What a mean trainer I am!

V man isn't too impressed with the new trotting we have added. I will have to say I am surprised he didn't fight more.

Monday:
We went out to the arena like always and got to work. After warming up we started trotting. Instead of stopping after a good consistent half a lap or so we kept going. I only had 2 goals.... #1: Stay on the rail without having to pull him to keep him there. #2: Stay at the trot.

For staying on the rail I was tickled that when I put my inside leg on him he slid his hips over and really moved over to the rail. He was soft and willing. I am not nit'picky when it comes to staying on the rail. I allow about a 3' area but if they start drifting then they get corrected. After about 3 laps each way at the trot he figured it out and didn't require much more reminding.

For the second part he wasn't quite ready for. I REFUSE to push a horse every stride. I would ask him to trot and then follow along with my posting if he slowed or sped up I just followed. Occasionally he would come down to a walk and I would get after him hard with my legs. He didnt' scoot like I expected but he got the message. He really was inconsistent at first but then he fell into a nice trot that really felt nice. He even started stretching his neck down and out some.

We had one sticky spot changing directions where he decided that he would rather NOT turn left like I asked and he would rather go back to the gate. I set him up so that turning left was easier and he decided that was the better choice. There wasn't much fight in him at all. I was proud!

Tuesday:
Today we took it slow at first. Since we trotted so many miles yesterday the poor youngin was stiff starting out. He behaved though and picked up the trot beautifully. We did more change of directions and figure 8s today. He was unbalanced at first but then really settled back into his nice trot. We didn't ride nearly as long today but tomorrow we will be back to trotting a couple of miles.

Sweaty saddle pads are GOOD for 3yr olds.