He was very good about giving her a good walk. Watching her ride, it was difficult to tell that she was asking him to soften. He didn't fuss when she asked, he just ignored her. Reminds me of the time I taught him to load in the trailer. He's a very patient horse (or is that stubborn).

 

He marches forward, and usually concentrates on balancing for the hills.

He's got such a comfy trot. He doesn't really hollow, he just avoids the hands. I could see him thinking about if he thought he could trust Chrissie and give to her.

He could do a forward trot, or he could slow his cadence but keep a lot of the impulsion.

Here he softened at the walk. Almost too much, but it was a response and she was sure to praise him for it.

And back to the ground covering trot as his reward. It was obvious that standing still wasn't rewarding to him. Trotting on made him happy.

Again, not hollow, but not softening to the hands, either.

Thinking of softening here. If he threw his head a lot and seemed worried, we'd try something different. For him it seems you just have to keep asking and wait him out.  I think he hopes you'll just go away.

This was after Chrissie'd won the battle about going to visit the other horse friends. Thistle thought the ride should be done and would pop his shoulder as they went around the corner and leave the arena and go sideways ignoring the rein. Chrissie kept bringing him back and making him go past the same corner. He'd be silly again and again. After a little pitter patter temper tantrum with his front feet, which she ignored, they came back up, made the corner and he did what she asked like he'd never been a bad pony. Reminds me of Thuy....

Now sweaty, but trotting on happily, softening a little and more aware of who's in charge.