Is it Spring yet?

I can't believe it has been a month and 1/2 since I last posted. I've been busy getting taxes ready, trying to organize the house, and doing little things with Chance. I got some great advice from somebody about how to help him with his feet. She told me it is a very common problem. Somewhere in his training somebody did not let him have his foot when he needed it back. Now
he takes it back when he wants it whether he needs it or not. The new method is to let him have it as soon as he needs it. But to ask for it immediately when it is back on the ground and keep asking until he picks it back up again. The idea is to have the quiet place be when the foot is up. Then give it back before he asks or tugs again. Each time hold it for a different amount of time.
If he tugs before I give it back just repeat the process. I can feel a difference in both of us now. We are both WAY more relaxed! He is making the connection and I am not making a big deal out of this anymore. I think he is very relieved that I have finally gotton it! I guess we humans can learn new tricks after all!

I started taking centered riding lessons. Well, I've had one anyway. It was mostly at the walk and being led around so I could focus on just me. I loved the visuals and the whole thought process with this way of learning. This seems to be the key to help fill the holes I have in my riding right now. I almost called R for a few lessons but I decided to go to somebody who doesn't know me at all. I have had some anxiety creeping up when I ride Chance. So much that I have to remember to breathe. It takes me a long time to get on and as soon as I am on I am ready to get off. I have to talk myself into asking for one step and if it goes okay, I might ask for another. I really want to enjoy my horse so I think the lessons are not only going to help with my seat but it is getting me on other horses so I can work my way up to Chance again. I think money is only going to allow a few lessons but even after just the one I feel like I already have a better seat. My ultimate goal is to ride bareback at the walk, trot and canter. I am determined to get there, its going to be fun and will probably take a while. But I'm okay with that, I'm on horse time and it doesn't get much better than that!