Monday Riding Lesson 

Monday WallE and I had our regularly scheduled lesson at home. This was the third day of high pressured riding. We did not work very long. Laura (our trainer) set up a few hunteresque courses and we rode through. We got the strides with ease. Only once did we struggle on the long approach diagonal single. 

We chatted a long while about WallE's behavior in the warm up at the horse show. Laura suggested that perhaps WallE was simply expressing his excitement to be at the horse show and maybe it was overwhelming. 

It was decided that we could work on two things. One, make travel a regular part of our training. Two, ride in group settings to help make it less exciting. 

I think the last one is something that has been lacking from our training routine. WallE and I often ride early in the morning or late in the evening, when the barn is quiet and free of distractions. Though this is helpful to our focus, the lack of stimulation in the arena at home is not helpful on a field trip to a horseshow arena. 

We are riding in a group lesson this afternoon. We will see how it goes!