This week in lessons

This week in lessons we are going to be brushing muddy horses...oh, and some riding I suppose.

We are going to continue working on more precise corners, but instead of just working on square ends, we are going to work on a complete square. The benefit of working on a square rather than a circle is that it makes the horse (and rider!) work hard for a short period, with a little break, then another tight 1/4 circle then a break and so on. Each 1/4 turn needs to be a 1/4 of a 6-10 meter circle to really get the horse flexing and using its inside hing, and stretching its outside rib cage. By doing so, you should feel your horse start to "sit" a bit more behind and elevate in front of the withers.

In jumping, we will be jumping a single fence on a square, and we will also be doing a bit of a grid. The grid is Nicole's idea. Whining does pay off apparently.

Also this week, I am recruiting a cast for a Hillside promotional video to try to attract some new tween/teen students to replace those of you that are going away to school, or just getting too old to be fun...kidding...sort of...but really, Rocket needs a new rider, and so does Rocky, so I need some kids! Hoping to film as soon as it is less muddy. Payment is...well...nothing, but you can put it on your resume! Ideas for the video are welcome.

Funny video....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnF2ROKtdMY&list=FLjhIsw3qV0FmPf115NGfuYA&index=1&feature=plpp_video