It's always about timing... always

i can't believe I could carry a whip with Tilly again!  It's been about 6 months since I stopped using one (she'd grown "intolerant" lol!)  Of course I was also still jumping her back then and I'm remembering that her distaste for jumps and whips happened around the same time... I think she grew bored with the jumping since I'm not as advance in that training - I couldn't push her and she DOES like to be challenged!  

What she doesn't like is to be hurried and I shouldn't be doing that anyways!  Laura (our coach) always instructs me to "allow" the rhythm and not to "disrupt" her with an ill timed half halt or locked hips.  Tilly instructs me to ask for more impulsion or activity at the exact right moment.  If I'm off in my timing you better believe those back heels reach for the sky!  Luckily her buck isn't uncomfortable! 

I'm very pleased to say that we had superb timing today!!  This is her 4th day of consecutive work and she felt phenomenal!  I was able to really wrap my leg around her and engage her hind legs so she flowed very straight to the bridle - no twisting to the left at all!  Further she wasn't behind the leg (in the canter) as i felt yesterday when we rode in the field :)  She is growing stronger in the canter work - just have to keep strength training and all the movements will be right there.  Finally had a true extended canter where she moved UP to the bridle and stayed through the back - ohh!  Just got goosebumps at the recollection of that feeling!

Homework:

Increase cross in lateral work for improved expression.  Don't forget to use my inside leg!!!  A well timed tap should help too.  I think I'll try a little forward and back within the lateral movement.  Any other suggestions?

Also going to continue working the Walk/Canter... Canter/Walk transitions... we need to maintain the quality of the walk and decrease # of steps in between the transitions... Remember:  "Collect the canter to the walk."  and "Think rein back if the steps get hurried."

Siigh, good Red Mare day!