Gia - session 1090 - flatwork

 I did much of the same flatwork with Gia today that I have been doing.  I worked with her on walk, halt and trot transitions, while asking her to change bend, stay straight, and keep her poll up.  I also worked with her on transitions between her medium walk and free walk.  She was very obedient.  I focused on our rhythm at and between all gaits.  I focused on my position and aids as well.  

Most of what I am working on is refining each little tiny request.  My goal is to be able to ask for something from my seat aid, and get the response.  It doesn't always happen, so then I have to go to my leg aids.  If that doesn't work, I go to a stronger leg aid or kick, and then a tap of the whip.  In reverse, I will ask for something with my seat aid, very softly.  If that doesn't work, then I add my abs or core.  Next, I can tighten my knees and thighs, and finally, lean back and wait until I get a reaction.  I continue repeating those sequences, starting back at the seat aids, until I get the responses I want using only the seat aids.  It takes soooooo many repetitions.  Hence, the boring blogs 😊.  

To me the work is not boring though.  With each request, I can feel the horse making a connection, and improving, or figuring it out.  They are wonderful little students, and they really do want to learn.  And they all try so very hard.  If you think they aren't getting it, then there might be something "blocking" them.  That's the puzzle for you to figure out.  Luckily, I like puzzles.  😉

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