Second day of camp and our second lesson. This time flat work. Now we all know that it’s not our favourite thing. But the more I learn, the more I’m beginning understand the benefits. We had many a conversation about it while watching the lessons. There was also a lot of running about picking up poos and moving poles.

If your horse has a good walk, you can get a good trot. A good trot leads to a good canter. And a good canter leads to a good jump. Hardly rocket science, but something that’s worth keeping in mind.

Today’s lesson was on zig zag and turning using your legs rather than too much rein. Really made my brain hurt. Especially when we changed rein. I have to say, Buddy feels so much softer and improved in his flatwork since his rehab. He’s new and improved. Sadly his Mother wasn’t as improved. I seemed to have lost the ability to ride his canter, resulting in a few wall of death moments.

Then the lightbulb went on in my head and I muscle memory kicked in. Once I actually sat into him and went with him, it was a very different picture. Just shows that I have had time out too.

Last day tomorrow. This really is my happy place. And I’m very happy with my little boy today. As Ed Sheeran would say I was two stepping with the one love. Maybe it’s time to dust off the dancing shoes after all.