Rockin' Dressage...or at least trying to!

Here's me, mostly decked out for training.

Hi Everyone!

K and I have been taking this dressage thing seriously. I'm working on my balance and flexibility a little longer each day. Today K increased the frequency of our changes in direction and also had me work in a few more circles. For variety I was asked to trot through cavelletti. You know. Those poles on the ground. K is always very encouraging and tells me when I've got it right. I do like to get things right!
I'll be working on basics for quite a while to build up my strength and perfect my balance. So far my toughest challenge is relaxing into my work. It is work, so how do I also relax?
Dear Readers, do let me know your solutions to this dilemma.

~ Polo

Back to Basics

Hello!

I've completely recovered from my heel cut, had my six-week pedicure and gotten back to business! K and I have been working on basics as I try to improve my strength and balance. We work on moving off of K's seat and leg using transitions between walk and halt and between walk and trot. K also asks me to change direction frequently; usually in a curvy, serpentine pattern.

This week K has changed up my usual "uniform" and outfitted me with the dressage saddle and the white brushing boots and bell boots. The dressage saddle helps K be a little more mindful of her position and lengthens her leg so that I can receive her cues better. Have I mentioned how short K is? The boots help to protect my legs from bumps and scrapes and the white color helps K and any of our eyes on the ground to assess my way of going. I'm told that this is The Look for horses in training.

K has been keeping our exercise sessions short because it has been super hot here in central Kentucky. In fact, we missed a week of work because of the heat. Typically we work for about 20-30 minutes and then I get a shower and a chance to replenish minerals by licking my Redmond Rock. Have you tried the Redmond Rock? It's mighty tasty!

I'll see if I can't convince K to arrange a photo shoot of our dressage look. In the meantime, keep cool and your mineral intake up!

~Polo