Kara working on circles to exercise control over Butter along with straight lines. Both demonstrate control of the horse who is very patient. Even so, all athletes who aspire to be the best - get frustrated -- patience, and practice win the day.

1. Butter & Kara –
Labor Day Ride
September 01, 2013

2. Good job! Good riding always
starts with taking care of the
horse – first!

3. The devil is
in the
details –
what’s up with this?
Butter rode
smoothly without
motion problems –
but, a call to the
blacksmith was
made along with an
email to the same
said blacksmith &
barn managers
seeking advice & an
appointment –
about this chip –
should we worry -- ?
If you do not know,
or you are not sure
– ask.

4. Excellent shoulders
Great!
Heels
down!
Excellent
posture!
Is the horse
walking straight?
yes!

5. Walking straight
along the rail –
great job!

6. Hands rolled over –
we need to fix that – even
with a crop – we can still
carry our hands correctly.

7. Great! Right leg is
holding steady – while
the – left (unseen) leg
should be pushing the
hind end to make the
turn.
Good use of leading rein!
Left leg
should be
pushing
to the
right to
make that
turn of the
quarters

8. Better!
Too far
extended.

9. Great posture!
Straight leg w/heels
down!
Thumbs up!
Goals!

10. Leg shifted
back to
push horse
forward
Our goal!

11. Long leg!
Shoulders straight!
Elbows!
Heels down!
Leg a little behind the girth
to drive the motion
forward!
Looking forward = where
are we going?
Goal!