Success!

Yesterday Jetta and I school dressage movements, and it was AWESOME!!!  Within the first 5 minutes of working her, I was very disappointed.  I had her on the longe line, not that she needs to expel energy before I ride, but it helps her stretch and move.  Anyway, when she first started to move, she was a little "off" on that right front.  Not a lot, and it was only the first couple of steps, but it was there.  I decided to just longe some and see how she responded because the horses were in all day due to weather.  Maybe all she needed was to stretch that shoulder out a little.  Turns out, I was right!  :)  The first couple of steps were a little gimpy, but that was it.  She moved right into a nice trot both directions and never took anything but a solid step the entire way.  So, I got on.  We worked a lot at the trot, I asked for difference in gait, as well as bend.  We took a lot of walk breaks and worked on stretching and lateral movement.  My heart soared as Jetta responded to each and every cue as if we hadn't missed the last 6 months of lessons. 

One thing I have noticed is that I can really get her into a lovely trot if we first canter a little.  So, after a little walking work, we transitioned into a canter.  She is always fantastic about getting her left lead, but her right lead is sometimes really tough to get.  We had a little trouble at first, but I realized it was me...I wasn't giving her the correct support to get that lead, and once I did...it was awesome. 

Because the horses were in, the arena was a pretty popular place.  Had several different horse and rider combinations come in and out while we were in, and I cannot say how happy I was to hear them say how good she looked.  Even at the end, she was very willing and supple in the trot.

So, one giant step forward. 

I am hoping against hope that she isn't super sore today.  :(