Small Step Forward

We did better last night, except for the biting.

I didn't have a ton of time, so we used Nicole's surcingle and his bridle. I did a rush grooming on him, got him tacked up and out to the round pen. He worked well with the draw reins (attached to the girth between his front legs, ran through the bit and then attached to the side rings on the surcingle) which allow him to move his head, but encourage him to keep it low. He kept the pressure of his bit while he worked, which is really nice to see.

I had him do three rounds at a walk, ten at the trot in each direction. I praised him in between direction changes. Then he worked at a trot for two rounds, then moved him forward at a canter for ten circuits, then back down to the trot for two more rounds. His canter was smooth and he kept his head low instead of throwing it up in protest. He was favoring his front feet at the trot, but not horribly, and at the canter showed no signs of favoring. He kept trying to slow down or stop before I asked him to, which resulted in me chasing him around the ring several times. I figure its a good workout.

At the end Ashke wasn't breathing hard, but he was warm. I rinsed him off and then let him graze until he was dry. We shall see how he is tonight.