Africa: Our Journey #22 Balanced Partners

Africa and I had another Centered-riding lesson Thursday evening.  I'm learning to use leg cues and reins to support the leg cues.  But most important to me, I'm learning to have a softer hand.  Africa is RBE and responds to softer and smaller cues.  His emotions tend to escalate if I use big motions with the carrot stick. It's as if I'm shouting at him.

I am also learning to keep my seat balanced in a circle, in a scallop along the rail, and in the serpentine.  Keeping my seat balanced, helps Africa stay balanced and on the pattern.  I always thought Africa was being contrary, when he was trying to keep his balance against my lopsided seat.

We are being better partners for each other.