I brought Dee in and saddled her up to ride in the manège, but then noticed Alfie leading a horse in there. I was a bit disappointed because it is always a bit worrying taking Dee into the arena with another horse and I cannot take her out on her own at the moment. I have decided to leave her barefoot as the Cavallo simple boots are so successful, but do not have boots for her front hooves yet. I also just didn't feel like trying to hack alone with her today.
Then I realised that the horse in the manège for a lesson was Red. Dee usually behaves well with Red and Alfie was happy for me to go in there too. So I schooled Dee for half an hour. I took great care to keep her out of Red's way and not be a hindrance to the lesson and that all went very well. Dee has not forgotten any of her schooling. We practised up and down transitions, turning on the forehand, leg yielding and shoulder in. It was good to be working with her and she was relaxed and responsive.
At the end of the lesson, I then took Red over and Alfie tied Dee up for me. I schooled Red a little for about 10 minutes. He is so strong and less cooperative than Dee. I am still aware that he is too much horse for me – but it was nice to ride him a little anyway.
