Working on Riding W/Confidence video

Still unable to ride. Going to a specialist in Santa Barbara next week where I hope to get some answers.

So we wanted to work on the RWC Series I video. My personal goal is to video Jessie doing all the exercises in both ground series and riding series. Ranae was up to do some of the riding portions, so after a beauty treatment (Jessie's) and some groundwork, she put her saddle on Jessie and we went out back.

Now, I'm not making excuses for her (although I will take some liberties in coloring it towards my horse's favor), she hadn't been ridden for awhile and she had a different rider and saddle on her, which hasn't happened for an even longer time. So when I tell you she almost bucked Ranae off three times, it's not as bad as it sounds (really?!).

We were out back in our dirt pasture because I wanted to demonstrate how you don't need a fancy arena to train. During the "passenger-at-the-trot" exercise in the farthest corner, some kids behind Ranae made a loud crack and Jessie lunged forward and gave a little kick. But then she dropped her head and waited for another cue. Can't stop her from being scared, right? And she did what she was supposed to do.

Then a little later I suggested Ranae tap her on the butt with the mecates (She doesn't usually ride mecate reins), she tapped her like she would Dusty and Jessie took offense and again did this rocking chair motion and Ranae leaned forward to grab the one rein and Jessie tossed her over the saddle horn. Again, Jessie could have freaked out, but she just stood there as Ranae, hanging around her neck, gathered herself and slid off. The third time, Jessie was just getting pissy over having to work and gave a kick and Ranae lifted one rein and she stopped.

While challenging, it was fun to see how Jessie did with a different rider. Ranae gained some insight to some of the challenges I face riding Jessie. And, it gives me some new things to work on. Not sure how long it will take to edit the video. I'll get it up as soon as I can.