I Need a Lesson

It's a good thing I am getting a lesson on Tuesday; I really need one. I am hauling Izzy down to Simi Valley to meet up with Chemaine Hurtado, my trainer and fixer of all dressage problems. When I saw her last, she helped me finally get a right lead canter on Izzy. I shared a great video of how she helped make that happen; here it is again.

That lesson was just about a month ago, and during that time, I've been able to pretty consistently pick up both a left and right lead canter and ride them without any flying changes or cross cantering in the rear. Sounds great, right?

The problem is that Izzy is getting really opinionated about having to pick up the lead that I am asking for. He has started kicking out as soon as I send my outside leg back. After he kicks, he's tries to bolt into the lead and gets really pissy when I give a strong half halt and insist that he roll or jump into the lead rather than bolt or fall into it.

I need a lesson with Chemaine because I am not 100% sure I am reading the situation correctly. It feels like he's being sassy, but in my experience, if something isn't going correctly, I am probably doing something wrong. I need her to point out where my mistake is. On top of that, I have finished treating Izzy's sarcoid, but man does his sheath look ugly. I haven't posted an update because I am waiting to see if it is going to heal up soon or need to be seen by the vet. 

Gross and sweaty post ride photo: opinionated or ouchy?

​It's definitely looking better each day, and the swelling is gone, but the skin still needs to heal. He lets me wash it and poke at it, so it's not like it's too painful to touch. In fact, the other day, he let me pull a pretty big scab off. He flinched at the final pull, but then he want back to grazing.

So, is his sheath so uncomfortable that cantering is painful? It could be, but he's working at the trot just fine, and when I turn him out, he bucks and gallops and whips around enjoying his freedom. Once he is cantering under saddle, he works just fine.

​We'll see what Chemaine has to say.