Since Tuesday was one of our best rides ever, it is only fair that yesterday left me wanting. Mort wasn't awful by any means but I couldn't consistently get him to use his haunches and really push into the bit. It was fairly warm and Mort is really lazy in the heat. I don't blame him, but when I tried to get him a bit more forward he just got hollow and crappy. Instead of giving me a good bend he just kept trying to throw his shoulder out or head tilt.
It was hot and frustrating. I did a lot of transitions and tried bend/counter-bend. I tried to throw in some trot/halt/trot. He did stretch down fairly well for me--something the heat usually helps with--but still wanted to throw out his shoulders instead of bending. I eventually took a walk with him, did a little stretchy trot and quit.
I was disappointed that I never really got him working the way that I wanted but I didn't think we were ever going to get there. Mort and I are really progressing as a team and these bad days are all part of training. I just need to get off, give him a good brushing and ear rub, and try again the next day.
Tomorrow is a small, local schooling show. Today I'll give Mort and stretchy and easy ride. I'll bathe him and clean my tack. We'll load up early in the morning and see which Mort I mount up on. Hopefully he'll be energetic but responsive. If not, I'll do the best with what I'm given. Shows and the week before a show aren't the time to train hard or pick fights. In the end, as long as Mort has a fairly happy and relaxing experience that's what matters. Every trip is an opportunity to set us up for success down the road.
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