Meg,
Well, today I rode Phoenix for the very first time.  I was so happy and
proud!  I nearly cried with joy.  This day has been anticipated for over 3
years!
Let me tell you, this horse is a saint!  She's the best horse I have ever
ridden.  I'm not kidding!  Since she has no bad habits and was started so
gently, she's a DREAM to ride!  She is as light as a feather.  Right now
she is working in a lindell (side pull with a jowl strap instead of a
throat latch strap) and a balance rein around her neck.  She has started in
a snaffle, but I didn't want to try her with that the first time.
Anyway, if I think stop and shift my weight down and "out my knees," while
breathing out and set my hands lightly, she halts immediately.  (I've never
had a horse with a good stop!)  If I breathe again and lighten my seat and
give with my hands, she walks on.  A turn is as easy as thinking it and
turning my shoulders.  She's even getting the idea of bending around the
inside leg and responds to the very slightest leg pressure.  Her trot is
beautiful and rythmic and takes a tiny bit of lightened seat, a "trot"
thought and a tiny flutter against her sides with my calves. I didn't
canter this time.  She's just getting into that now in the arena and is
not as balanced as she will be.  My balance isn't great either, so we'll
do that later.
I was SO impressed with my baby.  She seemed to enjoy showing off for her
mom today, too.  Today has got to be one of the highlights of my life.  To
think that the little tiny filly is now all grown up and carrying her mom
is almost too much to imagine.
Laura
 * LND 1.0 * Standards are wonderful.... Everyone should have one.
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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