Pacha - 0ctober 6, 2008

Rather difficult session. Arena full and noisy, reduced space and the harsh noise of electric metal saw which unsettles Pacha right away, who seems to be particularly sensitive to high-pitched noises.
I ride Pacha with my old English hunting saddle, low boots and chaps, simple soft, resin broken snaffle. Draw reins (rênes allemandes) very loose. No whip, no spurs.
Pacha expresses his nervosity with downwards movements of the neck, trying to 'pull hands off'. Walk during 10'. Posting trot during 10'. Cannot succeed in getting relaxation - the trot is hasty, not steady and Pacha keeps being distracted and slightly anxious. I try then canter to let some steam out, without significant result. The horse is not on the hand, restrains himself and disunite. I make mistakes with my hands and legs actions(unwanted oppositions, too strong legs). I am not very proud of myself!
As a convinced Baucherist, I come back to halt (difficult to hold still) and walk to recover some calmness. I then start posting trot which at last becomes more regular and induces some yielding. Cadence improves a little and the strides cover more ground. Pacha begins to 'unroll'and stretch. I decide that this is good enough for today, and brings him back to stables after 10'.