Schooling Ponderings

Last night went into school, very dusty *cough, cough* think it needs it's first sprinkle!

Anyway, all good. Did pretty much what I asked, when I asked. Did most of it with no stirrups cue legs SCREAMING!

Have noticed that putting stirrups down is definitely making me put foot properly in stirrup and in turn making me sit up taller, as does consciously thinking about bringing my knee away from the saddle.

Nowt much to report about last night (3.5lb off at fat club so am off the starters blocks at least!)

Tonight it was such a nice night that we went into the winter fields again. Definite downwards slope in there but he definitely takes the piss with it. On the left rein he's fine, absolutely lovely but on the right it's showing up weakness on my part.

I am trying very hard to not take a hold of him, to let him find his own balance and to steady him using my own position rather than hands but he really does start to take the pee on the right rein and it took me a good 120m to get him to turn right. Once I properly put my left leg on to block that shoulder he did turn but also accelerated.

Took me 10 mins or so to get a proper circle on that rein so did two then called it a day.

Definitely need a lesson in there next time. Thinking knees away from saddle is also causing me to sit up straight, arse in saddle and everything is starting to fall into place. I've almost got the same canter WITH stirrups as without.

Would have liked to have ridden no stirrups in the field today but on the right rein, even in trot, he really does start to tank so think we need to ride in there more before I do.

Competing Sat, not learnt tests. At Badminton tomorrow but guessing I'll be home in time to clean tack and learn tests.... I hope anyway!!!!