I think, I thought, but I don't know.

I think I need to start with the one-jumping-lesson-one-dressage-lesson plan sooner than I originally thought.

I think this because I thought I had a great ride last night. I felt like Rev was really active, really forward, and we started to get some good bend, even to the right. And she was on the bit -- not necessarily in the outline I want yet, but on the bit counts for a lot. And on the aids in general.

What this means is that I was probably doing it ALL WRONG. *laugh* I don't have a good enough grasp of how we're doing to know when it's right. I don't have a mental picture of what a good outline looks and feels like from her back. I can close my eyes and see/feel what she normally does, how she looks, but that's not where we need to be going. That picture of where we're going is what I need to hold in my mind and strive for. But in order to really have that picture, I need to get it at least once, for a few minutes. You wouldn't think that would be so hard, would you? And yet ... and yet.

Still, I had a good time last night. Forward! Whee! And I felt like I was riding well -- changing my seatbones deliberately, aware of balance and weight aids, getting response when I changed my aids.

I am so taking her winter blanket out with me tonight, dirty or not. She was shivering when I brought her in!! HORROR! DISMAY! Bad horse mom! Bad!

And I got compliments on my dot boots. *grin* DOTS!