Lesson Day!

Saturday, I organized a clinic for the first ever time, and I think it was a success!

Everyone showed up, everyone seemed to have great lessons, and I got nothing but positive feedback from everyone who stopped by. Each of the riders later approached either myself or EC about scheduling another lesson day next month, plus we had two people who happened to be riding at the facility stay and watch and ask if they could join in next time. So, it sounds hopeful that we'll be doing this all over again soon!

And...no pictures of the day. G was enlisted to take EC's son mountain biking while I was busy with my lesson. Disappointing for me and blog pictures, but a good trade off - the kid deserved something fun to break up what must have been a long day for him. Also, pretty sure G had more fun that way too.

I rode first and had an alright ride. After all her energy of late, Bridget chose Saturday to feel a bit dull and lethargic. As compared to a couple of months ago, I'm still very happy. EC's input matched my own feelings, which was great to hear. She feels B is really solid right now, she's soft, forward, and obedient. She's working through, she knows all the movements we're asking. The thing to work on? It's all happening too slowly. Not pace wise, but response time. I ask, and rather than an immediate answer, I consistently get anywhere from a half stride to a few strides delay before the change is fully implemented. That was ok before because we were focusing on it being correct rather than quick, but now she' s far enough along we'd like her to think a little faster.

Look out dressage world, Bridget is coming! Lol, do I somewhat redeem myself media wise with this classy work of art?

The other lessons aren't for me to recap, but my feeling with all were that huge changes were made from start to finish. I'm glad I rode early before too many people showed up because I think my lesson was probably the least interesting to watch, because it was more of a check in than anything life changing.

As far as the actual organizing of the day went, things ran smoothly and on time, but there are a few little things I'll do differently next time just for my own sanity (like bring snacks, lunch fixings  and coffee in the morning rather than running back and forth to town between rides, oh and NOT having a farrier appt and hay delivery the same day too). I would have been run off my feet if G hadn't stuck around this time.

EC seemed happy and content with the day. It's a long day for her, with the travel time, but it sounds like she'll happily return when she next has a day to spare.