Revisiting Contact

Having a snack before he has to go to work. The eyeball kills me.

I think it's safe to say that Dino the Wonderpony is officially back in work! 

He has mostly capitulated to the idea that he ought to move forward when leg is applied, although yesterday he was adamant about the fact that while he was willing to go, it was going to be in his Own Special Way. 

I.e. in the style of Deranged Downhill Llama on Crack. 

So homeboy got a reintroduction to the spiral circle, and he enjoyed that exercise until he decided to balance himself to avoid falling on his face. 

In my striving to get my broke, responsive pony back, I remembered the wise words of my trainer on not giving up my connection with the bit, no matter what Dino is doing (or not doing) underneath me. I came to the realization that Dino has learned over the years that getting behind my leg will make the contact go away. I have a habit of throwing away the connection in an effort to get him to just GO, and since he's pretty smart, he uses that tactic to avoid working. I really need to be diligent and disciplined about keeping the contact no matter what! Old habits die hard, though, and it definitely takes conscious effort for me to stay in touch with the bit. 

We spent a lot of time spiraling in and out on a circle (with no stirrups! thank you, full seat breeches) and did the most canter work we've been able to do in a while. I focused on having good contact in my seatbones, which definitely helped in the canter depart and bending departments. I think we'll be ready for a lesson soon - and boy do we need it!