We have achieved what I think may be a record--five straight days of riding and working with my boy Dublin. We have cantered four days in a row and are achieving some consistency (I can get him into a canter in less than 5 time around the arena at a very fast trot, and then we stay in a canter for more than 3 strides). He does seem a little perplexed that we keep doing this (hey, I cantered already, why are you asking me again?) and it seems that a left lead is not in the cards at the moment, but what a good boy he is being! I have also opened and closed gates from his back, and ridden around the outside perimeter of the arena in a faux trail ride. He did spook a bit when my jacket rubbed up against an oak branch but that sure beats the time my helmet rubbed against a branch and Cowboy went into a bucking fit and dumped me!

He has also loaded very quietly and elegantly in my trailer and today I closed him up inside and pulled forward about 20 feet. Then backed up again. Nice and quiet, and I took my time unloading him. Tomorrow we are going for an actual ride around the block.

It sure makes an impact when you devote some consistent time to these projects! And his canter, which looks spectacular from the ground, lives up to expectations. A real rocking horse ride.