A relaxed and Productive ride

The yard was quiet again when I arrived this morning. Seems the cold has kept a few riders away. Not me though. ;) I was there early as I always like to get there early to help out a little if I can. I ended up brushing an old friend of mine. He'd been brushed down already but had been out so had some mud on the legs and tummy so I gave him a quick once over and worked on his legs and tummy. Once I'd done, I was asked who I wanted to ride. I took the opportunity to ride my tall, cheeky bay friend. So we all got ready and I mounted him and we went off on the road route today. My rein contact was nice and he was listening quite a bit to me. The last time I rode him, we had established he now thought I should be boss and was doing everything to make me assert my position. Today, I took that up instantly and we worked well together. My trotting with him was pretty good and forward today. I really feel the pushing up through my thighs is just working better and better every time I ride. For a lot of this ride, my walker was not running alongside me during trot and I handled it well. I just kept listening for the horses and people in front to know when to stop. There was a lovely boggy area which he tried to fight to go on. I managed to get him on it but he wanted to go with his friends. We didn't get a canter, wether because he didn't want to because his friends were leaving him, or because I wasn't bossy enough or because it was far too muddy for him. But I wasn't bothered by this. A moment later, we found another piece of grass and we cantered. I was in my seat, [not as much as I would have liked but I was]. I kept my heels down, elbows in and stayed in position. I'm hardly having to think about this now which is crazy. Two months ago, even a month ago I was constantly telling myself to do these things. Rarely do I now have to lecture myself on what needs to be done. I just needed to go with him more. A few more trots and then for the final canter of the ride. And it was pretty good. My squeezes and seat are getting better. My instructor commented on this saying I don't realise how much I've progressed and now I look better in the saddle, the movement is getting better. She also said, don't be afraid to give a kick if they refuse. I told her, I know why my squeezes have been held back like they have. The lack of confidence in my balance in canter has prevented me from giving it all in case I go off balance but now that's improving, I'm feeling better about giving the harder squeezes and soon, if I have to be bossy, I'll kick on and get going. :) I dismounted and was asked to untack him and put on the stable rug. I did and gave him a huge hug. I do miss the horses during the week. Roll on spring for so many reasons! Thanks for reading again, Marie