And the dressage work continues..

Even though I had a week off from riding while I was visiting Georgia, Deuce did not get much of a break. Erin rode him while I was gone to keep him tuned up and ready for work when I got back.

 I had a lesson with Erin again today to continue our work on dressage. My focus this week is to use my legs and softening reins in the right combinations to maintain the bend and suppleness.  If I get stiff for even an instant, Deuce will brace and lock in the base of his neck and drift out the circle or fall in. So with lots of practice and reminders from Erin, I am finally starting to get a better feel for when he starts to lock up and am able to put my leg on and send him forward and get him back to supple and round again. 

So we are making our way into more fine details and technicalities of dressage, and it's quite tough for me but I remind myself it will make me a better rider and will help make Deuce a better athlete .. so I'll keep working at it.