Wow! Breakthrough!!

After a bit of a frosty night the sun shone brilliantly today. We had a short but lovely play in the arena. Getting on was superb. I couldn't ask for better especially as others were getting on around us and I could here the clattering of hooves as these horses couldn't stand still. B ignored them and we did our thing quietly and politely.

We had a slight hesitation leaving the yard but B quickly decided she wanted to lead. Might be because we followed on behind three others and B got a bit emotional and wanted to catch them up. So we did some lateral flexion and circles and she soon forgot about them and got on with stuffing her face with bramble leaves. Sandra and I decided to let the horses eat for a while so that we got more distance between us and the others.

We were told a tree was down on the mile and 1/4 so we thought we would just head on down there via the straight and see if we had to turn around. We met a Land Rover parked up and passed without incident although B did stop and have a look. B was happy to plod along for a while and asked to turn into the old woods. I asked her to carry on and she did without getting snotty. She got a scratch and lots of praise for that. We went past the scary logs as if they weren't there! Woohoo! B got a bit emotional from then on and I got frustrated by being scraped and scratched by bushes because she insisted on trying to side step puddles. I realised I wasn't really helping her, sitting there being annoyed! My brain finally kicked in and we did some zig zag and not surprisingly this calmed B down.

The ground was very slippery and muddy so we walked most of the way until the last bit of the mile and 1/4. Breeze and I took the lead and had a trot which became a bit difficult for me when B decided to dodge some puddles. I had to really concentrate on staying with her lol. The exit was coming up fast so I focussed on going past. Although B hesitated she did trot past the exit so I asked her to stop and gave her a treat. Marvelous. Sandra was behind us, turned for home and we followed. We crossed the road together and I headed for the arena.

I don't know what made me think of the arena lol. The gate was shut and three others were in there. Two being led and one having a lesson. Despite this, we got the gate open and someone kindly shut it for us. We were in! Breeze showed no signs of tension at all. Such a difference from when I first got her. It's been nine months since we really went into the arena to ride with a purpose. We have been in for a treat and a rest but that's all other than playing online.

Today was so different. We went to the middle where all the jump sides, cones and poles were and waited so that B could rest and get the feel of things. We did a little circling, fig 8 around jump sides and some yo yo between cones. Each time B did as I asked I let her rest and gave her a treat. She loved it! So did I! A happy, willing horse who showed no sign of the stress she showed previously. (What a contrast to the lesson going on around us, I only heard snippets and was glad Breeze and I don't do that! None of my business lol).

I don't know how long we were there. Who cares! We did a few things, had lots of rests and then before she could get bored or tense I asked her to trot to the gate, we opened it and left the arena! I tried to shut the gate but realised we haven't done this on the ground so that's something to work on now.

I am ecstatically happy! I am also shocked and surprised that we really did it. I have wanted this so much and been both too terrified and worried to even think about it. Both Lizzie and it seems, Breeze, had baggage from previous lives and showed me in no uncertain terms that 'schooling' was not fun.

It looks like I have taken the time it takes and given Breeze a different experience that doesn't make her unhappy. There will be more! Freestyle and then ( a long way off!) Finesse, in due course! Doesn't get better than this, does it?