Three weeks of training 2 x per week, has completely turned us around. Jody had us re-learn everything! Sounds boring and cumbersome, but it is quite fantastic, a bit different and actually happens quickly. Halt, turns, new specific aid for canter, aid for long relaxed walk versus active collected walk. The whole basis for the training is simplicity. Anything with leg means go. Reins side to side open or shut, or mixed, is a turn aid, an on, off aid with a single leg on the side means lateral. Fixing the most basic of things each ride before even daring to move on to whatever is next. Jody largely follows the AEBC (Australian Equine Behavior Center) methods of Andrew McLean who takes alot from the French System of Riding.

As I write this, I think about the lesson learned. The significance is really not that finally, after a year, I can get a reliable canter depart anywhere anytime (soooooo remedial, but soooooo real), the lesson is that IF we are patient, have perseverance and are open minded, you will eventually succeed. If I apply that theory to anything in life, it continues to hold true.

I cant wait for tomorrow….to go for a ride, of course!

Reisa