The 1st lesson was just getting him to go when I squeezed with my legs. She said ask him, ask him again and then tell him. Do what it takes to get him going forward. We have to have forward impulsion. And we introduced him to turns.

2nd lesson was Sunday - she arrived and I just got through putting on Corona cream on his lips where he's been leaning on the bit to much, and she noticed and said well we can ride him in a rope halter. So she gets up on him and started going to the left and then to the right - doing lot of changes of direction. She did get him to gait - (he can get out of a slow walk ) - and I'm watching her and he did to her what he does to me on the ground - if he doesn't want to go to the left he'll straighten his neck muscles and he'll try to turn around so he can go to the right. She was having to really bump on the halter/lead rope to get him to soften his neck on the left side. She would bump gently first with just 2 finger and if he resisted she would close her hand and if he was still resisting then she would use both hands to get him to soften. And I did get in the saddle and ride him around and I even got him to gait. OMG he's smooth - I LOVE IT - now if only I can get him in the gait and get him in the gait. So MY lesson for this week is to:

Ride him in the halter/lead rope doing lots of turns but most of my turns are to be to the left - getting him to soften. She said that I should be able to see his eye when I ask him to bend to the left - I may not ask for the turn but he should be able to soften his neck and tip his head into me. She said 60% left and 40% right -

She also said that I could ride him in the bit/bridle once in a while also.

She wants me to work with him getting him to lower his head - and backing up releasing the pressure with each step that he takes.

She said to do ground work and ride him - mix it up for him so he won't get bored. And to go out with a plan - stop on a good note, try to get him to gait at the first of the ride.

She also said that his bones are fine for about an hour's worth of riding time but it's his mind that may not be able to handle all of it at this time but just to try to quite on a good note.

Oh and she's also helping me with Scout.

I am so excited - I really like my riding instructor.

I'm really glad to hear that you have found a trainer you like! It's hard to find one you really click with. Chief sounds like he's coming along really well! I'm looking forward to seeing what progress you make with him over the summer!