Update...

I haven't posted in a while but truth is I haven't had many lessons. I have had two 1/2 hour lessons and he has had two training rides since my last post. Other than that I have pretty much been training him and figuring things out on my own. This is mostly due to cost; holidays, college and just the cost of a horse. Of course I would love to still be able to have my weekly lessons but its just not realistic right now.

On Oct.19th he had a training ride since my back was pretty sore and I decided to rest and to give him a tune up before Beland. Erin rode him just flat and worked on transitions, connection and a little on his lengthening. He was good, very very tired at the end.

On Nov. 4th I had a 1/2 hour lesson. This was the day after my clinic with Eric so I was still figuring out my new leg position. We went threw my test. Wasn't the best we have done so I was frustrated but it ended better than it started.

On Nov. 12th he had a training ride since I was gone for three days at Equine Affaire. It was flat and Erin said he ended very nicely. If I remember correctly they worked on connection and keeping it threw the up and down transitions. I noticed a great difference when I came home.

On Nov.27th I had a 1/2 hour jumping lesson. This was my first jumping lesson in who knows how long! We worked on the basics. Erin changed my stirrup length(made it two holes longer and one side longer than the other) We worked on my position mostly and his canter over a simple 4-5 stride line, making it relaxed and smooth. He got pretty excited when the jumps went up and we lost our relaxation and smoothness the first time around with the bigger jumps but regained it quickly. It was some of the easiest and flowing jumping we have ever had.

I haven't had a lesson since, maybe one after the holidays or maybe a clinic? We will see.