Samantha Thorning with Aspen, (On Line, 45 mins) Started my new schedule of tasks I created - I did about 5 weeks worth of progressive activities. The first week or 7 days includes extreme friendly game with the ball, F8's @ the trot on 22' line, focusing on maintaining the trot around both markers, and FS follow the rail at the trot with a focus on relaxation and rhythm. Aspen did really well with the ball, I can approach her with it bouncing (kind of low bounces since it's not inflated all the way), put it anywhere on her body and bounce it a little off her. Needs more confidence with the ball on her neck and on the ground by her legs and under her. At one point the ball rolled under her belly and instead of panicking she figured how to sidepass over the ball to get free. She was a little worried but didn't lose it.
 

Samantha Thorning with Aspen, (Freestyle, 15 mins) Today was FTR with relaxation, somewhat hard to do given all the slick ice in patches along the rail but she was really relaxed and in fact a bit lazy (nice change for her). Our ride today was in my new-to-me/used Fluidity saddle! Loved it!!! :) :) Need to play with shimming pattern a bit but overall she seemed comfortable in it and I felt so much more secure and connected!

Aspen powering up before launching into some playful bucks!

One stride out from bucking!  Wahoo!

 

Love her expression!

Yeah, that's right, this Thoroughbred has a booty like a Quarter Horse! :)

♥

Played with Partial Disengagements today with great success!  Lots of relaxation and big breaths.

I think the Partial Disengagement plan is working just fine!

I never get too far without Oliver, my trusty sidekick Pomeranian!

Samantha Thorning with Aspen, (Liberty, 15 mins) Started the afternoon a little differently than normal with the 'me and my shadow' game. I really want to take Aspen's feelings and opinions into consideration as we interact from the moment I arrive, through our play and riding, to the moment I leave. I thought that playing this game would help me get in tune with her a little more and let her show me her ideas. She came across the pasture to meet me and when I opened the arena gate came in on her own. After I set up the obstacles I wanted I casually went up to her and placed my hand on her withers and let her take control. I tried to keep my feet in time with her front feet, breathed as she breathed, and looked where she looked. At first she was kind of confused but after a bit of moseying took a huge breath and licked her lips. It was interesting to see how she processed this time together and how I really had to rate my energy to match hers. I found myself not stopping and staying in tune with her feet (too rushy). How does this translate into my on-line and freestyle? Lots to think about.

I also groomed her and tacked her up with my thera-flex and bareback pad (really made a difference in the BB pad rubbing on her withers) at liberty. I wanted the feedback from her on how she felt about the entire thing - so even if she walked away and I didn't get the pad on it didn't matter. But she stood like a lady and very politely stood for the whole process.

Samantha Thorning with Aspen, (On Line, 30 mins) Played with some different porcupine games today, a couple jumps (she was sound on her injured leg over the barrels!), and circles. She had trouble maintaining the circle after 6 laps (I was shooting for 10). I really want to not only up the # of laps but the quality of the circles as well. Quit at 12 laps when she softened her body on the circle and blew out her breath.

Tried the F8 pattern with 3 cones today... Boy oh boy do I need to get organized for that!! She did great, offered the trot, and was really locked onto the markers. She totally outdid me today in the skill department. Very proud of her even though I couldn't get myself completely together to F8 around 3 cones! :)

Samantha Thorning with Aspen, (Freestyle, 15 mins) Rode for just a short while today and she was excellent! Played with Partial Disengagements after watching Mastery DVD #1. Had a lot of success in relaxation, rhythm, and connection as well as lots of breathing and traveling with a low head. Huge success for an RBE! :)