A Whole New World

 Missy and I have gotten to drive a couple times in the past week or so.

Her new browband, which both fits her better AND looks badass, came in

I'm starting to get the routine of harnessing, putting to, etc., and Missy clearly understands the ask to stand quietly while I fiddle with straps.

I often harness her loose in the stall.

Parked while I get situated

We've been practicing smooth circles and changes of direction at the walk and trot, prompt transitions between gaits, asking for transitions within gaits, WHOA OR DIE, and backing up the cart.

Using gates of cones as targets for my circles

Changing direction with a moment of going straight

Little jog trot

Slightly more active trot

Relaxing at the walk

A nice prompt halt

I'm grateful for the Pivo video from last week's drive, because I could see that when I THOUGHT I was turning my shoulders while steering... I really wasn't. I tend to only turn my head in the direction I want to go, and in my lesson Sandy taught me that turning my shoulders would help her feel where I want to go via the reins since Miss doesn't get my seat cues to help with steering.

While I think I'm holding my hands out a little wonky, this is an example of doing it *correctly*, both looking AND turning my shoulders through the turn. 

With time and practice, using my whip whenever I'd normally use my leg is coming more easily to me, and it certainly helps that I have a long enough whip now. I can reach all the way to her shoulder if I need to.

You *might* be able to see the whip sitting upright in its new holder on the right side of the seat. It almost reaches the top of the picture, without the length of the lash.

She continues to be so kind, trying her best to understand what I want even when I fumble.

Figuring this out with her is an absolute pleasure.

While I'm definitely approaching driving with safety in mind, methodically building on our skill set together, Missy makes me feel so safe. Every time I up the ante, she takes it in stride. In light of that, I decided that the next time we drove with a 911 Caller present (aka, another co-op member on the property), we'd venture outside the arena.

Another day, another drive <3

I warmed up in the arena like normal while a barn mate rode her little icelandic gelding (who couldn't have cared less about cart).

This little dude (and his wonderful human) have been excellent additions to the barn.

When she was done riding, she helped me open two of the gates from the indoor to the parking lot/driveway. This provided a loop I could make, exiting one side of the indoor, driving around the corner on the driveway, then re-entering the arena. 

Ignore my rein handling, and don't text and drive, lol.

There is a very distinct change from dirt to gravel, and I wasn't sure what she would think of hearing the cart over the gravel. I needn't have worried though, because it was a non-issue for Miss mare.

A whole new woooooooorld

We did the loop in both directions, at both the walk and trot, and I ended the drive feeling even more confident in Miss. Even when we over-shot a turn back into the arena at the trot, I was able to halt, back her up, and try the turn again at the walk. 

Missy: "I have no idea why you're making a big fuss over me, but I'll accept your adoration."

As I was giggling and grinning from ear to ear, Jen was waiting patiently to water the arena and drag the wheel marks out of it, so I called it a day after that. 

I'm unwilling to let go of the lines, juuuust in case, but had to get a photo of my perfect pony. 

If I want to explore any more of the property via cart, we'll have to brave at least one fairly steep hill, so that will be our next challenge. I'm looking forward to it, and I'm sure Missy is up to the task!