Kissin' Cousins

The week in review:

Sunday, September 13

Shootim

Sara looks pleasant enough, but it was Shootim's idea.

A genius move on my part.  Both times we've brought Shootim to the upper pen, he got super excited and raced around until he was in a lather.  This time I lunged him until he was all done playing in the indoor arena.  Then, when I took him to the upper pen, he was much calmer about the whole thing.  I actually got a good ride in.

Saturday, September 12

Hiking

Ooh, what a scary looking branch!

We hiked on the Eagle Harbor trail to Sand Bay and back, with an extra loop thrown in.  We started late in the day, but made it back before sundown.

Tuesday, September 15

WOD

The green.  Definitely my color.

"Death By Wallball"

1 the first minute, 2 the second and so on, until you can't finish in a minute.

With a 10# ball, I went up to 13 rounds.  The legs said, "I wouldn't advise a fourteenth round."  They were right.  My legs were in no shape to do workouts the next two days.

Friday, September 18

Shootim

Shootim loves this move.

Once Shootim settled down a bit, we worked in the round pen.  On the canter, his right lead was better than his left.  That goes for me as well.  Who knows, it could be all my fault. My position feels all out of whack.  As my right leg holds against his hindquarter, my left hip braces against the saddle. I'll have to work on it.

Saturday, September 19

Hiking

Victorious!

Today we hiked up Mt. Baldy by Eagle Harbor.  It's about 6 miles there and back.  My GPS said it took 3.5 hours, but it went a little wacky on the way back, so I'm not counting on it.  The picture of Kirsten is not quite at the summit, but we did make it there and back.

I Hate Golf, Nice Shot, I Love Golf

The first of the two rides.

Shootim

Last weekend I had a couple of rides on Shootim.  The first was in the square pen.   Susan was grilling chicken for an upcoming party at the barn (boy, was that good!) but as soon as Shootim got the smell of burning flesh, he got a little spooky at that end.  I suppose it didn't help that I told him that he was next.

That put me off my mood a bit.  Susan, however was more upbeat.  She said that she noticed Shootim staying in the ground longer on his jog.  That's great news, but I was on a downer and didn't pay attention.  I missed it. rats!

On Monday, we went riding again.  Since it had rained a lot the night before, this time we rode in the indoor arena.  Shootim was great this time, listening and really trying.  I did the walk and trot work, then had Kirsten up on him to show me his lope.  Even though it didn't go as well as we hoped, when I got on him, Shootim went to work and tried his best.  After cantering, I worked him at side-passing over a pole.  That really got him interested.  When we finished, Shootim was super-sensitive to cues, trying to guess at what might come next.  Much better!

Baby's New Shoes

North Face Fastpack Hedgehog GTX, ooh.

Tuesday

After a bit of a workout.

WOD "Lordy Lordy Look Who's 40"

• 400m run
• 40 wallballs
• 400m run
• 40' handstand walk
• 400m run
• 40 box jumps
• 400m run
• 40 GHD sit-ups
• 400m run
• 40 KB swings

I don't remember the time, probably about 15'. I turned everything into 15s, with 150m rows. 12# wall ball, 65# press sub, 20" box, abmat sit-ups, medium KB.

Saturday

Trying out the new shoes.

Hiking

3.3 miles at Nara trails.

We had a reception gig last night, so with cash burning a hole in my wallet, we headed to the store to get the shoes we tried out last week.  After deciding on whether or not to get Superfeet insoles (we decided against it for now,) we went out for a test hike.

I like the Nara trails.  Kirsten chose some single track that gave varying terrain; up, down, sideways, roots, though no rocks.  Nice fit, nice traction, nice shoes.  They followed my heels very well, so no blisters.  On sideways camber, my mid foot can slide sideways in the shoe a bit.  Perhaps that's what is missing compared to  the burlier hike model.  I stood in a stream and no water came in, so yay for the Goretex.  They seemed to cushion my feet well.  My feet were sore to begin with (especially my heels,) and though they did end up tired, I don't think the heels were any worse.  All in all, a good choice for my first hiking shoes.

Bare Bluff

Hiking

Bare Bluff, 3 miles.

I can't see the bottom.

This is a loop trail, though most hike the upper path there and back.  On advice gleaned from the internet, we did the loop counterclockwise this morning.  There is some scrambling over boulder fields and roots, but at least we did it on the way up.  Very fun and a little scary.  The view from the top was worth the climb and the way back was steady and easy.

view from the top.

Shootim

I rode this afternoon.  Shootim was quite mellow and willing.  I felt that we were starting to get into a rhythm of lifting the shoulder in the corners of the pen.  Susan and Kirsten thought that he was loping very well.  From on top I had a difficult time staying on the saddle, Shootim is that strong behind.  Afterwords, we drank a couple of beers and watched the farrier trim Shootim's feet.

Shootim fascinated by Bossy Man.

Yep, Start With The Shoes

Hello, It's been a long while.  When I haven't been busy doing stuff, I've been lazy.  Here's everything, organized by sport.

WOD

Every week I worked out at least once at CF906.  I've been getting to bed early, about 9:00 pm, so I can get up and to the gym at 6:00 the next morning.

I've been dabbling at these workouts; very scaled down, less reps, less sets.  When my body said 'enough,' I packed it in.  Nothing was on the clock.  I also did meters double poling on the new ski erg.  I'm up to 450 meters.

WODs:
8/12/15
"DT"
5 rounds

• 12 deadlifts
• 9 hang power cleans
• 6 push jerks

8/19/15
EMOM for 20'

• 2 power clean/push press

then

3 rounds

• 25 yard overhead walking lunge
• 10 seated box jumps
• 12 glute ham raises (I was only doing hip extensions.  I just looked this up.)

8/26/15
"Death By Clean"
I did power cleans at 75# up to 6 rounds.

then

3 rounds

• 15 hip extensions
• 10 sumo deadliest high pulls ( I subbed ring rows.)
• 50 yard sled pull

only 10 hip extensions, I did 2 rounds.

8/27/15
AMRAP 15'

• 2 rope climbs (I did one per round.)
• 10 knees to elbows (I did 5)
• 400m row

I did 3 rounds +6 reps

Shootim

So, I've been riding about once a week.  Kirsten's been riding my horse during the week as well.

Mountain Biking

We've gone out once a week mountain biking as well.  Since the last post we've been to:

Swedetown

Maasto Hiihto/Churning Rapids

MTU Trails

Hiking

We've also been hiking a bit each week.
After the purchase of a hiking shirt, Kirsten seems to be all clothed for hiking.

Nice shirt, huh?

My wardrobe is sadly lacking in hiking specific clothes.  It wasn't a problem until we started hiking in the Rockies and got interested in the sport.  I can cobble together something from gym, bike and ski clothes.  I can't find the right shoes, though.  I think that shall be my first hiking gear purchase.  Until then, I hope my sneakers will have enough cushion to keep my heels from hurting again.  I worry about plantar fascitis.  It's been bugging me since last summer.

8/9/15
Nara Trails, 3.2 miles.
The grass was wet.  Kirsten was right, we should have hiked on the dirt single track.

8/22/15
Copper Harbor:
Horseshoe Harbor 1.2 miles.
Estivant Pines 2.0 miles.

After a late start, we drove up to Copper Harbor for a couple of hikes.  We had one more to do, but were getting tired and hungry, so headed for home.

Here we are at Horseshoe Harbor.

Baby's first cairn.  I've always wanted to do that.

Holding those big trees apart.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

The best picture of the whole vacation, I think.  On the way to Emerald Lake.

Come to the house, I've got lots more. ;)

It has been a while.  I'll have to summarize a lot to catch up.

Kirsten, Mom and I attended a Piano Technician's Guild convention in Denver.  Afterwords, we spent a few days in Estes Park and explored a little in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

July 18

WOD

AMRAP 5'

• Man Makers

We all worked out at the hotel fitness center.  Kirsten and Mom did a different workout.

Rocky Mountain National Park

July 20

Hiking

Bear Lake

.6 miles

9,575' altitude

It was a very short hike.  Free shuttle service from Estes Park brought us right to the trailhead.  We took lots of time on all of these hikes for pictures.  What a gorgeous place!

July 21

Hiking

Bear Lake (again)

.6 miles

9,575' altitude

This hike was so easy, we talked Mom into coming with us the second time.  Originally, we had planned a longer hike, but this was a great chance for Mom to get out and see something spectacular. What was an easy hike for us, though, was a peak effort for Mom.  She did fine.

July 22

Hiking

Emerald Lake, Alberta Falls

5.5 miles

10,080' max altitude

I was looking at a circuit route for this, but Kirsten wisely suggested we do this as a two out-and -back hikes in a row.  Very wise, in case it turned out to be too tough for us.  As an added bonus, it gave us a potty stop in the middle of our hike.  All from the Bear Lake trailhead.

Back Home

July 26, 30

'Back in the saddle agin'

Shootim

Shootim continues to improve under saddle.  Kirsten has been riding him as well.  He likes to work out.  After, he likes to eat.

July 31

Out at Swedetown.

Mountain Biking

Swedetown.  Fun.

August 5

The new ski-erg is going to be great!

WOD

EMOM 20'

• Power Clean
• Front Squat
• Shoulder To Overhead

All at 70%

Then 3 rounds

• 10 Glute Ham Raises
• 10 Seated Box Jumps
• 25 yards walking lunges w/plate overhead.

I did a smidgen of everything with light weight, since I've been away from CF for so long.

I even did 250 meters on the new ski-erg at CF906

Aug 7

Mountain Biking

MTU Trails - Outer Limits

More fun.  I did the whole climb up Twilight Zone without having to stop.  

If She Can, You Can

Mom working on her ring push-ups.  She's 83.

Mountain biking.

More playing on my day off.

No Data for you today, my GPS was undergoing maintenance while we biked.  Swedetown was nice, Jeff was with us.  We did Applesauce, Southside, Lakeview, Bridges, Cable Connector, a bit of Two Hoots and the Back Country trail.

The happy trio.

Finally!

KIrsten demonstrating proper form.

Sunday

Shootim

I wish we had a video of me riding Shootim.  He was excellent.

It was a hot day.  Shootim bucked once on the line and then we went right to work.  We got out the CB reins again and Shootim picked up exactly where he left off the day before with Jack.  I put him through his progression, yielding each way the head, then shoulders and finally, hindquarters.

Shootim was a champ and we zipped right through the workout.  Cantering to the right was excellent.  To the left, Shootim had more difficulty, but he seemed to get the basics of it right, just not as smooth and easy as the other lead.  Something Jack discovered Saturday, Shootim gets his best position for the canter from sidepassing toward the rail.  It worked a treat today!

Tuesday

WOD

AMRAP 5'

• Man Makers

CW: 8 reps.  This came from CF906 programming.  Getting back to working out.  I took it easy, waiting to catch my breath if I got going too hard.  I still have a cough left over from being sick. I used 25# dumbbells.

Wednesday

Rowing

Finally we got out on the water!  Blame it on me being busy and being lazy.  The boats have been waiting patiently for us since May.

Drills:
Finish to catch (in place)
One oar circles (I shouldn't have had the gps on for this, it screwed up my average pace.)

51F, winds 5 - 10MPH  The water was mostly flat.  We rowed out and back for 2,000 meters.  It was great rowing again.  The week before I was wondering if we shouldn't just sell the boats. Not any more!

36:29
2760m
6:35/500m
(drills included)

Jack Makes A Collect Call

Shootim trying out his new halter.

Some freaky cold virus has kept me out of things for quite a bit.  Kirsten lured me out for a bike ride over near Gay, Michigan.  It was fun, but I had to cough most of the time.  The GPS didn't work out there, so I have no data to share. 

Shootim

I did get a couple of rides in last week. The real news, however, was today.  After I warmed Shootim up with the usual stuff, Jack had a ride on Shootim. He hasn't been on a horse in about a month.  His work schedule has been that hard.  With some CB reins, he got some extraordinary collection out of Shootim.  The CBs are like draw reins with  a stop to prevent their over-leveraging. 

When Jack was done, I had a turn.  The CB reins work great!  Such easy control, and Shootim went right to work.  From the ground, Jack and Susan coached me on what to ask for.  It seems that Shootim is ready to 'go to town.'  The standards are raised quite a bit.  I must confess that I wasn't used to the feel of a very collected canter.  It didn't actually feel right, downright lumpy feeling.  I'm promised that it will improve with time.  It was a very interesting time.

Catching Up

Monday, June 1

I don't need another bike.  Do I?

Mountain biking

After we biked the Pilgrim River loops (5.7 miles, 39:14,) we returned home to meet our visitor, Alex.  We had seen a tent at the trailhead and upon investigation found it was a demo from Surly Bikes.  Once we met Alex he was game to go and try some out, so back we went.  We all three tried out new bikes. This was my first time on a fat bike.  It was fun in a steady traveling sort of way.

Sunday, June 7

Shootim

At the barn, Shootim was getting his front shoes.  He must have done this before, he had no trouble.  Since then Kirsten has had a couple of good rides on him.  I've just been too busy.

Tuesday, June 9

WOD

AMRAP 10'

• 5 Pull-ups
• 10 DB Thrusters 45/35#
• 15 Overhead Walking Lunges w/ Plate 45/35#

With an appointment rescheduled, I went to 906 in the morning.  This was their workout.  I used 25# DBs and plate.  I think I got 4 rounds.

Thursday, June 11

Our coach at 906, Jared.

WOD "Steve"

"Steve" died 4 years ago.  He's a local guy, you can read his story here.  906 does the WOD in the local park every year.  This year, Kirsten and I could come.

• 1 mile Run

5 rounds

• 5 Push Press 135/95#
• 27 Sit-ups
• 11 Box Jumps 30/24"

• 1 mile Run

My feet were feeling maybe ok.  We did a run/walk mile  clocking 13 minutes.  Push press was 75#, 10 sit-ups, and about 14" box jumps.   After all of this, my feet were in no shape to run.  I should have rowed, but instead we walked the last mile.  As the run was around a lake, there was no shortening the distance.  Although not good for my feet, it did make a really nice cooldown. 

Monday, June 15

At CF Worthy for our anniversary.

Warm-up

• 30 Goblet Squats
• 20 Snatch Press Unders
• 10 Duck Walks

• 3 High hang Muscle Snatch
• 3 Snatch Balance
• 3 1st Pulls + High Hang Snatch
• 3 Snatch

Weightlifting

5 rounds @ 70%

• 1 High Hang Snatch
• 1 Hang Snatch
• 1 Snatch
• 2:00 rest

WOD

AMRAP 15' @95/65#

• 1 Power Clean
• 1 Front Squat
• 1 Push Press
• 1 Back Squat
• 1 Push Press

And that's part of a de-load week at CFW!  We had a great time.  Where better to celebrate our 30th anniversary?  I think I got 32 rounds + 1 rep.

Since getting back home, I've had a cold.

Will Work For Potatoes

Now we can eat!

From CFE

Gymastic Volume

EMOM 8'

• 15" Strict Pull-ups

WOD

from CFE

• 1000m Row

Then 2 rounds

• 50 Squats
• 25 Russian KB Swings

Kirsten wanted to fix potatoes for dinner.  I said we needed to work out to earn our potatoes, so she cooked up this WOD with a little help from CFE.  While the bakers baked, we worked out.

CW: Pullups: 5-5-5-5-4-4-4-4.  WOD DNF  My back has been dicey and I had a major twinge on squat number 28.  I hung it up there, discretion being the better part of valor.  I'll get more couch stretching, that should help a lot.

A Little WOD

Thanks, Honey, for kicking my butt.

WOD

From CFE
30 - 20 - 10

• Push-ups
• Double Unders
• Knees To Elbows

10 minute cap

I was very lazy.  Kirsten made me do the workout, for which I am grateful.  I felt much better after.
I got through the 20s. Knees on the ground for push-ups, single unders, knee raises.  My back was twingy; I've got to get back to doing regular couch stretching.

Try It In The Big Pen

Sunday

Sarah grazing with Kirsten.

Shootim

It was another great day.  After a bit of turnout while we cleaned stalls, I tried some of the collection work on Shootim.  Things went ok yesterday in the round pen, so today we tried it in the large pen.  First a little lunging, Shootim had a little motor on him.  Then briefly we did some close lunging drills.  Up in the saddle I repeated the drills, after which we were ready for work on collection.  I tried to remember to keep contact with seat and legs, driving him into the bit. We started at the trot.  It was nice and low key.  I thought that we were communicating nicely.  On to the canter!  To the left, we tried the same thing, driving him more and more into the bit until he collects up.  Not only did he collect nicely, but as I let him out, he maintained his pace for half a rail!  Happy with his progress, I stopped there and patted him.

Cantering to the right did not go nearly as well.  Shootim was quite a bit more resistant.  I'll have to work more with him on his right side; I'll give it some thought.  After that, I gave him a few more things to do so we could stop with some successes.  It was a nice time.

Strava This!

What a rat's nest!

Mountain Biking

A big day!  This weekend was the area mtb festival, Ride The Keweenaw.  This morning we met at MTU trails for a clinic in basic mtg skills.  We worked on:

• Moving fore and aft over the bike.
• Moving the bike back and forth under you.
• Attack position: elbows up, bent low, knees out, feet level.
• Windshield wipers: attack position, move the bike back and forth with your arms.
• Load and release: attack position, just before obstacle push down handlebars, let it pop up and over.
• Bonus question, uphill obstacle: load and release, then shift body forward for rear wheel.

I've ridden for several years, but never had organized instruction in the basics.  I learned a lot.  For instance, isolating the body from the bike means that the head is less jostled.  Moving the head is what makes you disoriented and start to lose control.  It makes sense with all the inner ear/balance stuff.

Kirsten's group.

Shootim

Another graze.

A lovely afternoon for working with the horses.  Shootim worked briefly from the ground, then we went through his paces under saddle.  Wearing the shank snaffle bit again, we worked on his parts yielding, then went on to collection.  Shootim is starting to get it, but is not yet able to hold position.  I caught myself doing it wrong.  I was focusing too much on the bit, bringing Shootim back, without adequately driving him forward with seat and legs.  At least I can recognize it now.  When Shootim collects up under himself, you can feel his back arch.  It's really cool.

More mountain biking

A last ride for the day.

We joined the last Saturday ride for Ride The Keweenaw at Swedetown.  Arriving late, we took a shortcut and caught up with a group that was just right for us.  I even got to use my bonus question skill on an big, undercut tree root on an uphill!  It was as far as we've gone and a good bit faster.  Near the end, I stopped with leg cramps in both quads.  I expected to walk up the road, but after resting and stretching for a few minutes, I could continue down the singletrack.  The poor ride leaders went back to look for me - on the road!  Oops, sorry guys.  They were fine when they returned, though.  Afterwords, there was a cookout, yum.  There was even a drawing for prizes.  I didn't win anything.

Later, I was sitting and writing this blog entry.  I hadn't stretched.  Can you guess?  Cramps, ye-ouch! Both legs, hamstrings and one of my quads.  How do you stretch that out?  Three bottles of water later and I could stop making animal noises and go back to work.  I'm typing this standing up.

Calling Collect

Just a glimpse.

Shootim

A piano tuning cancellation and a bit of reshuffling of the schedule by Kirsten and we had a day off. Yay!  At 6:00 a.m. it was too windy to row, so we had a nice sleep in.  After a nice session at the piano we took a trip to the barn.  

Shootim was playful when turned out.  He jumped around like a baby goat. I joined him with lead rope and whip and went through his ground work.  We both gave it less than our best, not great but ok.  We have to improve at the sidepass.  After some successes, I took him back in to saddle up.

We worked under saddle in the round pen with better results than the ground work.  Today we used a shank snaffle.  Trainer Jack was there and encouraged me to gather him up and attempt some collection at the canter.  At our last session, Trainer Susan had recommended starting the same thing.  I would keep a leg on him, urging him forward while holding his front end back.  It was really cool to feel his back round under me and his back end reach under.  It was my first time asking, so I didn't ask for long.  Once he had done it both ways, I backed him and got off.  Besides, my thighs were cramping up.

Mountain Biking

Today's MTB map.

We got the bikes ready and travelled to Swedetown trails in Calumet.  Trails were very good, mostly dry and mostly cleared of leaves.  There was one confusing bit where the ski trails are being modified.  We worked our way around it.

Ready Or Not

Boats ready!

Saturday

Rowing

Just a news item. The wonderful Kamrads brought out our boats this morning.  This evening, we spent an hour loading in oars and rigging both singles.  Not to bed early enough tonight, perhaps we can get out Monday early.

Sunday

Shootim in the round pen.

Shootim

Today we did a repeat of yesterday's workout, but this time in the round pen.  Trainer Susan was there to see it.  She said that this was the best ride we've had so far.  We cantered this time. Shootim's body was balanced pretty well, but with his head up.  Next time we'll start to ask for collection briefly on the front end as well.

in front of the garden.

Strength

3-3-3-3-3

• Deadlift

WOD

3 rounds, not for time

• 10 Superman
• 10 DB Floor Sitting Press
• 10 Ring Rows

We did Kirsten's programming.  An excellent workout, not too difficult; perfect for a long stress-packed day.  I hit a deadlift PR, yay!

Shootim Takes A Hint

We were too busy riding to take a picture, so here's Shootim eating after.

Tuesday

WOD:

3 rounds for time of:

• Run 400m
• 15 Front squats from floor 95/65#
• 25 yard (1 length of turf) Overhead walking lunges with medicine ball (20#/14#) held overhead.

CW: 18:40.  I did the women's weights. I ran the first 400 and rowed the other two.

Thursday

Indoor Rower

• 6000 meter row

Oops, I skipped 5500. Just as well;  It's been a while since last I rowed and the boats are out Saturday.

Saturday

Shootim

I've made a study of the first sequence of under-saddle body control on the DVD from Double Dan. After a quick lunging through the square pen mud puddles, we saddled up an went to the large pen by the road. With reins in hand and a whip, we went through the drills:

• Head around
• Circle with head in
• Shoulder out of circle
• Shoulder and ribs out of circle
• Hindquarters disconnected followed by backing. 

Shootim was starting by pushing his shoulder in like last time. This time, however, I was ready. The first time, I got after his shoulder a bit with the whip, but it was a little awkward. The second time I just punched him in the meat of his shoulder. That worked a treat!  His response was just a bit over the top, like, "Okay, okay! I won't. Sheesh!"  After that, he settled right down and gave me honest circles. 

We went right through the sequence on the ground, pretty much like in the movie. Then we went through it all again under saddle just the same. He was an excellent boy!  After, I had him trot some big around the arena to loosen up after his hard work. It was a good day.

First From The Ground

Miss Kitty holding down the fencepost.

Wednesday 

Strength

3-3-3-3-3 

• OHS 

Assistance

3 rounds

• 5 Back Squats with 2 second pause at the bottom
• 50m Heavy Sled Pull
• 5 Heavy Shoulder Press

Thursday

WOD

AMRAP 15'

• 5 Ring Dips
• 10 alt. DB Power Snatch
• 15 KTE

Saturday/Sunday

Shootim getting good and dusty.

Shootim

Saturday was spent at a clinic by Doreen Pasuelo.  She was very good.  We were observers.  We heard nothing new, but I got reminded of a few things that would prove useful.

On the way home, we stopped at the barn.  The horses got a little turnout time where they ripped around a good bit.  Then lunging followed by groundwork.  I'm working on the Double Dan method.
On Shootim's right side, he's not bending as well as I'd like.

On Sunday, we returned for a repeat of Saturday's plan.  It was chilly and windy.  I figured out that Shootim is escaping from pressure on his right by bending away and pushing into me with his shoulder.  It's not because he can't bend.  Once I got pissed off enough about it and got after him, he started to yield his right side.  We'll see if we can advance from me having to get after him to bend and stand up around his shoulder so that I can get that from him with the low key approach.

It wasn't exactly according to the plan on the DVD, but as coach Susan said, "he hasn't seen the DVD."

How I Spent My Spring Vacation

Mom on her new bike.

Tuesday

We travelled downstate to be with my Mom.  Tuesday we fit in a bike ride and a WOD at CrossFit Worthy.  Jeremy's programming is excellent.  Today we covered a lot:

Warm-up

• 5 Push ups
• 5 Ring Rows
• 5 HSPU
• 10 Donkey Kicks

Inverse Tabata

• Handstand hold or single arm handstand hold

Weightlifting

• Shoulder Press (5×5; @ 70%; 1:15 rest)
• Pendlay Row (5×5; @ Moderate Weight (+5-10#); 1:15 rest )

Metcon

:20 on/1:00 off x 5 rounds each

• Air Bike
• Rower
• KB Swing 124/88#

Wednesday

Mountain Biking

Luton Trails near Rockford MI were in great shape.

They weren't muddy at all.

Here's a map.

Thursday

What a pretty new top.

WOD
3 rounds of 
1000m Row

Back at CFW.  My results.  Time, stroke rate, pace:

4:23.4
23 s/m
2:11.7/500m

4:10.4
25 s/m
2:05.2/500m

3:55.3
28 s/m
1:57.6/500m

The last 1000 meter piece.

Sunday

We both have a bit of a belly.

Shootim

Sunday found us back home in the UP.  Ground work translated well under saddle.  To teach the leg position to move the hips, I used the whip cues under saddle that we had done on the ground.

Monday

Relaxing at the end of a good workout.

Shootim

More of the same.   This time, I had Jack to coach me under saddle, plus we added work at the canter.  Shootim's attitude was great.  He may not have gotten everything right, but he hung in there and kept trying.

Another thing that yielded benefits was not using a chain over his nose on the lunge line. With just a rope, he was less likely to balk and more willing to try.