Milha - march 13, 2009

Large indoor arena, two other riders exercising only. As Pacha had gone lame (for unknown reason at this point), F. offered me to ride Milha after him. I had one of the best session I ever had with her. Like previously, simple rubber rod snaffle, no spurs, no whip. I worked her for 45', at walk and trot only . At the beginning, she had still a high placer with poll angle too wide. It went lower with small lateral flexions on circles, and play with reins. But it was still not supple enough at poll, neither generous enough regarding 'cessions'. So, I put her at posting trot with large variations in strides, from 'petit trot' to extended trot. It worked extremely well, and she gave stunning extensions. Then, at sitting trot, she set herself in a good horizontal placer, with light mouth and flexible poll. Progressively I let her bring her nose 'down into the dust' and I felt the great feeling of her 'giving her back', which moved upward in relaxed and supple fashion. Riding a powerful horse like her in this state is a rare pleasure. I enjoyed it as long as reasonable, with serpentines and successions of circles at both hands in a powerful yet relaxed cadence. She was fully concentrated, paid no attention to the other riders and, in one word, was 'with me'. A great session indeed! We went back to stables as happy as can be be after a good physical work. She was slightly wet at stifle, but not on the forehand - a mark of the quality of her work.