Due to the weather this week and the fact that the arena needed time to dry out, I was only able to go to the barn twice this week, so there is not much of a change in Merlin. However, when I was able to ride him I trotted him around the arena as well as in small circles to make sure he was engaging the muscles in his hindquarters. I also was able to trot him up a grassy hill a few times which should help to continue building his topline if I am able to stay consistent. On both days that I was able to ride him, Merlin seemed to start out in a very lazy manner but as the rides progressed he seemed to find his energy and maintain it until we were back in the barn.

Since the arenas should be dry enough to ride in within the next day or so, I am hopeful that we will continue making progress next week. My current goal is to continue trotting in circles and uphills, work on backing up, and to start trotting over ground poles which should all help to strengthen his topline and hindquarters. If all goes well, we may even begin to work on cantering by the end of next week.