Bareback Ride on the Beach, and Lesson With Rogo

I used to ride Savanah almost every day, and for a period of several months one time rode only bareback. Since Doug started dressage and rides Savanah, and so much of my time is taken up with Rogo and trying to keep Dan going, I haven't ridden Savanah much. This makes me sad because I love riding her - she is really fun to ride - forward but sane. Her big broad back is very comfortable to ride bareback on and she doesn't mind it at all.

Yesterday afternoon I went for a great bareback ride on the beach with her - it was perfect! A stiff breeze, sunny and warm but with a hint of fall in the air. We did lots of trot and canter and I remembered why I loved this so much. It was wonderful.

Today I had a great lesson with Cheryl. She seems to be pleased with Rogo's progress and I am too. He had a couple of highlights today - perfect canter work requiring lots of steering and control, and nice big trot over cavelletti. Well, let me correct the part about perfect canter. Cheryl pointed out an important piece - as he has gained more control he's also lost some of his jump (it was pretty impressive at times), but she tells me not to worry, it's a stage. We have to watch and work very specifically with him at this point in the training so that we don't cause the natural gaits to deteriorate. 

I'm also able to focus on my riding now, which for a long time took a back seat because Rogo took so much attention and work. I felt like I had just lost my ability to ride and position, but I think it's starting to come back. Maybe what didn't kill me will make me stronger? :) I shouldn't even joke about it!

My neighbor's niece rode Dan today and did a very nice job with him. I wish she would ride him more, but I don't think she'll be back for awhile (she was visiting for a few days). Maybe I can talk her into some riding at Cheryl's.