The New Normal

I've been riding a long time (over 25 years), but unfortunately I've been riding incorrectly for most of it.  Which is a lot of bad habits and muscle memory to overcome!  I was hoping the few weeks off the end of last year would be a bit of a reset, and came back trying to do things correctly and telling myself that's just the way I do it.  I can't say I've been totally successful, but have made a lot of progress since the beginning of the year.  Some of the things I'm working on:

- We can still start on a loose rein, but must be marching forward.

- I don't nag with my heels.  My legs are long and "hug Cupid's sides".  If I want him to move forward I squeeze my calves, and if I don't get the full response I want (not just some reaction) I reinforce immediately with a tap-tap of the whip behind my leg.

- My toes point forward!  And the stirrups are on the balls of my feet, straight not angled.

- Elbows are soft and hands closed, and I maintain a feel of his mouth.  No flapping reins!

Rain, wind, and/or fog have also become the new normal