The show part 2

I showed Deuce First Level Test 1 and First Level Test 2 this afternoon. I was warming up and he started sucking back and evading my aids once i wanted to canter. L was helping me and told me to just push him forward almost to a gallop -- she said he is worried about my leg instead of being worried about going forward forward forward. I didn't realize until now that the sucking back was from him saying no to me, I thought he was just unsure of what to do due to him being young.

The first test went really well....we got a 67%! To be honest, i think the judge was very generous. :)

The second test was kind of a flop. I went off course, and Deuce was also kind of t'ed off....he was tired after the long weekend. We still got a 62.5, but again i think the judge was generous. I was so tired by the time my second test came around and having mental focus is really difficult for me when I'm exhausted. I was trying, but my aids were a little sluggish and sloppy.

In sum, here's what i was reminded of this weekend:

more forward will solve lots of problems
make him say yes to my leg
it's okay to let him be playful (ie. when doing changes he started cross cantering and J said I should just make him buck so he would change to a true canter.)
I need to definately practice the full test before I do it at the show
I need to remember to push Deuce to learn new things - challenge him
Stay soft, even when I'm pushing him to do something difficult

These are things I already knew, obviously, but it's easy to forget to apply them when everyone at the barn always says how wonderful he looks! I am going to give Deuce Monday off...and maybe Teusday. Next time I ride I will work on getting him forward and in front of my leg at all times. Sucking back will not be tolerated. Once I have him forward, I'll try counter canter in both directions. Looking forward to the fun!