Freestyle Circles

3-15-11 Arrived to the barn to find tree construction still going on next door.... Heavy large equipment, lots of beeping and snapping of branches..... Not to mention it was early.. so Lordy had not had breakfast yet. Now mind you he is out on grass 24/7. You would think he was starving... LBI at his finest. We saddled up and headed out to the field for some freestyle play. Following intention and feel. Giant circles in the field. Once he got over the fact it was not breakfast time we had some wonderful moments. It is clear to feel with freestyle when Lordy will brace against my feel for a bend. I believe he finds bending to the left more difficult therefore he doesnt want to soften his ribs or the left side of his body easily. Being patient and polite gets amazing results. I just play with combing the left rein encouraging him to follow the feel. I dont give him something to brace against and then I find he softens. I am working hard on my own muscle memory to develop new skill and feel. Use my body more and my reins less. (hard for the ex-dressage queen. LOL)