Well, a lot has happened since my last post, as you can see in the video! I know it's a bit old, but I like the difference in focus and drive compared to the November video. Plus, it starts out with gridwork, and considering how much I use grids with horses...well, let's just say I adore them. 

Kessel is now doing everything at full height, and we have increased her jump height to 24". Our trainer is really pleased with the progress that we've made, so quickly. I am, too.  We're running full courses, and Kessel has a really, really nice rear cross on her, now. She's doing 12 weaves, and she never pops out. The only problems we have are my fault - once in a while she'll enter at the wrong pole, but I know it's because of my crap handling skills. 

We did our first schooling show, and I was so pleased. I wanted three things, from her:
1. Don't blow past contacts
2. Don't lose focus on me during a run
3. Don't act like you don't have a recall/don't leave the ring

We accomplished all 3 of those things! She didn't blow a single contact, and with the exception of a drive-by "grab some horse shit while running" moment,  she didn't lose concentration on course. She came right to me at the end of every run. I was beyond happy.

I'm not saying that we looked like experts (she knocked over a hoop, got a little wild a few times, dropped a rail and did a few doughnuts), but we had some great moments. There were a few really amazing distance moments (I sent her on a rear cross from a jump to a tunnel that was an even further distance than some of the exercises we've done in class - it was so far that the videographer couldn't keep me in frame), I was able to lead-out to an insane distance, and overall she was just lovely. Especially considering she hadn't been to the dog park, slept in a strange place the night before, and has never been to a trial. I couldn't have been happier with her.

She just gets better and better, each week. :)