Back, Back, Back to basics

I am finally done with two weeks on the road! I did get two days home in between (and yes, I rode both days), but it is great not to start the weekend facing a hotel on the other end.

Last night I managed to get a little riding done with Lily, starting with the Parelli 'Pushing Passenger' exercise. More on that another time as it is worthy of its own posting.

As I moved on, I kept trying to figure out how to get Lily more on her hind-end. She is heavy on her front end (aren't they all) and I wanted to start work on shifting her back. Gina suggested that I ride her along the rail, stop and back her a couple of feet, move her toward the rail so she has to spin on her back legs, keep her together then ask her to move out. I did this exercise a lot with Precious, but she wasn't particularly fond of it and Lily wasn't very good at it. So I tried to break it down a little further.

If backing up helps them put weight on their hind end (which it does), why don't I work on more backing? So I did. I rode in the round pen, so I backed her up straight, sideways, around the pen, occasionally asking her to pivot around (which also requires moving her shoulders) and you know what??? I got lightness and impulsion. It was really an amazing thing! Her trot was much more springy and she was very light in the bridle, I was super pleased. I can't wait to ride her again today!