worth the investment

A really nice session today.  Maddie came out soft and never lost it.  I feel that the last couple of sessions, where I really pushed her, were worth it now.  Cross fingers we see more gains in the future!

She did the C exercise well today, could be lunged at a walk when cold, moved up to trot in the circle driving, and started on sidepass along the wall.  Saddling was the easiest yet.  She was alone in her stall when I got there (Star had been turned out) and did not seem upset.  The barn had it's usual ghosts today--somebody moving a truck outside, people working in and around, somebody starting up the 4 wheeler to move it, etc--but she paid much better attention to me.  I also began by turning her out in the arena and had no trouble catching her.

Desensitizing was the best yet.  I did some more work with a bridle but did not have the nerve to put it in her mouth.  Used a stick to pick up front legs--very good.  Bucket work was also very good.  Hopefully Maria can come out tomorrow for another mounted lesson.