Update

Sorry about the lack of posts but I started at Horseland this week so I have been very tired!!!!! I haven't worked a full day for over a month and it is amazing how much it takes it out of you. It isn't too bad but not as good as I was hoping. The other women or I should say girls are very much into just gossip and not working. Anyway back to the important things - SAM!!!!

Sam had a very cruisy week due to my working. I lunged him lightly on Tuesday afternoon and we long lined on Wednesday arvo. Thursday I only worked a half day so Bec and I decided to go for a trail ride. Sam did not want to go forward and after a while we figured out that he just isn't brave enough yet to be in front so I slowed down a bit and kept Sam's head about in line with Bec's knee. He was a lot happier to trot along. We also managed to have a canter. I was very impressed with him because Bec started to pull away from us and Sam did not increase his speed - if anything he wanted to use it was an excuse to walk!!!!! What a pony!

On the way home poor Sam was busting to go to the toilet that much he just stopped on the road (Half his body on the road, half his body off the road) Bec and I were laughing so hard! Poor Sam he really must have been busting. I got off to ask the traffic to slow down for us and I noticed most of the drivers having a chuckle. Thereisn't a drought when Sam is around - it just kept going and going!!!!!

I haven't had a chance to practice my position (I do it every ride but I mean in an arena setting where I don't have to think of anything else) I felt really good today. I don't even remember losing my balance once. Our transitions to canter were much better. Instead of Sam rushing in the trot for at least half the circle and me banging, slumping, and praying he would hurry up and canter. I sat tall and thought canter, started to squeeze with my seat and he cantered generally within about 4 strides of doing this! I also practiced transitions. Sam is good as this doesn't hype him up. All of my other horses have become hot when I practiced this so I never did a lot of it so my position during transitions has always fallen apart. I felt strong and tall through out and they really helped Sam collect himself and start to sit on his hindquarters. I am not asking for roundness at the moment just concentrating on myself but I find he is offering it more and more! I have the balance now to push him forward when he leans on my hands and he is starting to really listen to that. If he doesn't I do a transition and I find this helps.

The other morning was a beautiful morning so I took Sam's rugs off while he had his breakfast and snapped a few photos -
My best friend Jodi decided to dress Jack up and this is what she came up with!!!!! I love the smiles on both of their faces!!!!!