Peeling back the layers- Day 2

 Day 2 we switched saddles to my little saddle as it's the only one I have that the stirrups will fit Shayla- the other 2 saddles it's very difficult to shorten the stirrups much.

Everything was a review of the first lesson, with Sophie showing some improvement on not changing directions unless asked, and a better back up. 

She was also softer with her whoa and face up.

However, once Shayla rode her she showed just how much work she needs to get soft in the face; she really isn't giving to the bit at all. Riding her with a loose rein and using a neckrein and leg works, but if something happened (think bear , bicycle, dirt bike, deer etc. etc. ) you really wouldn't be able to give her support and direction . You wouldn't be able to keep her focused on her rider and she would feel that she is left to her own devices (bolt, rear, whatever) whereas if you can connect with her through the reins you can steady her and keep her mind from leaving. So this is a very important part of her ongoing training. 

So my program definitely will have to be consistent in getting her to figure out how to find the softness, whether it's bitting her up on the ground, or to my hands when riding. 

The other thing we figured, is that so far I have been "sneaking" rides on her. Which basically means that I have just been riding without pressuring her to do anything out of her comfort zone, just getting along with her and she calls the shots. I do know better! But riding by myself on a horse I don't really know was testing the limits of my old lady bravery. So it was awesome to have Shayla work her, because now we know the limits and boundaries Sophie has set and have a plan on how to get her past them.