Monday - I planned on riding in the outdoor ring in the morning, but it was closed for maintenance so instead Cupid and I just went for for a hack around the property. One of the paths we hadn't been on in a while due to it being overgrown with branches and brush has been cleaned up, so we went down that. It runs parallel to the busy road, but with thick shrubbery in between. I still don't like it when loud big rigs or motorcycles zoom by, but Cupid is not bothered by the noise. He was very good! We walked for about half an hour and didn't have any spooks.
Tuesday - Flatwork lesson. Started out lazy but eventually Cupid woke up a little. His leg yields have been really good lately, showing more lateral movement.
Wednesday - Rest day.
Thursday - Dressage lesson in the outdoor. Cupid was a little distracted, and had a few little spooks. He still doesn't like the end of the arena with the chairs alongside, and tarp pile outside, and tried to cut this corner. He also seemed to be struggling with the footing in the arena a little. We tried avoiding the far end where it is more deep and uneven, but he had a few stumbles elsewhere too.
We went through my dressage test twice. The first time I got lost, oops! We had a little trouble with the left lead today, I hope that won't happen at the show. Since Cupid had a few spooks and stumbles, plus trying to remember my test I was riding a little defensively (leaning forward), which I still need to work on.
Friday - Flatwork lesson. My trainer had me ride with the crop under my thumbs. This was a really good exercise for me because it helped me feel when I was twisting my wrist, and also realize when I was leaning. I am having a hard time getting a good walk out of Cupid, not letting him be too lazy.
Saturday - Group jumping lesson! This was a fun change of pace, I had 3 other ladies in my group. We practiced a lot of 2 point, and took turns cantering. There were a few other people in the arena as well, and Cupid was being very good with all the activity. During the warm up he was actually quite lazy and got passed a few times.
Then we did a little grid. First it was two crossrails one stride apart, trot in canter out and halt. Then we added a third jump, and then the last two became verticals. Cupid was a little excited, I circled him before we started the grid until he settled down and also gave a half halt before the first jump. He was a little more eager than I like, but we went through it several times. Though we did almost touch the arena rail before halting a few times! My trainer said I still need to work on sitting up in between the jumps, but my last time was the best one. Our straightness is getting better too.
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