Notes from July 7

1. have made CIRCLING more fun with less circle and more moving and traveling for us both. Lately--not much online circling. Was in round pen and Try took off circling (liberty) so I said great idea lets circle--then when she dropped gait I asked her to change directions and was amazed that afterward she didn't try to drop gait but was looking to me to stop. Interesting--all about trying to find the extreme middle of the road. sounds like you are on the right track

2. Thanks for the hint about the HELICOPTER flick of the wrist. great!

3. Leading by the TAIL--is lighter ?? maybe 8 hairs great

4. WEAVE--I began placing treat in chair just after she completes the bend at the end as that was where she was resistant. I think that was lots more fun for her but don't know that the TASK is improved. focus on her attitude and the rest will come!

5. MIRROR--liberty--she will canter if I canter with perhaps just one flick of the stick/string--I thought it wasn't good because she wasn't right at my shoulder--maybe 6' away then saw Pat doing the same so maybe ok. doing it a little further away like Pat is great!

6. Tried FIGURE 8 at liberty for the first time today--ok as mirroring; otherwise no--tomorrow will go back and try it online with lots of rope on the ground, rest and treats. Good

7. she is into pushing the BALL with her nose and we eliminated kicking it with her foot (treats) as I would prefer she not do that when I am riding. She will push 3x for a treat or get 1 treat and lots of great energy from me for especially enthusiastic pushes. Good

8. Freestyle PATTERNS--on the rail and clover leaf coming pretty well for less cueing, more neutral on my part (eyes, belly button, leg if necessary--almost no stick at all)

Question box which is required for audition is all circles again--sometimes she is magic and I only need one leg cue to correct (passing the gate) at walk and trot and some canter. Other days, she clearly isn't into the circling!! How can you repeat pattern 7x til they learn it, if they are bored after 1-2 days???? make it more interesting- do different transitions- reward- and you don't need to do it for that long- do it at the end of the session for a "bonus" reward!