Schooling out hacking

Meant to have dressage lesson this afternoon but got halfway there and got txt to say it was cancelled so debated what to do but decided as pony on board might as well go somewhere different.  Couldn't think of anywhere to go just to school and too nice really so went to Puttenham for a hack.  Only had my dressage saddle with me so that was interesting as Monty's hacking trot is blinking fast for dressage length stirrups.

Halfway through the hack is the Hampton sponsored ride field - lovely springy turf and loads of room so settled down for a bit of schooling.  Used a XC jump as the centre of my arena to keep me focused, had to dodge multiple piles of cow shit and Monty kept a wary eye on the cows in the distance but figured good practice for distractions at events.

Initially a bit resistant at being asked to work mid hack, but then settled down nicely and did some good work.  He is definitely becoming more willing to submit when I ask him to now but I am having to work hard to keep riding him up and out into the contact and not letting him curl and go onto his forehand.  Fix one problem and create another!  We did lots of changes of bend, as always changing to the right not so easy but we got there.  We did some leg yielding and SI in trot as plenty of room which was nice.  We also did some LY in canter which he finds hard so that is good as means it is beneficial for him to do it.  Did a couple of lovely centre lines and square halts staying soft and on the bit in the halt so very pleased with that.  Checked rein back was still there which it was.  G&R in canter still not there - need to remember to keep working on this with the RC qualifiers in mind as they always use tests with G&R in.  Inside fine, outside fine, just not both together.  We even did a bit of medium trot and he actually gave me something without hollowing - it was probably running a bit but at least he tried something.

Only did about 20mins altogether then went on with our hack, up the hill and over a couple of little jumps but he nearly jumped me off in the dressage saddle so gave that up pretty sharpish!  Out for 90mins altogether and roasting hot so good work-out for him.