FIRST LUNGING SESSION WITH SIDE REINS.

Hi Christie and Matthew,

Last night I saddled Flash and put the side reins on, attached to the girth
points, but not done up to the bit rings.

I started to lunge him without the side reins and he was his usual charming
self. after warming up in both directions without the side reins, I attached
them to the bit rings (fitted fairly loosely, so that he could reach forward
into the contact, but not constricting him in any way). He seemed familiar
with the idea, as I expected and worked nicely. He goes forward willingly
and freely and was at times, for up to 1/2 a circle at a time in trot and
whole circles in walk, accepting the contact and working in a nice long
round frame.

It is early days yet, in terms of his training, so I was pleased with his
efforts. I will be working on gradually building up the time that he stays
in a frame. As he becomes more attentive and thinks less about his friend
Joey, his work improves well and I expect it to continue to do so.

He was, as usual, relaxed about his work and seems to really enjoy the
attention and praise he gets (and deserves!) And he loves his feed as much
as ever too!

Cheers,
Lisa

	- Lisa W