aftermath

So Trudi was awesome last night. She was more relaxed because she was back in familiar surroundings, and much more steady on the bit (which I haven't changed out yet) and much more connected. Our canter transitions are still awful, and yes, it's still me. We got some better quality canter once we were finally into it and got through the first few laps of "Oh geez out of control hold on..." *lurch* *lurch*, at least until the farrier walked by on his way to his truck- Trudi loves to spook at things she glimpses just outside the arena door. I gave up on the canter work at that point, because it was hot and she was really sweaty, and did a little more trot work. And lo, it was good. Trudi was all, "Watch me work." Her hind end came under, she arched that neck, used her back, held the weight on her quarters, and was totally superb. Of course, after about halfway around the arena, she went "Oh, it burns, agh, I can't do this!" and started losing rhythm. Her head came up and she started to flounder, but I was able to help her with some halfhalts and really sucking it up with my core and bumping with my leg and whip, and she clicked back in and we finished our lap, went across the diagonal, and did one the other direction. Called it quits after that- walked her out, hosed her down and turned her out- she immediately rolled - but it's ok, she's on vacation.
For my part I worked on those darn turned out toes- rotated my whole leg in and tried to keep it there- oh, so painful. It got a bit better once my ankles finally loosened up, but dang that's hard. I also tried to raise my chest up and keep better posture. I think it was good, but oh, so tough. I know, no pain, no gain, we suffer for beauty...

(no subject)

Oh...my...legs...HURT.