Freestyle Responsibility

3-16-11 The sun was shinning today! How wonderful to enjoy the mild temps and sunshine. Lordy was sunbathing when I arrived. Coat all puffed up and warm. Saddled up the savvy way and headed out for the arena. Freestyle patterns...... Playing on hackamore riding still. I feel like we have some holes in our foundation that need fixing so I am taking the time it takes. We started on the rail. Doing better with maintaining gait, direction and watching where he is going. Played with figure 8 around 2 jumps. Nice smooth turns focusing on intention and following a feel. Not playing into any opposition reflex he might give me. Instead I held steady to being polite and positive in the proper position. I could really feel his bend when it was relaxed and true. He was soft in the hackamore and willing most of the time. I am also playing with his responsibilities under saddle to maintain gait. I am not using my leg at all to nag him to keep gait. Instead I am suggesting and allowing and then being ready to correct him when needed. He really wanted to stretch into the contact with combing rein motion. Spring boarding him forward with nice power and reach. We are making small step forward..... Able to get walk transitions from seat only. Halt and back up are coming along as well.