The weather was miserable today - but nevertheless - off we went to the yard for my 8am lesson.
My lesson went very well. Perfect circles, perfect transitions and he even went round in the canter! He stroke off on the correct lead every time and he's calming down in the canter now as well, it's not so rushed any more and it's actually starting to feel quite comfortable!
Today's problem/challenge: I'm struggling a bit to keep my contact even and consistent sometimes. I have been holding the reins on the 3rd cleat for the past couple of months... now he's suddenly going round by himself without me even applying pressure or asking him to come on the aid... with the result that I now have to hold it between cleats - so there's no grip for my fingers really... will have to work on that.
The other thing I really need to concentrate on is my lower leg position... I tend to bump him with every stride i.s.o keeping my legs away from his body, unless asking for a transition or giving an aid. Luckily he's now so much more balanced and his back is much stronger - so I can start riding without stirrups every now and then to help my seat develop.
