testy testy. . .

Shyloh threw every trick in her book at Beth tonight! Beth was going around the arena and stated that we couldn't see it, but she was having major arguments with Shy! This turned into visible arguments. . .

First it was OMG! You touched me with your leg! I must scoot away at lightening speed!

Then came I think this door is super scary and mountain lions are hiding behind it! I must take off past it!

And If I act super scared of everything, will you get off of me?

Next up was going behind the bit. She learned this quick and keeps on trying to do it. Ugh.

After that was Leg? I are bumping me? Oh, kicking now? I can't feel anything. Oh. . .you want me to disengage my rear end? Fine. . .

That turned into I'm not moving, I don't care what you do to me!

Finally, Shy came up with When she asks me to canter and I pick up the wrong lead, we stop! Moohahahaha!

Frustration! But eventually Shy straightened out (somewhat) and did some real work. Actually, Shy's canter transitions have really improved! Only a step or two of turbo trot before she takes off into the canter and she is holding it longer. By the time Shy got done, she was sweating! A ton! Her ears, her neck, her girth, underneath the saddle pad, and she even had the foamy butt sweat! She has never had foamy butt sweat before! 

I don't know what got into Shy today. The lesson did not have the best start. On the first go around the arena, Shy got too close to the wall and her rear hoof hit it scaring the bejesus out of her. Beth had to really get her to stop. This lesson was different in that she had an audience of people watching and usually no one else is there but me. And there was another horse being ridden in the arena who was acting up himself, but Shy did not seem bothered by him. Excuses.  

The only thing I can think of was that Shy was being testy. She was seeing what she could get away with and trying some old tricks that may have gotten her out of working before. Well, those don't work with Beth. Beth made her back up, repeat, and disengage her rear end. 

I did get on Shy to walk her around the arena a few times. She was very relaxed and tired! She did not want to move! Her turns are so much better now, not the super sensitive turn, but a more controlled turn. It was nice, but I am still not comfortable in that dressage saddle!

Hopefully Shy has realized that she failed her own tests and goes back to her complaint self! I did not get video of her acting up, I was too much in shock by what she was doing! I wish I did get some to show what she was doing and how Beth was correcting it. But, oh well. . .

One more day of work, then Equine Affaire!!