a jumper!

I worked Maddie alone today, and we had another fantastic session.  I set up the ground poles down the center line, and added a set of jump standards at the end.  Then I could trot her down the center line over the ground poles and take either rein to go back and repeat.  She was able to go into the corners well and set up her approach off a ten meter circle very nicely today, for the most part.  I did not have any more run outs, at least.

After a few canters around the entire arena, I returned to trot and set up cross poles on the jump standards.  She took the low jump very nicely on both reins.  No hesitation.  She jumped it half the time, and the rest of the time she just trotted over it.  This is exactly how I like it.  Some riders arrived when we were putting away the jump standards and couldn't believe Maddie was jumping already.  I like that, too!

I also threw down a plastic tarp and a piece of plywood and rode her over them.  She had no problem and no hesitation.

Left rein is definitely a weakness.  She is harder at everything on this side, and she has even picked up the outside lead when cantering to the left (and then made a flying change to the inside, which I also observed on the lunge a few times early on).  So we need to work on things "lefty."

Went outside and did trot work in the outdoor for the first time.  She would soften and then lose it--a little overwhelmed by all the stimulation.  But not bad by any means.  We also trotted over the telephone poles on both reins.

Finished with walking up and down the driveway and some trailer loading practice.  Put her away good and sweaty today.  I'm really pleased.

This video was some stuff Maria shot yesterday.  A fair look of where we are at with this horse, which I'm thinking is about ride #12 or so.