In this session with Ali, Caroline demonstrates her ability to make changes within her body that influence Sunny. Caroline says that Sunny has been a little unstable in his neck and head between sessions. Her 'go to' fix would be to fiddle with the reins, but she's been trying really hard not to do this. Ali explains some really helpful techniques - involving the arms - to stop the fiddling, and to provide a stable frame for Sunny to work in.
They work on another really powerful tool which improves the transitions, as well as a more consistent contact in walk and trot. Caroline agrees that the idea of this tool sounds unusual, but when she applies the thinking, she transforms the power of her body to influence Sunny.
Ali reiterates that the stages of training are progressive. The skills must be acquired step-by-step in order to be effective, Mary Wanless often refers to the 'layers of the onion'; one solution may lead to a different issue, for which the solution must be found.
Sunny likes to run in to canter transitions, and this week they work on keeping Caroline straight which helps keep Sunny straight, as well as working on encouraging a jump in to canter, rather than the run in to it that he prefers. Once they are both straight, Sunny finds it more challenging, but Caroline manages to hold her frame, and they succeed in producing some great transitions.
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