Progression

I’ve tacked up and ridden the banana pony a few times since my last post. I’m rapidly gaining confidence on her, but haven’t braved a canter yet. On the longe there’s usually a bit of bronco action and that sticks in my head. We’ll leave the first one to R, I think!

Indoor ride Friday morning. Pics didn’t turn out but I just thought this one looked artsy

We do now, however, have basic stop and go and even steering! That’s the rewarding thing with babies - from ride to ride you make huge progress. I was able to teach her some basic leg yielding a couple of days ago, and last night we figured out moving shoulders at a walk and did some half decent squares. She’s figuring out a rudimentary place to be between inside leg to outside rein, and there are moments where I can feel the potential.

She’s so cute and happy to have a job.

Right now, though, it’s all very wobbly baby where we find a sweet spot and loose it, find it again, then the wheels fall off a little again. I’m trying my best to stay light and balanced and to reward the good instantly, but if there’s anything that can make you feel like a terrible rider, it’s riding babies whose feet feel like they’re randomly able to be in fifty places at once:)

Anyway, here’s a little media from tonight’s ride for posterity:

Pre ride pep talk

I look miserable in every photo and Sophie is just all happy and excited :)

Trotting outside in the “big” arena. I’m getting braver.

Cones! That weren’t there last time! Lol

“Wheels falling off“ face

I just like the lighting in this one 

Happy pony ears, focused rider face :D

Weaving through the cones

Golden pony bum