Lessons again

We started back to lessons.  It's a group lesson and last night there were 5 of us.  It's been a while-about 12 weeks or so since I've been at lessons.  I was sure that Zoe would be a bit "chargey" when we got to loping, but that was not the case.  Her speed was fine only she would throw in some head tossing once in a while.  It reminded me of her mother, Skippy.  (At least she left out Skippy's crow hopping, whew) So I was able to jiggle the bit in her mouth, make my disapproving noise and she would settle down and continue loping.  I was even able to lope collected towards the end.  I think age is working in my favor now...she is 9 years old and doesn't do as many of the crazy things she used to do.  She did not like a faster horse running up on her so I tried to time my loping so that would not happen.  Maybe someday we can lope and not be so concerned about the faster horses.  We also did some obstacles towards the end, that was fun.  We both enjoy obstacles.  I really missed being in lessons-I get reminded of things to keep in my "tool box" when I'm out riding on the trail, I learn new things, I enjoy the camaraderie between the riders, the encouragement from the instructor and other riders is great, even the kidding around!  I don't have time or money to do it every week but hope to do 1 or 2 lessons a month until Baby Zeke (my first grandchild) is born. After that I hope to catch some private lessons once a month.  I get much to work on in a 30 minute private lesson, I guess because I'm the only one in the lesson so the I get all the attention of the instructor...can't get away with anything and "no rest for the weary".