Lottie progress report.
We have cracked on with core work using a pro core trainer and lots of poles. Have also started schooling her, trying to get her to engage her core and work over her back. And have started hacking which is a lot easier now we are in hacking heaven

To start with Lottie was jogging towards home but finally she has stopped doing that and today we managed to walk home on the buckle in a nice relaxed walk. Huge progress. So much nicer not to be sat on a joggy, spinny Lottie for half the hack. She is also now striding out much more confidently on the way out. So far all my hacking has been solo because arranging things with others just hasn't worked out. I can't do when they can and vice versa. But she is becoming much easier to hack. And I am loving the views:
She is working well in the school and giving me moments of nice work but is not at all consisent yet.
I also think she is also defintely getting stronger. The saggy belly, ‘pregnant lady pose’ pic was taken on 20th November and I took a progress pic today. I think there is a clear difference. Her coat is shinier, smoother and softer and she is looking more toned.
She gets very sweaty when ridden and the plan is to clip her but she was deeply unimpressed by that. She has spent years on the SJ circuit so she has obviously been clipped before but her fairly explosive reaction suggests she has been sedated to do it. I don't want to go down that road if I can help it so instead we got her used to the noise and the touch of it separately till that was ok and are taking off a very small amount at a time, with her 'permission'. I think after 2-3 more goes she will be ok with it.
So all in all, feeling pretty good about things. Long may it last. I never count on anything anymore but just appreciate these little victories, and hope we get some consistent progress now. I have hopes and dreams for us..... But they are locked in the 'maybe one day' part of my brain and for now I am happy to just get her fitter, stronger, mnore trusting and more educated, both ridden and in terms of handling.