First, I just want to thank everyone for your kind comments on my last post. I can be pretty hard on myself at times and it helps to have your commiseration/encouragement, so THANK YOU!
On Monday Alex and I had a guest. My mom came out to the farm with me to help/give pointers/and be another set of eyes. After a mostly benign lunging session, I climbed into the saddle and we worked stretching and a little lateral work. Other than one or two little moments, Alex was very good. Mom set about helping us to improve our lateral work (it's nice to have someone confirm what you
think you're feeling coming from the horse. After that, I let him quit and we talked about what I felt and what she saw. We agreed that he is starting to step short again (which I could feel, but was nice to have it confirmed). That's a function of saddle fit and he's also been backing off his feed, another symptom that his back is starting to bother him. So we're trying to get the new saddle or a borrowed demo here pronto, because I certainly don't want to go down that road again.
Overall, things are improving, which deep down I knew they would, but just needed to breathe and regroup. Love my horse and the talent is in there... sometimes I just need to be more confident in myself and what I believe. Alex had the night off today, but we'll be back doing something (maybe just lunging to go easy on the back) and keep moving forward.
