Lessons 13, 14, & 15 - 6/3, 6/10, & 6/14/06

13: Short lesson
1) Hands steady
2) But not stiff & rigid
3) Disconnect upper body
4) Don't push with seat at canter

14 & 15 combined notes:
1) Count # of steps between posts on each side to have consistent gait (14 is good)
2) When he is heavy on my hands, give him a couple inches. Use half halts if he zips around.
3) Don't surprise him; before asking for something, one tap.
4) Use whip more than leg. Tap going into corners.
5) Make him go from walk to trot at speed I want. Use leg, voice, and whip.
6) Bute 2 days before show. He's stiff & moving bad. Stifle buckles sometimes. He needs to work through it.
7) Most important right now is me being consistent & in control. Don't give him an opportunity to take advantage.
8) Don't let whip flop around.
9) Lean back in canter. Legs ok (feels like skiing). Left is more floppy because I'm right-handed.
10) Move hips forward and back - not side to side.
11) Give him two chances, then yell/smack.
12) Don't lean in on corners.
13) He's stretching his neck down because I hold my hands too tight