Gia - session 947 - lesson at CDP

 I took Gia to CDP for a lesson today.  She was very good with her shipping boots this morning - no drama at all!.  She was also pretty good for getting on the trailer, with me on the off side.  She did get her head a little stuck on the wrong side of the divider, but I quickly got it unstuck, and she was good to go.

I warmed Gia up deep and low at the walk and trot with lots of changes of bend and direction, all over the ring.  She was a bit spooky and resistant, but we worked through it, and she started to settle down, relax, and stretch her neck out a little.  I added canter transitions, and those went fairly well.  

Susan worked with us today.  She had me focus on Gia's rhythm and the timing of her footfalls at all gaits.  She also had me focus on my straightness in the saddle and my alignment with Gia, as well as Gia's straightness on the circle, and through changes of direction.  We worked through transitions between the gaits, and they gradually improved, and I felt Gia soften and stretch into my hands better through both the up and down transitions.  We even had some well-timed up transitions into the canter.  And no bucking!

On a side note, Gia will be staying at CDP for a month or so for some Summer (Kick Your Booty) Camp.  I will still be heading down there once a week for my lessons, but you won't be hearing from me as often, since I won't be riding her at home every day.  Wish her/them luck! 😝

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