Dressage in the Rockies

Okay, it wasn't the greatest show weekend in history, but that's what makes for good stories.
1) Katy's truck broke down friday morning... luckily no horses were being hauled. She even made her ride (barely).$400 and one new alternator later, all is well.
2) Penny had a real bad stomach ache and turned green during her warmup. She scratched. Good thing, too, because the lightening was so close we could feel it on our necks. And there's nothing like throwing up at X instead of halting, and then being struck by lightening.

The show approacheth... And once again, Baleno feels argumentative. That's the only way I can explain it. He's just feeling "stuck." And he's the type of horse that, the more I nag him, the less he pays attention. I have to find a way to work him up for the horse show without making him stiff, sore, stressed, or pissed off. This is my goal this time. Mellow, easy rides that translate into mellow, forward tests. But here's the thing: I'm not achieving that at all. I'm stressing us both out. Riding is so psychological.

Heels down. Leg back. Leg forward. More forward. Too forward. Be lighter with your aids! More leg. Left shoulder drooping. More connection! Not enough. Ask for more. Too much bend. Not enough bend. He's overbent...

Next up: Dressage in the Rockies. Three days work of horse showing, and lots of hours in the truck. Is it worth it?