November: where not much really got done.

General winter goals are still:
1. quit nagging, and reinforce that aids Mean Something.
2. prompter transitions (should follow from #1)
3. continue addressing my canter issues, as weather and footing permits
4. off-side mounting
5. strengthen my lower leg for more stability.  (posting with no stirrups? two-point?)

Worked on #1 and #2 periodically.  Canter work has been spotty.  Off-side mounting was generally a success.  Lower leg.. still needs work, but that’s okay, we’re still (very much) in winter.

November specific goals:
– If riding in saddle, mount from right side.  90% of the time, accomplished!
– Try shortening stirrups in Eurolight and work in two-point, working up to a half-mile; aim to do this once weekly as weather permits.  I worked in two-point for at least a few minutes most rides where pony-brain permitted.  Stirrups did not need to be shortened.
– Continue not nagging and being mindful of what I’m asking.  I remembered this and mostly stuck to it.  Continued progress required, but it’s something.

October stats, since I did not note them in my post:
approx 72 miles, including one 25-mile LD
9 rides tracked – quiet 10 days pre-LD, quiet week after, some moseying/shorter rides that were not “real work” and didn’t get logged.  Miles & number of rides limited by heat wave + LD.

November stats:
approx 49 miles
9 rides tracked, plus some moseying/shorter rides.  Limited by early darkness, rain, mud, and fallen trees.
Near the beginning of the month, I began round-penning Confetti before most of our rides.  She’s not getting out as much as she’d like, and this is my compromise.  She’s not working up a major sweat, or working until she’s submissive, she’s just working until her brain is back in her head and the excess energy is gone.  The energy needs to be let out somewhere when we cannot safely get a fast and/or long work on the trails.

Unplanned noteable accomplishments:
– lunging on a line in the arena at walk/trot and with a few canter steps.  No bolting!  Just a polite little tiny canter.  I was very, very impressed.
– one day of solid arena work, w/t/c, not included in the mileage count
– reflocked dressage saddle, since I believe that was the cause of the new white marks on Fetti’s back

Spurs update:
Tried spurs again on a solo ride.  They were totally unhelpful and made absolutely no difference.  Verdict:  complete failure, no need to use them for a while as they are not helpful.

December goals, then:
– if riding in saddle, mount from right. This needs to stay as a goal until it feels comfortable!
– wet-weather work: forwards walk! lateral work! halting from seat!
– avoid getting bucked off*

*a year ago I separated my shoulder after a particularly nasty buck had me hit the ground hard.  Highly not recommended.  Thus, primary goal for any actual trail rides this month involve staying on the horse, or at least not getting seriously hurt.