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The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. - Ayn Rand

[just-sass-n-class]

Few snaps from my ride the other day 🍁💕

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Been riding without the chambon for a little over a month now, and Montana has been doing great ❤

Still needs to gain some weight/muscle that she lost over the winter, but I'm pretty happy with where she is mentally 💞

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Had a really good ride this morning!!

Started off with some WIH for a change, and I was really pleased with how quickly she settled into work.

When I first got on she felt pretty good in the walk, the arena was quiet (for once) and she was relaxed so I actually got to use the full arena instead of staying at the "safe end". Played around with a couple leg yields in both directions and they didnt feel too bad either!

When I first brought her up into her trot she was a little stuck and behind my leg, which I kinda expected since I didn't lunge. She loosened up and was more forward (and a tad too excited) after we went for a canter. Her trot after felt wicked, even tho it was a smidge too fast lol. I still have lots to work on myself, and I've been trying to not have any backwards pressure on the reins which I think I'm starting to get better at. Meanwhile I still cant take my eyes off how beautiful she is 🙄😂

Overall I'm super happy with her, she had a nice stretch going over her back and definitely opened up her trot a lot more by the end of our ride.

Might start playing around with the working gaits again towards the end of the week 😊💕

[just-sass-n-class]

One of the few people who are fortunate enough to still be able to ride during this crazy time ❤

After being away from the barn for almost a month (traveling and then isolation afterwards) I'm finally back at it! The rules are changing everyday tho, 🤞 hopefully I'll be able to go to the barn for a while longer.

I am so grateful for the time I do have with this little mare. Lots of safety measures have been put in place, and the boarders/leasers/staff have limited time at the barn but so far we're making it work!

Had 3 rides so far since I've been back, ride #4 tomorrow ! 😊

[just-sass-n-class]

Playing around with some "work in hand". Technically not really WIH since she isnt really stretching into contact or anything, but a similar concept at liberty ahaha.

Basically using the same cues with my whip only I don't have any reins to really direct the energy or to help keep her consistent. But it was nice to see her relax on her own and for her to offer the stretch with little influence from me.

And it's also so wonderful to see her want to willingly work with me. There was nothing stopping her from walking away or doing her own thing. She chose to stay with me and responded to what I was asking her.

It's just nice to take a break from the more "serious" work and to just enjoy eachothers company 💕

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Play time with my girl 💕

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The difference in her topline in just 1 month 😍💪

Montana dropped in weight over the winter, and we've since upped her feed. So she definitely starting to put back on the weight she lost and build some muscle again, and her coat is much shinier now too!

Almost 17 and looking better than ever 💕

[just-sass-n-class]

Anyone who knows montana knows that shes can be pretty spooky, especially in the winter. And her spooks aren't consistent lol. Sometimes she runs forward, sometimes she slams on the brakes, and then for the really "fun" spooks she teleports or spins ahaha.

And even tho she did spook at a lot of the zippers today, she also had a good few where she didn't even acknowledge them 😊 so that makes me a pretty proud pony mom lol

I hate my voice on video, but I left the sound on for the minor zipper, and even tho it was only a small reaction from her she still went back to work almost right away. Shortly after this vid she really clicked into work mode and ignored all the other zippers (until we changed direction 😂)

So happy the good moments greatly out number the not so good moments lol💕

What's your horse's signature spook move? Lol

[just-sass-n-class]

Classy pony 😍

[theweirdwideweb]

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You glow differently when you're truly happy 💕

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The difference in stretching her out in 2017 and now.

While she has more energy in the top video, shes tense and not relaxed through her body. She also wasnt strong enough to stay in a stretch for long periods of time, and I also didn't know how to ask her to stretch properly.

In the bottom video she is way more relaxed and loose through her body, and a much happier pony. Her stretch over her topline is much deeper, and she has definitely developed more strength and flexibility over the last couple years. I would like to see her have more swing from the backend, and that's one of our goals for this year.

Even now I'm just so happy to be able to have these relaxing lunges, especially with winter being her spookiest season.

[just-sass-n-class]

Top, October 2017

Bottom, Feb 2020

Still working on getting more engagement from the hind end, but she has become much stronger over her back in the last few years 😊

Will post a video later to see the difference in her state of mind and consistency while being lunged now compared to then.

Tbh I used to hate lunging, it was not enjoyable for either of us. Now it's become a regular part of our routine and I can't imagine not lunging ahaha.

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Lil clip from our lunge tonight !

I haven't been able to do anything with her since Monday, so besides lessons she hasn't done much. Just wanted to take the time to play around and stretch her out tonight 💞

Honestly so impressed with how relaxed she was. So chill and willing right from the start, couldn't ask for more. And considering how spooky she's been in the past (and still is sometimes) , she was a saint.

The winter is always hard for us with snow sliding down the roof of the indoor, or ice popping and cracking, and even quiet nights could never really be considered "safe" this time of year. But she's been doing so good, to have her be able to stay in a walk on the lunge line with nothing but a halter on, and stay relaxed at the same time, its huge for us 💞

It's taken a lot of work to get to this point, and she still can (and will) spook at times, but it usually doesn't mean the end of the world anymore.

[just-sass-n-class]

Missing the sunshine 🍂☀️

I haven't been able to ride in almost a week, but I'll hopefully at least make it out to the barn to lunge tonight 💕

[just-sass-n-class]

🎶Oh it's the most terrifying time of the year🎶