoring test.



Trouble was tired by our fourth test and got distracted easily. I had to ride him pretty firm to keep him even a little focused on his job. We scored a 57.5% but it was good enough for 1st place! I think we beat out four other riders.

I would have been proud of him no matter what place we received. He is a smart, honest horse with a lot of potential.