Orion progress 2/25

I took Orion out over the weekend for "ring work on trail" and worked mostly on collection and extension within the gaits. He went out for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, mostly walk work (as he's building his condition back up) and did excellent. Most of my time was spent in collected, working, and extended walk. I did have to spend a lot of time and effort in keeping him "light" in the bridle, as he seemed to think since he was outside he didn't HAVE to be his "inside the ring" self when it came to self carriage. Kind of like having to use your "inside voice" LOL! Due to the footing, trot work was limited, but I used the hills to my advantage and really made him use his hindquarter to collect and balance, and to "sit back" on his haunches and really step under himself downhill instead of duckwalk. I really, really had to reinforce every stride that he stay STRAIGHT, as without walls he was very happy to just kick his RH (Right Hind) out and disengage it so he wasn't putting as much effort into it. Sneaky fella.

We did some leg yeilding work back and forth along the trail, shoulder-in, and half passing as well. Who says you just put the horse on the buckle and hang out when on trail??? We worked quite fervently the entire ride. Also worked just a little on his separation issues while on trail with other horses. He did quite well letting Ariana go in front of him quite a bit and responded easily to requests to stop and stand while she walked away.