Here’s a great update on Misty from her foster mom Lisa:

Misty is doing just great. She continues to progress in her Dressage work, becoming more balanced, with a longer stride and more stretch over her topline. We had a lesson with Cindy Akdeniz last Friday and gained more knowledge and tools to keep this athletic and smart mare moving in the right direction. Her lateral work is coming along with some leg yield at walk and trot, and we are starting to play with shoulder fore. She is really learning to be sensitive to her rider’s balance and she always tries hard. There are still sometimes sticky moments in the beginning of our rides where she resists going forward (“I’m an Appy mare!! You have to make me!!”) But they don’t last long and all it takes is a bit of insistence with seat and leg to convince her that it’s time to work. She seems to really like her job and is always friendly and agreeable to handle, tack up, etc. She is very interested in everything her human is doing and has a playful and fun personality. Cindy noted that her down transitions are fantastic and we can use those as a tool to keep reminding her to keep her balance and not rush her tempo (which seems to be her tendency.) Her canter departs are consistently on the correct lead and we are working on her canter balance by trying to incorporate more straight lines.

We continue our hacks around the neighborhood as well, and hope to go on another trail ride soon. I would also love to take her cross-country schooling as I see this mare as a perfect pony club and event prospect. In the neighborhood where she lives she has been exposed to all sorts of noise and surprise (4‑wheelers, people on bikes, little kids, construction noises, etc.) which has been great for her confidence and her mind.

This little mare is sound and sturdy, with great feet (has been barefoot even for riding on gravel). She is an easy keeper and gets along with her barn mate very well. She hops right into the trailer and hauls quietly. She will make an absolutely wonderful partner for the right person and I can’t wait to see who that is!