Productive ride last night -- I longed first, then hopped on. Pony was a little up and spooked at the mirrors, then gave the standards in the corner a really hard look, considering whether he wanted to spook. I decided that yknow, I'd rather not fight that fight. Work smarter, not harder! So I plopped him back on the line and side reins and made him work. When I got back on 10 minutes later, Apollo was much, much more interested in being cooperative. Heh.
So we worked on steady, rhythmic trot, trot-canter transitions, and some shoulder fore and leg yield. We're in a good starting place on the lateral work: I get the concept and the basics, but I need to refine my aids and make the movements better. He needs to strengthen. This is a good place to be in. :)
And the Naughty Pasture Instigator goes back out to pasture today. *nibbles nails* I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried -- for his safety, for the other horses' safety, for the fences ... but I'm hoping it works out. Please, Apollo, don't be the pasture troll. Please.
Sounds like my ride today! Lunge, get on, feel a possible explosion brewing, get back off, lunge some more = much more cooperative pony. :)
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