All to myself

Maria is gone this week so I have Maddie all to myself.  I am trying to keep challenging her while avoiding overly ambitious sessions.  The last two trail rides have been fantastic.  We rode the entire river trail alone and had no trouble.  Several times we took a few minutes to work on backing and bits of turns/lateral work.  I also let her walk for much of the trail and she did well.  We also took the jump series at Heinen's. 

For the other ride we cantered in the cross country course and I also went over some spooky spots in the hay field.  I think I finally have a better procedure when she balks or gets spooky.  One session this week was just groundwork with the tarp.  I draped it all over her, pulled it over her head, and hung it from a tree branch.  It was tricky to get her to walk underneath it without going to one side or the other, but she did it a few times in both directions.  It was a windy day and the tarp was a little unpredictable--good for getting this lesson solid.  I think it really helps her and I wish I had done this kind of work three months ago.  We only walked over the tarp when I started her at the Pink Barn.  Should have done more.