Jump day in the woods

Looong ride with Maria on Jordan today.  Maria is impatient with anything that smacks of training, so it was primarily an opportunity to put miles on Maddie.  We did a little bit of tree-bending when Maria wasn't looking, and some lateral work.  Starting to develop a transition from shoulder-in to haunches in, with either the same bend, or a change of bend.  I'm happy with her progress.

We felt a little bad tacking up Jordan and Maddie when we arrived at the farm.  The herd was camped out in the mud lot, every horse sitting down and soaking up the sun.  We are so pleased that Maddie has a group to hang out with.  They get turnout on green pasture twice a day.

Pleased to report that her left canter was clean today, without jumping into the cross canter.  In fact, once or twice she even chose the left canter herself.  So I'm feeling pretty good about her gaits today.  I pushed her out front when she was ready for it, but overall I tried to avoid provoking conflict with her today.  A couple of times when she was out front she came to a dead standstill over something that concerned her, but I just waited for Jordan to pass us and she walked on.  This happens primarily at the walk, but she has shut down from the trot or canter, too.  She will always walk forward when Jordan is out front, no matter what is concerning her.  At one place where Jordan did not want to pass, Maddie led the way in a super-calm fashion (while poor Maria was 50 feet behind me trying to get Jordan to stop rearing).

Lots of strong trot and canter today, and we took a bunch of jumps in the woods.  Maria could not believe it!  These were the biggest jumps to date--some honest 2 footers.  Maddie felt so smooth and solid!  She showed no signs of refusing, and she took beautiful arcs and perfect take-offs, every time.