Gia - session 1087 - lesson with Suzin

 Gia and I had a dressage lesson with Suzin yesterday!  We started out refining and clarifying our work on lifting and flexing the poll at the halt and walk.  We then worked on circles and transitions at the walk and trot, as well as "positioning".  She didn't call it that yesterday, but I've heard it many times before.  I'm not sure if it's her word, or a word that trickled down from her previous instructors, but it basically means to "position", or put, the head, or poll rather, wherever you want it. (Suzin, please correct me if I am explaining it wrong 😉)  At the same time, I had to keep my rhythm, straightness and my own position and balance, and do this all while thinking about using my "body" or seat and core aids first, then leg aids, then (and only if needed) my hand aids.  Gia was marvelous throughout all of it!  She was a little resistant at first, but was otherwise quick to respond to my aids, and lightened up by the end.  If she got crooked, it was probably because I asked for too much, so I had to work on being lighter, or less abrupt.  At the end, we worked on medium walk and free walk transitions, and being able to bring her up without breaking at the poll, and being able to get her to reach down with her nose out.  Because our other work went well, this work was fairly easy!

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