Hard Work Unwrapped

Determined to not have a repeat lesson of last Monday, I rode WallE Saturday AND Sunday this week. Dressage saddle on Saturday and close contact on Sunday. Before I took a break due to travel and weather, WallE and I had been doing great. If you read the November posts - all of our rides were just lovely. 

Now, midway through December, it is as if all our hard work has become 'unwrapped' and we are trying to tape the paper back onto the box and retie the bow. 

Saturday we worked continuously on creating the forward energy in the trot. I tried using the tools Molly gave us during our last lesson (changing directions frequently, transitioning, bending to the outside), but nothing was working. Finally we went to small circles, then riding forward for a long side before returning to the 10 meter circle (something Laura worked on with us a while ago) and had some success. However, at this point we had been working so long, I felt WallE needed a break. 

After the break and a short repeat of the 10 meter exercise, we did a few leg yeilds and shoulder ins. Though we had success, it was nothing like our rides pre- break. 

Sunday it was much the same. The energy level was a zero starting out and WallE seemed stiff - especially to the left. Eventually we had some success and I decided we would ride through Novice Test A one time.  I turned on 'Carol of the Bells,' because who doesn't like strong holiday music while they ride a dressage test? 

WallE. WallE does not like Carol of the Bells for a dressage test. 

He shook his head, refused to bend and showed his general displeasure with the Test A activity.  We ended up having to school several of the exercises and then ended with circling with a leg yield out. I got a very clear reminder of the importance to 'tough it out and go ride in the cold.'

Despite WallE saying 'bah- humbug' to the Carol of the Bells, I think he does like the holiday season. I see him more, he gets apples and other special treats in his food and the barn is quiet for a time. 

Update: WallE and I had a jump lesson after I wrote the above entry. WallE was perfect and we never missed a distance. Lesson well learned...you have to ride your horse!