Two weeks without a lesson = new way of riding

My aching body tells me it was quite a lesson and in my heart I know I learned so very much. We worked on the finer points of my ride -- straightness, activating the hind legs, simple changes, tempo, influencing the canter depart with my seat, canter to walk with my diaphragm... Wow lots to think about... no wonder I am speechless for most of the ride.

We used the Eartec headphones and I was amazed at how it helped me to focus on Jenn's voice and instruction vs. all that was going on around me. I rode a solid 50 minutes with two short breaks. I could have fallen off Blu at the end I was so tired.

One of the bad habits I have developed is letting my left shoulder fall forward or more appropriately, dip forward. It helped me to even my shoulders by looking over Blu's left ear when going to the left. To the right I have no problem which is a good thing since this is his more difficult position. I would so like to get back to that perfect ride I had several weeks back... Gratification is so very elusive with this sport but I would not have traded this day for anything!