A Sherwood Success Story

So.. There are no pictures. Obviously. Why in God's name would I have pictures?? But take my word for it. Picture my big beautiful mare in the contact, bending and counter bending, not even shying away from the stupid hammock, and... happy. I think I figured out that secret, too. It sounds so simple, but really, it kind of is. In an elusive, secretive kind of obvious way. Relax; focus with soft eyes. Give with your hands, but keep at her, gently, to let you "borrow" her head. Let her really warm up, and remind yourself that she is your bestie. Don't let her get away from you- the ball is always in your court, you just need soft hands and eyes to keep it. And... go. Remember to breathe, sit up straight, give with your elbows but keep your fingers strong, except when you're wiggling your fingers to encourage contact, push down with your heels but let your ankles do the shock-absorbing, don't pinch with your knees, hold with your thighs and calves, keep your back flat, head up! head up! Oh, and... smile! :)

But really. Start to the left. We did a ground pole line of pole-18ft-pole-18feet with three trot poles 4.5' perpendicular-6" cavaletti. Stop. Halt-Trot transition. Go right at the end. Stop. Halt-Trot transition to the left but go over the trot poles and head right after, then down the grounpole line. Repeat to the left. And.. repeat each step as needed until you both are confident, bendy, contacted, and stop before you get bored. Now go trot down the road and walk back. Done. Love my pony.