Back at it

 I wanted to ride today because we've got a jump lesson tomorrow and then the show Saturday and another jump lesson Sunday. And I'm annoyed about our dressage. So luckily I got home from work early enough and Mike was fine with me riding, so we tacked up and headed to the arena. I was able to ride a full hour and not have it get too dark. Yay! The views were pretty. 

 

But ugh.. it wasn't a great ride. I don't know if I'm just expecting too much... if I am remembering the other bit differently or if she really doesn't like this one quite as much... I really wish I could try Kelli's rubber baucher at some point soon... so that I have enough time to order one. But I can't justify spending the money if she doesn't like it. But oh well. Maybe I'll try her back in her old bit and see if it makes a difference because it may just be where we're at in our training. I still think she's better in this baucher than the old bit, so.. that would be a good way to test it. 

She started out okay but then it rapidly got quick and erratic. So erratic in her speed/tempo that I even downloaded a metronome app to my phone and put it on so that we could be a bit more consistent. I could almost keep her steady at 70 bpm. Which, is probably still too fast but better than before. We managed to get a decent trot for a couple of circles and some serpentines but then we cantered. And of course.. then it got hard again. So we struggled and then got a nice trot again. And then I played with some halts and some of the trot walk trots again. She gave me a super nice one so then I let her canter again and we managed to get a spectacular canter to the right! Like holy cow! I was a little frustrated though and really insisted that she soften to the bit in the canter. Unfortunately I did it with my hands instead of the correct way, but she softened and her back came up and she got so round and soft and fluffy! It was glorious! And then our downward was quite nice too. I tried sitting the trot in the downward and it did help. But then she got quick again. And I got frustrated. I'm tired. I'm stressed. I'm annoyed that our dressage still sucks so bad despite all our hard work. And my neck is really hurting. Like... even when I rode it was hurting. And the stupid chiropractic clinic has the annoying guy during the week but then it's so hard to go on the weekends. I stopped at a different one today but of course they were crowded and there was a wait so I couldn't stay. And then I got my botox so I opted to not go on my way home. But I probably should have. I was afraid I would run out of time though to ride. But man my neck hurts. And even now I can barely move it. Guess I'm going tomorrow. 

 

So yeah... I'm mad at myself for being so easily frustrated and resorting to riding with my hands. Ugh. But we did have some really nice moments and some good work. And pretty views!