I loaded Maddie in the trailer for 10 minutes again, then pulled her out, tacked her up, and rode out. Today I met up with Sarah over at Mary's barn and used that indoor arena for the first time. Maddie took her time settling in--I really don't like riding nervous horses! Sarah's family was there specifically to help Maddie get used to a group. They clapped for us a few times and Maddie dealt with it OK. We did some really, really nice lateral work. Turns (forehand and haunches) were weak today, though. The trot work was good, but there was always one side of the circle that was a fight. We did a few ugly canters on each lead.
Someone suggested letting Maddie explore the arena herself, so I took the saddle and bridle off and let her be. She just hung out with the group of people. I tried driving her away with a lunge whip but it was hard to push her away. Once everyone had left, I stayed in there and lunged her for a while with an imaginary lead line. She was so hooked up that she never left my pocket. She followed me down to the spooky ends of the arena just fine. It was fun, but I don't know if it taught her anything.
We hung out for a long time talking and watching stuff go on (lawnmowers, children, manure spreader, etc) and rode out with Jean on her Rocky Mountain horse. We walked and trotted over to Jon & Sue's, where I worked Maddie a bit in the outdoor arena. She cantered well and did nice work. On the way home we did a bunch of w-t and t-c transitions, and attempted some so-so halt-trot transitions.
Have no idea what to expect in Madison. If I can keep my cool, I think it will be a successful weekend. But if Maddie gets nervous and takes me with her, I don't know how it will turn out.
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