Phoebe & Vinca: OUR 4TH WEEK TRAINING IN FL

Vinca and I have been making great strides in our relationship both under saddle and on the ground. His hind end is getting stronger every ride and he is beginning to support a larger canter gait, rather then the over collection that he seems to prefer. His trot has arrived and with the softness over his back, I have introduced a lot more sitting trot. In order to keep his back soft, I change his frame frequently....most of the time he is deep and then I bring him back up. It is actually easier for him to have his poll high, so the deeper frame makes him use his body better. This week, however, with his strengthening and a few mares in heat at the barn, he got silly several times. In one case, he took off over the arena and I thought to myself, "geese he's gonna leave this ring and he's leaving fast!" Then I rethought to myself, "he sure isn't gonna take me out of this ring, that bugger!" So, I skidded a last minute right turn and we stayed in the ring....I never questioned his sure footed-ness or my balance and ability to stick with him....but, the three spectators at the time must have been concerned. As I made the turn and righted the bugger, I noticed that all three people had gotten out of their chairs at "C" and were jogging into the arena

with very pale faces. I chuckled out loud and told them I had not meant to give them a scare and then I told Vinca he had better get down to business again. The ride ended well, however, that day, Chuck told me that Vinca was on probation and should not get hand grazed. I (reluctantly) agreed ;) and bagged the days extra attention he normally receives!!