side passing problems

I am having "my horse thinks to much for herself" problems. She really does have a hard time just stopping to listen without thinking.

Also, pony has perm hair!

We have spent the past couple weeks working on different trail obstacles for the show. Mainly side passing and backing, since those can be our problem areas. Also, I have been working on getting Shyloh to slow down and listen to me. 

She sure is shiny!

But now, as soon as she sees that pole on the ground and I walk her up to it, she steps over it and immediately begins to side pass. While I am all, yay for side passing!, I am also, pony, you must listen to me! 

<3

So we spent a good chunk of time today getting Shy to walk up to the pole and whoa. Then step over the pole and whoa. No side passing. This was much harder for her than the actual side passing! She just wants to side pass. Frustrating. Letting Shy have the space she needed, she would walk up to the pole, over the pole, side pass to the end, then smile, like look, I did it! My horse is a nut.

Treats for meeeeeee!

But eventually, I as able to get her to stop side passing. And when she gave me nice stops at and over the pole, we quit. Since it was hot out, we relaxed in the barn and Shy got some hay that was on the ground. She loved that.

No hay for chickens!

I also did a pre-wash on her tail with white vinegar. We have a show next weekend already! And we are so not ready for riding. . .

And. . .don't forget to enter my contest for a beta biothane halter bridle!