Rain Delay

After two straight weeks of picture perfect weather (sunny and temperatures in the 70's and 80's) we are experiencing a couple days of rain which means no riding for a day or two. This is no big deal in terms of Neo's training. We'll just be doing some hand walking and a lot of stretching and massaging.

We are in a good spot right now in terms of our training. Neo is becoming stronger which in turn means he is now a lot lighter in the bridle and is really showing some expression in his gates.

We are asking bigger/bolder flying changes. Since Neo's changes are almost always straight, the more engaged flying change looks even better. In the canter itself, Neo is more uphill and we are getting truly flowing medium and extended canters.

In the trot, Neo is showing his best gait off even more. We now are getting almost effortless medium trots where all I need is a little leg and then proceed with half halts across the diagonal.

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll continue working on getting him lighter and also start incorporating more of the Grand Prix movements.

I'm hoping that we'll be riding either tomorrow or Friday and continue our good work.

Thanks for reading!!

First Week In CA

I've been down at W Farms now for about 5 days and I've got to say I have been enjoying the weather immensely. Even though it's been cool in the mornings, the days have been sunny in the 60's and 70's.

I work really well in a routine and the only big adjustment coming down here is adjusting to a new routine and a new program. Everyone here has been really welcoming and I'm starting to feel more at home each day.

Neo trailed down very well. He lost minimal weight and is now at about 80% of his capacity prior to leaving. He's was definitely stiff coming off the trailer and each day he has shown improvement in his body.

I have ridden him lightly for two days and rode with David yesterday for the 1st time. For Neo's first "real" ride he went fairly well. Neo could have been a lighter in the bridle, but we did have a couple of good moments. David likes the horse and said that if we can get everything consistent, getting 7's on each movement in the small tour tests is easily obtainable.

We'll begin in full work this coming week and I'm hoping by Wednesday we'll be schooling the way we were in Seattle the past couple of months. From there, we'll continue to work on strengthening Neo for the CDI's and start schooling more of the Grand Prix movements.