Tuesday December 22 was my last lesson of 2020 with my coach Belinda Trussell. For the last couple of lessons we have been working on an exercise that is exceptionally good at showing up one of my bad habits. Here is the exercise: a 3 loop serpentine all executed in travers ( haunches in) .
So what is the bad habit this exercise revealed? I do not prepare the change of bend for the changeover from left to right or right to left well enough. In the canter it is particularly evident as it means I do not have Biasini set up for a good flying change as I cross the centerline. We started working on this exercise in trot. Even in the trot I immediately recognized the devilment of this exercise! So we worked on this exercise in more than one lesson. In the lesson on Tuesday Belinda had me slow Biasini down to a very small trot, get him soft in the hand, and prepare the change of bend. Once I had that power up and move out to a bigger trot. Here is a video of that exercise and also travers on the diagonal across the arena and a half pass from the centerline.
Biasini will be having a holiday from work for the week after Christmas. Belinda is taking a ‘staycation’ as we are now all under another lockdown. Fortunately this time owners are allowed to come in to look after their horses and to ride. So Biasini and I will be going out for forest trail rides weather permitting. We have snow forecast for Christmas day and that will be good for going out on the trails as it means it will not be too icy. So we will take to the forest a few times and other than that take some time off with no work at all in the arena!
I will also be taking a break from blogging and will be back at the beginning of January. Biasini and I wish all of you a Happy Christmas and stay well!
HorseAddict 
Hi Anne, thanks for following my blog. I hope you enjoy it!
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I am sure I will enjoy it.
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And thank you for the follow as well.
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Hope your Christmas was great and that the New Year is even better! With a short lockdown.
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Thank you!😀
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Merry Christmas (past already) and Happy New Year. Let’s hope we all get away from lockdowns this next year. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you this year. Maybe without the pandemic we would never have slowed down enough to blog as much and spend time visiting. It’s been a great pleasure. See you in January. 🙂
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Thank you Marsha. I am just checking emails and yours was such a nice one I had to reply. Best wishes for a healthy and peaceful New Year!
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I am honored, Anne. We are all lucky to have so many faithful and interesting blogging friends. 🙂
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Merry Christmas to you Anne and all your loved ones including of course Biasini ☺️💕🎄
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Happy Holidays, and enjoy your well-deserved break! See you again in 2021.
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Rides in the snow! No arena work at all! A horse’s dream! I wish I could say that for Charm but she can be a dork on trails. She did get a chance to jump (her favorite thing) this week with one of our trainers who is her original owner. When she saw a jump standard being carried into the ring she ran right over to check it out. Glad to make the little lady happy for a bit. Will try to get her some more jumping rides on a regular basis. In the meantime enjoy your WP vacation and your rides in the woods!
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Well he is quite handsome in his Christmas Hat Anne! Enjoy your break and we hope to see you again in January. Be careful on the snow!!!
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Merry Christmas Anne and have a wonderful time doing what you love most🌲
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Thank you Deeksha. I wish a Happy Christmas to you as well if you celebrate Christmas and if not then I wish you good health and a healthy and happy New Year!
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We usually don’t celebrate but getting good wishes on any festival irrespective of any religion and culture are always a blessing. Thank you very much ❤️
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Merry Christmas, Anne. Love, joy and blessings to you and Biasini. 🐎
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Happy Christmas to you Gbolabo and if you do not celebrate Christmas then best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year!
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You have the best possible Christmas during lockdown. Happy healthy New Year to you all ❤🎁🎄🍹🍸
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Thank you Susie. Happy Christmas to you and your Hubby 🎄🐎🎄
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That’s some fantastic exercises! Enjoy your Christmas and happy riding.
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Thank you for another great year of education and enjoyment through your blog! Merry Christmas to you and best wishes for a much better 2021!
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Blessings to you and your family.
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Wishing you the best during this Christmas break!! Enjoy the snowy trails. Stay warm, stay safe and stay smiling! 🤠🥕🐴❤️
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I will do all of those things. Have a Happy Christmas Diana.🎄🐎🎄
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It is important time of year, happy to be in connection with you and Biasini. Merry Christmas and happy holidays 🎉🎄
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Have a Happy Holiday Subbashini. 🎄🐎
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Merry Christmas
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Thank you and a Happy Christmas to you too 🎄🐎🎄
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Merry Christmas, Anne, and best wishes for a Happy New Year, RPT.
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Happy Christmas to you too Robert 🎄🐎🎄
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A very happy and blessed Christmas to you, Biasini and your family! 😀
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Thank you! I wish the same to you.🎄🐴
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Enjoy your well deserved break and have a great Christmas and New Year! xxx
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You have a Happy Christmas too!🎄🐎
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Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and happy trails in the forest Anne 🤗🌲🐎 and see you in the New Year! xxx
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Thank you Xenia. Have a Happy Christmas 🎄 🐎
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