today because Jay behaved himself in the arena. Mounting didn't take too long, and I left Katie and Jay to get on with it, moving just across the yard for a sweep up and sort out of the hay and straw (so I could periodically glance up and see how things were going).
Lots of warm up walking then some lovely trotting followed by some pretty nice cantering too. Jay even had to put up with some distractions today which he coped with beautifully. Firstly the YO's three terriers came bounding over to the arena, yapping and fussing around. After the initial "what the ..." reaction from Jay (and Katie most probably), Katie quickly got him back on track. Secondly, YO putting two of her horses out to burn off some energy, having to walk past the arena and seeing them enjoying themselves bucking and cantering around the place didn't faze. Finally, low flying over head jet planes (yes, he's had everything thrown at him today) - still not too bothered, continued without a hitch. What a star!
Only time he threw in a couple of bucks was when Katie started to cool him off in walk. She wouldn't let him get away with it though, pushed him straight back into trot each time he did it. He got the message eventually and was rewarded with lots and lots of praise.
Phew! We needed today - it has given us the boost we so needed.
