Gia - sessions 1326-1329 The week comes in like a lion and out like a lamb

 Monday September 28th - I worked with Gia today on her relaxation and rhythm at the walk to start with.  I also focused on my own position and relaxation.  She was a bit distracted today, so we spent more time at the walk.  When the rhythm was there, I had Gia focus on staying straight on a certain path I had in mind.  Basically, I wanted her to stay just inside the track that typically runs around the outside of the arena.  It can be harder than it sounds, because a lot of horses (and riders) find it easier to just stay on the well-trodden path that falls right up against the rail.  But, in order to stay just off the track, you have to use your outside leg to somewhat "block" the horse from "falling" onto that path, which helps to keep them more balanced, and can also help to keep them more focused.  From there, I added circles and changes across the diagonal, on very precise lines.  Along with keeping up with the rhythm, she had a lot to keep her busy, so she quickly started to pay less attention to the outside world, and more attention to me.  When I asked for the trot, it started off well ... at first.  Then she tried to throw in some bucking.  I put a quick end to it, but it was very frustrating, because we both had everything going so well prior to the moment.  The only thing I can think of that may have happened is that because my leg is still in recovery, and not quite strong enough yet, I think if it slips out of place, even a tiny bit, and then my thigh clenches to try to stabilize my body, even a tiny bit, she feels that, and it pisses her off.  So, we had a discussion about how we are both going to make mistakes, but that neither of us can get too upset about the other's mistakes.  I'm not sure how well she heard me, but the rest of the ride did go better after that 😆.

Tuesday September 29th - I started Gia out with the same stuff today as yesterday.  She was much quieter today, and quicker to pay attention.  When we picked up the trot, we had much the same scenario as yesterday, and I am more certain that she is reacting to my not-so-perfect leg coming out place.  🙄.  We did work through it, and the ride was better afterwards.  I was also able to add in some straightness in her body, and we were able to get some really nice moments of her stretching over her back and into my hand!

Wednesday September 30th - I started things much the same as I did the day before.  When it was time to trot, as soon as I noticed an imbalance in myself while trotting (and simultaneously some irritation in Gia - hind end motion, tail swishing, head wagging), I down transitioned to the walk, organized my position, and transitioned back to the trot.  Every time I felt myself falling the tiniest bit out of place at the trot, I brought us immediately back to the walk, fixed it, then trotted again.  It seemed to catch her off guard, but after she understood what was going on, she seemed to appreciate it, and the ride went very well.  NO BUCKING!!  We worked through a variety of figures with correct rhythm, impulsion, relaxation, and straightness of path.  I asked her to work on her own straightness, and although that was quite harder for her, she did give me some very nice moments!

Friday October 2nd - Gia was seen by the vet today to get her belly scoped to see how her ulcers were healing.  Good news!  She is completely healed!!  I actually didn't expect her to have healed this fast, but luckily, she did.  Ulcers can easily recur, and unfortunately, we were already doing all of the things that they typically ask you to do to prevent ulcers.  Some horses are just more prone to them no matter what you do.  We will always have to keep that on our radar with her, but at least we have a clean slate to start with now!