Great Ellen Lesson!

Ellen was here this weekend, and we had the most wonderful ride yesterday. Final was calm, relaxed and an overall good boy. We worked on keeping an active canter in the pirouettes which really made a difference. He was becoming quicker with his hind end and elevating him front end, and it took very little effort on my part, just lots of concentration. I would slow his front end down, and liven him with my lower legs, all while sitting very still and a little lighter in the seat so he was really able to step under himself.

And the flying changes were PERFECT! Well, maybe not perfect, but they were pretty close, especially for Final and I. :) Ellen mentioned tempi-changes, and Prix St. George, and tail coat. Yippieeeeeee!!!!!!! Probably not until late Fall/Winter because of the baby, but that's okay, we need the time anyways. To even compete one time at that level would be so exciting. FInal is getting older (he just turned 18!), so I know our time in the upper levels of dressage is limited, but it would be such a treat!

I love my lessons with Ellen. She has taught me so much and more than anything, she has helped my riding relationship with Final bloom. We always have such a blast, and he tries really hard. He always has a happy expression on his face and tries to do something every time I ask, I think that says so much. I remember the days where he would pull me around the arena, and I used to think to myself, why am I doing this? I'm tired, sore, and he's grumpy. It wasn't any fun. I will never go back to that feeling again!