After having the weekend off, I decided to long line Tilly to give her a "stretchy," low stress day. It was in the 90's around noon and Tilly seemed sleepy. She was practically snoozing in the wash stall and typically she doesn't like to be tacked there when no other horses are around. She was snuggley and peaceful.
She worked well and was very active and balanced behind. Her canter was gorgeous with a nice up-hill jump to each stride.
When we got back to the barn I treated her to a massage in the stall. Well actually I just rubbed her forehead at first and then she positioned herself so that I could scratch her right shoulder and then she made those "that's the spot" faces :) I went and got my little massager thing and entered the stall.
I looked up this image below because I was interested to see exactly which muscles she seemed to favor and possibly learn what exercises might be challenging her. She really leaned into the massage right around the point where the Medial Gluteal and Lateral Vastus met, as well as the Semitendinosus. Based on the reading that I've done, I believe that Tilly is feeling that "good hurt" that happens after working out. She really made a great effort in her work last week and I'm pleased with how she is progressing!
Tuesday:
Today I gave Tilly quite a bit of freedom in her work. I wanted to see what she would offer under saddle as I understand how it feels to be a bit sore from working out.
Last week, I was able to do a really great head stand for the first time. I was completely upright and I had a solid feeling in my arms. I attached a pic of a correct head stand and one way to set your self up (feet walk toward head until you find balance and lift straight up).
Shelley spotted me so that I could stay in the position and improve my posture. I felt strength thrilling in my arms as i elongated my spine and carried my weight completely in my arms! I think I gained a couple inches in length from the effort and whoa! the next day my latissimus dorsi and obliques reminded me what I'd been working on :) It felt great!
Back to TNT, I directed her to the same circle with poles that we worked on last week. She offered transitions within the exercise just as we did last week so I was able to aid with the very slightest shift, such a cool feeling to be so attuned to one another. She seemed to relish in the exercise and gathered herself together from back to front after only a few circles. I moved on to big open swinging lateral work. Leg yield to half pass both directions. Since she was so perfect in the connection and easy off the leg - I asked her if she could stretch the leg sideways even more. She kicked out at my leg as if to sass back, "I was getting there!" Haha, I know everyone thinks it's crazy to ride a horse that is as "opinionated" as Tilly, but she cracks me up!
I only wanted to let her stretch, so we practiced a bit with leg yield or half pass to a medium trot. I let her go as big as she wanted at the end with some open canter. She likes when I "ask" for her input on a ride.. it strengthens our partnership and bolsters her confidence. With a Red Mare that can be even more important than the body building.
Lesson with Laura tomorrow!!
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